Philosophy 2010

[philosophygrad]

This is for anyone applying to Philosophy graduate programs during the 2009-2010 academic year. Please share acceptances, rejections, wait-list notifications, and so on.

Best of luck to everyone applying!

Comments

Abstract on writing sample

[tuna99]

Has anyone gotten any advice on whether or not to include an abstract in your writing sample? Let's say we are talking about a sample that is roughly 15 pages.It seems like an overwhelmed adcom member might appreciate the brief overview of what's going on in the sample. Any thoughts?

Re: Abstract on writing sample

[tuna99]

I don't think it's necessary to include a separate abstract. If your paper is well structured, it should should have a short introduction section that will serve to clue the reader in on what to expect.

Re: Abstract on writing sample

[tuna99]

You don't have to.

In any case, if it's only 15 pages, the introduction should be short enough that they can read it quickly.

Re: Abstract on writing sample

[philosophette]

i asked the same question of one of my letter writers and he told me your intro paragraph should serve well enough, just be very explicit.

[anonymous]

What do people think about contacting potential advisors? It seems to be pretty common in some disciplines (psychology) and even some humanities (english, history). I haven't been able to find much advice on it for philosophy in particular, thoughts?

[anonymous]

My college professors said that it's highly unlikely to do you any good. Given how low acceptance rates are, they'd rather wait and see if you actually get in through the official admissions process before engaging in any serious communication. It's highly unlikely that any given applicant emailing them would be part of the 5% or so admitted, so they'd rather not waste their time responding to such emails.

Some professors might still respond out of politeness, but it's not going to increase your chances of admission.

What to do?

[anonymous]

Hello folks. I am new around here, and have been up all night reading old entries from the previous class. I am hoping for a little advice. Here's where I am at

Re: What to do?

[anonymous]

You should pursue an MA at a good program if you are really serious about this (and can afford it, etc.)

Re: What to do?

[philosophygrad]

Yeah, I agree with the previous response that it might be profitable to check out some MA programs. The MA programs Leiter lists on the gourmet report are going to prepare you for a PhD program, and most of them have established channels with schools where they often place their students. Be sure to look at their placement records. See where their MA grads go for their PhD, and choose the one that places students in places you'd like to go.

Re: What to do?

[anonymous]

Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Texas A&M, and UW-Milwaukee are AWESOME MA programs that fully fund many of their students. An MA from these places is a sure admission boost, and you'll probably find yourself way ahead of the curve upon entering a Ph.D. program.

[anonymous]

If you're hell bent on getting into a top-20 school, yea, you're probably better off either waiting a year or going to a Leiterific MA program (assuming, of course, your writing sample doesn't knock people out of their socks).

A 1300, an interdisciplinary degree, and some time off to play in a rock band may bring up some questions. Obviously, this isn't to say not to take a shot down the field, just that, maybe a year or two more of philosophy might make a big difference in where you get admitted.

Introduction and List

[anonymous]

Hi All,
I'm a senior at a well known liberal arts college. My major is an interdisciplinary social science/philosophy program. I'm interested primarily in political philosophy, with additional interests in the philosophy of law, ethics, and the philosophy of social science. I have a 4.0 gpa, 1540 GRE, and 3 strong LOC from philosophers who are known, but not "stars" (actually, one of them is a political theorist, but he writes on philosophical topics). My writing sample is going to be on the burdens of judgment in Rawlsian political liberalism.
Here's my tentative list, open to suggestions. This is a list of dream schools, my plan is to apply again next year if I get shut out:
Harvard
Michicagan
NYU
Princeton
Stanford
UNC, CH
University of Arizona
Oxford
Yale
Brown

I'm also applying to a few political theory schools (probably Harvard, Princeton, Chicago)

Am I missing a school I should be including? Does anything seem out of place?

Thanks!

Re: Introduction and List

[anonymous]

Oops, *LOR

Re: Introduction and List

[anonymous]

at least NYU, Princeton and Yale are "throw aways". They are too nepotistic and if you dont have well known letter writers you wont get in. Dont waste your money on the apps unless you enjoy that sort of thing.

Re: Introduction and List

[anonymous]

How did you come by this information?