Why? 8.1.2 to 60

[herrmyte]

I have applied to phd programs for the second time this year and it looks like I will not be admitted. (one more application pending but class begins shortly. they just haven’t sent the formal rejection yet most likely). So I asked why am I not being admitted? 8.1.2 to 60
Thanks

 

[diamant]

Sorry to hear that @herrmyte , I can imagine your disappointment after all the work needed to apply in the first place.

why am I not being admitted? 8.1.2 > 60
They're giving the positions to insiders (8), and there are only limited positions (60).

 

[dfreed]

I have applied to phd programs for the second time this year

I wonder, how many different PhD programs did you apply to this time, and how many have said no to you?

 

[herrmyte]

I sent out what is considered generally, at least by my advisor and main letter writer, to be the upper bound of a reasonable number of applications. So that’s 10 separate applications to different departments , sometimes at the same school, around Los Angeles. Nine formal rejections have arrived. Applying to competitive schools around LA makes things more difficult I think. However, I am bound geographically since I am coparenting.

 

[Trojina]

I have applied to phd programs for the second time this year and it looks like I will not be admitted. (one more application pending but class begins shortly. they just haven’t sent the formal rejection yet most likely). So I asked why am I not being admitted? 8.1.2 to 60
Thanks

To me this looks like a picture of what you need to do more of so it's not giving you the reason why so much as advising you on an attitude shift which is pretty much the same as giving you the reason but from a different angle.

I think diamant's interpretation hits the spot but I see it slightly from a different angle so would add you need to be much more one of those insiders by demonstrating heartfelt commitment to a limited number of places perhaps ?

It kind of reminds me of sending out many CVs to many companies, as they always tell you to when job hunting but here it would be better to find exactly what you want in your heart first and it needs to be where you feel you actually belong, and become more exclusively focused on that. When you feel you fully belong to a certain place and theirs is the programs you want to do, not all the others just theirs and make them feel that from you perhaps there will be more success.

It's funny because here with the 19/33 change patterns and the reading it's like you almost need to withdraw from diluting your applications so broadly to something much closer, much more meaningful to you.

8.1 and 8.2 are lines of deep heartfelt loyalty and belonging and with them both changing and the 60 it seems to me you belong somewhere very specific to you rather than all these random other places that don't mean anything to you.


I realise this isn't practical advice. Obviously you already have focused on what's close to you but all I can say is Yi is talking about what's coming from the heart here rather than that sense of going out fishing for the best opportunity. Fishing for the best opportunity is not for you here, you already have somewhere you belong. Make of that what you will, I realise it may not make practical sense but here there's a need for you to totally make it emotional sense.


It could be the actual programme is where you need to feel that loyalty and belonging. When you feel this connection inside you 'they' will pick up on it and 'know' you belong there too.


Another option I should mention is Yi might be skipping your goal of the PhD and just talking about your real sense of loyalty and connections where you are now. maybe you are so bound up with your home connections they are a priority hence you won't get a place on a programme because your heart isn't there your heart is taken up already with a place/subject/home/family I don't know. I mean with 60 one has to meet boundaries. One cannot do everything, travel every path, one has to choose and where better to choose than where your heart tells you you belong quite naturally (8.1.2)

 

[redoleander]

8.1 and 8.2 have a lot of sincerity to them I think. They both talk about being “sincere” and “standing by” (referencing Lise here although seems consistent across translations). Maybe you need to show more of yourself as an individual? I’ve gotten 8.1 before telling me (I think) to actually do it so I can show the real results, versus the possibility of results. “Filling the jar”. Maybe you need to make more work or get some extra experience you can show? Experience versus aptitude. I am so sure you already know and do this though, so maybe it’s not very helpful, but it sounds to be somehow how can you show your true motivations and unique expression of talent.

 

[redoleander]

Or… what if it’s saying you’re too sincere? Haha. Hate to say that but if is directly answering your question maybe you’re not using those obsequious office-seeker methods that Siu mentions. I guess that aligns with what Diamant already shared though! That others are using some kind of thing that gives them an edge.

 

[herrmyte]

I am into a Phd program now and am at the stage where I joined a particular research group. Machine learning in science and engineering is the focus just to update everyone. I am amazed by the skill of these interpretations. I think you all hit on very true aspects of the situation and even the situation now. Too sincere .. where are you now ... skip the whole thing. Such relevant interpretations

 

[Liselle]

Very happy to hear this! Best wishes with everything