The GradCafe

Details and information about the application.

Acceptance Rate

40%

This data is estimated based on applicant submissions at The GradCafe.

Institution: Columbia University
Program: Political Science
Degree Type: PhD
Degree's Country of Origin: American
Decision: Rejected
Notification: on 06/03/2008 via E-mail
Undergrad GPA
Notes: It's a bummer to be rejected because whether or not we all buy the criterion, Columbia is a "top" program. The implication is that those of us who are rejected don't deserve to be "at the top." But look (and this is response to the mini-fight below): some of us react by defending our own records (which we are fully aware, in many cases, are comparable to those admitted), and some of us react (whether admitted or accepted) by attacking those who become defensive (becoming, therefore, a defense of the system, no?). To me the bottom line is that it's an incredible competitive process, it's a mix of both aptitude and crapshoot, and those who recognize it (on either side of where the chips fall) may well be the wiser and the happier. I almost regret posting this long a message for Columbia, as it adds to the mystique (sorry, Columbia peoples) of an acceptance or rejection, and as I am, personally, completely thrilled to accept the great offer I've been offered elsewhere. Frankly, I'll look forward, in the next 5 years or so, to meeting my peers-- both in the conference and placement process-- from a wide variety of programs.