First gen, queer Afro Latina and non traditional student who dropped out in 2015 but completed BA in English with 3.98 GPA in December 2025. I have 6 published stories, a full manuscript, and have one first prize literary award in Fiction.

Received an email saying that an update was posted to my graduate portal, clicked the provided link to get back to the portal and there was a popup that took me to the rejection letter. At least they used my name instead of "dear applicant" I suppose :/

No email, checked portal.

No email, results in portal

Text to set up a phone call. Only submitted app about 2 weeks ago so it’s a nice surprise! I applied for fiction track.

Email to check portal

email to check portal update

Email to check the school portal, where a generic rejection email awaited. First rejection of the cycle! ????

“Dear Student,” like god forbid you learn how to send an automated email with someone’s name on it..

honestly so shocked and honored!!! i know this early of an acceptance is rare, but i promised i'd update gradcafe with my results since i've been so thankful to have this resource as i've lain in wait. they've given a generous amount of time to decide, which is unfortunately necessary considering their funding is the lowest of my apps :( otherwise it would be a no brainer, since their faculty and graduates are exemplary!! to those filled with nervous anticipation, i've heard many horror stories from folks who ended up in programs that weren't suited to them, so just remember you and your work deserve a proper fit above all. just keep up the work, let it unfold wildly -- radical words still carry radical purpose. 1a/0w/6p