Only masters program I applied to this cycle. Got rejected from all the PhD programs I applied to. Please let them know if you have other offers / are not going to attend. I really want this and it’s my dream program ;(

Website update on April 9

Rejected from the PhD but got an email a month later (april 9) to complete a survey to see if I wanted to be considered for the MSc in Modern Physics. Decisions for that should come out next week (~April 15)

Got an email to check portal

"I regret to inform you that your application for admission to the University of California, Santa Barbara Department of Physics for Fall 2026 has been denied. Every year we have many more excellent candidates than we are able to accommodate, requiring us to make difficult decisions. Sometimes even outstanding applicants cannot be admitted. We appreciate your interest and regret that the decision could not have been more favorable. We wish you the very best in your educational endeavors."

rejection through the portal, no email, multiple hours after 'decision released' status.

courses I took (at my American institution) were insufficient for entry into the program

Cosmology PhD applicant here. This is my third cycle applying, and I’m trying to understand what I might be missing. I’ve applied broadly across the UK, Germany, the US, and other parts of Europe, but haven’t received any interview invites so far. I have a Master's, around 4 years of research experience in theoretical cosmology, 2 first-author journal publications, and (as far as I know) strong LoRs. Given this, I expected at least some interviews, so I’m wondering if this could be an issue with SOPs, fit, or how I’m targeting programs. Would really appreciate any honest feedback or suggestions.

Apply for astrophysics research. Email to check portal. 2.5-year research experience up the application, 1 submitted paper. "Thank you for applying to the Ph.D. Astronomy & Astrophysics program at Carnegie Mellon University. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer you admission to our Ph.D. program this year. We received an especially large number of applications and we can admit only a small number of students. Please note that if you also applied to the M.S. in Modern Physics program, you will receive a separate decision for that program."