Blog post by Excy Hansda: 

You have filled out your applications, emailed all the necessary documents and hit the submit button. As you wait for admission and funding decisions, it can feel like your entire future hangs in the balance. For aspiring scholars, a funded doctoral program is not just about a degree; it is a dream that you have nurtured through years of hard work. Now that you have done everything that you can do, it is time to wait. However, as I have been in this position, I know that as summer approaches, you will be tempted to check your emails every morning. What should you do while waiting for the decisions? In this blog post, based on the discussions I had with other PhD students, I offer insights that will provide you with some much-needed peace of mind as you await your academic destiny.

• Have a Backup Plan

This might not be the first thing you want to hear but have a backup plan. While you wait, it is beneficial to explore alternate paths. This might involve considering admission offers from other institutions or devising plans for the next application cycle. Not only does this distract you from the stress of waiting for the results but it also positions you with viable options.

• Stay Informed, but Not Obsessed

Stay connected to sources that provide updates on the waitlist process. However, refrain from obsessive monitoring. Forums, websites, and official program channels are excellent places to gather information, but the incessant checking will only add to your anxiety. I refrained from emailing the funding body asking for the results (I guess there is always some hope if you have not heard from them)

• Go for a Walk

It’s easy to fall into a pit of doubt and anxiety during the waiting period, but it is equally important to protect your mental and emotional well-being. Walking is great for your mental health. A quick walk can reduce stress and leave you feeling more relaxed and alert. And the mood-boosting effects of walking are even greater if you walk with friends.

Applying for PhDs can be stressful in many ways. Leaving home for university (leaving your home country for university) can sometimes mean saying goodbye to your loved ones. Setting aside time to walk with your family and friends is a great way to de-stress and connect with people you care about.

• Engage in Meditation and Self-Care

A PhD colleague said that meditation, yoga, and exercises helped them to handle stress during the waiting period. Another colleague recommended a good night’s sleep and journaling. Physical fitness, hobbies, and social interactions are essential for maintaining a balanced approach in the waiting period and also in general life. Practising these healthy ways of managing stress can set you up for success.

Moving Forward: The Final Decision

There are three possible outcomes- accepted, rejected or waitlisted. Whatever the result, remember that the admissions process might appear stringent but it can still be quite capricious. A rejection does not decrease your worth, and similarly, an acceptance does not define your capabilities.

If you are offered the funding, pat your back and take the time to celebrate your success. This is a validation of your hard work and talent. Getting a PhD funding is just as tough as finishing a PhD. You have spent hours improving the PhD proposal and funding application and given a lot of time, energy and money into it. So Congratulations!

If you are waitlisted, then you have to wait for some more time. A waitlist is not a rejection, it means that your application is strong- as strong that the funding body is ready to hold a space for you. I know the waiting time can make you miserable but you will get over it.

In the unfortunate instance where you are rejected, accept the outcome gracefully. Take the time to reflect on your application, collect feedback from supervisors, and approach the next cycle with even more determination and experience. Is it your research proposal which needs more clarity or there can be a better fit in terms of university and supervisors? Evaluate where you can improve and set your sights on the next opportunity. Look for opportunities to improve your CV and get more work experience. The academic world is remarkably small, and the connections and dedication you have displayed throughout this process will serve you well in the future.

Some final remarks…

Another colleague who did not get the funding shared that it was devastating to not get the funding as they always wanted to be in academia and had spent a good portion of the previous year working on the proposal and funding application while working full-time. This experience felt like vindication for imposter syndrome. The struggle is real. Many people turn down offers as it is not easy to fund a 3+ year PhD. Sometimes universities do not defer the offer so one has to apply again which means that the proposal has to be updated- which takes a significant amount of time especially when you are emotionally and physically drained from work and life, reference letter requests have to be sent, standardised tests have to be given again and other documents have to be arranged.

However, what is important to understand is DO NOT GIVE UP! Reach out to your referees, reach out to friends and family, and do not let you convince yourself that you are not good enough! This period is both challenging and enlightening. This process is not merely about patience but about strategic action, reflection, and sometimes, accepting outcomes gracefully. Rejection is a part of a larger academic and professional journey. At some point in time, you will face it. I keep on applying for grants and many times I get rejected. I got the NWCDTP funding on my second attempt. On my first attempt, I got an email from the university informing me that I could not make it, however, I made it till the final round. This news was disappointing but it also gave me the confidence that though it is difficult it is not impossible. The rejection gave me a unique opportunity to reassess my goals, change approaches, build contacts, look for other avenues and refine my strategies.

Remember that you are not alone. Find a support system, talk with your friends and family and have faith in yourself. This period can be a valuable time for self-reflection and growth and setting you up for future goals. Please contact me at excy@liverpool.ac.uk If you wish to discuss more.

Blog post by Excy Hansda

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