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archguy

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    MArch

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  1. I think I'm going to use Door-to-Door. It'll cost me about $2,500, but the things I have are pretty expensive and would cost more to buy again than to move. This is the price of working for about 15 years before returning to school. You have a lot of stuff with you that you've gathered that will be much harder to get when you get out. And, there's lots of sentimental stuff that you also take. Also, I know I'll be so poor when I get out of school that I'll not be able to buy the TV that I was thinking of getting rid of during the move. Door to door will charge me $1,500 for one big 8 x 5 x 7 box and then another $800 for another box, which I'm going ot take. It'll take 2, but I've just got oto many books and a nice couch,a nd 2 bikes, and computer stuff, and my entire life.... ugh... Just too much to give away, and then not be able to replace on poverty and internship wages when I'm done.
  2. Well, if it's any help, it's taken me about 10 years to get into grad school after working full-time and going to class full-time at night. Just try next year. It was really hard for anyone to get into grad school this year. I heard from the 3 places which dismissed me that they had applications up 40% in almost all grad programs, and in some even worse, because people were applying without jobs. Try next year, get more experience. I think you'll get into your dream school. I finally got in, though I'm much older than the majority of candidates; so, you have time. Just don't wait 10 years like I did, and 15 years after undegraduate.
  3. ...Dogs...keeping humans from crapping their pants since 12,000 B.C....

  4. Well, if anyone's worried about the heat, I'd also be worried about the winters if you're going toward Chicago or Minneapolis. I lived in Minneapolis for three years, and the winters were not that bad. Yes, it did get down to -30 and one night -50 when I was there, but you really don't feel now much colder it is after it gets to 32. The difference is that you just get colder faster. At least it's not like the Bay Area where the cold fog just eats through down or clothing, my advice is LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS. Go get a wool sweater and a down coat with a good windbreak and you should be fine. Get some weather boots (ducks) with some insulation and get wool socks. Wool, wool, wool is critical. The windbreak is also critical. Also, when you're walking, it's best to not face the wind. These cities generally clear their streets pretty quickly. In Minneapolis, the streets are being cleaned as soon as it's starting to snow. In fact, what I did is get a cold that was one size too big (more like 2 sizes) because it allowed me to have more of a heat/air trap to keep my body warm. So, you'll be fine. Enjoy it. Enjoy the season. I miss them.
  5. Hey did you find an apartment in Atlanta yet? I'm going to GT and will probably be looking as soon as I get my financial aid info..ugh!...

  6. Well, you'll be fine in August. I grew up in Arkansas (hot and muggy), and it will take me about 1 month to ge acclimated back to the South. At least I won't have to worry about 40-50 degree summers of the Bay Area anymore, yikes. Being here, it's always been kind of wierd to have February as the nicest month (and practically the warmest), with the rest of the year one of three dimensions of foggy, and each cold. Anyway, now if I would just get some financial aid info so I can figure out where I'm going to live in Atlanta..woo hoo! Hey, how were those apartments in Midtown? What were they going for? I'm excited. I just hope that I don't have to room with anyone. I mean, San Francisco burned me out of looser roommates (I even had one roommate thought I would be "cool" about her not paying rent if she couldn't pay it...maybe on the 5th, but on the 25th???). Anyway, congrats on anyone who was thinking about living in SF area and who decided against it unless you're going to be completely covered by some fellowship or scholarship. My small studio/1 room apartment itself goes for $1,600 a month, and the ones right next to me are at $2,000 and above a month. At least it's not as bad when I got here (in 2000) when I had to room with 5 other people in one flat (large one floor apartment) and I had pay $800 (for my share) of a total of $3,200/month. My advice with regard to the heat. Get two fans (one to blow air in, and another to blow air out). They will create a stream of air in the apartment and move the air in and out. Get cheap ones because they're going to burn out easy, but get those 'window' fans, because they work best. At least this worked when I lived for around 17 years in Arkansas. Oh, I'm just going to love seasons again, if I ever get the info on how I'm going to pay for this. Hey if anyone is there around June 20th, that's when I hit Atlanta (school starts on the 28th). So, send me an e-mail, and let's have coffee, so we can gribe about grad programs, he ha ha!
  7. You know what I would do if I had the chance to do it over again. I'd would get one of those (several in fact) "build your college vocabulary" books and the memorize about 3-5 a day, with regular intervals of review of the ones that you studied. If I did that, by the time I finished, I would have been ready for the GRE. I'd also take all of the maths until advanced algebra while I was an undergraduate. And, don't forget to read read read (read something you're interested in, and stuff you like, and steadily get harder and harder material). Also, I didn't do this in undergraduate, I'd pick two or three professors whose classes you really liked, and I'd focus on really building a great relationship with them. You get two things out of this: 1, you get a really good friend who can really help you go places, and 2) you get really really good recommendations, like ones they would never give to anyone else. Good luck.
  8. Sarah Dee: You should check out your city colleges and see if there are less expensive art classes. There might be. At least in San Francisco, the professors at the City Colleges work at Berkeley, Stanford, the Art Institute, or the California College of Art, or they're really good professionals. I'm not certain about it there, but if you get a good professor or professional who works with another reputable school--it's double the bang for your buck at less the cost. However, I'll tell you, if you join either school, and you're at least half time, you can defer all of your student loans! (If you already have an undegraduate, you don't really need a degree, you only need to take as many classes as you can to fulfill the requirements of the school that you want to get into, and also the classes that will really edge out your portfolio!) Good luck whatever you do! Johnny
  9. Yeah, same here. I have no idea. I know that I'll be financing this all with loans, and to be honest, I have no problem with that. I'll be paying back my loans for the rest of my life...., but if I don't get loans to cover everything, I'm not going most likely. It sucks because it's a wonderful program, but I have to think practical while this recession is going on. I mean, I have a great job, like the people who I work with, it's easy, borning actually, but very stable, and it would suck to do this all over again,....but I'm not going to end up in some city across the country on the street, and I'm too old to just show up hoping that things will work out. I think I'm calling Financial Aid tomorrow...ugh....
  10. Your response in the MFA forum concerning returning to graduate school was incredibly honest, forthright, and kind-spirited. I wish everyone in this forum were as positive an energy as you appear to be! Thanks for a great contribution to the overall conversation in this forum.

  11. This is going to be a long post, but I want you to understand this. I do understand where you're coming from, and I think that my experience will help you. Well, I lost my way and obtained my undergraduate degree in 1994 (from a good private school), and then lost my way further when I obtained a law degree in 2000 (from a top 20 school). Only now am I getting around to do a Masters in Architecture (what I started out wanting to do in the first place but got sidetracked a long time ago, before I was badly counseled by physics professor and my architectural history professor retired conveniently as soon as I got to undegrad). I'll be honest. Undergraduate transcripts were important, as maybe the gpa and maybe the school where you graduated, but probably the most important things are the good relationships with the professors at a city college that I've been taking night classes at for the last 8 years (to change my career from misguided law to architecture) and my ability to write a good essay. Personally, I think it would be good for you to take classes at night (or in the day if you can do it) so that you ('a') get back into art and build good relationships with professors, and ('b'), most importantly, get back into the academic environment so that you are not shocked when you first attend a lecture and get the syllabus in the masters program. I know for I gave up a profitable career in order to follow the career within which I was truly interested. It's hard. It's hard mostly because there is generally lack of emotional support from others--people don't like change, especially in their friends or relatives, so they do things subconsiously many times to keep you where you are--unintentionally though. I had to take a crap job in the day time to survive in San Francisco (as a secretary in bad places and sometimes good places), and I chose not to take the bar because that brings in so many more economic handcuffs (well, it was circumstasnce that determined that). So, I've been taking 3 and sometimes 4 classes at night after work 5 pm. for a while--looking at the light the end of the tunnel, distant on the horizon. But, the classes got me more involved, and while I droned away at work, I lived for the classes at night. The kept me focused on my purpose--to learn and then apply. The classes introduced me to new ideas and new ways of thinking. And, most importantly, I got really good letters of recommendation from great people who I would otherwise not have had, YEARS after I obtained my undergraduate degree. They would know that my focus and determination were not a fraud. Also, while my night classes and full-time work did not allow me to build up a portfolio like I would have liked, I WAS able to build up a portfolio. Since you're going to go into a MFA program, I highly HIGHLY recommend you take printmaking or similar classes to not only show your enthusiasm but to build a portfolio. You will not only build a portfolio but you can ask your professors to look at your portfolio to get a good feel about it. (Studio time at night is generally figure drawings classes and print classes, not the architectural drafting classes that I truly needed to get into graduate school.... however, you know what? I'm going to Georgia Tech this fall, if I ever find out the loan information, he he). I would also recommend that when you're building your portfolio you go to a good school (as close as possible) and check out the portfolios that have been submitted by other applicants. I didn't. But, if I had, my portfolio would have been far more stellar because I could easily do what they did, and better. I just didn't think about it until I didn't have the time. But on the good side, the difference I think between you and I and other "yung'ens" who get into the same programs is that we know we have 'limited time'. We are there to do great, and get out and then make a name for ourselves. Though I had lots of starts and stops at the city college, I racked up enough classes. And you know what? I was able to get straight 4.0 in the architectural classes that I took, all like 20 of them, along with the other classes that I took. I understand what you're going through, but believe me when I tell you that the hardest thing you have to change is mindset. You HAVE to believe in yourself and your determination will take you anywhere. I'm serious. I'm not being cliche'. Most people give up. Most people don't show up. Show up. Be in class. Talk to professors. Become the star of the class. Do not be ashamed. Make a point to embarass yourself constantly. Make a point to yell out the wrong answer. It helps people laugh. It also makes it easier for you to yell out when you know the right answer. It's easier the next time. Determine yourself to do it. Take as many night classes that you feasibly can. This gets your recommendations and good portfolio pieces. The portfolio pieces can be used in your application. Also, I would also encourage you to take five classes regardless of your printmaking and art skills: general math, geometry, trigonometry, algebra and advanced algebra. You do not need more math on the GRE but these classes in the quantative section, but you need it to be fresh in your mind. (What I didn't do.) I would take the last algebra class as close to the final GRE that you take, but before you start taking the GRE class (because they're lots of algebra on the GRE, and you'll be wasting your money for the class). You need the math fresh in your mind. Do not just get As in the math classes. Study to get As in the class and ace the GRE. (My algebra class was like 4 years before I took the GRE, a big mistake on my part, though not critical.) From what I see in all the crap that people spew about their GPAs and this and that on this site or others, it's only to make others feel worse. In reality, it's bunk, and they're mainly just self-conscious about their standing with other academics--and they have to compete against something. In reality, a high gpa only means that you were lucky and you were in the right program for you. (When I was in law school, I kept having to read the same paragraphs over and over, and I was bored out of my mind, and I couldn't stand anyone, and they bored me, blah, blah, blah. It was because I was bored with the topic. I did well mind you, but only because I had to put in 3 times the effort that everyone else did, and then become really depressed in the process.) If you are interested in what you are doing (I mean really interested), it will soak in easier. You'll learn like white sponge in cola turning brown. It will still be hard, but time will pass far more pleasantly. If you get into a program that you like, you'll get good grades because you'll spend the time--you'll invest the time--to get better grades. The 'causes' that you plant in yoru present fruit with 'results' that either benefit your future or negatively impact your future. However, let's be honest, the graduate school will look at mainly the last 2 years of your gpa. However, depending on your program they might take into consideration the later classes that you take after you obtain your undergraduate degree. Some won't. Focus on the ones that put you in the best light. But, I doubt that it's the main factor given the incredible portfolio that you will have for the arts program. Let's face it. Mainly scientific and brainy programs focus on grades in their discipline. People who are interested in science or some programs take a lot of them, but they would fail in any art class. Art programs focus on classes in their disicipline also, but their discipline is art and so its more representative than quantitive numbers. Another thing you'll need to overcome is GRE fear. My recommendation, take a class, and do stellar in the class. In contrast to what I did, take the class about a year in advance (not just before). Take the class (I reiterate) and then take it again right before the exam. However, after you take it the first time, you ABSOLUTELY need to take the GRE to get a FEEL of the exam, and then immediately cancel it. I was scoring 730 v/780q on the exam in the class and then freaked out because I've always feared tests (because it mattered), and my grade dropped. I didn't believe I deserved 730/780, and I created a self-perpetuating effect. (Minorities, gays and women somettimes do this a lot...because we only have to look society as represented in the t.v. and news to hear how 'stupid' we are, how 'fat' we look, and how someone else 'deserves' something more. It seems that we are the only ones who really question where we belong, and do we belong in some programs. Regardless of how much a jerk someone else will be to us, we have already said the same thing 10 times to ourselves before they've opened their mouths. We are almost always our worst critics.) I was nothing short than devastated, even though I got a good grade and a very good score on the writing section. Little did I know that even with the drop, I was better or the same as almost every other candidate who got into a top 5 program in architecture--it was just that my portfolio sucked. Like, it was as if I put pictures in a garbage back and threw it over a fence for people to rummage through. Maybe the raccoons went through it, I have no freaking idea. Granted, I still did come out with high GRE scores, and a good portfolio apparently. But my momentary lapse of personal forgiveness kept me from getting the best score I possibly could. This will not happen to you because you will believe in yourself. Spend the money to believe in yourself and that you can take the timed test. I know it's expensive, but you're spending the money on yourself. It will set you back about $2,000 for the classes, but do it. Seriously. I had to get on my feet from almost being on the street, and then pay off $26K in credit cards when I left law school, and take secretarial jobs because no one would hire me, then eventually pay off all my debt, then finally get a job that would help me live on my own in SF, which allowed me to pay for the night class, and then finally be able to take the GRE class. But, you must do it. [Personally, I recommend Kaplan's Online class, but that's because i could do it at home religiously like I was taking a class over the summer. Also, I tried taking the in-class programs, and I would always have to quit half-way through my temp jobs at the time got in the way or something. Take the on-line class if you can. Make it as easy as possible.] Then, you're going to kill me, but before you take the GRE that you want to SCORE, take the class a second time and then, since you've already been under the time crunch and since you've already seen the hell that the computer test puts you in, you'll JAM. You really will. It's important that you have a righteous belief in your ability to not only compete with other but to succeed where others fail. Others fail because they see failure in their own selves. You will not. Because failure is only a belief in your own sense of lack--a lack that has no reality and is only based on fear. You MUST get over the fear. Don't fear the 20 year old who'll get into grad school and then piss their mommy and daddy's house away. Be indominable, be strong, know yourself, follow your heart and mind. But, at the same time, when you succed, and when you get the high gpa, and when you get into the program, don't be a jerk about it. Make sure you help someone else succeed too. Help another person to believe in him or herself. But for you.... Do it. Don't just talk about it. Prove everyone except that voice inside you wrong. Good luck. Send me an e-mail if you need any other advice, even if you think what I said is bullcrap.
  12. I think you just have to know your own limitations, be they political or academic, and what you are willing to sacrifice and what you cannot. I've been openly gay for about 17-18 years, but moreso on a political level. I've been an activist for a long time, and understand that many opportunities passed me by in the past because of it. But, the reality is, the people who I saw getting into those opportunities who were gay either (a) got out quick, ( quit or © changed them to be more inclusive. So, it's a matter of a crap shoot really. I think the best thing is to know wh you are, know who you can trust, and always ALWAYS know what's going on around you, and never put yourself in personal danger. I think you have to be more descriptive of what you mean as open. I mean, I'm open about being gay if asked. Some people say that they know I'm gay when I walk in the room. But, I'm not flamboyant or expressive or stereotypical. I'm just gay. I'm quite boring really, and have absolutely no sex life--haven't for years and years. So, I'd not be in some periodical or tabloid article. Most of the time, I'm either going to work or in class or studying, and this is after 4 years of undergrad, 3 years of law school, 10 years of a city college turning my life around and getting back on the track I wanted to be, and what I hopefully can contemplate a 3.5 year program that I will love. Remember, grad school is where you have to go to, to get to where you want to go. It is a means to an ends. It is not the be-all and end-all. You can always get a job afterwards in a more appreciative city or country. But, grad school does open up opportunities for you to get better jobs. It also gives you an opportunity to give OTHER opportunities to other racial, ethnic, religious minorities, women and those who are gay who would never get the opportunity. It also gives you an opportunity to give opportunities to "highly gay supportive" straight men who will further open up opportunities for those who are discriminated against in our society. The means is grad school, the ends is freedom and equality for everyone.
  13. This actually made me feel a lot better, like I wasn't alone. I'm 38 and going to a masters program that I always wanted to attend as an undergrad but never had the courage to try (a masters in architecture). So, after like (literally) 10 years of night classes, and working full time at a job that would allow me to go to class at nights (without distraction), I did it. I'm actually concerned about the stipend also (to be honest, I'm more concerned because I haven't heard anything from anyone about whether I have loans or not. I have no problem taking all loans, because I'll be paying these babies back for the rest of my life, but I'd like to know that the loans cover everything, expensive and moving across country with all my crap, rather than having to sell everything I have.) I especially wonder if they (in Georgia) know how expensive San Francisco is by comparison. I just did an income comparison, and I could be making 50% less and still have the same standard of living in Atlanta...the differences are that stark. Any ideas?...
  14. Accepted in the Masters in Architecture Program at Georgia Tech. Anyone else in the program? Does anyone have some advice about the program, what to expect, etc.?
  15. archguy

    Atlanta, GA

    Thanks for the thread on Atlanta. I got into Georgia Tech's Architecture Masters Program, but I'm still looking out for the financial aid information (so I can actually tell my landlord and job that I'm really leaving...they hate it but they're excited). I heard from someone that it would be best to live at the Grad School Living Center for the summer program (late summer) instead of getting a small apartment from San Francisco and moving there immediately (putting my stuff in storage, etc.). I heard some bad stories about roaches and stuff, and not liking the apartments (especially those on Craigslist). Any helpful ideas (other than what's on the blog thread already) about getting apartments near GT? I would rather not sell everything in my life for this move, but the graduate school housing is quite small. I'm excited (terrified a bit but excited)! Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.
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