margaretcho

Hi everyone, I would love some advice. I recently began a 3-year MFA grad program and I am considering transferring. It's a highly ranked program, but it's in a transition period and I have been very unhappy with the program, the professors, and the fellow students. And yes, I understand that the first year is often hard to adjust to, but nevertheless I am considering applying to one particular school for several personal and professional reasons. It's to the point that I'd rather have a potential option to transfer, rather than feel hopelessly trapped and consider dropping out. I applied to this one program last year, but it seems the school never received my transcript and thus didn't consider my application. They have my previous application on file, including GRE scores and letters of recommendation. I'm happy with my scores and don't plan on retaking the GRE, but I am slightly concerned about just reusing my old letters of recommendation (although it's possible they never looked at them...). It seems it would make sense to get a letter from my current program; however, I want to keep this whole potential transferring thing on the DL, and so I don't feel comfortable asking a current professor for a letter (and besides, I have only been there a few weeks, so I don't think any would be able to give a fair assessment). Are there any thoughts about the potential message it might give if I don't send new letters? Also, I LOVED my personal statement from last year's applications. However, this school also has a draft of it in my file. I've revised my personal statement since the draft they have on file, but it still conveys the same ideas and has many of the same sentences/paragraphs. Do you think it will hurt my chances if I don't send in an entirely new personal statement? I think my current PS still reflects my goals and interests really well... and unfortunately I haven't changed drastically in 6 months... Also, I imagine in my PS I should mention why my current program isn't an ideal fit (and why their program is a better fit), but I would appreciate any advice on how to do this in a convincing way that would make me not sound like a complainer or "grass is greener" person. And yes, in the meantime, I will continue to be optimistic about my current program... I just want to think ahead and have a possible alternative!

Where'd you apply? I applied to several programs and still haven't heard back from all!

Hi everyone, If you're looking for an apartment in Oxford, I have a great deal for you! It's a beautiful apartment, really spacious, clean, great light, great landlord. Very affordable! It's a block and a half away from campus and in a quiet area on Main Street. http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/apa/1140038333.html, http://www.geocities.com/pentagonproperties/610.html If you want to know more, please email me or email the landlord, Thomas Brandner at tbrander54@yahoo.com. I was all set to go to Miami, but something happened and now I can't. Consider yourself lucky to benefit from my days and days of apartment-hunting for such a great, affordable apartment. I am willing to pay you an amount of money as a bonus if you rent this apartment and relieve me from my lease! Thank you so much.

Okay, so I applied to several schools, heard back from almost all-- and only one worked out in terms of funding and so I accepted the offer on April 15. I'm happy about it, everyone's really nice. On April 15, I still hadn't heard back from one TOP school, but saw on the forums that in previous years people didn't find out about rejections until late April or May, so I assumed that I would just get my rejection letter soon. BUT I just got an email today from this school (CREME DE LA CREME) and they want an interview!!!! I am ridiculously excited... of course, if i get in with funding, then this would be my absolute top top top!!!! but i've already said yes to the other school.... I still can't believe this top school contacted me 2 days after the freaking deadline!!!! so i am in need of some ethical advice: do i just wait until I get a possible offer/funding info from this top school? or should i communicate with school A now? my worry is that they will tell their waiting list they're not accepted. I really like the people at school A and I would feel terrible disappointing them or sabotaging their future class (they only accept 2 students/year). also the school is a member of the council of graduate schools.... i haven't signed anything officially yet, though, because I accepted via email. what's the "release" process that people keep mentioning and how do you get "released?" of course this is all a hypothetical situation since i haven't been admitted with funding yet to the top school, but i am feeling overwhelmed by this huge surprise!!!

Hi! I'm almost positive I'll be attending Miami this fall. Does anyone have any tips for housing & when I should start looking for it? Renting privately vs corporately? I found an efficiency with a company for 400something/month-- great price, close to campus, but I don't want to be in a dormlike situation with a bunch of drunk undergrads. I'm looking for something that's cheap, close to campus (walking or biking), and somewhat decent looking. I don't plan on sharing an apartment. This is my first renting experience, so I'm not sure if I should try to find a place now or wait 'til I move there (August-ish). Any help would be very appreciated!