AltArcIs

I believe some people receive informal acceptances and are notified that their official acceptance will come at X date. Another possibility is they email the admissions office directly. But if it makes you feel any better, I too am still waiting on a decision from Berkeley (i was notified by Caltech Aero department). It’s strange, it was only about 2 weeks after the application deadline that they invited me to their Visit Day (far earlier than any other school), yet late on posting decisions.

Other than a short conversation with a research professor (in mech. depart.) at a conference a few months back, I haven’t contacted any POI. My acceptance letter in the mail stated I should begin contacting possible advisors; and RA, TA, and fellowships are based on faculty (when available). Ultimately, I received better offers so I rejected their offer.

I would say faculty and funding are the main two. I received an acceptance from a top 10 that told me who my advisor is, whose background was completely opposite my interests and past work, so I rejected the offer before getting information of funding. Another awarded a scholarship the first year allowing me to explore options/advisors during my first year, which is a major benefit. I have talked to students entering with external funding (e.g., NSF) and their freedom to try out different advisors for a few months made them much happier over time. You can only so much you can learn from a professors (typically out-of-date) website. Also, I personally would advise not to choose a University simply on its ranking.

I am still waiting on MIT (and Berkeley). I see there are a lot of decisions made last week, so im curious on the delayed response as you are.

I was offered admission to Yale, and a week later received an invitation to thier Graduate Student Recruitment Open House at the end of March (travel, hotel, and food is provided). I would love to visit the University before accepting my offer, but considering the event is the end of March (where most decisions are typically due by mid April) I do not want to attend and give the professors the impression that I have already accepted the admissions offer if I am still undecided. Any advise on thier intentions of this event? Is this Open House for students who will be attending or can 'prostective students' attend this event? Should I just ask them directly?

I talked to a lot of grad students when I was there during Visit Day in Jan. Everyone I talked to lives with roommates, paying $700-$1200 for rent (based on location and number of roommates). They all said a ~$2000 monthly stipend being a teaching assistant is enough to live by while still having fun.