iphi

Honestly... most schools tried to tell me that I would have to wait til summer to hear about funding and those were the schools I refused offers for. Personally, anyway, I can't take a gamble like that! One piece of advice I did hear was that the earlier you commit to a program like that the earlier you can find funding, because you'll get on the mailing list and can start applying sooner!

Not sure what you mean by "should"? Meaning "will I have to" or, "should I ask about it now?" or even, "should I take an offer for another program that I already know gives me funding"?

Phew, that's really good to know! My SO attends one of the UCs in Psychology and although students in his program are told it's a 5-year program, they don't like to let people graduate before 6th year because then they are not as successful finding (academic) positions and it brings down their employment statistics.

Holy cow! 8?! Those guys are troopers, I could never spend almost an entire decade in grad school! I think it's perfectly fair to ask them why. Everyone I know who is a grad student gets sick of it by at least year 4 and that would only be halfway through that program. Plus think of all the money you could be making at a real job vs. 3 (at least) extra years of grad school. The program I've chosen is 5 years, and I thought that was long. A bunch that I applied to (PhDs) were only 3 or 4.

I'm headed there in August! Any other future Panthers?

Yeah you have to give a legitimate reason. Sit down with them and say "this is the direction I want my research to go, I would love to continue it here at School X, but I understand that it's not a priority for you, therefore I am thinking about applying to other schools..." This is about a year or two in the future so you have plenty of time to think about it. They might be upset, but if you do it gracefully they really have to take your excuse (research interest) at face value. Besides, no one wants to mentor a student and put all that time and money into someone who doesn't really want to be there.

Does this program have you earn a Master's degree first? You could stick it out until you get your MSc then (nicely) explain that you want to go in a different research direction for your PhD and transfer schools then.

I've just committed to UWM and I am daunted by the prospect of finding someplace to live! When I visited I noticed that parking on the street is really just a huge nightmare between the giant banks of snow and the complicated day/night parking permits. So I think getting a place that has off-street parking might be my #1 priority (behind safety, of course)! I'd also love to live on a bus line to UWM so I wouldn't have to drive every day and, if I could get it, somewhere where heat is included. Is this like asking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Where do I even start looking for such a place? I assume I'll have to make a special trip to MKE just to find an apartment sometime in June? My ideal move-in date would be August 15. Any suggestions for me? Any fellow grads headed to UWM or MU who want to be roommates?

And sorry, to answer your original question more clearly, yes you can pursue it as long as the prof you are working with has agreed to let you. That means you should pick someone who works with social behavior of kids and then your project can fit in tangentially. I think it is an interesting take on SP research probably surrounding social groups. What age group are you interested in, btw? You might have more luck with profs who study early childhood ed or with autism research, but I could see research with adolescents working as well.

Hi! You should join the thread. Honestly though, from reading what you wrote I wonder if maybe you wouldn't be better suited (generally) toward Counseling Psych programs? Purdue has a good program/labs in cross-cultural research + prosocial stuff. What are your actual career goals? I assume since you're talking research you mean to pursue a PhD or PsyD rather than an EdS. We actually share a research interest -- I applied to School Psych programs (and the one Counseling Psych program at Purdue) to study cross cultural transitions/identity. I think you should check out University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. That's actually where I'm headed in the Fall (although it's not the reason why I'm recommending it to you)! The department as a whole is focused on multicultural education, and one woman there -- Kyongboon Kwon studies how children's social groups affect their social/academic development. PM me if you want to talk specifics!

Argh! It keeps telling me my browser is too small and to enlarge it (not possible) or change to list view (then can't edit). I want to add my offers! Any advice??

Is this directed toward the Ed.S students who are having trouble deciding?

I am waitlisted at my first choice program, but it doesn't look as though it will come through. Today I received an amazing funding offer from my second choice school (where I was accepted, obviously). When is the right time to firmly commit? Should I wait it out until April 14? What do I say in the meantime to the school I'll probably end up going to? I've been in communication with the program where I am waitlisted, and they are very helpful. They just don't seem to know anything right now and I am wondering if it's worth it to wait. What happens if I commit somewhere April 14 and by some miracle on April 15 I get an offer from the school where I was waitlisted?

Sometimes they'll try to get around telling you by saying this year's stipend amount has yet to be determined. Make sure you follow-up by asking how much it was the year before -- usually it only raises by a hundred dollars or so anually.

Until after you graduate? Terrible idea in my book! Maybe if it would be accredited while you were there, otherwise... no way. What's the point of spending all that time, money and effort if it doesn't get you a job?

No, that's ridiculous! You can always make up a reason. Just say, "I was very excited about attending your school but unfortunately I will not be able to enroll in the fall. For the time being I need to stay near family." (even if it's not true.) You don't even need to tell them you're enrolling elsewhere. You will lose your deposit, but it's that or wait for the UK school and re-apply next year if you don't get it.

I mean, you're not supposed to, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

No, it won't work. The best (if somewhat unethical) thing to do is to accept School A's offer, and then if School B comes through with funding... back out of School A.

"This is my first choice (if true). Are you able to let me know where I am on the waitlist/what my chances are of being accepted from the waitlist? I am really interested in attending your school!" As long as all of that is true.

Just stick it out! A Master's is only 2 years and your courses most likely will not transfer. You would have to start over.

In terms of job prospects probably American U because it's in Washington DC. The networking + chances of finding a job in your area will be far higher! Denver as a city doesn't really have much to offer for an IR major. That being said, they look like they are focusing on different areas! Are you really ambivalent as to which you study?

I think 3 weeks ago is more than enough time to follow-up from. And tomorrow marks the one-month deadline so the clock is ticking! My vote is for totally appropriate.

Welcome! Check out the in the City Guide. There's lots of guidance over where to live!