nogone

There's no point in thinking about living with 15 rejections until you actually have 15 rejections. I know it's easier said than done, but I'm trying to stay positive till the last minute. There's nothing I can do to make results come any faster, but I can do something about my attitude. I'll be sad if I need to be sad, but there's no point in selling myself short so early. BUT! If you don't get in to anything this year, I'd wait a few more years before re-applying. I'm sure you know this, but with the economy in the toilet, applications for graduate school are way up. If the economy turns around in the next few years, maybe things won't be as quite as competitive as far as admissions.

I'd mix and match. One recent teacher, and one former boss. I don't think any school would expect you to successfully track down professors from undergrad at this point, and professional recommendations are perfectly acceptable in your case. I'm not quite as old as you, though I've been out of undergrad long enough that the professors I had relationships with are retired! To top it off, I've been self employed for the last few years, so finding three letters of recommendation was really a challenge. It sounds like you've got some good ideas, so if any of them are willing, go for it.

Macs aren't worth the price, in my opinion. My husband received the basic entry level macbook for christmas a few years ago, and we're already thinking about replacing it. It has been consistently slow and disappointing. Maybe spending the money for a higher end mac would have different results, but just think of all the ramen you could buy with that extra grand!

I'm also assuming nothing has gone out yet, though I did receive multiple rejections and acceptances in my dreams last night! The email they sent out last week just said "week of the 7th." The last few years they have sent out acceptances over one or two days, and rejections a few days later. I imagine they need to have everything done by the end of the week, as spring break and SXSW start this weekend.

I'm supposed to get a decision from the one program I applied for tomorrow. Not knowing actually sounds preferable to rejection.

I've also only applied to one school as I'm stuck in my city for a while. I know to expect my decision in about a week and a half, and I really can't stomach the waiting anymore. I just want to know so I can start making plans in either direction.

If you have money now, take it. Money is only getting harder to come by for the time being. Most universities are just now starting to realize massive budget cuts.

I like the idea of preparing in advance for disappointment. I've decided that nachos from a cheesy national restaurant chain will be my consolation prize. I've also warned those close to me that I will not be directly telling them if I'm not accepted. I will simply send out a text saying I am going out for nachos.

Too many! Art History to Poli Sci to Global Studies, and finally graduated with a degree in Sociology and minor in English. Oh... and then there's the three years of post-bac Interior Design.

This is why I told only a handful of people that I was applying. I'm only applying to one program because of location, so my chances are rather slim. It is nice that your friends have confidence in your abilities, but you wonder what their reaction will be if you aren't accepted.

Frighteningly, only one! Moving is not an option for me right now as my significant other is in second year of a 6 year Phd program. It makes rather nervous as all my hopes lie in one application.