EdYouKateOr

Well, looks like I need to consider it...just found out I was accepted into EdM!!!! (It was in my spam folder) Special studies so I get to create my own program!! I was so disappointed when I didn't get an invite for EDLD, but my joy right now in uncontainable! Thank you all for being there through this arduous process!

It went to my SPAM! I found out 2 days later...cried excessively after screaming!

Hi NoChance. Good questions. I have been pleasantly surprised at how supportive HGSE is to each student, no matter the program, and how close-knit the HGSE community is in general. 
 
Perhaps a bit of context might help. This year at HGSE, about 600 Master's Degree candidates from various programs and interests at HGSE were admitted for one year (in a few cases two). Cohorts of 25 Ed.L.D. and 25 Ed.D. students were admitted, joining  multiple 2nd year and beyond doctoral students. The HGSE consists of three buildings: Gutman library, Larsen Hall, and Longfellow Hall, all within a few feet of each other on Appian way. The majority of the courses are integrated, though the sheer numbers definitely favor Master's Degree students. Students of all programs seem to make an effort to reach out of their own program to form contacts and networks in other areas.
 
Because the buildings are so close together and because we take some of the same courses and study together, HGSE students cross paths a lot. We are on a first name basis with our professors, which kind of symbolizes the type of collegiality that I've found. While I have only interacted with my own professors, they have all been available for lunches, office hours, and other kinds of help. I've found mine to be highly accomplished, yet very responsive and helpful. I would say that the teaching here ranges from good to amazing. All course evaluations (a requirement for you to get your grade) are published for students to read before selecting classes.
 
The tough part is probably getting admitted. Once you are there, they provide a lot of support. And the resources and access to all Harvard students is absolutely incredible. 
 
Now what I have said about HGSE may not carry over to other schools. I have noticed that other schools (Business, Law, Harvard College, etc.) function as separate silos. You'll notice a lot of disparity from one school to the next (even cultural and practical ways of doing business), which may affect you if you choose to take courses in other schools. I also hold out the possibility that things can get worse as time goes on, but so far, it has been outstanding.

It is all hitting me pretty fast! one week from now my life will totally change. Leave my $80k job to be a work/study student... Leave my 4br 3000 sq. ft. house to move to 2 br. 766 sq.ft. Apt...leave all friends and family in Sunny Florida to go to snowy Mass! What was I thinking?!?! I was thinking this is going to be the BEST thing that has ever happened to me! Wouldn't change a thing! Just a roller coaster of emotions everyday with plenty to-do lists!

It is all hitting me pretty fast! one week from now my life will totally change. Leave my $80k job to be a work/study student... Leave my 4br 3000 sq. ft. house to move to 2 br. 766 sq.ft. Apt...leave all friends and family in Sunny Florida to go to snowy Mass! What was I thinking?!?! I was thinking this is going to be the BEST thing that has ever happened to me! Wouldn't change a thing! Just a roller coaster of emotions everyday with plenty to-do lists!

I don't have a problem with it, but I can see why it's annoying. It's slang at worst and jargon at best, which makes it too informal for professional communication. "Best" does not express the full thought, leaving the reader to choose a completed thought for themselves. Best wishes? Best of luck? Best Buy? What? Frankly, it's lazy, but academia does have its own version of corporatespeak.

100% agreed! My blue collar spouse has been nothing but supportive and encouraging! We have a great time together. I have my colleagues for "work speak"! My home is for family, friends, and fellowship. You don't need a degree for that!

Good luck to the 2014 group!!! It still hasn't hit me that I'm actually going. I think it won't be a reality until I move into my new place (TBD). Try not to freak out as much as we did. You always find out THE decision when you least expect it.

Yeah, it has been an interesting process looking for a place to live. It helps though that I am moving to a college town so there are a lot of different options. I have found a 3BR/3B townhouse about 2 miles from campus and have already spoken with the other grad student that is interested in living there. I'll be going to visit for a weekend in late May to go visit between 4-6 different apartment options and then I will hopefully sign a lease that weekend as well. So, while the townhouse seems like a nice fit, it'll be nice that I'll get to see it in person before signing anything.  It seems that most people start looking for housing in May for the fall semester because most of the listings I have found were for the summer. So, I'm a little ahead of the curve, which is nice but I worry I might miss out on something by not waiting. 
 
What is nice though is that I have become the MASTER of apartment searching. Maybe if this grad school thing doesn't work out, I'll become a realtor for college and grad students haha. 

It went to my SPAM! I found out 2 days later...cried excessively after screaming!

I'm here and so excited! GCers where are you?

Sitting in the Coop right now... Hello, Harvard Square. Cannot stop grinning.

Because I left this thread on a less-than-positive note awhile ago, I just wanted to come back and extend a heartfelt congratulations to everyone accepted to HGSE. Enjoy your preview weekend, and best of luck with your future endeavors!

FYI I just had a nice long half hour chat with a financial aid counselor and got confirmation that restricted scholarships would have been indicated in our financial aid letters yesterday. He also mentioned that less than 1% of HGSE applicants are awarded one of these. 
 
I also learned that:
1) your EFC really is only taken into consideration in terms of your eligibility for subsidized loans (Perkins). 
2) the key basis for determination for need-based grants and unsubsidized loans is your first, tax return, and second HGSE fin aid application. 
3) our current income and debt levels are taken into account, however, the DURATION of our current income levels (eg # years) is NOT taken into account, nor is our PRIOR debt (aka the extreme amount I've paid down my debt in the last year and it's consequent impact on my ability to save for school wasn't factored in at all, only the little bit of loans I have left was looked at) 
4) the reason our income is such a big deal isn't just to gauge our ability to save, it's also looked at as a prediction of our future earning ability (and consequently, our ability to shoulder debt). When I asked about kids coming straight out of school, who have the same future earnings potential as me but just haven't gotten a job like mine to prove it, the response I got was, "this is why it's a messy and often discretionary process" 
5) "asking for more money" (slash kindly asking for consideration of the broader context of my tax return) can only be done through a formal appeals process, which can only be initiated after both your offer of admission and your offer of financial aid have been accepted. And even then, the cited types of circumstances appropriate for an appeal are things like your house burning down or severe medical costs. 
 
Back to my cynical cave......

My friend said the same thing! She wants to be able to tell people, my friend is smarter than your friend! Lol

I had to do this in Philly. I actually just left my bags with the GSE. It was really easy and they took care of them . I bet HGSE would be just as accommodating.

Thanks EdYouKateOr! Also I would let you drop your bags where I'm staying but ill be at my friends parents hours an hour outside Boston so that probably won't work lol. I've found hotels to be really obliging about holding bags for me after I check out.

Guys I took my first steps in Cambridge yesterday and I am sooooooo in love! I'm especially in love with the HUH apartments on Grant and Banks Sts, so much charm, so close to campus, Harvard Sq, and the river!!

Interesting study...Harvard at No.2
 
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-brainiest-colleges-america-164400109.html

Fleshing out plans for a grad cafe meetup during admit weekend: too soon? 

Ok, facebook groups created: HGSE 2013-2014 and HGSE EPM 2013-2014. 
 
Please join so I don't look lame all by my lonesome! 

This year, anyway.
 
I can't wait to see this team in two years, though. Chambers will be a junior, Missi will be a senior, and Saunders will be a senior. On top of that, you got current freshman like Okolie and Cummins who are going to grow, mentally and physically. Additionally, Harvard already has two three-star big men that have signed for this year's class. Lastly, we cannot undervalue the experience that this year's team has gained by winning the Ivy League and an NCAA Tournament game.
 
Harvard's run is really just beginning. It's going to be fun!

It was very small. Only 10 students attended, not all committed. We had Alumni Ambassadors (no one from the school) so it was merely asking intros and questions about the experience! Bottom line, worth it to get my HGSE pen and confirm my desire to go...now to start my fund raising campaign!

Though I still can't blast it from the chimney tops, I would like to start a fundraising campaign. Gonna ask 600 of my closest friends and family to donate $100 each! (Or 6000 at $10!!!)

And Harvard wins their first NCAA Tournament game...EVER!
 
w00t
 
Go Crimson!

HigherEd, I would say the biggest benefits of Cronkhite are the community and the location. We are literally located two blocks away from the Ed school. Absolutely invaluable. Also, the Cronkhite community coming together almost everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is wonderful. It keeps me sane. We study, party, celebrate, and commiserate together hah
 
M15 & TIE-ers,
 
I am blown away by the TIE program. You'll have every opportunity to create high-quality educational products in your coursework and outside of class. I am currently pursuing an education start-up at the Harvard Innovation Lab. We've had the opportunity to meet with over a dozen venture capitalists and entrepreneurial mentors. So many resources at your finger tips...
 
I am currently interning with Google Education and the MIT Media Lab. So, I mean that speaks to the connections you can make at HGSE.