BuddingScholar

Thanks a lot for the tips! I am hoping I won't need the shelters, but it is always good to know that I have options though. I am planning to ride the bus, and whenever/if weather allows, even ride my bike to school. I heard it is a pretty bikeable area, right? Besides, I need to lose some (i.e. a lot) weight also. No, I won't be looking for anything nor do I plan on partaking on the gay day/nightlife--boring and partnered here. But it's great to know that the area is pretty liberal and safe. Living by myself (having my own kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom) is THE MOST important thing for me. I am very easy going, but don't enjoy sharing places or living in someone else's house. Besides, my partner will be coming to visit me every now and then, and so will [hopefully] my babies (three pugs), so I don't have to deal with being mindful of roommates. So I guess, that answers two of your questions (1) no one is coming with me and (2) my dogs will stay home with my husband. And yes, I am bringing my car, though I hope to use it only on weekends or to run errands. I think someone mentioned SugarLoaf Estates before, and after your advice, I will absolutely steer clear of them! Are there any companies or complexes you would particularly recommend? Many thanks for all the info!

I am considering attending UMass in the Fall, but am trying to figure out costs first. I would like to be able to rent a one bedroom (no roommates), keep my car (insurance/gas), eat/drink, perhaps be able to drink a Starbucks once in a while ; ), and pay my bills on time (utilities, internet, cable, etc), and be in a safe area. I don't go to bars, nightclubs, etc, but would like to go to the movies perhaps once a month. How much do you think I need to have per month to afford that 'comfortably'? Aaahhh...and I don't know if this matters, but I am a gay man in my late 30s, so I need to be somewhere safe also. P.S.: One more thing, be far away from rambunctious undergrads. Thanks...

I am considering attending UCR in the Fall, but am trying to figure out costs first. I would like to be able to rent a one bedroom (no roommates), keep my car (insurance/gas), eat/drink, perhaps be able to drink a Starbucks once in a while ; ), pay my bills on time (utilities, internet, cable, etc), be in a safe area, other basic things. I don't go to bars, nightclubs, etc, but would like to go to the movie theater perhaps once a month. How much do you think I need to have per month to afford that 'comfortably'? P.S.: One more thing... and be far away from rambunctious undergrads. Thanks...

Which area in the map would you recommend? thanks! I am considering attending UW in the Fall, but am trying to figure out costs first. I would like to be able to rent a one bedroom (no roommates), keep my car (insurance/gas), eat/drink, perhaps be able to drink a Starbucks once in a while ; ), and pay my bills on time (utilities, internet, cable, etc), and be in a safe area. I don't go to bars, nightclubs, etc, but would like to go to the movies perhaps once a month. How much do you think I need to have per month to afford that 'comfortably'? One more thing, be far away from rambunctious undergrads. I don't know if this matters, but I am a gay man in my late 30s, so I need to be somewhere safe also. Thanks...

That's what it says on mine too.

Is anyone planning to attend the prospective student visitation days at UW Madison next week?

Congratulations!

I agree!!!! Just focus on putting together the strongest SoP and writing sample possible. And you will be fine!!!!

If you are not trying to earn university credits, but simply learn the language, then "Campus Langue" in Paris is by far the cheapest place to go. The reason why not many people know about them is because most of their students are people who are permanently living in France and need to learn the language. They are accredited by the French Ministry of Education and use the exact same system and materials that Alliance Francaise and Eurocentre do. But they are LITERALLY a fraction of the cost. For example, a month long course there costs almost the same as a one week at Alliance Francaise or Eurocentre. I have studied in all of these places so I speak from experience.

Any Temple former or current students here who would be willing to talk with me about the program, department, etc?

Directly to MA

OMG! I have been so excited about my acceptances that I made this mistake several times. I did not mention the names of the schools that accepted me, but I did mention that I was accepted by some other places. My intention was not show that I was competitive, but to express my excitement for having other schools also thinking that I am worthy of a spot. What a naive mistake I made! Now I feel absolutely horrible!!!!!

Congratulations!!!! That's freaking awesome!

That's what I was thinking. I'd hate to hold on to a spot that someone would love to have. I would hope most people would do the same since it could be one of us on the wait list after all. We all know how much it sucks to wait, right? ; ) I must confess, however, that I feel sort of strange about the whole declining offers thing, since, in all honesty, I'd probably give an arm and a leg to get into many of these programs. Yet now that I got in, I will be turning them down. But as one of our gradcafe friends has wisely put it, I should go where the money is--and that's what I will need to do after all. The good news, though, is that I only applied to programs which I would absolutely LOVE to be a part of.

Never thought I would ask that in a million years... but is there a proper way of declining an offer? How would you do it? And, in case you already know you will be rejecting an offer, would still contact your POI to thank him/her for the acceptance, and inform of your decision of not pursuing their program?

Besides programs often try to connect you with current students once they accept you. In which in case it's a lot easier to start a conversation.

While I think it is certainly a good idea to speak with current students to get a sense of the program, I wonder if it may be better, at this point, for you to wait for the results first.

Rutgers doesn't accept everyone at once. The acceptances will come scattered throughout the next few months, and the rejections will likely not come until much later. Good news may still be on the way. Best of luck!

Rutgers results came out today... Super excited for having been accepted. Do you mind me asking which is your top choice school? Feel free to PM me. It looks like we are all competing for the hist of photo spot?

Did you apply to MAs or PhDs in those schools? I bet UNM announces the results this week.

I am in a similar situation with three acceptances so far. I emailed the DGS and POIs to express my elation, etc, and let them know that they will be given serious consideration. In one case, however, I declined their offer right away simply because the other schools are better. They all offered funding.

Does it come up with a different list of results?

Completely off the subject... I find funny (just noticed) that I am "ranked" as Latte here, because I actually drink between 5 to 7 Starbucks lattes per day--it's been like that for the past 12 years.

I agree with m-ttl. I should add though that there have been cases where applicants found out through the school website before even receiving their official email. These cases are rare nonetheless. I, for one, chose not to check them this year, which is probably healthier.

Yes... Princeton professors, more often than not, let students know via phone or email of their acceptance before official emails arrive--it's a very nice touch. With that being said, most schools do not do that. ---- Can you imagine receiving a call from Hall Foster, out of nowhere, to let you know that he will be glad to have you work with him? I'd probably be: "yeah right...WHATEVER... stop f$#$^%& with me, dude!" and hang up the phone.