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BuddingScholar

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  1. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to TakeruK in Using admissions as leverage?   
    I might not understand what you mean by "leverage". From my interpretation, I would say I don't think it is a good idea to use other admits as "leverage" on other schools. Few schools are going to care that University XYZ already made their decisions, so they should make their own decision faster. Also, few schools will think "well, this person was accepted by Top University X, so we better accept them too, if Top University X wants them!"
     
    I think it's a very terrible idea to just flaunt your acceptances at other schools and hope something good happens to you.
     
    Here are instances where I think it would make sense to tell other schools about other offers:
     
    1. It just comes up in a conversation between you and the other school. No need to hide your results.
     
    2. The school that accepted you (let's call it A) has given you a short deadline and you want to know an estimate of decision timelines from the other schools. Then, you can politely let the other schools know that A has given you a deadline and you want to know approximately when a decision will be ready so that you can ask A for an extension. [i would not do this until about 2 weeks before the deadline though]
     
    3. You are visiting School A and you know from the past (or from the website) that another school in the area is having a visit weekend at near the same time. You might want to ask the other school about their decision timeline so you know when to book flights etc.
     
    4. You are ready to make a final decision and you like School A the most, however, another school, B, has offered you a better financial package. You can then ask A if they can match or at least increase their offer. However, in my opinion, you should only do this if you will absolutely say yes to A if A agrees to increase your offer. You should not try sending the best offer to all your schools and seeing which one will give you the highest value. The whole argument for an increase in stipend is that "you like A the most, but need more funding", and you can't say this truthfully to all schools.
     
    In my opinion, you don't have to keep your offers a secret, but I don't think you should try to use your offers to force other schools into any actions other than ones that are necessary (e.g. to extend a deadline). Don't wave another offer around just so the other schools get back to you a week earlier so that you panic less etc. Calm down and relax! Also, don't just wave other offers around in an attempt to make yourself look better to other schools. I am pretty sure this will not work. Instead, think about what you want (matching offer? finding out about visit days? etc.) and ask for it directly, mentioning your previous offers if relevant.
  2. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to m-ttl in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    Gotta love family! I told my ahead of time (to great protests!) that I wasn't going to inform them until I'd chosen a school (which I have), but also that I wanted to surprise them. I ordered like "____ UNIVERSITY MOM" mugs and "_____ U DAD" window clings and so on so it's going to be a to-do I'm also going to rather lovingly write down where exactly the Catholic Newman center is on campus for my Nana (and where the other local churches and/or cathedral is) because I know she won't rest until she knows they are nearby if I "need absolutely anything at all." My cousin who is about three years younger than me decided he wanted to move to seattle, so my Nana immediately google mapped the nearby churches to the apartment he was staying in. Anything less than that and I'll be receiving detailed emails and step by step directions. 
     
    Someone also taught her how to use skype so when I first went to college I lied and said I didn't have an account so I wouldn't have to carry her on my laptop around campus as per her requests... 
     
    This upcoming week is my spring break, which will make it easiest to "tell". 
  3. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to Borden in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    Oh god I'm going to have to teach my parents how to use skype. Send help.
  4. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to Borden in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    Thanks! I'm actually about to email my POI-turned-advisor and let her know that I'm officially accepting and see if there's anything they want me to start working on that I haven't already done over the next few months- I am the definition of eager beaver and I've already given myself huge reading lists to get through but if there's anything they want me to start doing officially or unofficially so I can hit the ground running I want to know nowwwww. I had to write out basically a chapter outline of my dissertation for my application so now I really just want to get cracking, since they've basically already unofficially approved my topic and methods.
     
    I'm so glad things seem to be working out for us second-rounders this year! I don't know how you had the intestinal fortitude to do 11 applications, I actually dropped one of my schools that I'd originally planned to apply to because I just couldn't face doing another one. We'll have to have some kind of digital pizza party on April 15 around here!!
  5. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to Borden in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    I'm so glad I only applied to four schools this year, I have all of my answers in now (even though one of them is waitlist and I had to email to get that).
  6. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to m-ttl in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    Oh!!! I didn't realize I didn't specify. I am ABSOLUTELY going to adopt, and am open to older cats (and black cats which often struggle to be adopted). One of my best friends is a cat rescue volunteer and got her cat during her MA. I've only ever adopted from no-kill shelters before, I wouldn't dream of going to a cat breeder or pet store. 
  7. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to m-ttl in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    Makes complete sense! I looked at UK prices and went "Nah." In that case, I'd definitely live in dorm housing. Probably the better option, in terms of stress! 
     
    Wheee a third acceptance.  
  8. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to m-ttl in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    Thanks! I'm over the moon!! One of them was one of my top choices: a PhD w/ full tuition remission, big stipend**, and a curatorial track. The fit is perfect and I'm going to accept (they even said they thought they were perfect for me and I may have blurted that I was glad they agreed with me). No point in going to an MA when the PhD program I want is already on the table.  
     
    **It's so silly, but I'm so excited I'll be able to afford a cat! And not have to work two extra jobs on top of being a student. My boss gave me a big hug when I told her. 
  9. Upvote
    BuddingScholar got a reaction from ssynny in What were you doing when you got accepted?   
    I was on my way to class and saw the message on my cell... I turned around to look for a computer to check my email since I didn't believe what I was reading. Confirmed what seemed absurd, then cried, got a headache, felt dizzy, etc.

    Missed all classes that day to go to bed and sleep in peace for a few hours. Woke up and checked my email again to make sure it wasn't a dream. Posted the news on GradCafe.
  10. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to BuckyandTerraceChairs in Madison, WI   
    We have both the local Congressman and our US Senator that are out and proud. Everywhere is GLBT. The Williamson St. area has a ton of first-wave, (grey-ing boomer old) Hippie GLBT.
     
    Make sure you rent a place that includes heat as part of the rent. That's key. And you just need a good, tall pair of warm boots, a great winter coat and hat, scarf & gloves. Ask your family as a off-to-school gift for a pair of boots. I really like Pajar out of Canada, and Sorel has some stuff, although they tend to be short boots, and I like having my legs covered. Expect to spend $150-200 on a good pair
  11. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to MadtownJacket in Madison, WI   
    Ha!  I've only eaten at fast-food restaurants maybe five times in the past year.  Madison is a great "foodie" town, as it's been compared to the likes of NYC for the wide variety and quality of restaurants/bars in the area.
     
    Yeah, you should be fine with that budget.  Hope you have a nice visit up here!  It is somewhat cold up here for the next month or so, but summers are absolutely gorgeous and they absolutely make up for the long winters.
  12. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to MadtownJacket in Madison, WI   
    Yes, I feel confident that you'd be able to live comfortably spending $1,500 a month.  I go out to eat almost every day (bad habit of mine), spend ~$800 a month for parking/rent, and drive a gas guzzler yet I spend no more than about ~$1,300 a month.  Granted, I take the bus whenever I can in the winter, ride my bike around town in the summer, and go grocery shopping at the Farmer's Market so I do try to save money when I can.
     
    Madison is great.  I moved here for a great job opportunity, and I'll be sad when I leave.
  13. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to MadtownJacket in Madison, WI   
    You don't really need to worry about being in a bad area when it comes to living in Madison, whether you're referring to crime or "homophobia".  It's a very safe city, and probably the only one I've lived in where I feel comfortable walking around at night by myself (female).
     
    As far as being away from rambunctious undergrads, don't live in downtown Madison then.  You'd probably be better suited for Middleton, Midvale/Tokay area (west side of Madison), or maybe Fitchburg.  I recommend living near a bus line if you want to save gas money, as the bus system is one of the best in the country.
     
    Renting a one-bedroom in those areas is maybe ~$800 a month with parking.  Renting a decent one-bedroom in downtown Madison with parking is at least ~$1000 a month, if you're lucky.  Rent and parking is expensive in downtown Madison compared to a lot of other college towns because the area is already built out, so there isn't much room left to build big, new apartments.
     
    As far as cost of living in Madison-area, it's relatively cheap compared to the national average.  I'm still shocked at how expensive parking/rent is in downtown, but everything else is pretty cheap.
     
    If y'all have any other questions, feel free to ask away.  I can pretty much help you out with most areas except finding specific apartment complexes, as I've lived in a house for most of my time here.
  14. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to zipykido in Amherst, MA   
    I grew up in Amherst and it's a very safe place to live. I would say for a 1 bedroom place you're looking at 800-900 in rent alone. Everybody is super liberal there so you shouldn't really feel uncomfortable based on sexual orientation. The areas I would avoid are the North Village apartment area (lots of low income housing, and graduate student housing there so it's usually not very safe). Gas right now is about 3.40-3.60/gallon based on the last time I visited a couple of weeks ago. If you're trying to live peacefully there are a ton of people who rent out single room additions in their homes, I would keep an eye out for situations like that. There is an independent theater in town as well as a regular cinema in Hadley (about 10 minutes drive away). I would say budget $1,000-1,200 to live comfortably. Amherst does charge excise tax on vehicles so maybe live in one of the neighboring towns where rent is cheaper.
  15. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to PhDerp in Amherst, MA   
    I'm not sure about monthly costs, because that's a very personal thing... There are shelters where you can get free food in the mornings if you really need to, buses to avoid racking up gas prices... All sorts of ways to cut costs! But for housing, I have a lot of info. Here's a brief overview, because I have lived everywhere, lol:
     
    First of all, the whole area is pretty liberal. The only problems I run into with people come from undergrads. They're pretty easy to avoid, though.
     
    Northampton is a wonderful town! It has an awesome scene, lots of bars, independent stores, coffee shops, music halls with lots of performances... And it's where Questionable Content (the webcomic) takes place! And I personally like Diva's, which is a gay club that a lot of students and locals go to. Lots of fun! Because of the area, it's pretty accessible to meet people of the same sex (not sure if you're looking or not)... The people are generally awesome! But since NoHo is a bit far, and can be a pain to commute to / from, you might want to consider the Hadley area, somewhere between UMass and Northampton. (Plus, Hadley is a bit cheaper!)
     
    If you lived in Hadley, you'd be near all the stores you'd need. The bus to UMass from there isn't as regular as some others (some come every 15 minutes and since places might be on a route with two buses, it's like every 8 minutes; Hadley's bus is every 20 minutes during normal hours).
     
    As for costs: if you're willing to, say, take a private room in a house (spots which the locals usually give preference to grad students), it's usually between $350-500, depending on location. Regular 1br apartments can be $700-900. That being said, there are a lot of places where you can split 2br apartments for prices like $300-500, depending how nice a place you want. There are reliable apartment complexes in the area, so you can expect similar rates around.
     
    Sunderland is another town nearby with a bunch of housing and apartments, but it's also a longer trip to things like the grocery store at that point. That being said, it's freakin' beautiful around there; farms, mountains,... It's only like 15 minutes from campus, but more like 20 to the stores. It's quieter, there aren't as many party-hardy undergrads out there; in my experience, it's more seniors who are ready to graduate, and non-students.
    [bUT HOLY CRAP DON'T GO TO SUGARLOAF ESTATES. They look nice. They're a nightmare. If you seriously consider them, please message me first. I have warnings to give.]
     
    North Amherst is awesome if you go far enough. It's close enough to regular buses, but still just out of ugrad party distance. But the string of apartments just north of campus is an undergrad party zone. By your description, you do not want to live there. If you're interested in North Amherst, make sure it's at the border of or beyond Pine Street.
     
    Are you bringing a car? A pet? A roommate?
     
    And here's the UMass housing resource, if you're interested (I've never used it): http://www.umocss.org/
  16. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to mmm1717 in Madison, WI   
    If you're interested in renting, check out http://www.madisonapartmentliving.com - it covers a wide array of locations and landlords. In terms of buses, you might find it useful to just refer to the full city map of bus routes (http://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/schedules/SystemMaps/WeekdayMap.pdf) as you look at potential housing situations.
  17. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to klondike in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    ^ Confirming this as I also just received notice from UBC with funding! 
    Insanity, I am stunned. Good luck and hugs to all! May you all be as pleased as a pallas cat with your programs.

  18. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to klondike in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    Admitted to my top choice! And just when I was starting to resign myself to working on a shrimp boat for the rest of my life!
  19. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to helpmegradcafe in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    Accepted to my top choice! Now to worry for a few weeks about funding....
  20. Upvote
    BuddingScholar got a reaction from Atlantis in Advice on what to do after Acceptance?   
    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.
  21. Upvote
    BuddingScholar got a reaction from EloiseGC in Advice on what to do after Acceptance?   
    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.
  22. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted in Should I tell Harvard...   
    Dear Harvard,
    I'm still waiting to hear back from you guys. Would really be wicked if I got in. But FYI I did get into Yale and they're pretty wicked too. I'd definitely accept your offer but I don't "need" you guys. But it would be pretty wicked if you did say yes.
    Truly,
    Some guy
  23. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to glitter_mntn in 2014 Applications... waiting room.   
    Congrats, brazilianbuddy! Happy to report I got an acceptance for the MA at Rutgers yesterday. Really excited to have this program as an option!
  24. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to qwer7890 in Advice on what to do after Acceptance?   
    I would hold off on declining offers until you've *formally* accepted an offer elsewhere. Then yes... totally a good idea to contact your POIs elsewhere.... you can say something to the effect of: "I'm writing to let you know that I've accepted an offer for admission at X school.  It was a really tough decision because your program is great is XYZ ways. I look forward to keeping up with your scholarship (note specifics if you know s/he has a book or article forthcoming) and I hope our paths cross in the future..."
     
    it's a small art history world... even smaller when you're talking people in your subfield... so definitely good to keep all doors open.
  25. Upvote
    BuddingScholar reacted to EloiseGC in Advice on what to do after Acceptance?   
    I actually disagree. If you've received multiple acceptances and you KNOW for certain that you won't be accepting the offer at one of them, decline as soon as possible. It's courteous to the department, and it makes room for other students who are still waiting on admissions decisions. 
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