stillalivetui

We should probably refrain from sending unnecessary emails. I realize most of us are still anxiously waiting to hear back from many programs. However, be mindful that the DGS, graduate coordinators, and staff are busy organizing campus visits, working with current graduate students, etc. I think as a courtesy we should let the process play itself out.

We should probably refrain from sending unnecessary emails. I realize most of us are still anxiously waiting to hear back from many programs. However, be mindful that the DGS, graduate coordinators, and staff are busy organizing campus visits, working with current graduate students, etc. I think as a courtesy we should let the process play itself out.

We should probably refrain from sending unnecessary emails. I realize most of us are still anxiously waiting to hear back from many programs. However, be mindful that the DGS, graduate coordinators, and staff are busy organizing campus visits, working with current graduate students, etc. I think as a courtesy we should let the process play itself out.

We should probably refrain from sending unnecessary emails. I realize most of us are still anxiously waiting to hear back from many programs. However, be mindful that the DGS, graduate coordinators, and staff are busy organizing campus visits, working with current graduate students, etc. I think as a courtesy we should let the process play itself out.

I know everyone is hammering home that you should go to UCLA for a variety of reasons--the ridiculous funding, the prestige of the program (it can compete with Harvard...UCLA is a top 10 program, so the fact that this is even a debate boggles my mind), etc. I did an unfunded MA and, while I don't regret it, I wouldn't recommend anyone do the same. And I did it because I had no other option. I would've taken a funded PhD offer in a heartbeat.
I'm just going to ask something I have wondered since I joined this forum about 2 years ago whenever something like this comes up: why did you apply to UCLA in the first place? Why apply to a program toward which you are obviously ambivalent? Maybe you need to consider what about UCLA caught your attention and made you decide to throw down the money for the application fee.
to all future applicants: when you're applying, consider each program individually and ask yourself--will I be happy here if it's my only acceptance? If the answer is yes, apply. If it's not, don't waste your money and time.

Wait, you would seriously turn down a funded PhD offer for a master's program (which may not even come with funding)? Not in your field but that is absolutely nuts if what you really want is to do a PhD. 

Go to UCLA and never look back.

UCLA. UCLA. UCLA.

UCLA. UCLA. UCLA.

I'm going to sound like an echo, but...
UCLA.

Take the UCLA offer.  Admissions to PhD programs are difficult and it varies from year to year (says someone who has gone through 3 cycles for transnational history).  If you turn down UCLA, Harvard, and Madison and then go to Yale, chances are going to be random 2 years from now whether or not you will get into those places again.
The acceptable reason to back out on this PhD opportunity is to take a break from school or need to be more financially stable (i.e. pay down more of student loans or have some savings in the bank) or to take care of family.

UCLA. UCLA. UCLA.

UCLA. UCLA. UCLA.

To answer your initial question, yes, you are being too much of an elitist. As others have said, NU is a well-respected institution and a degree from there would be silly turn to down. I'm pretty sure Chicago is done sending out their acceptances, so you're pretty much just waiting on UNC. Should you not be admitted to UNC, accept the NU offer and run with it. 

NW is an extremely prestigious school in America, even if it may not be well-known in other countries. If you got full funding, you would be crazy to turn it down

Hmm, I'm a bit biased after having lived in LA and Boston before Ann Arbor. I don't think there are necessarily any restaurants in Ann Arbor (or even Michigan) that are so amazing it would convince someone to move here. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of fun and interesting spots that will find a special place in your heart after living here, but relative to any major city, you won't get that "wow" factor in dining experience. 
But I will provide you with some of my personal favorite places in Ann Arbor that I think would be great options for your visit as long as your expectations are tempered. For pure quality of food, I absolutely love Cardamom. It is an Indian restaurant that is legit good compared to big cities. But it is near North Campus in a strip mall, so you would go there if you just want great food and don't care about seeing the town. In downtown (where all the action is), my favorites are probably Frita Batidos, Mani Osteria, Aventura, and Jerusalem Garden. The latter is particularly good for a nice lunch. For weekend brunch my favorites are Sava and Cafe Zola, which are also good, upscale drink places. My favorite coffee shops are Mighty Good, Literati (which is also a wonderful bookstore), Comet, Lab, and Espresso Royale. For tea, Crazy Wisdom is a really cute and eclectic bookstore and tea room with great space for studying. Unfortunately, the most popular big name breweries in Michigan are not close to Ann Arbor (Shorts, New Holland, Dark Horse, Bells, Founders, etc). However, the most popular non-undergrad bar/breweries are probably Arbor Brewing Co (ABC) and Jolly Pumpkin. Both are great for happy hour, above average bar food, and lively atmospheres. Although both of those places, along with Biercamp are particularly boisterous and electric in the summertime. Some other good sports bars that have a huge selection of local beers on tap are Ashley's and Hopcat. Those both have rotating taps that will give you a chance to try many different types of Michigan beers. For more fancy drinking experiences I recommend The Last Word which is a speakeasy spot for good cocktails. For desserts and drinks La Dolce Vita and Black Pearl are both good options. The former is nice in that they have a special downstairs area where you can sit on lounge chairs and couches while you eat and drink with a great atmosphere. Oh and the most famous restaurant in Ann Arbor is Zingerman's Deli. It was featured in the movie "The Five-Year Engagement". Locals have mixed feelings on this. Their menu is extensive and well known for sourcing local farms for everything, which is really wonderful. But the sandwiches themselves are usually just good and not necessarily superb. They are also considered a bit overpriced. But the storefront it is attached to is charming and quaint, with a super friendly staff that will let you freely sample fresh breads, cheeses, meats, olive oils, etc. Whenever I go there, I spend some time sampling food and talking to the employees and enjoying the entire experience of Zingerman's moreso than just popping in to buy a quick sandwich. 
As for things to do, depending on the weather that is tricky. The Arboretum is quite nice (I run in there many times throughout the week), but the winter doesn't do it justice. It will likely be cold, muddy, and dreary if you are visiting anytime within the next month. Another great naturey area is the Argo Cascades and Canoe Livery. Again, this is better for the summer, but even now you can still go on nice trail walks and enjoy the scenery. During the summer you can rent kayaks there and also just go tubing down the river sipping beers and relaxing. 
Entertainment-wise your best bets are the plethora of shows that are offered on a regular basis. A good place to start is to check out The Ark and the Bling Pig if you like small venue concerts, particularly folk, country, singer/songwriter stuff. Also see what the Michigan Theater and State Theater have going on when you are here. Sometimes indie movies, sometimes classics, sometimes shows. One of my favorite "hiddem gems" if you like classical and orchestra type of music is to check out UMich School of Music, Theater, and Dance's daily free performances. Most of these shows you can just drop in with no tickets or waiting. 
http://www.music.umich.edu/performances_events/event_display.php?f=m
If you just want quick time wasters in downtown I really like Vault of Midnight, which is a comic/board game shop that even has a back room where you can play games. And another classic spot is Pinball Pete's Arcade if you just want to play some old fashioned arcade games. Other things to see are UM's Museum of Art. This is a decent size art gallery that is free to just walk around in. Nothing amazing, but worth checking out. If you want to take in the beauty of UM's campus, I recommend you walk through the Law School Quad as well as their library. You will feel like you are in Hogwarts. And if you want to see pristine, modern buildings, go check out UM's Ross School of Business. All of these things are within a few minutes walk of each other. 
If you happen to be here on a "nicer" weather Saturday, I highly recommend the Kerrytown Farmers Market. It is small, but quite lively and really in the heart of where the locals live. The Kerrytown Market area has a lot of cool arts and boutique shops that are great for a Saturday afternoon.
And to answer your car question, the parking varies a lot from place to place. Yes, many of the more townhome type of places will only have 1 carport or driveway spot. But those places are also usually in neighborhoods with decent street parking, or at least in areas that give out residential parking permits. Other housing areas are big apartment complexes in which parking is never an issue, though they might have covered parking areas that you would have to pay extra for. But all in all, I don't think it is ever a problem to have more than 1 car, even if you do only get 1 designated parking spot in the actual residence. 
Ok, hope that helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to shoot me a message.

Just got accepted to Washington State! Full funding and stipend! 

So nice not to be batting .000 this year.

Hide from every single person who knows I applied to graduate school and begrudgingly wait for next application season...

It's very hard to curb enthusiasm when acceptances start rolling around, and this forum is a place for people to be excited about their choices. I think it's important for people still waiting not to take other people's results to heart, but also for people who've had success thus far to keep in mind there are people still in limbo who are feeling very vulnerable and unsure right now. It's one thing to excitedly report an acceptance, another to discuss the "agonizing" choice between several great programs. It totally is an agonizing choice, and people should be able to discuss it somewhere (There is a "decisions" thread in the general forum somewhere, and you can also create one in this forum, for example) but the fact of the matter is, so many people don't even have an option yet, let alone a choice.

There are so many people "over the moon" that they must be colonizing Mars.

Congrats on Indiana. I received my MA from there last year. Amazing, supportive department, and Bloomington is awesome.

Still waiting for news from Columbia (presumed rejection at this point?) but hey, I just found out I got in to Indiana! Now I'm just waiting for that rejection from Columbia and sweet, sweet peace of mind will be mine! 

It depends on the degree of fit and the net difference in rank. Low difference in rank and high difference in fit? Fit is more important. Low difference in rank and low difference in fit? Probably fit. High difference in rank and low difference in fit? Rank. High difference in rank and high difference in fit? Probably rank.

That's actually a really personal decision I think. It's going to be different for everyone. Some people think it's more important to choose the highest ranked program they get into because it'll increase their chance of getting a job. Other people think choosing the program with the best fit will set them up to do the best research possible and thus increase their chance of getting a job. I based my decision on a combination of those things, plus funding and department culture. I didn't choose the highest ranked program to which I was admitted (based on US News, which has its own issues), but the ranking between the programs wasn't so far off that I was concerned it would be detrimental. I would look closely at placement at both programs, firstly. Additionally, if the rank difference is extreme (like top 10 vs. below 50 or something), then that would make me lean more heavily toward the higher ranked program. Then again, if I didn't think I could do my best work or might not even get through a PhD at the higher ranked place, that would also come into consideration.
Whatever you decide, it's got to be something you're happy with in the end, regardless of what everyone else would choose.

I've given up on UCLA, which is disappointing because it was my dream school and top choice. It's weird how this whole process works though. I thought I had a good chance of getting accepted there based on my interests. Instead, I was fortunate and surprised by being admitted to Michigan, where I never even imagined I had a chance at. I suppose at the end we'll all end up exactly where we're supposed to.