gtownhopeful

Hi There, I applied to the SSP last Fall, was waitlisted, and I'm applying again for the Spring (and was encouraged to do so, with fee waived). Have you sat in on any of the online chats or been in contact with the Director of Admissions for SSP? She should be able to tell you if she thinks you're competitive (which it sounds like you are). She's helped me quite a bit. Unfortunately I can't give you any more advice than that because I haven't actually been accepted myself, but hopefully we'll be classmates in the future!

I grew up in San Diego and did my undergrad here. I'm in your position where I'm actually looking to move to Washington D.C., so I'm hoping my advice to you works for me out there. Have you ever been on the site meetup.com? The site allows you to find a topic you're interested in and meet with people that have the same interests in your area. Try checking that out. I have been to a couple "meetups" and everyone has been very welcoming and friendly.

I've kept my application secret from my parents and all those I know who won't be the most supportive, because getting in will involve me moving across the country. I've told six of my closest friends, here are their responses: 1. Boyfriend of six years who will not be making the move with me, " I don't understand why you can't just go back to XX school (the local state school he attended) and get a degree in engineering and stay with me... just kidding" (but he's really not kidding, and my degrees are in Political Science and French). 2. Best friend since kindergarten, "I think that will be so good for you, but what about boyfriend of six years?" 3. Best friend from college whose city I'll be moving to, "I can't wait for you to get in!!! I know it'll happen! Are you going to stay with boyfriend of six years?" 4. Sister in vet school, "You're so smart, I know you can do it. F*ck whoever tells you differently." 5. Very supportive Aunt, "Thank God. This is what you've always wanted to do. Just get out and do it. Even if you don't get in, you need to make yourself happy." 6. Friend who has applied multiple places and hasn't gotten in anywhere, "If you don't get in, we can just pretend that you didn't apply." Taking it all in stride.