Fleet23

That's a really tough position to be in. May I ask what area of the country you're in? I know there are pockets of the US that have remarkably low unemployment rates right now despite the recession. Relocation might not be out of the question if the cost of living is low enough where you're headed.

I am no expert, but I have a friend who went to BC that loved the program.

When I called my grandma to tell her where I got accepted, her reaction was: "Harvard! I've heard of that one!" Almost all of my friends keep telling me it's stupid not to go there. I simply cannot explain that it wasn't my #1 program, or that it would cost considerably more than the other schools to their satisfaction.

I don't know about Harvard specifically, but I think most are generally business casual. I'd err on the business side.

Does anyone know if we'll be able to stay in student housing during admitted students weekend?

Also, I would cherish any and all thoughts from those of you who are privileged enough to attend open house this weekend, especially if you are L&T!

Correction: I got a 7.6k "impact" award, not a merit award. My mail gets sent to parents' house, so I didn't actually see the letter. Does anyone know what an impact award is?

12k grant + 7k merit award puts me back to square 1 on my decision! I know these are first world problems, but this is agonizing! And I can't go to open house, which makes it much harder to decide!

I read somewhere else on this forum that TC does not have access to Columbia's endowments, and therefore is not able to fully or close-to-fully fund their EdD. Of course, this was hearsay and I can't even remember the source, but that's what I understood.

Well merit fellowship decisions are out, and I did not receive one (not surprised), so I think that seals the deal for me. TC was my #1 all along, and offered me a decent scholarship. It's a weird feeling to think of turning down Harvard though.

Thanks. I emailed to inquire, and they said that a loan package had been created for me and details would be sent shortly. So it seems the first email wasn't all the information we're to receive.

Well said! I am well aware that paying a lot for a masters is advised against by many. You described exactly why I am doing it anyway. I'm a pretty frugal person, so I won't be crushed by the loan payments. I totally believe this learning experience will be worth my investment even if it does not result in a pay raise.

Mine said nothing about loans or work study I really hope that was due to the mistake on my FAFSA, and once I've corrected it they'll offer me some. (I accidentally left out a decimal, making my savings seem like $365,000 instead of $3,650.)

I've looked a lot at the FEP, which is a big draw to the program for me. I'm not sure what there is for you EP people, but I would ask them about it starting now.

My scholarship info came from Elizabeth Gaughf

mine too

FINALLY! I got in, and a scholarship too!! WAHOOOOOOOO the one I've been waiting for!!!!

Yeah, thanks. They said to contact them if deciding on other offers, so I wouldn't necessarily have to wait until after the deadline.

I really don't think I can attend the Open House--state testing coming up. I would just feel too guilty missing another day to get my kids ready (they have to pass this test to graduate HS). Can those of you who go please PM me your thoughts?

Is anyone on here Learning & Teaching?

Wait, where did you guys hear about the Open House date? And I'm still one of those people waiting on TC.... gaaaaah this is going to be one hell of a tough decision!!!

I think I want to make a spreadsheet and quantify the pros/cons a bit... although I HATE it when my high school is given a letter grade through a similar process. I still may make the decision from my gut at the end of it. What kinds of things are you guys putting on your pro/con lists, and how are you grading them? Vanderbilt is probably offering me the best opportunity to stand out through the Honors Scholarship, research opportunities, etc. However, I really want to end up making this decision based on what is going to help me grow in my weaker areas. I may make a financially unwise decision, just because this whole grad school thing is ultimately more for my personal aim at learning what I want to learn than for my career/monetary advancement. Perhaps that is foolhardy.

I received the PHS, and I am Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies.

I am an "alternate" for the STEP program, but if I don't get in to TC I think Stanford will be my #1 goal, even though I've been offered aid for Vandy. (We can debate the sanity of that decision here as well if anyone wants to share wisdom.) I am curious if anyone has any guesses what the chances might be of admission once waitlisted. Also, if I'm waitlisted, and by some miracle happen to get in, am I right in assuming my chances for aid are very slim? I'm making a lot of assumptions here, but would like some opinions as I kill time while awaiting other notifications.

I call next Tuesday at 5:13 EST