dr. t

Yes, exactly. Why would you compromise what little authority you have for no particular reason and to no particular benefit?

OK really how is there not a thread for this? http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/24/business/graduate-students-clear-hurdle-in-effort-to-form-union.html In my own case, I'm both happy and nervous about this ruling. I think that the threat of unionization is an excellent bargaining chip with which one might extract concessions from our administrative overlords, but I'm less enthusiastic about actual unionization. And I suspect the local organizers are more interested in shoving the victory in my school's face (since they lost the decision this one overturned) than they are with actually doing something that benefits graduate students here.

Yep. But I think that, for the purpose of this conversation, the distinction is important.

Not to be pedantic, but that's not skipping meals. That's changing the number of meals you eat. I've dropped 10 lbs over the past year, but that's due to the fact that I've been biking 200mi a week because it's either that or ritalin, and I hate ritalin.

I don't know what the cost of living is in your area, but $1.6k isn't a great stipend. Do some more exploring. And yeah, get it in writing.

Whenever I hit this point on any paper, I always put away my computer and take out my notebook and pen. I might write long form or I might outline, but I try to put down what I'm thinking, even if it's a mess. Somehow, it feels less formal and final than typing it in. "Writer's block is a lot like constipation: sometimes, you just have to work it out with a pencil."

How did I miss this thread before. God damn.

While the desire for security is understandable, most schools would not likely grant a deferral petition for this reason. But usually you will hear in February or March for a September start date - is 12 months really going to solve what 6 can't?

CUA's funding, last I checked, was fairly terrible. With respect to experience, I've heard mixed stories, but they tended towards the low end of acceptable. I'm not sure that a Catholic school would be that compatible with an evangelical background, but YMMV. FWIW, I did my M* at Harvard Divinity in the History of Christianity on a 4/5 tuition package. I know other students received full tuition remission and a stipend.

Preach it, friend.

You've just said your pursuit of the PhD would be a hobby, while for everyone else who would be in the room, it's a job. That's a heck of a difference. Yeah, it doesn't make your interest seem really relevant. Were I you, I would keep such thoughts very far from my SoP. And, alas for your attempt at a preemptive defense, I'm not under 30.

Since I've already gone partial Dan Savage, allow me to go full Dan Savage: DTMFA.

Why, exactly, would you expect his behavior to be different this one time? Because you wished really hard? Look, I don't claim perfection, but a lot of what makes a relationship work in the long run is (1) communication and (2) negotiation. The latter is twofold - with your partner and with yourself. So, in this example, you know your partner does not take the initiative. (1): Did you directly communicate ("I want..." not "Oh hey this is happening *hint hint*") that you wanted to do something special? (2): Is this sort of explicit conversation a "price you're willing to pay" to be in a relationship with your partner?

Depends on the program. None will, of course, claim to look at your application any differently, but many will prioritize students who are of an age where they can begin a career, since that's the purpose of doctoral training. But the three questions you should answer are: why, why now, and what do you want to do with it.

Noooooo. Walmart bikes are literally the worst.

"In academia, 'interesting' is always preceded by the silent 'not'."

Well, the university bureaucracy is the worst I've ever encountered, but mainly I didn't like the city. Specifically, I didn't like that it was very hard to get out of the city. But now I am in the northern French countryside, so everything is lovely.

Paul Fussell's The Great War and Modern Memory is a classic, and one which has been a major influence on how I write history.

I am reporting in to inform you that Toronto is simply the worst.

Really? The criterium seems straightforward to me: are you or will you be useful to them? Individual definitions of "useful" vary, of course.

I am of a similar mind, but I feel you could have come up with a way to say this without being a raging asshole.

1) keep it short. Haven't you met this person? 2) depends on your dept, but 3 seminars was what was expected of me. In fact, your dept. (and your adviser) should be providing guidance here.

There's no rule that says you have to make friends with the people in your class, and there are plenty of better places to meet people! Clubs (sports or otherwise) are a great way to learn something new or be unironically enthusiastic about something you already love while meeting people at the same time. I took up cycling, for example, while others in my cohort joined reading groups or salsa dancing. Really though, as an introvert, it's all about training yourself to take that first plunge - going to the party/club meeting, saying hi, wedging yourself into a conversation. But I don't know any way around that, and it's a life skill you can't get by without.