[Is the department visitation important?]

I would say department visitations are very important for YOU. As in, it will give you the best information as to whether you'll be happy in that environment.

Whether you'll be successful in your research is impossible to tell (obviously, nobody can predict the future), but there are very many things you can still glean:

The attitude/personality of potential advisors - EXTREMELY important, in my opinion. Will they be good mentors for you academically, professionally, personally?

The lab environment - look at your fellow graduate students. Do they seem to be happy? Why/why not? Do you see yourself getting along with such people?

The area/neighborhood - Will 5-6 years living in this place be doable?

[open house and visit day difference]

I thought the OP was talking about "Open Houses" for admitted students, but I guess that would make her 2nd question silly.

 

Columbia EE's department is hosting an "Open House'" to which only admitted students are invited. MIT will host a "Visit Day" for theirs.

 

The terms are interchangeable, but I guess you were talking about pre-acceptance days.

[Communication from Department Chair]

The usual disclaimer applies: "An acceptance isn't official until it's official".

 

But, to me, this is as close to a "guarenteed" admission as you can get without an explicit mention of an offer. You should be very happy.

[Anyone else losing their damn mind?]

I also have my smartphone to "beep" whenever an email is received.

 

I have never, EVER, been so angry at spam emails.

[F***k this process]

Can we canonize The Pope? What a nice and thoughtful response!

[should I withdraw applicatons?]

You are a considerate  person! But you should NOT withdraw your applications until you find about finances.

 

What if UC Berkeley is too expensive for you, or if Stanford gives you an awesome fellowship?

[Has anyone heard from MIT EECS?]

From the above link, MIT's visit date for admitted students is Feb 28/March 1.

 

It seems obvious to me that a university, particularly one of MIT's stature, would know better than to admit a student and then invite them to a visit with less than a week to prepare.

 

Time/planning issues aside, schools generally fund travel costs, and domestic flights are expensive enough to book so close to the flight date, let alone international ones.

 

I guess it ain't over until it's over., but can't say it looks good, y'all.

[MIT EECS Ph.D Admissions]

Us non-accepted gotta move on emotionally, start planning for the other schools. If you get suddenly accepted, great. But I think it's best to start assuming rejection and go onward.

[Anyone else losing their damn mind?]

Discovering this site yesterday was one of the worst things that ever happened to me! haha

 

I guess ignorance is bliss.... (but I guess now the oncoming rejections are less painful with this slow buildup towards them)

[Is it tacky to answer a previously asked interview question within an email?]

Good call not sending it out!

[MIT EECS PHD Admit - official?]

Plagues upon your lucky and deserving being!

 

Congrats man

[Columbia University 2013]

Hi guys, couldn't find a 2013 version of the Columbia Meet and Greet.

 

I got into the Electrical Engineering PhD a few weeks ago, just saw a EE PhD new posting today!

 

Visiting on March 1 to see the labs/orientation. Should be fun!

[Living with parents while getting your Ph.D.]

I think it's a fairly responsible idea, as long as it's not some weird emotional attachment. From the evidence it's clear you'd be fine by yourself, it just makes financial sense.

 

The one sticking point may be a starting relationship with a significant other, which may be awkward with parents in the house.

[So what age are the ages of all you grad school hopefuls this year?]

Your "age" really isn't tied to a number, but your physical and social development.

 

 

I knew a person who started college at 22, another who at 17. But nobody really treated them any differently because they were both the same "social age", young college student. I currently fit in perfectly with my coworker friends, who are all 3-4 years older than me.

 

If you're "treated like a child", it won't be because of your biological age, but your mental maturity.

[Recommendation Letters -- Craaaaaaap!]

Lol good point on the whole "waive my right to the rec"

[Haven't Heard ANYTHING]

Hey Pope, thanks for the insightful information. It won't stop me from freaking out tho haha.

 

Incidentally, are you stepping down from your post as well?

[Has anyone heard from MIT EECS?]

Found out about Grad cafe today. Was feeling optimistic until reading his thread and seeing the results page

 

Ah well, it will be over when I see the official rejection. And if so, such is life.

[Recommendation Letters -- Craaaaaaap!]

No point in worrying about it now, especially since the letter's good.