morfinx

I'm actually moving almost the exact # of miles as you. So I've done a bit of research as to the cheapest way to move, check out this page: http://www.moving.com/Moving_and_Planni ... p?wtid=300 You will receive discounts at Budget and Penske if you use the link on that page. You could also consider ABF, it may be cheaper, for me it came out to be about the same. I don't have a ton of stuff, so my estimated moving expenses is about $1,000. Unfortunately unless someone is moving to the same place around the same time and want to share a truck, I don't foresee the cost dropping.

Good info hydnsare. I can't speak for other sciences but I know for engineering, the undergrad programs are generally speaking very challenging. The undergrad attrition rate is up to 70% (71% in 2004 at my school), so those that made it out are already hardened with the work load and the stress for 5 yrs. I always joke about the lack of free time/personal/love life, perenial sleep deprvation, and constant stress. So to me, grad school is just going to more of the same. But I imagine for some other discplines, the amount of work involved in grad school may come as a shock. I think this may explain the lower attrition rate in sciences.

I think many of us are the in the situation as you. Just realize that you've already made the qualification process where else many people did not. Thus, you have already been deemed worthy by the school. Grad students are expensive for a school, so they don't just randomly pick people out of a street. You'll do fine

rethinkinng, don't worry about the whole "screwing people over" bit, that's just one person blowing smoke. In my opinion, if a student is teetering on the edge of acceptance so much that not admitting one person would make the difference of acceptance and rejection, then that student hasn't worked hard enough in the first place. If that student is more qualified than you, then he/she wouldn't even be in that kind of predicament. So don't let the guilt trip get to you and do what you have to do. Having said that, I noticed you mentioned "financial stability and a fulfilling personal life". That's also my goal as my grad work is aimed squarely at industry work rather than academia. You did not mention what field you are in, but it sounds like you are leaning toward industry work. What is the alternate route if you do not go to grad school? I agree with the others that if your school allows deferrment, go ahead and do that and think it over over the next yr. However, if they do not, I would lean toward the alternate route if it is immediately viable. Based on everything you've said, I feel that is the more suitable course of action.

I'm not from GT, although I have lived in Atlanta before for a short time. I'll be heading to GT in the fall for ECE. Check out this thread for information about Atlanta and GT: http://thegradcafe.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=248

Is there any reason why you would want to transfer? GT's bioengineering ranking this year is #3, ahead of the 3 schools you want to transfer to: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/grad/r ... _brief.php Besides, GT by itself is regarded as one of the best engineering schools out there. You already have a great financial aid package, I personally see no reason to transfer. I do not know the procedures in Bioengineering, but for ECE, you can petition to change your status from PhD student to terminal Masters, and if it is approved, you can leave with just a master's degree.

hey man, good to hear from you again. I take it you liked your visit to GT better than UT and UMN? I didn't know you are from Germany, that's a long ways out!

hi girrums, glad to see you could make it

You going to UU? I grew up in SLC. It's a nice place that is nestled in the valley. It's a very beautiful city in my opinion. You can definitely get around the campus without a car, there are shuttles and also busses. My father got his PhD from UU, so I used to walk all over the campus to see him by myself. Back then I wasn't old enough to drive so I had a bus pass and went everywhere around town with it. Streets are very easy to navigate, everything originates from the city center which is the Mormon Temple, and streets are all numbered, such as N 1100th St. The streets are all perpendicular to each other. People are generally very nice, although if you are not white, there are a few closet racists. The weather gets cold in the winter, but not bitter cold. It does snow often in the winter, so winter tires are a must if you plan to drive. Anything else just ask.

MS Electrical & Computer Engineering, and health insurance is not included as far as I know.

12.6k stipend for Georgia Tech in Atlanta, I think it's the lowest amount I've seen anywhere

Ahh cool, I learn something new everyday. When I saw that I automatically thought "Input/Output Psychology", but that can't be it!

I'm in for MS Electrical & Computer Engineering. Pardon my ignorance, but what is I/O Psychology?

Well the only funding usually for graduate students are assistantships or fellowships. If you don't get either, then the next best option is probably Stafford loan. Once you get your foot in the door, you can try to get an assistantship position by the next semester.