jennesy

I'd have to say that CUNY is a really good fit for you. There are a lot of people working on the issues that you discussed. There is also the new Demography initiative (CIDR - http://www.cuny.edu/about/centers-and-institutes/cidr.html) which has affiliated faculty who are working on migration issues (Richard Alba, Holly Reed, Don Hernandez). I have to disagree with you, though - CUNY is a really well-known program for immigration research and I would argue that it is a competitive program.

Yes, there is the Badger Bus which runs between Madison and Milwaukee. It's a bit pricey (around $25 one way, I think). There is also bus service to Chicago (Val Galder) and Minneapolis (Megabus).

My point is that at prices that low (around $500/mo) you are likely to have a bedroom in a shared apartment. That setup doesn't work for lots of people. Also, in many other cities $500 goes a lot farther. For example, I paid $550 for a one bedroom plus office in downtown Madison. A comparable apartment in NYC would be at least $1000 even if you go farther out into Bk or Queens. While biking is great for some, it doesn't work for everyone. Anyone going to CUNY will likely have to commute between at least 2 campuses for teaching, classes, and research obligations. If you live way out in the middle of Brooklyn and teach at City College that would be a LONG bike ride and pretty difficult if you're stuck teaching a night class. Your point is well taken - living in NYC on $1000 a month CAN be done and I know people who do it - but it's only possible if a LOT of concessions are made and circumstances beyond your control (e.g., teaching assignments) work out to make that a possibility.

I have to disagree. The COL in NYC - even in Bk and Queens - is still extremely high. A bedroom in a shared apartment is going to run you AT LEAST $600/mo. A 30-day MetroCard is $105. EVERYTHING is just a little more expensive in NYC than in most parts of the country. Go walk around a Target in Bk or Queens and compare prices - everything is a tiny bit more expensive. It all adds up.

I did my undergrad work in both Sociology and Psychology but was mainly focused on Psychology. I worked in a lab, did tons of research, was a TA for a psych methods course, etc. I realized that I wanted to be working on larger social issues and understanding the role of the social structure in the processes that I was studying. I'm currently in a Soc PhD program and the transition was difficult. I'll echo what others have said here, the biggest difference is the highly theoretical nature of soc as compared to psych. Yes, there is theory in psych, but sociology is based around grand themes and theories (a la Marx, Weber, Durkheim). The style of writing is very different (the criticisms that I received for my first paper were that I didn't use enough quotes and that my writing was too succinct!). Reading journals in Soc and in Psych will give you a sense of what kind of work is done in these fields. Think about the kind of work that you want to do and see where it would best fit.

Great list. I also highly recommend Capitalism and Modern Social Theory. An Analysis of the writings of Marx, Durkheim and Max Weber by Giddens - it's an invaluable resource for understanding the holy trinity of soc theory.

I have to agree with SconnieNation - most people sign leases in January/February for the following academic year. Being a college town most leases in Madison run Aug 15-Aug 14 and most people renew in January/Feb. You might be able to find something later (in April or May) if you look around the Near East Side/Willy St. area (yes, lots of coffee shops, bars, etc. - and not many undergrads ). You will also likely be able to find an apartment farther out (on the West Side/East Side) or Near West Side (near the Hilldale area) later in the spring. I would argue that the amenities at those places are nicer because they're often newer construction, come with free parking, more space, etc. The commute to campus will suck but it will be 30 minutes tops.

The CUNY Sociology visit day was last week, it's my understanding that all of the admissions decisions have been made. That said, I know that in my cohort some people were notified late (April/May) so it's possible that a person could still hear some good news!

I'm in Sociology (and have an interest in Psychology as well) at CUNY and would be happy to talk with you/answer questions about NYC, CUNY, etc.

I'm in the Sociology program at CUNY and would be happy to talk with you. We did just get health insurance this year but my understanding is that it's only for adjuncts or people with fellowships of some sort. There are ups and downs of living in NY, in my experience it's incredibly difficult to live in NYC for grad school - commute time, expense, etc. That said, there are lots of resources here that you wouldn't have elsewhere.

Agreed. I <3 Queens!

Really? Why would you avoid the LES? Aside from the fact that it's incredibly expensive and getting more and more gentrified by the second...

I can't answer all of your questions but YES, most loans are deferred during grad school. I believe that the loan will remain subsidized.

It's nearly impossible to get a teaching job with just a bachelor's. How will you teach as an adjunct next year without an MA? Do you have a teaching offer somewhere? I think that taking time off is a good idea, but if you know that you want to teach why bother getting experience in a "practical" field?

"I see the offer from Northwestern and rejection from Rutgers and Duke, but I do not hear my news from there places." ??? What does this mean?