jennesy

Most people move in/out around Aug. 14-16, that's when the leases generally end and start up again. Most leases in Madison run for one year, starting around Aug. 14-16. I doubt you'll be able to find a 3-bedroom close to campus for $700/mo. A one bedroom near campus is $550-600. Expect to pay at least $900-1000/mo for a 3-bedroom. The Social Sciences building and Vilas hall are both in the "middle" of campus, but closer to the east side than west (where the med school/engineering buildings are). Both of these buildings are accessible by bus and bike from the near east side (the airport is a bit far from campus, you'll need to drive or bus in every day).

Try the Old University Ave/University Heights area. It's on the near west side of town (west side of campus) near the med school. Lots of grad students, profs, and older undergrads live there. Lots of student apt buildings there, populated with older students. The near east side is good too, quieter, but a bit farther away from campus. The campus' CIVC website has a good apartment-hunting website, http://housing.civc.wisc.edu/search.asp Good luck!

I'm also in a similar situation - I'm still waiting on 3 schools. I called NYU last week (psych) and they said they still haven't made a decision. I'm assuming this means I'm informally waitlisted, but shouldn't they tell me if I am? I tried to contact my final 2 schools and it's impossible to get through (Univ Washington and UC-Davis). It's getting to be really late and I'm concerned that I haven't heard anything! At this point I'm close to saying that I'm not going anywhere next year... :oops:

There are big chain stores (like Bed Bath & Beyond) where you can get linens and house supplies for cheap/on sale. And you can always buy things online!

Not sure about the schools themselves, but as far as location is concerned, I prefer NYU. You'll have to think about where you're living, too. On 23K you might be living in Brooklyn or Queens and have to commute into the city (which a lot of people do). I know that NYU has grad student housing, but I'm not sure of the cost or availability.

Bianca - maybe you're waitlisted? If you call the dept. someone there (I spoke with Ann) will tell you your app status. The info on the website was updated the day after I called, although I don't think the two are correlated. (Or maybe they just get annoyed with people who call and reject us...)

The weather in the winter is pretty bad, but otherwise Madison is a really great city to live in (and don't worry, campus buildings are always overheated anyway!). Not sure about internships, it depends on your field. There are a few large corps. headquartered in Madison, and there are mental health facilities, government offices, law offices, arts, etc. I think it depends on your field. Overall Madison is great - don't let the weather scare you away!

Bianca - you can check the status of Rutgers online. Still no news.

wow...I umm...post too much. I realized I started 2 threads on nearly the same issue. I think the peak of my freak out mode came on Monday. I'm surprisingly calm today. 8)

Well, now I'm down to 3 - Davis, Washington, and NYU (still no decision!) Thanks for the updates everyone!

wear pants!

Thanks!

Congrats on getting accepted at 2 schools! That's REALLY GREAT considering how much of the admissions process is based on random factors. Are you thinking of going to either of those 2 schools? It is really tough to deal with the rejection - I still haven't been accepted anywhere - but things happen for a reason. Maybe now isn't the right time for you to be in grad school, or maybe something else will come along that wouldn't have happened if you were in grad school next year. Good luck!

Is anyone getting into social programs? It doesn't sound like they are admitting many people to social programs this year. I've applied to 10 schools and have gotten 7 responses, all rejections, so far. I have pretty good credentials (incl. 4 years of research experience and 1 year of teaching psych methods) and am really frustrated that I haven't gotten in anywhere yet! From what I've heard lots of places are taking maybe 1 student this year. Has anyone heard anything else?

I'm finally starting to get some decisions, although no good news. I'm starting to freak out, though, there's what, like 2 weeks left?! Any news on UC-Davis, WashU, or NYU?

Social (w/Jussim & Rudman). I called yesterday and got rejected. Rutgers was one of my top choices so I'm pretty disappointed!

crap. maybe i'm waitlisted. what's NYU's maters program like?

Nope, NYU didn't say when they were sending notification, but I found on the website that they started their notification on 3/15.

Good news is I called NYU and they still haven't made a decision!

So there are places that don't actually notify you that you didn't get in? Are we just supposed to sit around and assume that since we didn't hear anything we didn't get in? agh!

Yeah, the weather is crazy here. We just got about 5 in. of snow this week, and last weekend it was in the 60's...go figure. And yeah, Madison isn't too diverse (even though they say they are)...

I'm applying to the Psych program at Rutgers and hoping to get in! Still haven't heard anything... :shock:

Does NYU offer housing for couples?

Oh yeah, it's definitely better if you have a car. I didn't mean to imply that Madison is completely manageable without a car - it's not. If you don't have one you can get by, but you'll need to find a friend with a car if you want to do major grocery shopping, go to Target, etc. There aren't any real grocery stores downtown, but you can take the bus (which sucks, but is possible). The busses are infrequent on weekends and at night, and don't always go where you need to go. Community Car is great, it's a car-sharing service. There are also (pricey) cabs and the Women's Transit Authority in Madison which provides free rides for doctor's appts., late night, etc. But if you have a car and are coming to Madison - bring it. It's not Chicago or New York. I'm starting my 6th year here in Madison and haven't had a car, but really wish I did. I can (try) to answer any other questions you have about Madison!

From what I know taking a year or so off is good, and lots of programs look favorably upon it, if you've done something to improve yourself during the time off. So sitting around watching tv and working at Starbucks won't look good on your application, but traveling, learning a new language, and teaching are all great boosts to your app. I graduated in May and was lucky to get a job TA'ing Experimental Psych at UW-Madison (my undergrad institution). It's been a great experience (e.g., I've learned I hate grading papers and that the APA manual is the devil... :wink: ) and I feel as if I've gained a lot of experience that will make me a stronger applicant. It also gave me time to think and decide if I really wanted to go to grad school rather than just going because that's the next logical step. Anyway...go to Argentina!