BunnyWantsaPhD

As of right now, I'm not being funded, but I'm first on the waitlist. If I don't get funded, I for sure wouldn't go. So, things are still up in the air. I guess I don't feel as excited about going since it wasn't my top choice. I met with a grad student there and she said that everyone seems happy and is doing well. They're not getting the "best" jobs out there, but some are getting tenure track jobs at other places. So, I'm not sure what to think.

I need some advice--I got into one out of 9 programs that I applied to and it wasn't my top choice. It's hard to turn down an offer though, especially considering that there's no guarantee that my application season next year would be successful. Any suggestions on what I should do? The school I got into is ranked #63 in the US rankings--is that really horrible in the scheme of things? The main thing I dread in reapplications is the GRE. My verbal score is around 580 and I'm not sure if I can make it higher--or if it's really the thing that's stopping my applications. As of now, I'm thinking about deferring and reapplying. Help!

So, U of M was my dream school. I'm thinking about reapplying next year. If anybody is willing to share information, I'd love to hear what your qualifications are and why you think you got accepted. The major thing I'm worried about is my GRE scores. They're around 580 in the verbal. Is that just way too low to even consider being qualified? Thoughts, suggestions? Help!

Do you think being a moderator at a conference looks good? Is it worth the drive/money if it's 5 hours away and like $250. I'm thinking at the very least I could do some networking. (btw, I've already finished my MA and am about to start my PhD in the fall).

I wonder what his email said. Mine said that no funding could be offered "at this time."

Gah, I know, that's what I'm thinking... I'm still hoping something will work out.

Interesting that that's what your husband heard. I talked to the secretary and she said that some PhD applicants were offered funding and that if someone declines then there's a list they would look at to see who's next in line to get some... I wonder what the deal is with the conflicting information. So what is your husband planning on doing?

Thanks. Of course I am also contacting the department, but I didn't know if anyone else had any thoughts on the matter. I've heard from many that an unfunded offer is a joke, and I shouldn't even consider it. On the other hand, if it only turns out to be one year, I think it might not be that bad. Part of the issue is that I'm also not sure that MSU is the best school and this is only making me think that further. There's no guarantee with reapplying that I'd get into anywhere else though. Man, this application process is so soul-crushing.

I've been accepted to MSU, but with no guarantee of funding. I think some of the applicants were funded and others weren't. Not sure what I should do...I really don't want to do another round of applications. I'm just wondering if anyone who has been offered funding is going to turn it down....anyone want to claim to be that person? What do you guys think? Should I reapply? Should I defer for a year? Should I do one year unfunded and hope for funding in the future? Help!