csibaldwin

haha, i'm glad somebody enjoys them!  

Why would you want to go to some random tech school in Massachusetts instead of (big state school)?

It's a little different, but now that I have acceptances I hate telling people because instead of a congratulations, they feel like they need to put in their 2 cents about which program they think is best. It's like they try to put this whole other stress of me making a decision. In the end it is about what is best for me and my family and I need to throw opinions aside unless they have genuine evidence or reasoning behind their opinions.

Thanks! Monorail Mikey wishes everyone the best!

People seem to think being on this website exacerbates the anxiety but I just think they don't fully understand the concept of solidarity. 

"Stop looking at that website! (thegradcafe.com)"

Best part of applying to graduate school: people getting confused and thinking you are there as an undergrad.

Conversation on the airplane last week:

Guy Next To Me (GNTM): Where are you headed this early?
Me: I'm going on an official visit to the engineering school at (Insert Ivy League University here).
GNTM: Are you already admitted?
Me: Yes
GNTM: Oh, what is your GPA? I have a son who is also thinking about applying there for a PoliSci degree.
Me: Well, I have a 3.97.
GNTM: My son should definitely get in then because he has a 3.98 and a ton of extracurriculars.
Me: I am entering the PhD programs. That 3.97 is my college GPA.
GNTM: Oh....... (awkward silence)

I already updated my LinkedIn and will likely update my CV soon, when I have a few minutes to get into InDesign to edit it. I won't be applying anywhere for a while, really.

i updated mine as soon as i committed, and for now, it says "entering august 2013." once i've started my classes, i'll probably change it to "anticipated graduation spring 2015" or something like that. 

RubyBright, i have nothing to say..just this to show.

 
ps: to heck with it, this is TOTALLY my new avatar.

Grumpy cat should be our mascot, actually.

bedmas: at least you have the patience to pull off a pokerface! my reactions are starting to look more and more like grumpy cat's every day...
 
them: "why would you want to go there? i mean, it's a state school. you're smarter than that. why not just go to (insert hyper-competitive ivy program here) instead?"
 
me:
 

Ha! Exactly! I also have a few friends who keep saying (straight faced) "well, if you move to ______ or ______, how will your friends visit? You should go to ______ because it's only an 8 hour drive for us and it'd be really fun to visit there."

Logical order of priorities for school selection:

1. Ease and cost for back-home friends to come visit/go out for drinks once per year.
2. Quality and strengths of program.
3. Best possible training, advisors, and research opportunities for career in academics.

Here is a pic of Toby, I forgot to add it...

your offers were dear to you? there are so many obnoxious people in graduate school. a toast to the new cohort.

Here is a pic of Toby, I forgot to add it...

i just found this website, not academia per se, but the nerdy humor in the comics I really appreciate
http://theoatmeal.com/
 
one highlight is this:
http://theoatmeal.com/comics/religion