danieleWrites

I've gotten an MA and been a TA and an adjunct in English. I did use my printer on occasion, though I printed at school whenever possible (cheaper). I used the scanner and fax machine function enough times to warrant having one. I use OneNote instead of paper notes these days, and some stuff is better scanned ino the notes than typed in. I'll be toting it along with me when I start my PhD program in the fall. That's personal experience, tho', so...yeah.

I got accepted off the waitlist on Wednesday with full funding. I'm still in shock. Best of wishes to everyone; I hope you hear good news soon!

I've been waitlisted in one school, reject by the rest, and I'm "near the top of the list". I've pretty much reconciled myself to a no at this point. It's only been a week since the first round of offers *should* have been rejected, and I apparently wasn't in the second round. I started late last year in the application cycle, so I'm going to start early for this fall. Summer = full time job getting applications ready!

It's not just the school. It's how you distinguish yourself. While an Ivy will give you high spot in the resume pile, your record will get you hired. Go with the funding and, while you're there, work at distinguishing yourself. Get published. Go to conferences. Do great research.

Which one will help you most with the career and research you're interested in? If you have trouble between the two potential advisors, compare their most recent publications and your research interests. While friends, family, and interesting cities are important, so is doing research you're not that interested in, and the debt you'll have post-graduation in a horrible economy. In my opinion, the track you choose should be the one that best helps you further your goals. A professor's age is less important than the professor's ability to help you study what you're into. Add the other stuff, friends, family, cities, etc., back into the equation if you can't figure out which to choose based on academics and career.