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slouching

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Everything posted by slouching

  1. I've also gotten really into podcasts recently. I don't listen to anything focused on research or grad school life, but here are some of my favorites: - My #1 podcast recommendation is always You Must Remember This, which covers "the secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood's first century." Each episode is so thoroughly researched, well produced, and super engaging. - For interviews, I've been getting into Death, Sex & Money, as well as How to be Amazing (w/ Michael Ian Black). - For all things pop culture, I like Slate's Culture Gabfest. - For deep dives into American political history, I like The RFK Tapes and Slow Burn. - For discussions on creative writing/literature, check out Longform (in-depth interviews with writers), or Poetry off the Shelf (all things poetry...obviously).
  2. Have you looked into the program in American Studies & Ethnicity at USC?
  3. Depends on neighborhood and lifestyle, but Chicago as a whole is expensive. I lived in a studio on the far north side and probably spent about $950 on rent and utilities; I would recommend finding roommates to lower your housing costs. Monthly Ventra pass (for CTA access) is $105.
  4. The MAPSS site offers information on financial aid packages: "MAPSS offers merit-based tuition scholarships (partial and full) on a highly competitive basis at the time of admission. 97% of our incoming cohort received substantial merit aid, with most students receiving one-third or one-half tuition. Our most competitive candidates received two-thirds or full tuition packages. Most incoming students also applied for additional funding, from their undergraduate colleges or their home countries." Personally, I would not pay for a master's degree in my field or a related one--it just doesn't make sense financially--and so I applied to programs that offer full funding. Whether or not it makes sense for you to pay (at least in part) for MAPSS will depend on your own financial situation and your intended career path. But I would also suggest that you consider what you want to get out of a master's program, and whether or not that's possible with MAPSS. Consider the things that make the program stand out (the opportunities for interdisciplinary work, the one-year timeframe) and whether or not that will help you.
  5. Yeah, I definitely recommend moving into a place that you're able to see in person first. If you're coming from out of the country, I can see how it might be easier to sublet for a bit to give yourself more time to look at longer-term options. If you're hoping to sign a lease starting in January, you may find that your options are somewhat limited, since that's not a super popular period for leases to start/end. Of course, the flip side is that you may be able to get a lower rate, since landlords will be eager to fill those units. But also, keep in mind that moving in Chicago in the middle of winter would be...a (cold, wet) challenge.
  6. I'd second much of what was mentioned above. I buy a lot of stuff secondhand, but I do tend to avoid used mattresses and used furniture that's upholstered, just because it seems like such a pain to make sure it's cleaned thoroughly and free of bugs. But I personally would be fine with buying a lot of other stuff used: tables, desks, cabinets, etc. I'm also moving for school in the fall, and am planning to pick up some stuff at thrift shops, antique stores, etc. once I arrive. Craigslist and freecycling sites might be good options, as well as any sort of online community for students of your university where people post things they need/things they need to get rid of.
  7. Having just gone through the process of finding somewhere to live on the other side of the country, I'll chime in with what worked for me. I highly, highly recommend finding a way to visit apartments in person--I know I've gone on lots of apartment showings where the unit looked different/better online, so seeing things in person makes all the difference. I'd also recommend talking with current students, if you can--see if anyone's looking for a roommate, ask about companies or parts of town to avoid, find out how livable the stipend really is (if you get one). I looked at Zillow, Craigslist, etc, but had the most success with my university's site for off-campus housing, which allows management companies to post listings for properties that would make sense for undergrads, grad students, and faculty/staff. I was able to filter results by price range, proximity to certain parts of campus, company, etc, which was a great starting point. As someone moving from a major city to a much smaller college town, it was helpful for me to become familiar with the primary management companies in the area and what people think of them--once I came across a promising company, I just went through listings on their website, which is how I found the place I ended up with (which I really like!).
  8. From the program's website: "The ACS masters program typically has 10-12 students at one time. Each cohort averages 5 students. The ACS doctoarate program typically has 40 students and each cohort averages 8-12 students." I was accepted to the program but waitlisted for funding, so ultimately had to decline. But I did accept a fully funded offer elsewhere that I'm really excited about!
  9. I will be declining an offer from Kansas State for their English MA (cultural studies track). Hope this helps someone!
  10. @nooorebecca did you apply to Bowling Green for English? I went with American studies--K-State is actually the only English program I applied to; I'm really more into interdisciplinary work, but the presence of a cultural studies track and the promise of funding makes this an intriguing option for me.
  11. Thank you for posting this; it's great to get a more recent perspective on the program. @nooorebecca I was also accepted into the cultural studies track, but am weighing some other options as well--thank you for starting this thread!
  12. Accepted to the MA program at Bowling Green, but waitlisted for funding...hoping the money comes through, since BGSU would be such a good fit.
  13. I'm still waiting to hear back from 5/10 places I applied to. I'm assuming there are a couple rejections in there, but there are also a couple I still feel optimistic about. Regardless, I've already gotten a few acceptances with funding, including one of the American studies programs I applied to (the MA at Alabama), so I'm totally content.
  14. Just got my rejection. A little bummed, not at all surprised, happy to have received offers elsewhere and to still have other decisions forthcoming. Congratulations to anyone who got in!
  15. @spicyramen congrats on the acceptances! Hope you hear more soon! I've already gotten accepted to a few MA programs with funding, so I'm thrilled, honestly. Still waiting to hear back from six places, including all the PhD programs I applied to (Brown, Rochester, UC Irvine, UCSB).
  16. @CulturalCriminal best of luck! Hopefully you'll hear something soon!
  17. Yeah, that's what I've been anticipating. I am entirely prepared to be rejected, but oh my god, what a dream program...
  18. How's everyone's application season going? I've gotten a few acceptances so far (in American studies/gender studies), but haven't heard anything from the film/media/visual studies programs I applied to.
  19. Hey all, I'm applying to a mix of interdisciplinary programs, including a couple for American studies (Alabama and Bowling Green). Best of luck to everyone, and congrats to those who have already received good news!
  20. Yeah, it's a bit odd--I have started the application since my original post, and you're right, there is a space for the SOP, but there's no mention of it on the program's website.
  21. As @HookedOnPhonix mentioned, asking for recommendations for this many programs is totally acceptable--your professors have done this before and know what to expect. I asked for upwards of a dozen when I was applying to MFAs. Just make sure you give them ample time to write (I've read that three months' notice is ideal) and that you maintain good communication throughout the process.
  22. I would just send a brief email, something letting them know you're getting ready to apply and asking if they're still willing to do the LOR. If you discussed the issue with them as recently as last semester, it shouldn't be a big deal. Just make sure to provide them with whatever materials they need (including each program's deadlines!) and let them know you appreciate the effort.
  23. For those considering UC Irvine Visual Studies: has anyone else noticed (and found it odd) that they don't seem to require a statement of purpose? Am I missing something? Have never before come across a program that doesn't want one.
  24. Does anyone have info on or experience with this (apparently new) program? I've been looking primarily at PhD programs in visual studies, but would love to consider a master's if funding can be found--and it looks like assistantships are available here, but I'm not sure how widely. Any thoughts on this program would be appreciated!
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