AHL

Really? That sucks!

Best of luck with your other programs. Keep us (me ) posted about UCSD's funding! I'll do the same once I get something.

You sound like in better shape than I am, in fact. I have no external funding whatsoever. However, I have a feeling that this might not be a problem for either of us (hopefully!). For your reference, here's something that I found on Berkeley's political science website (http://polisci.berkeley.edu/graduate-program/funding): United States citizens and Permanent Residents are required to achieve California residency by the end of their first year in California to receive continued fee support. Non-Resident Tuition (NRT) will be paid through the third year by the department on behalf of international students who cannot achieve California residency. Upon doctoral candidacy (to be achieved by the end of year three), the university waives NRT for three years for international students. If only UCSD had equally clearly spelled-out policy! However, we might be pleasantly surprised after we actually contact them about it and demonstrate our genuine difficulty in attending without getting full funding. After all, UCSD's website (http://polisci.ucsd.edu/grad/prospective-students/index.html) says: UCSD encourages and welcomes applications from international students. UCSD is committed to excellence and diversity in our graduate program. The department will work with international students to assemble a financial aid program and plan of study that will help support your career goals. We strongly encourage you to apply for funding in your home country as well as from funding sources here at UCSD.

First congratulations! Second, I'm in exactly the same situation, friend. I think I'll respond to the email with the same inquiry.

I'll claim another UCSD acceptance. How would you guys compare UCSD and UW-Madison in American political processes and behavior?

Thanks for sharing, BigTenPoliSci and an earlier poster!

Anybody here that's been through an interview with Vanderbilt? What kind of questions were you asked?

Thank you. Where would Duke go on this ranking?

If there's anybody in this community like me, this thread might attract some interest. To kick it off, how would you rank the following programs in the specific area of American political processes and behavior, based on your knowledge and impression? UCSD, Northwestern, UNC, Vanderbilt, UW-Madison, Georgetown, UVA, UPenn?

Why has the gradcafe chat been down?

Two Vanderbilt interviews have been posted today. Is anyone else applying there that hasn't heard anything yet?

Anybody watching the State of the Union?

I am (as you already know).

I see. Thank you.

Nope. Still "pending."

I'd say it's neither too formal nor too personalized. It addresses me using my nickname, but other than that it sounds rather impersonal. It is only an informal acceptance and says that I have been recommended for admission to the political science department.

Question about the UNC admit: what website were you told to check? All I have is my applyyourself.com account, which shows that my application is complete. Also, I'd like to claim one of the Wisconsin-Madison acceptances. Very, very relieved.