Neist

If there's one aspect of this whole application process that has surprised me it is the relative lack of communication, or poor communication, from some of the programs out there. The two programs I got accepted/funded were by far the best of the bunch.

I have to admit that the day I got rejected from Cornell was the day a huge burden lifted from my shoulders. I was almost happy. It's just so exhausting.

Figured it had to be something like that. It is rather what OU is known for (along with environmental). I've been an employee of OU for quite a while. If you have any questions about the town or the university (from a relatively unbiased perspective), shoot me a pm.

Oh, neat! History or history of science, and what's your research focus?

They said it was fairly likely. The general issue with OU is that if you're good enough of an applicant to get funding, then you're probably good enough of an applicant to get funding in a lot of other places, too. Geographically, Oklahoma generally isn't very appealing, so a lot of applicants decide to attend programs in greener pastures with more funding (even though cost of living in Oklahoma is laughably low, so the funding isn't a huge issue). A wait list here probably isn't as unlikely as it might be at Harvard or Yale, where applicants are more likely to matriculate. I was a little bit lucky that there were two funded slots this year. Sometimes there's only one slot. If there was only one slot the person ahead of me would have gotten it.

Well, considering a lot of us got rejections, and some acceptances went out (I assume), you might be wait listed, which is far better than any of us. I think you still have hope!

Thanks @RamyaS and @archersline

Yup, and thanks! OU isn't an incredibly highly ranked school, but we have a very solid history of science department, maybe even top 10 within the discipline. It's not very hard to get into, but getting funding is absurdly difficult. They funded 2 out of the 9-ish accepted applicants, out of around 18 applications this year. I think I got pretty lucky! Not sure yet! I have to talk it over with my wife. BGSU would be closer to her family, and I think she wanted that. It's definitely an offer I have to seriously consider, though. One thing strange about the offer is that the minimum course load to maintain the assistantship is only 6 credit hours (which would complete the two MA degrees in 5 years). That seems awfully light. I doubt I'd ever go that light, but it's interesting.

Thanks! It is more of a practical program, too. I've worked for a decade in libraries full-time, and it's a dual degree with MLIS. I would think I'd be on a very short list of applicants for library jobs.

Thanks! It's for a MLIS/history of science dual degree program. I feel pretty lucky because funded MLIS degrees are somewhat uncommon, and the funding is for up to 5 years, which is far more than necessary for the degree, to be honest.

Speaking of dual degrees, I just found out I got funding for the dual degree program I was accepted into. Woo!

I got funding at OU. (Yay!) For up to five years. (Yay!) And it's for a graduate assistant, not a teaching assistant (which has its pluses and minuses). Well I guess I have a decision to make now.

I can only say what I'd reply, but I'd give it a few days, think about it, and respond that I really enjoyed talking to them and was really impressed with the program, but that I'd need some time to fully digest the complete implications of accepting their program. Or something like that. Polite, but deferring.

I've taken longer than that to respond, just because I wanted to thoughtfully consider any questions in regards to the program and where to continue from that point forward, but I'm not sure if it's an appropriate action. I just know I did it, and I didn't have any negative response after doing so. I think waiting is fine, but that's just my two cents.

It's been a draining month! But I'd still do the interview, if you can will yourself up to it.

Probably! However. I'm the first-in-line on a wait list for funding at OU in a history of science and MLIS dual degree. It'd be for a full 54 credit hours of funding (tuition, stipend, etc.). If I get it, it'd be pretty generous funding for a dual MA program, and it's at the university that I'm currently attending, so I'd save money on moving expenses. The program also painlessly transitions into their PhD program, so it'd only be an extra three years for a PhD. But there's the whole academic incest issue to consider. If I got funding, I'd have to seriously consider both options. Even so, I'm planning for BGSU because it's all I got on the table right now. If that's the only option I get, I need to make sure the logistics pan out. Hows Cornell planning going for you? I'm also unsure until I hear back the results of the NSFGRFP. A giant fellowship might obviously affect my choices. I might consider Drexel, even. They cant charge me tuition if I get it, and the stipend would be more than enough to support myself in Philly.

The woes of being poor! I actually will have some savings to help transition, but I have to move an entire family, and I'll need to get another car if I move. I have a car, but it's not going to make it across country. If I was single I could probably go without a car, but not with a kid. That'd be absurdly difficult.

I hope everyone is holding on okay! Everyone who is still waiting has my total emotional support. It's rough. I know. I'm trying to figure out how a well-below-poverty income is going to support a family of three. I think it'll be fine. I have no shame, so I'm going to apply for SNAP.

Glad it worked out! I didn't get any reach schools, but I'm very happy with what I got.

Welp, I'm calculating logistics of possibly moving across country. Is it wrong that I find this fun? I like to plan things. It's so gratifying. I also wrote a lengthy email to one of the programs I was accepted into requesting clarification on several points. So. Much. Fun. I'm a dork.

Maybe we're too good for Cornell. That's definitely it. And thanks! I'll be okay this round. I'll find a happy home somewhere. How's things turned out for you so far?

I learned today that if I get funding for the dual degree I applied to at OU, I'll get funding for both (54 total credit hours). I'm leaving my opportunities to fate at this point, but a funded MLIS would be fairly amazing. It's somewhat uncommon. Going to cross my fingers!

Congrats! It really has been a great day for news. Lots of news rolling out.

I totally understand! If I get another Groupon Goods email about refurbished Fitbits. I'm going to scream.

Ten? Ack! What's your discipline? I imagine you're going to be flooded with results before too long.