Floripas

Legally Blonde the musical is just all types of inspirational. And once you accomplish a goal or cross something off that big list, listen to "So Much Better". And for those applying to grad school, "What You Want" will make you power thru apps. Alright, I've admitted enough of my guilty pleasures.

It speaks for itself. A long shot it is indeed, but indulge a dream for a second and sign the darn thing! "Forgiving the student loan debt of all Americans will have an immediate stimulative effect on our economy. With the stroke of the President's pen, millions of Americans would suddenly have hundreds, or in some cases, thousands of extra dollars in their pockets each and every month with which to spend on ailing sectors of the economy. As consumer spending increases, businesses will begin to hire, jobs will be created and a new era of innovation, entrepreneurship and prosperity will be ushered in for all. A rising tide does, in fact, lift all boats - forgiving student loan debt, rather than tax cuts for corporations, millionaires and billionaires, has a MUCH greater chance of helping to rise that tide in a MUCH shorter time-frame. The future economic success of this country is wholly dependent upon a well-educated, prosperous middle class. Instead of saddling entire generations with debt from which there is no escape, let's empower the American people to grow this economy on their own! Therefore, we, the undersigned, strongly encourage Congress and the President to support H. Res 365, introduced by Rep. Hansen Clarke (D-MI), seeking student loan forgiveness as a means of economic stimulus. For over 30 years, the rich have gotten richer, the poor have gotten poorer, and the middle class is slowly but surely being squeezed out of existence. Instead of more of the same corporate welfare/"trickle-down" economics that have been an abysmal failure for the middle class, why not try a trickle-up approach to rebuilding our economy by targeting relief at those most likely to actually help grow the economy?" Sign it here: http://signon.org/si....fb&r_by=718406

As a bartender, I gotta speak up and say that I was taught always to serve ladies first. End of story. And at most of the places I've seen it's just house policy. So it may be a tad unfair to stiff someone a tip because of that. But if they are rude when they are serving you, or just bad, that's a different story. I understand the money issues, and tipping certainly isn't a given as stated before, but we don't work for the wages, it's all about the tips. I know some bars don't even give wages to bartenders on holidays like New Years, because they expect they will make they share in tips. So if you get good service, then please be decent about it. Which leads me to... Lol!! But yeah...if you're a regular somewhere, they will probably remember you as the dude who doesn't tip. BUT in response to the OP, becoming a bartender is a great way to be a part of the drinking scene without having to, or being expected to get drunk. And it's a nice way to pick up some extra cash on the side if needed. It's also nice release from school work too that let's you stay social. I've found it's also pretty flexible time wise, depending on where you work.

I definitely am! A fellow UChicago grad student, I'm guessing? I found a place near 52nd and Drexel, let's hope I made a good housing choice! And I won't lie, I'm pretty stoked to be getting out there this September. Right now, I'm brewing up plans of what to do during that week and a half I have before the quarter starts. Suggestions? Preferably something off the beaten track? Or on it, which cannot be missed? Before school eats my life, I gotta enjoy the city a bit.

Medieval history is pretty competitive in its own right, though I don't believe it's quite as tough as ME history. I would probably be focusing on late medieval interactions and exchanges between Anglo-Saxon/Norman and Muslim societies through trade. It's essentially what I would be studying in ME studies but for that, I decided to go with a slightly later period focus, more in the Renaissance/early modern era (Ottoman Empire). However, I've been hearing from my profs, medieval studies courses have been taking a huge slashing in this economic climate, which prompted me to apply for ME history instead. And I did end up contacting the program and they were very reassuring in saying that funding usually increases during the second year to 3/4 or full-tuition, depending on how well you're doing in the program. And of course, I would apply for outside funding as well, probably the FLAS and other scholar/fellowships. I just got boned this time around since I applied for PhD programs and didn't expect MA offers. Thus I didn't prepare to fund MA offers with fellowships. And it seems like Chicago's PhD program accepts one (maybe two?) from their own MA program. Yet it seems like a bunch of people doing the MA want to go into govt. work so they don't really apply for NELC afterwards. This makes me hopeful, though I'm still prepared to work like no other to get there. I know I'll get the language training I need there, and become more familiar with the field, so I'm really leaning towards accepting. Perhaps after this MA, I'll be a fully competitive applicant for Chicago's and other PhD programs. Still, the numbers scare me. $21,000 half-tuition, plus living expenses, so is that about $35,000 in loans? Someone please tell me if I'm over or underestimating living costs! Is this doable for this field? I'd also be looking at jobs outside of academia in archival or administrative work as well. I know it's bad for academics out there, so I'm looking at other ways of using this MA and a potential-future PhD degree.

Hey! I also was admitted to the MA program at Chicago's CMES. I was talking to a grad student there and it seems that a lot of people go into this program in prep for a career in the CIA, NSA, FBI or state dept. And if I remember correctly there are joint degree options that are related to these sorts of careers, which might interest you. However, history definitely has a big draw as well! My own interests lie in history and Chicago is best for what I want to study (Ottoman Turkish), so I'm pretty sure I'll be heading out there in the fall. I can't speak for UT but maybe someone else can help you out there... Is there a difference in funding? That might be something to consider.

Thanks for your advice! For many of the reasons you mentioned I was already leaning towards accepting the offer. And believe me, I was grateful for getting something! Also, I know that for what I want to study Chicago is amazing. I just wonder how different it is at the MA level vs. PhD. Or if the MA program has a different reputation than the PhD, since many people go in to prep for govt. jobs in the CIA or NSA and such too. Perhaps I'm over thinking this, but I feel like I should get as many opinions as possible since a large chunk of money is on the line. Any other thoughts?

Hey all. Originally posted this in Interdisciplinary Studies, but I could use some more opinions...Just I found out that I was accepted to for a masters in Middle Eastern Studies at Chicago. I originally applied for a Phd in NELC, but didn't make the cut. This wasn't entirely surprising since I need some language work and I applied during the senior year of my BA. I found out that I got half-tuition for this year and there are opportunities for full funding the second year. So, I need some advice... How well regarded is an MA from this program? I'm looking to eventually get a Phd in history or NES in the early modern Ottoman history. I would probably have to take out loans to do this, but I don't have any student loans from undergrad, so I'm a bit more willing to take the dive...is it worth it? My professors/advisors are slightly against an MA due to funding (and told me to apply just for Phds), but I'm not sure they realize how stiff the competition is these days. They're expressing shock that I'm not getting into places, however I'm sure I could do with at least a couple of years of Arabic to be truly competitive. But this MA could be a huge stepping stone to getting into a great program later. So, what do you guys know about it? How is the student life on campus? Any personal experiences or hearsay? OR (and this is a big "or"): would I be better taking a year off an applying again next year for a Phd in the field I'm more prepared for and could be just as happy studying: medieval history? I have great stats and recs from a top LAC with advanced training in Latin, German and French with Old English to boot, but for Mid East history I only have advanced Turkish (I know, it was bold move to apply for Phd's in Mid East). I should have applied to programs in both fields, however, I was naive and stressed with my thesis. So should I take this opportunity or wait and hope for a better one the next round? Whew! I know that's a bunch of questions and an odd situation with my interests, but I'd appreciate any input.

Ok the package just came in the mail...Half-tuition funding. Hmm. How does this change things?

Thanks so much for this advice! And I will ask the department about their track record for PhD admits. Though it's hard to imagine Chicago grads would be too looked down upon, particularly after hearing Bukharan's review among other people's I've been talking to. I think a lot of this is going to depend on the amount of funding offered and I should hear about it this week, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!...Though I also heard elsewhere that full second year funding is a possibility... But I'm still curious to see what people think about reapplying for a different field (and perhaps a few in this one) next season? A mix in both PhD and MA programs as well as of medieval and Middle Eastern might yield better results next year. Any other thoughts on this, or in general?

Hi all. Glad to have stumbled upon this site! Just I found out that I was accepted to for a masters in MES at Chicago. I originally applied for a Phd in NELC, but didn't make the cut. This wasn't entirely surprising since I need some language work and I applied during the senior year of my BA. I still have to hear about funding, but let's hope that I get some (from past posts 1/2 tuition is pretty standard). However, I need some advice... How well regarded is an MA from this program? I'm looking to eventually get a Phd in history or NES in the early modern Ottoman history. I would probably have to take out loans to do this, but I don't have any student loans from undergrad, so I'm a bit more willing to take the dive...is it worth it? My professors/advisors are slightly against an MA due to funding (and told me to apply just for Phds), but I'm not sure they realize how stiff the competition is these days. They're expressing shock that I'm not getting into places, however I'm sure I could do with at least a couple of years of Arabic to be truly competitive. But this MA could be a huge stepping stone to getting into a great program later. So, what do you guys know about it? How is the student life on campus? Any personal experiences or hearsay? OR (and this is a big "or"): would I be better taking a year off an applying again next year for a Phd in the field I'm more prepared for and equally interested in: medieval history? I have great stats and recs from a top LAC with advanced training in Latin, German and French with Old English to boot, but for Mid East history I only have advanced Turkish (I know, it was bold move to apply for Phd's in Mid East). I should have applied to programs in both fields, however, I was naive and stressed with my thesis. So should I take this opportunity or wait and hope for a better one the next round? Whew! I know that's a bunch of questions and an odd situation with my interests, but I'd appreciate any input.