a fragrant plant

I just found out that Yale's dept is a really good fit for my proposed research. I'm not sure if I should apply next year. Any insider insight? What's the department like? Competitive? Supportive? Family-friendly?

I don't know anything about UMass Boston. Have you thought about emailing graduate students in the department? I have a list of questions for graduate students that have elicited some extremely useful information about the department. PM me if you need them. I'm also curious about your decision - what make you want to leave your current department? Is your advisor aware of it?

Is this a bit too arbitrary? Surely rank matters, but it's not uncommon for people in social science who graduated from lower rank universities such as the UCSC, UCI or the University of Arizona be hired at big name universities. If you think the department at IU has potential to make you grow as a scholar and they offer you generous funding, I'll go. Whether or not you'll be hired at a top-10 program depends on a lot of factors: your ability, the trend/focus in your field by the time you're on the job market, and luck.

I've been using 'Dear Dr [last name]' in all correspondence with potential advisors until I asked them directly what they prefer. Most of them prefer first name so I follow their preference.

Are you going to do a MA with an intention to apply to the PhD programs later? If so I'd choose the school with full funding. There is no point to get into debt for a master's degree especially when your ultimate goal is a PhD.

pangmao - If you apply to a MSc by Research or MPhil you will be eligible for the ORS (Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme) scholarship. It covers the fee difference between overaseas tuition and home tuition. But in your case I think you should take the US offer. There is no point to apply again after you earned your MSc at Oxford (in case you want to work in academia). SD141255 - University College London has a worldwide recognition. It's a very famous 'brand' and often ranked the top five in various world university ranking. At taught master level it's not particularly selective. It's relatively easy to get in. University of Durham has a very good reputation in anthropology and archeology. Many American students do summer field trips/archeology fieldwork at Durham.

What kind of shops do they have at College Mall do you know? Boutiques are cool and quirky but they can't beat the price and variety at H&M.

I have to disagree. Having a MA in art history is not going to take you any further in today's job market. I have a MA in Anthropology from a reputable university but I am still earning $10-$22 per hour (depending on projects; I work in an Art Gallery). A MA in museum studies may be a better option job-wise because a lot of them offer internship opportunities. But in today's economic climate there is no guarantee. mudlark's words have a lot of wisdoms in it. I too think you have made a right decision. I also got an offer from a department that is perfect fit but without funding. So yes I got in but I'm not going this year. Every one told me that next year is not going to be better but I'm going to take a risk. I believe that I can do better and I deserve funding.

I love clothes and all things beautiful so I am also curious about the fashion scenes in Bloomington. What kinds of clothes shops do they have in B-town? I guess they'll have regular chains like GAP and Old Navy but I wonder if there is any chance that I could find H&M or Forever 21 in Bloomington?

Really? I lived in Seattle a few years ago and I don't think it was that cheap. Which areas are you looking for an apartment and just out of curiorsity, which cities did you live in before?

Hi there, I am doing anthropology with a focus on China. May I ask if the UW or Indiana provide you with any funding?

If you're pursuing a Master's degree and don't mind relocating across the atlantic, Program A does sound like a superior offer in terms of financial support and location. If you're a PhD applicant, however, having a mentor who is supportive and enthusiastic about your work is a great plus. I have studied in both Europe and the United States and I prefer mentors in the United States. In my experience, US scholars are better teacher and more accessable. I realize that this is perhaps biased as everyone is different. I recommend you to talk to your potential advisors on MSN/Skype with webcam on. You'll know instantly whether he/she is a good mentor.

My partner is interested in pursuing a Master's degree in computer science in the U.S. He has no intention to go into research/PhD. He just wants to get a Master's degree that will improve his academic calibre (and come with me to the U.S. while I am studying for my PhD). Although he's a straight A student and has over 8 years of professional experience, his B.S. is a three-year degree from an unbranded university in the United Kingdom. I'd be grateful if you could recommend us some M.S. programs that mainly target software developers in the industry. We are particularly interested in programs that offer funding for Master's applicants. Thank you!

It's towards the end of March now and I wonder if you all have made a decision! I'm not going anywhere this year and will reapply again next year! I have one offer, but funding is essential for my PhD studies.

Did you apply to UK taught master (MA/MS) or research master (MSc by Research)?

I've never thought about applying to Candiana schools but UBC is in such a great location that I wouldn't mind going there! Can you tell me a little bit more about the strength of the department and its repuation in comparison to the TOP 50 schools in the U.S.?

I wonder if someone could comment on renting a house (1 or 2 bedrooms) in Bloomington. I heard that renting a house is not significantly more expensive than renting an apartment so I'm really excited about the prospect of living in a house (I never did)! Where can I find more information?

I am considering an offer from Indiana University (Bloomington). Can someone please comment on its departmental atmosphere, nationwide reputation, placement, and quality of training? Many thanks!

I got an acceptance after five rejections! I have already prepared to apply again but then that magical email came up! I'm very grateful!

Does anyone know how much regency property charge for deposit?

What do most people drive in the U.S. (especially in WA and IN)? I'm learning manual but I think I'll prefer auto when I get my own car. I want to see if it's easy to get a second-hand auto in the U.S. Here in the UK very few people drive auto. As a result auto is not only hard-to-find (second-hand) but also expensive.

May I ask for your reference please? As far as I understand a deferral means that your acceptance is valid for another year and that you do not need to reapply. You still need to accept/defer that offer by April 15, 2011.

I do not agree. Not all people who defer do so to try to get into another program next year while enjoying the security of having a back-up. While I am excited about my acceptance to Program A, I am considering a deferral as an option because there is no way that I can afford to go there without some sort of funding or going into debt. I explained my situation to my potential advisor and he is very understanding. People's circumstances change. This is especially true when you have a family. Things could change quite unexpectedly. I believe that as long as I'm honest and open people would understand.

First of all congratulations! Just want some clarification: when you said a middle-ranked program do you mean a R1 university that is ranked 50-60 (according to US News and World Report)?

When's the best time to visit IU? I'm thinking about Fall.