hj2012

Totally, the admission process can be really challenging! You mentioned in the original post that you didn't have a research topic yet, so that was what I was basing my advice on. I think your method of reading papers related to your areas of interest and see who's publishing in that arena is a good way to go. Depending on your theoretical/methodological commitments, you might also check out sociology and geography programs as well.

Is anyone else still waiting to hear back?

I think you might be going about this the wrong way. Instead of thinking about the US vs the UK, I'd spend more time thinking about your research interests and what exactly you'd like to study. While US-based PhD programs don't necessarily require a detailed research proposal, you are still going to need a coherent project - and a trajectory explaining why you're the best person to do this project - in order to be competitive. Once you have a sense of your project, and who your potential mentors/advisors might be, it might become clearer where you should be located, and why. This is also because it's pretty hard to generalize if the US or the UK is better in any said field, since it'll depend on your specific research project and career goals. Going to a top UK university might be better than a relatively unknown US institution, and vice versa. It's also worth thinking about other constraints - for example, if you aren't going to take the GRE or you're interested in living in UK or Europe, it makes more sense to focus there.

17th & Grady, a block from Rugby Rd? From my memory it'll be pretty loud on weekends. Check on Google Maps the distribution of Greek orgs (fraternities/sororities) in your immediate vicinity, because that'll give you a good sense of what the partying will be like. I believe it tends to get much quieter on the other side of Grady, further from grounds. Another consideration: the train tracks run right by there if you're sensitive to that kind of noise.

Thanks for concurring! Yes, I definitely made a few people cringe when I moved out here and I've learned to avoid certain terms (e.g. "The Five"). It's always fun to observe all the small linguistic differences across the country...

LOL! I'm not actually from the Bay Area so the little monikers don't bother me. But my partner is, and I've certainly heard it from his family and friends for sounding like an egregious tourist.

I don't think it would make you seem needy, but I'm somewhat skeptical if it would do you any good: universities are pretty siloed, and it's unlikely that your advisor would have any influence on what, say, the university development office is doing. I've only ever heard of universities stepping in to help spouses when it's for a job (post-doc, lecturer, tenure-track, etc) and not for students, though who knows - maybe things are different in the sciences! That said, I don't think it would hurt to email the DGS and ask for advice about finding your partner a job in Davis, and if they happen to have a friend across campus they might put y'all in contact. In your partner's cover letters he should definitely emphasize that he is already moving to Davis because his partner is starting a PhD program so it's clear there's no relocation cost/time involved. As for housing, I know a number of couples who live in Berkeley because one person works in San Francisco and the other goes to Davis. There is a shuttle that links the two campuses, though I imagine that this is not ideal, especially if you're trying to get acclimated to your campus and department. (Also, unrelated note: avoid calling the city "San Fran" or, god forbid, "Frisco": you'll attract the ire of the remaining locals. )

Thanks! I was out of town this weekend, which helped take my mind off things. I actually thought about the Easter thing too. I started to get emails about TA assignments for the upcoming year...so I really hop we hear soon!

No word today I'm really hoping we won't have to wait until next week...

Congrats! Hope Mexico is next...

For a studio/one-bedroom I think it would be difficult. If you're willing to share / looking for roommates, I think $700/month is definitely doable.

This seems like the antidote (reverse magic?) that we need! (though just wait: all the remaining countries will notify all at once...at the end of the month!)

I'm a former UVa undergrad. Never lived at Eagles Landing but had a few friends who did. Perhaps management/practices have changed since I graduated but I wouldn't recommend it, especially if you are relying on the shuttle to get to/from campus. I don't know if they still offer the roommate service (where they group applicants together into 3 or 4 bedroom apartments) but one of my friends had a horrible experience with a destructive roommate and the management wouldn't do anything to help her out. Things might be fine if you have alternative means of transportation and are planning on renting a one-bedroom, but I'd still poke around on www.brac.com and see if there are any better options. I'd avoid the areas close to Rugby Rd and the Corner and the big apartment complexes on JPA if you're trying to find a place to live that's less undergrad-y.

Is anyone else still waiting to hear back? I'm sad that the 2018-2019 application page has become active and I still haven't heard for this upcoming academic year...

The U.S. student program allows U.S. citizens to apply to study, research, or teach in many different countries. However, from your "location" it seems like you might be a Canadian citizen, in which case the Fulbright would be primarily for you to come study in the U.S. The Canada Fulbright Commission would have more information.

Were these all gender/women's studies programs? What are your research interests and methods? I only ask because the field of gender/feminist/women's studies in the U.S. tends to have a heavier humanities/cultural studies bent, and an MA in Economics is not usually good preparation for the kinds of critical cultural analysis that these programs demand. Your V score is somewhat low for a humanities degree as well. If your interests are in economics, rural development, and gender, a sociology PhD program might be a better fit. You might also look into interdisciplinary programs in area studies or global/international studies. Hope this helps...

Have you sent them an email asking about your status? This late in the game, I think it's appropriate to reach out and figure out what's going on... Hope you hear back soon!

Me! I too have been continuously distracted for the last couple weeks...

There are a number of facebook groups - UC Berkeley Off-Campus Housing, Bay Area Rooms & Apartments, etc etc etc. The university listings page is unfortunately not very helpful IMO. You might also look into the grad housing options offered by the university (Jackson, Manville, University Village, International House), which are convenient/secure especially if you are coming from abroad.

It's been about 5 years since I lived in DC, but even back then finding rent under 1K a month was challenging. It can be done if you happen to get lucky - I'd join and keep an eye out on student housing listservs and DC housing facebook groups. If you're willing to expand your geographical radius, apartments in VA - especially past Clarendon, tend to be cheaper - check around Virginia Sq/Ballston and Crystal City.

Another option is to check the university's student rental listings (if not official, many universities have listings through uloop or Facebook) and try to get a sublet for one semester while you get a better sense of the area. There's always students studying abroad for one semester or taking some time off and while it might be a pain to have to move again midyear, this might allow you to secure some place better in the long run.

Congrats to the Korea ETAs! I'm a former ETA, so let me know if you have questions. And lots of ((hugs)) to those who didn't make it...I'm so sorry!

Depends - will the $400/month prevent you from adequately completing your project? Is it necessary for living expenses? If so, then the institutional grant seems like the right choice. If not, I think the Fulbright network and name recognition would be more important. Also, on a side note, that's great that your undergrad institution offers a grant like that - I wish mine had done the same!

Congrats to the both of you! So well deserved!

Question: looks like Mexico results went out today, but I didn't receive an email one way or the other. Are rejections/alternates usually sent out at the same time as acceptances? Did anyone else not get notified?