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coyabean

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Everything posted by coyabean

  1. I debated responding to this post. It seems mostly to be a venting exercise, but the fact that it is phrased as a word of warning to other applicants encouraged me to weigh-in. First, I can relate. I despise my UG institution. In fact, I just had a one hour conversation with a friend about how much we both despise the place. It is unorganized, top-heavy, devoid of intellectual vigor or independent research. Even among its peers it is considered a quagmire of low expectations, bureaucracy and years of institutional neglect and outright criminal behavior from administrators. Having said that, I think you have conflated two issues that are not necessarily causal. Low-tier does not equate to an intellectually lax. There are schools -- and more importantly in grad education, there are departments -- that are ranked low or not ranked at all that are doing phenomenal work. They have invested faculty, resources and environments well-suited to certain types of learners. It would be short-sighted and reactionary to lump all schools below the T14 into the "incompetent" pile. I would encourage applicants to do their research before making such a huge decision. Call, email and read everything you can about the school and the program. Understand that good programs exist at not-so-great schools; adjust accordingly. Visit if you have to hawk your New Edition/Micheal Jackson/Bon Jovi vintage memorabilia for a Greyhound ticket and strap your kids to the luggage rack. You cannot replace the sensory perception gained during an in-person visit. Finally, money is not the end all at this level. $30k, in the grand scheme of things, when you are talking about this level of commitment should not unduly sway your decision. Finally, if you do none of the above or you do it all and still end up unhappy somewhere go talk to a counselor, find a faculty ally, someone who can give you a less emotional perspective. And whatever you do try not to advise others earlier in their process until you have some distance and more control of your emotions.
  2. I took the LSAT and registered for the LSAC long before I ever even entertained my current PhD route. Like many people I sort of chose law by default. Where I come from people really only know about a half dozen or so professions: lawyer, doctor, engineer, teacher. Well, four. If you can talk and can't cut paper straight like me and your parents want what is best for you they say, "you should be a lawyer." As I got closer to applying I talked to many, many of the lawyers around me and all of them -- every, single one -- counseled me to do anything but law school. Then I started doing the math -- law school debt, job market, globalization -- and became more than little spooked. Finally, it was the Famous Law School Board That Shall Remain Nameless that convinced me that law school was not for me. The attitude of those who succeed in law school -- a current pop culture term of douche and bag comes to mind -- made it clear that I would be miserable in law school I commend you for making the hard choice that, honestly, many current law school students don't have the cajones to make. They'll stick it out and become one of the many miserable, indebted lawyers out there. Law school is like marriage -- better terminated before you fully commit. I think that if you look beyond those still enrolled then you'll find many lawyers or law students with whom you can identify.
  3. Um, that's a great letter. It's clear, it's witty, it doesn't trot out an old, tired cliche. Keg parties exist, they are associated with college students, those college students with which they are associated are characterized as "un-serious" -- I'm not sure why it would be unprofessional or inappropriate in this context. Sometimes I think the ivory tower syndrome is a bit too suffocating. That's why there are so many bad writers creating more bad writers. And then all that bad writing isolates the work of academics from the general public. It's witty and communicative -- two things that the academy could use. And you didn't say it so even if it is perceived poorly it won't be a perception of you, but the writer. A writer that apparently already has a job and, thus, I assume won't be harmed by an adcomm's opinion.
  4. 26?!!!! Sheesh. I was 31 when I went back to school. My doctor just recently told me how she went back to school to get the science credits she needed to go to medical school after earning a lib arts degree years earlier. She was in her 40s at the time. A good friend is doing something similar -- going back to a CC with a BA to get some science courses so he can go to med school -- at 30. So, no, you're not too old. And to answer your GPA question -- or maybe not answer but to provide some context by way of experience -- I applied to grad schools this year with a 2.8 GPA. I got two fully funded offers and 1 non-funded. It's all doable. You'll need to support your app with as much evidence of your ability as possible. For me that meant research, fellowships, publications, stellar LORs (one from an academic "name). And spread your app around. Those of us with, as my mentor called mine, "challenging transcripts" cannot just apply to T14 and wait to be courted. Apply to public and private, masters and PhDs, be flexible about location and anything else you can be flexible about. If you don't smell and have decent social skills try to meet as many people as possible to increase the odds of having a person rooting for you during admissions. Approach this strategically and you can make it happen.
  5. thanks for letting me know the result! I really wanted an inkling before I sank upwards of $300 in app and administrative fees. Eeek.
  6. coyabean

    Atlanta, GA

    I've with notes on my visit to President Park and a link to pics.
  7. Question guys. I'm filling out apartment apps for the Atlanta move but I find myself at a loss for what to put down for income. I have guaranteed funding but how do you list that? And what kind of response have those of you who have rented as a grad student received from apartment communities when you use your grad stipend as income? Is there some kind of way I should be framing this?
  8. That's so cool! I have my email addy too (and it totally blew my mind!) but no departmental page like yours. I think it's a wonderful idea, though.
  9. Me, too. My story is so funny that it's almost cosmic. I landed on my department's webpage months before I started applying. I looked at the requirements and I didn't meet them (no masters); and then I looked at the field (ed. studies and american studies) and my mentor told me both were academic ghettos; but I couldn't shake the feeling I got. I actually remember showing the page to a friend and commenting upon the sense of wit and humor the grad student profiles displayed. But then due to the aforementioned stuff I forgot about them. Then months later I contacted the school...but another department. In doing so I put out some emails to faculty that could sit on my committee -- suggested by the department i was researching. Well, one of those I emailed called me out of the blue and, gently but persuasively, urged me to consider the department where she has her main appointment. It just happens that it was the department I'd looked at months earlier. I waffled and she called me AGAIN. While driving home for the holidays. I was floored. I waffled less but still waffled. Eventually I applied to both programs, made the final cut for both and felt a sense of resonance the moment I interviewed wit the program I'd written off earlier. Despite not meeting the requirements, my fear about the field, my multiple apps (some schools frown on this), and my mentor's concerns I was accepted and I think I always knew it was right to accept. Now, I couldn't be happier. But it is NOT where I thought I'd be when I started this process.
  10. Thanks guys. A bit of an update on housing. I had a very unpleasant experience trying to rent from Campus Crossing at Briarcliff. I applied online via something that said "click here to apply online," talked to an agent several times to confirm a unit, cost and move in date. I drive 7+ hours to check it out last week. I get there and they tell me that an application is not an application. I have to sign a lease to rent an apartment? Even thought I'm not moving for 45 days? And the agent never mentioned that at all? And no other apartment complex in the country does that? Anyway my one bedroom was gone and they were not very concerned. So, I decided I was not either. Their other community, President Park, has increased dramatically in rent after being acquired by Campus Communities (also manages Briarcliff). They market them as remodeled but that only means some cleaning and painting. The kitchen and bath are very, very, very old which would be fine at the OLD price of $500-$700. But at $987 - $1200 it sticks in my craw. Granted those prices include utilities but I can't help thinking I can do better. My Mom also hated them. She thought they looked unsafe. Take that with a grain of salt. No matter my age I am the baby -- and an only child -- and this is the woman who will only use BP gas in her car. LOL But the complex is set far back off a busy street which makes it feel like it's down in a dark hole. And the front doors to the buildings are unsecured and there's no community police or security officer. Clifton had two very nice units and the Clif shuttle picks up at front of the complex. It's an older community but well maintained and modernized. There's a very attractive loft unit with hardwoods and two baths and built in bookcases that I loved. My only concern there is a monthly pest maintenance fee that I have NEVER heard off. It's like $70! What the hell are they killing for $70 a month per apartment?!!! I mean, some agent orange has to run you half off free at any local military base, right? And there is lots of chatter on the apartment rating sites about that fee. Apparently the pest control company is owned by the rental management company? And they'll not take your rental payment if you don't pay the fee, thus charging you a late fee? And the leasing agent who, I know, was trying to peg me and sale based off my appearances made a big deal of the complex not being kid-friendly. In her words, "we have a dog park but no playground for a reason!" Now, I don't have kids and don't plan to pick any up anytime soon but I that statement made my blood run cold for some reason. Beyond the fact that the statement borders on violating fair housing rules, someone that cold will also take your pest control money and leave you to be eaten by flying cockroaches without losing a wink of sleep. I dunno. Post Briarcliff is modern and nice but not within walking distance or on Clif. It's in a cute area with food and services within walking distance though. I drove through Virginia Highlands and Little Five Points and loved both. The pics are of Va-Hi although it's kind of a seamless transition. It's all down one looooooong street (Briarcliff). I saw tons of signs for rentals in converted duplexes and older homes (see 2nd pic below). Most seemed to be full of character -- that real estate euphemism for no HVAC and squeaks. BUT, they are cute and the prices listed were reasonable -- $550ish and up? I do think the area is too cool for school for me though. it's the kind of spot I'd love to hang out in but I don't know if it matches my personality. People were pushing those designer baby carriages and all dreadlocked out and such. Love funky charm but I'm not that. LOL I'd be such a poseur. They'd have discreetly designer beat up clothes and I'd have actual beat up clothes. There are about four more I didn't get a chance to see but I plan on making another scouting trip. I'd like to move in June? We'll see! ETA: looks like we can't add pics on grad cafe. So, see the pics here.
  11. I love that!!! LOL It's something I would totally say.
  12. The loan limits are standard for federal loans so cost of living doesn't factor into it. The only thing the FAFSA determines is how much of your loan package is subsidized versus unsubsidized. You'll be fine financially in Atlanta.
  13. That is similar to my undergrad experience. I am "popular" in the sense that all of them seem to know me. And they like me fine. And vice-versa for the most part. But no one wants their, um, eldest sister hanging out with them...no matter how cool she is. I'm just hoping for something better in grad school, but I do worry that in my age group being single and childless makes me as much of an oddball as being old has in undergrad.
  14. There were only 11 of us at the interview so I imagine the yield will be closer to 3 than 8. It is a small department. I liked that though. I feel as if I won't have to fight for money, time, attention and resources. But the suspense is killing me! Also, it seems like one of my cohort must be on Grad Cafe. Not two hours after I made this post one of us sent that email someone suggested further up the thread. Now I'm just waiting to see who responds. So exciting.
  15. Well, the joke is grad school prepares you for nothing but Starbucks during a talent shortage. But, I agree that it sounds like expectation management. Grad school has never "equaled" job in the way that nothing "equals" a job. Maybe this prof was just trying to stress to you the role your own investment, initiative, etc. will play in your getting a job? But, yes, the training is supposedly to research and/or teach. The actual knowledge acquisition is, I suppose, a personal benefit as well as a tool to do the former. I really wouldn't do it solely for personal gratification. I think that's a luxury only wealthy people have. :/
  16. We're really small, too. And I am also hyper-aware of the time of year. My dept is down a full professor due to illness and I just know they're slammed. And almost every prof I met has been kind enough to send me a personal note so I'm not going to email them to ask about something like introducing me to people. LOL I'm sure it's way down their list of priorities. I may take the above advice and google the folks from the interview. But, I'd hate to do that only to find out some folks weren't accepted.
  17. Just wondering about everyone's experiences with getting to know their cohort. I know I have met all of my classmates as the finalists all interviewed together. However, I don't know who was extended an offer or who has accepted. My friend is going to UNC, however, and her department sent out an email introducing them all to each other. They've already connected -- some in person -- and have a fb page and everything. I guess I'm a little anxious and excited about whether or not the people I hit it off with most will be there. And, I've got a different problem than some of the older non-trad grads on other posts: I'll be single with no children. So, I'm concerned that it'll be all parents and marrieds who just come to class and go home to their real lives. There was one woman there similar to me, though, and I hope she's there! Or, at least someone single.
  18. I'll be 33 this fall when I start with my cohort. My program had a group interview so I know I've met everyone who could possibly be in my cohort, and it didn't feel like a huge age gap. At my current school I'm easily 13-14 years older than everyone around me. A lovely young thing -- a new member to my sorority -- met me just this week and excitedly said, "oh! coyabean! I had to learn all about you when I was learning the sorority chapter history." History? HISTORY?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That happens about 12 times a day and that I haven't jumped or developed some kind of eating disorder or something is a miracle. So, I'm actually looking forward to not going to school with 19 year olds. Like someone said above, during my interview it was hard to tell who was what age because it was all a conversation among equals. There may be some younger folks but it seemed to matter less when discussion quantitative methodologies in bi-lingual communities. Current conversations with my classmates include Drake's lyrical ability and if rapper Nikki Minaj is a real artist. I try, I really do, but it's difficult. It may help that I do not have a mate or children. I can only begin to imagine that juggling act. It could be stage of life is more important than age in graduate school? Or, it could be a discipline thing. Most in my field have work experience and/or master's degrees as a matter of course.
  19. I agree with all of the above. One of these days I'll post my before and after SOP on my blog, perhaps. I identify as a writer and I can tell you that my first draft was horrific. LOL I didn't get to a clear point of any kind until the conclusion. But, that's still a win! You write until something jumps out at you. On your next draft that line, word, idea is where you begin; wash, rinse, repeat. Don't even worry about word counts or formatting or opening lines or closers; just start writing until you have that one sentence that impresses you. All of the stylistic stuff can be done after the meat is there.
  20. I have considered my own pedagogy regarding this too (I used pedagogy!!!! LOL That tickles me). I'll start with myself. I hope to be an engaging, personable professor. I will work hard to be one. After that? All bets are off. I'm thinking of some kind of sequestering system. Put the dead heads in on one side of the room to minimize their impact? Maybe try to encourage buy-in from the students so there's some peer pressure? Only I don't know that peer pressure works anymore. I really don't. The kids at my school don't seem to give a rat's ass about an evil stare or grumblings from their classmates. So maybe not that so much but I'll try. After that I'm going to just be the quintessential hard ass. Which is very much not in my nature so I'm going to work on developing some mechanisms. But, something has to be done. I feel sorry for the students in class who are obviously too shy to speak up but who I can tell also don't appreciate the distractions.
  21. Wow, yours know a slanted version of the pretend news? Mine reside at the intersection of BET Spring Fling and The Real Housewives of Atlanta. No news anywhere in there. I'd settle for MTV News. Hell, I'd settle for E! News.
  22. What's keeping me from snapping and setting a trash can on fire at my current school? The idea of being in a class with people who actually want to be there. I am surrounded by people who are almost belligerent in their contempt of the classroom. I get you are maybe here to please your parents, or this isn't a class in your major, or you'd rather be doing the stanky leg to the latest "song" by Wocka Flocka Who The Fvck Ever but could you at least PRETEND??? You know, at least turn the volume off on your phone so that as you do marathon texting I at least can't hear the beep-beep-beep? Or, if you're going to put in on vibrate maybe you could not put it on the desk so that when it goes off it sounds like a dentist drill gearing up for a root canal? Or, you could not get up and leave a half dozen times in an hour class to do whatever the hell it is y'all are doing? I just want some adults who want to actually engage with the material. That's all!!! *tears* It has been a very rough day.
  23. That is a very kind take on my particular afflictions. LOL
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