coyabean
-
Posts
627 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
10
Posts posted by coyabean
-
-
On 3/17/2010 at 12:39 AM, ∑FORTRAN=0 said:
I am very excited to be attending UNC for my Physics Ph.D. next fall. I have two questions for those who can answer:
First, how long does it take to get from say, the west side of Carrboro to to Duke? My wife will be driving. Is she better off on the bus? Assume this is around 7am, perhaps before traffic picks up.
Second, how long would it take to get from the west side of Carrboro to Morrisville, specifically to the Triangle Rock Club? (If anyone has been.) Assume probably 6-7pm.
Thanks in advance, for any help.
From Deep Carrborro to Duke I'd say about 20-25 min at that time of the morning. Learn how to use the Old Durham-Chapel Hill Road to bypass the hateful snarl that can be 15-501 and she should be fine. I'm less familiar with the Triangle Rock Club but Morrisville I know. That's longer -- easily 30-40 min depending on evening traffic. There may be some back roads that get you off 40 for that one, too, but I'm not as familiar. I tend to hit 40 for everything outside my comfort zone.
But nothing in the area should typically take you more than 30 minutes.
Good luck and welcome! Chapel Hill is truly one of my favorite places in the world.
On 3/24/2009 at 1:36 PM, presquepartout said:awesome! the one final question i have is that i am used to a more urban environment -- nothing on a huge city level, but a nice main street set up with restaurants, bars, and apartments all close together. i know that the chapel hill area is somewhat rural, but is there anywhere in Carrboro which has this main street aesthetic? seems like Franklin St. has it, but from what i can gather, that is more of an undergrad area.
i'll be visiting the area this coming Thursday night through Saturday; is there anywhere i should make sure to check out?
Not exactly. Franklin street is really two different atmospheres -- East Franklin and West Franklin. East Franklin is closer to the center of campus and, thus, more UG friendly. But once you cross over to West Franklin it's more community-oriented and grown-up. That's the end that is truly Carrboro versus Chapel Hill. But Franklin is basically it. However, it's a decent size strip with almost everything.
-
I saw the one off comment about Mendeley. I've been debating dl'ing it in preparation for fall. Any users? Feedback?
-
VERY interesting! I'm going to drop in. Someone chime in here on the twitter client to remind us on Sunday maybe?
-
Me.
I still have to hear back from the last one, and I have one wait list.
a week ago, the rejection letters from my dream school and my absolutely-perfect-fit school came simultaneously. It was very hard.
I cried. Then I took a long nap. Then I organized everything I own-- computer files,old notes from college, books, wardrobe, etc. Then I cleaned my laptop,my bike, and my apartment...everything. Then I threw out everything that is either unnecessary or distracting, along with all the junk food I bought a while ago when the anxiety of response-waiting was too much. Then I showered for about an hour. Then I contemplated for a long time if an academic career is really what I want.
All of these took about 2.5 days.
When I made up my mind about what to do next, I called a professor who I felt could provide some guidance, and talked to her about what to do next. Then I made a plan for maximizing my chances next round.
I've been on that plan since, so I've been very successful not thinking about rejections.
(switch out academic career for "significant other/life partner", professor for "my sister", what to do next for "who to date next", and maximizing my chances for....uh, "maximizing my chances", and now you know how I deal with a break-up.)
You should probably consider a career as a writer.
I found this charming. -
Here's mine. I will not reveal the institution or individual who sent it, but it should certainly make you all feel better:
I applied with a 1997 BA in French at William and Mary, 2.66 GPA. Which was certainly low, but there were good reasons for that, including overloads every term, working 40+ hours a week, and an hour commute daily. But I learned how to make the most of my time and multitask, and from there, I went on to: 3.56 GPA at American University in interdisciplinary medieval studies, 2000. 4.0 MA in Medieval Literature, Longwood University, 2009. GRE: 480 Q, 640 V, 6 AWA. State certified to teach, with 10 years of experience since 1997 teaching everything from 8th grade through undergraduates, in French, Spanish, Literature, and AP Art History, and a number of my high school students have gone on to score a 5 on the AP exam in French language, French literature, English AND Art History after taking my classes - which I have designed,written the curriculum for and implemented for scratch for the past eight years. I also have presented at 6 different conferences, all in my field of study. One of my conference papers (2006) was subsequently published in the double-refereed conference journal. I also have several articles in subject-specific encyclopedias both in my area of specialization and in both of my secondary areas of study (2007-present).
Here is the reason for which I was rejected from one of my top choices, verbatim:
"Nothing you have done - neither your teaching record, your GRE, your Graduate degree, your publications and conferences, nor any other aspect of your application, is sufficient to compensate for your undergraduate GPA."
Yeeeeeeah, I'm not gonna lie to you, that kind of hurt.....actually, my Ego coded, and I needed a transplant...
So, you should all feel better about your rejections at this point.
HOLY. MOTHER. OF. (INSERT DEITY OF CHOICE)!!!!!!
My jaw is on the ground. I mean...I cannot believe...Oh my.
You are better than me. I have a touch'o'crazy and there is really no telling what I would have done in response to that. How is that even possible? Like, there has to be a threshold of achievement you can cross to compensate for something that old; or an expiration date?
Holy crap.
ETA: And I'm voting for Columbia.
Everyone I have ever met from there is an ass. -
You will get two schools of thought on this whole 'address weaknesses in SOP' thing. My issue was GPA.
I had some profs aghast at the idea that I address it, but my main mentor -- the biggest name -- said that I absolutely must do so, even if only with a cursory acknowledgment of its existence. His position is that he's read many of these over the years and the SOP should clarify ANY concerns that the numbers, alone, present. He says if he still has questions after the SOP its easy to put it in the no pile because you are either 1) trying to hide something or 2) not qualified.
In the end, I judged the value of the advice by the success of the prof. You may want to do the same with someone in your field.
Now, how best to address that is the thing. I believe that everything can and should be positioned as an example of your growth, even a negative. If the GRE score is weak say something like, "and despite what my standardized verbal score may indicate my demonstrated experience with publishing research articles, crafting engaging conference presentations and serving as an editor for such and such are more indicative of my graduate ability." Or, something along those lines. Acknowledge it only to the extent that you completely mitigate it with documented proof of its failure to adequately reflect your ability. But for god's sake do NOT spend more than one paragraph on it or use negative language (it subconsciously communicates that this is a negative thing) or make excuses -- all thing I have seen in statements. Mention it briefly, address it with proof, use positive verbiage and move on.
If you don't have that evidence then take an opportunity to get it if you have an opportunity. If not, the other thing I suggest is to have one -- or more -- of your letter writers address the issue. Their opinion of your ability will be better recieved than any reasons you give anyway.
Think of your SOP as your only opportunity to tie all the pieces of data about you -- GPA, GRE, experience -- into a compelling narrative. Just like you can make a rogue in a novel lovable so, too, can you flip a negative into something more positive.
-
And after all that...he chose Berkeley.
Boys confuse me
LOL
To quote my four year old goddaughter, "boys, boys, boys."
-
Ignore the bitter troll and go for your dream. Have a backup plan in case you have to go to Round Two. Then send the bitter troll a sarcastic thank-you note when you get your degree
My high school English teacher always wrote on my report cards that I was the laziest student she'd ever had in an AP class. "You'd be lucky to get INTO college." It took me more than a decade, but the satisfaction of sending her a "note" on law firm letterhead saying that not only had I gotten 2 master's and a law degree BUT ALSO that I got into my first choice PhD program was SOOOOOOO worth the work!
The really negative people want everyone else to be miserable too.
It could be worse. You could have had THISguy.
And I don't doubt that teachers deal with underachieving, lazy students and that it can undermine their attitude. However, I always love how it is always that the student is lazy and not that the teacher is boring, inept, combative, etc. Maybe I don't pay attention in your class, Ms. Cooper, because you have been having the same lecture for three months and it was irrelevant and convoluted when you first said it. Sorry, vent.
-
I just want to ditto and add that no one is ever really ready to be an adult, I think. Time has a way of forcing you to do adult things at some point, but I think the feeling of being an adult is hard for everyone to come by.
I second the secured cerdit card advice. But first I suggest you read, read, read. The fact that you are even concerned about these things suggest that you are ready to learn about them. I really like www.creditboards.com. Start with the newbie primer: http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showforum=15.
-
If the class isn't a graduation requirement or tied to your program (basically, is it an art history class?), it probably won't matter. I just dropped an elective that I didn't even need for credits (I just figured it'd be helpful), but it ended up taking more of my time than I thought it would. Sure, there will be an ugly W on my final transcript (which you do send once you graduate), but at this point it completely doesn't matter.
ditto. I have a one W two semesters in a row for the same reasons. No mention of it as a concern from anyone. I think an F or NF or NW (what we do at my school for failing to attend class or completing the coursework) would be an issue. A W is just rearranging your schedule, really.
-
I also did all the visiting in undergrad! In grad school I understand his reasoning for wanting me to do all the flying (he's doing a PhD and has to work weekends, while I'm doing an MPH that focuses more on coursework). And he did offer to pay for my tickets.
Lol, I know. Apparently "more laid back" means that UChicago only expects ~60 hrs/week in lab vs. Berkeley which wants 70+?
Thanks, everyone, for your helpful responses. He just finished visiting Berkeley yesterday so we're going to talk about it on Sunday. Current status is that he "could be happy" at Berkeley, but UChicago is still the best choice for him. He didn't officially choose yet, but I think this tells me all I need to know. His PhD is his priority, and at 22 years old I can't really blame him. But at the same time his stated level of committment (he wanted to get engaged this summer) isn't matching up with his actions, so I think I know what I have to do tomorrow.
Good girl! And I mean 'girl' in the sisterhood kind of way, not any derogatory way. You're obviously an adult.
And to be fair, you are right: at 22 years old one's priority probably should be the investment in their long-term well-being. Just remember that the same holds true for you.
And I ditto JerryLandis with that laid back UChicago contradiction. LOL
-
My wise grandmother (RIP) once said, "The way it starts out is the way it ends up." I am 43 years old, and she's never been wrong. If this is how your man is making decisions now, this is how he will likely always make decisions. Don't ignore the data...
Crap I could've saved some time had I read this first. My grandma and elders say the same thing.
-
I'm sort of confused. You say that you both got accepted to Berkeley which was the top choice of BOTH of you. I think its weird that you both wanted to go to Berkeley and now he's fallen in love with a school that he didn't even tell you that he was applying too. I'm sort of a cynic so take what I say with a grain of salt. But how does a school that he doesn't even tell you he's thinking about make it over the school that was his top choice?
It sounds to me like when you guys talked about where you could go together he though Chicago wasn't an option for the both of you. So he decided to apply on his own thinking if we break up before then oh well.
Berkeley was his top choice, the top school in his field and the school that his GF of five years who waited a year for him also got accepted to and he somehow accidentally falls in love with the school that he never even told you he was interested in.....right:rolleyes:
Go to Berkeley.
This all day long.
One of a few things happened here:
1. He's a punk for not telling you upfront about his plans to apply.
2. He isn't as sure of the long term potential as you are so he planned a life without you.
3. His "just in case" plan is his way of making sure just in case happens.
4. He knew you'd follow him regardless so there was never any real danger of him having to compromise what he wants.
-
Agreed. If I recall correctly, it makes computers sound like this new and awesome idea?
You mean those new "word processing" systems?
-
I know that you don't even start having credit history until you've had a credit card for 6 months and I seriously doubt you can rent without one, at least not on your own.
Thank you everyone for the advice, this has become a huge nightmare and the happiness of getting accepted to grad school has been overshadowed by the fact that I might not be able to go to the place I wanted because of the high cost of living there. I know every time your credit score gets looked up it goes down because it counts as a "hit," so I don't want to do that, although I have used the online estimators because and it's estimated in the low 400s. I might have someone who could co-sign but I'm not sure if they'll do it, and I don't think I could get them to come down and do it in person anyway. The university housing options are very limited and likely require the same qualifying characteristics as other apartment buildings. It's apparently impossible to find a decent place (even a studio with no actual bedroom) that isn't overrun with roaches and crime for under $1500/month. I guess I'll just have to keep trying, thank you everyone for the advice!
Let's take this piece-by-piece.
1. I know that you don't even start having credit history until you've had a credit card for 6 months
Um, that is not true. Revolving credit (credit cards) are just one type of credit line. It is very possible to have a credit history without a CC. Actually right now it could be considered a good thing that you don't have one. Available credit combined with a low income and savings can be interpreted as an invitation for you to overextend yourself; also a bad thing.
2. I know every time your credit score gets looked up it goes down because it counts as a "hit,
Again, not exactly true. There is no penalty for viewing your own credit report. And even the minor hit it takes when being pulled by a potential creditor is probably not that big a deal if you're not having it done en masse.
I suggest pulling your own and using it to shop around. Have a copy or at least your fico score (www.fico.com) to give potential rental agents an idea of where you stand. They should be able to give you an idea without pulling your report. And then when you find a flexible place it's just one hit for the final credit pull.
3. co-sign but I'm not sure if they'll do it
Actually, that should do it just fine. All a place wants is someone they can harass if you skip out. A co-signor is common in university towns.
4. I don't think I could get them to come down and do it in person anyway.
Again, common issue. That's why almost every renting agent will have a guarantor form that can be notarized and mailed back to them.
It is important to remember, again, that you are NOT the first person to ever do this. All kinds of processes are in place for students just like you.
Also, remember that renting agents need tenants about as badly as you need a place to stay. With access to guaranteed student loan money and a fellowship/stipend offer in hand from an area's likely number one employer you are actually a better risk than an employee with perhaps better credit right now.
Relax.
-
same thing...i didnt tell my gf that i got rejected by four schools until yesterday when she found out my 'secret' website - thegradcafe - that i always go to
and saw my profile and comments....actually she saw only three. I got a fourth this morning....I will let her know about that as soon as I get an acceptance...its will probably most likely, definitely, almost assuredly, practically be emotional lol..i know how it feels...this process is emotionally draining...it takes a lot out of usI had a real life friend find me here, too. I took down all of my blog posts. I don't know why but I just don't want all of this exposed and spilling over into real life. It's been weird.
-
Still have not told a soul, besides you all.
Today I got another letter. Thinking I've got 1 rejection, 1 wait list, here's my 1 acceptance! Noooooope. Damn wait list again. To the nightstand drawer you go.
I am picturing the day I get my first acceptance letter or my last wait list/rejection letter and how I am going to dump all my other letters on my husband's lap and let him read them himself as I sit and cry (hopefully happy tears of being accepted somewhere).
Awwww, honey. If I was there and, you know, not some disembodied e-person we'd totally hug this out.
As a general rule of thumb, ambiguous titles like 'Admissions decision' are bad news, good news will sound like 'official offer of admission' or 'offer letter' or something like that, at least in my experience.
Not true for me. I got an email with subject "FW: Decision Notification" that was an acceptance. I thought, with that subject line, that it was surely a rejection.
-
I ditto the above about taking advantage of an uncommonly responsive prof. Now is probably not the time to make a case to be reconsidered. It won't help and it wastes a great opportunity to get first-hand feedback on your app.
I had a spotty UG, too, so I think that may be less of a problem than the SOP?
The thing with Anthro is that it has one of the highest time-to-completion degree averages (some schools, literally, TEN YEARS!) and I think that in this tight environment schools are looking for a hyper-focused statement to offset that trend. And it could well be that any concerns they had about your SOP you can already answer but it just didn't translate to the page.
And anthropologists do seem to be a jealous sort like lily said. So anything to show a commitment to the field is helpful. Join student chapters of all the biggies -- AAA, SFAA, etc. -- and put it on your CV and in your SOP. And I second the master's advice. Several of the Anthro folks I did informational interviews with last summer took the master's route. :/ Again, that looooooong timeline for anthro.
-
LOL
good one
My mentor just told me last week that, God willing, I will never, ever, ever, ever have to apply to school again. And it hit me!
I look forward to feeling like a productive adult with an opinion that matters.
And a new address.
-
I'm also interested in dept feedback.
-
-
Ditto all of the above. And keep in mind that bad credit is not new and people have been living somewhere, so, it's possible. You just need to clue into the local options.
One, check your own credit. Depending on the age of your debt your score may not be as bad as you think. And you can actually have good luck with large property mgmt companies because they can absorb loss easier and are usually more market driven because they have so many units to fill. The worse case scenario is needing a large deposit -- one to two months up front. Be honest. The good thing about the current economy is that bad credit has lost some of its stigma. Everyone is having problems. I see signs up in my town all the time nowadays with "recession" specials; read: we consider more than your credit score.
I also suggest entering "credit" into the CL search for your city. Some places market themselves as credit friendly on there especially when they are desperate to rent. And they won't say it to the general public but leasing agents will put out a temporary ad on CL.
Also, find a local apartment relocation specialist. They know the complexes that are more negotiable and you usually don't pay them; they are paid by the company once you sign a lease.
If all else fails get dressed up, explain your situation to some people at school and work the referral network. I doubt that a graduate student is going to be turned out. The alumni network is useful for things like this.
-
My position isn't exactly similar but I'll hi-jack your post anyway.
I left a job making 50k in North Carolina to go back to school full time. With a part time job and fin aid refunds I think I immediately lost 38k/year of income.
I bit the bullet and got a roommate. It's easy to say "get five roommates and live in a paint can! this is an investment!" but I understand being older and having concerns about the viability of that. The biggest adjustment is not sitting on the couch in my underwear. That one hurts. But its mostly worked out ok. I opted for one of those new apartment complex exclusively for students deals. First, separate leases means less hassle and its all inclusive of utilities/cable/internet. Perhaps you could check for one of those? Campus Communities owns the biggest, I think. However, I've seen similar arrangements in small, privately owned apt complexes near Universities. Fixed utility costs is a tremendous relief -- easier budgeting and less stress about keeping up with due dates and such.
I also like the idea of another poster about freelancing if that is possible in your field. I was a copywriter -- among other things -- in a former life and I find one off gigs from elance, craigslist and former clients/employers. Also I transferred those skills to the current market. I'll do line editing of papers, grantwriting, anything for a stipend. My mentor calls himself a citation ho -- "i'll do anything for a citation!" -- and he recently told me that I'm a stipend ho. Be a stipend ho. It rarely hurts and it won't shame your mother.
But, we'll see how this all goes for me in a few months! I'm moving to a pricier city and fighting hard to afford a one bedroom. I have to decide if $1k/mth with all utilities included is worth it to me. :/
ETA: I checked and quick search yielded: http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1000005888.php. These are similar to what I live in. I don't know if its feasible for a couple though.
-
Reminds me of Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver, from the opposite perspective.
You win the internet for the Soul on Ice reference! My inner revolutionary is pleased.
Atlanta, GA
in City Guide
Posted
Has anyone here at Emory lived in the Briarcliff grad apts? I know they are crazy expensive but being furnished, within walking distance and easily acquired from a distance is making it look like my immediate choice. I figure it will buy me time to get familiar with the area, buy furniture again and get settled. However, I've found no one that lives or has lived there!!! That makes me nervous.