carrot_flowers

It's late, and this is so hilarious for some reason. Anyway, how expensive is it to own a car in California? Rumor has it that registration and be expensive. There's also the issue of gas and insurance. As someone who is currently carless, the thought of purchasing a car is ... eh. But I hear that in order to "really experience LA," I'll need to eventually get a car. This seems to make sense as well because I could be in LA for a long time vying for that PhD.

I wouldn't be too quick to knock public high schools. Some of them offer AP classes or even the IB program, which cater to high achieving students who need good teachers to help them thrive. I know that if it weren't for my fantastic French teachers in high school I would have never even considered continuing my studies at the undergrad level. Be the change you wish to see and all that good stuff y'know. As someone about to start grad school in the fall I am quite interested to see what advice you get. I wish you the best as you figure out your path.

Seems like you did a hell of a lot more than I did. I just made good grades in my French classes and did one of those Summer Research Opportunity Programs up in the Midwest away from my home institution. I couldn't even make study abroad happen... My undergraduate career, which recently ended, was definitely a journey. I started off pre-med, and it was not until my third year that I decided to do a 180 and gave this whole French thing a shot. I was a human biology and French double major who saw myself getting more excited for my French classes than my biology classes. I took this as a sign and looked into applying to grad school. I applied this cycle that just ended, so I'll be starting my program straight out of undergrad. Honestly, I wasn't in any position to tack on more to my undergrad loans, so I didn't even consider getting an MA for financial reasons. I also figured that if a doctorate were my end game, then I might as well give the application my all and hope for the best. I was fully prepared to reapply next cycle if nothing were to work out for me. I suppose that's risky... Ask your mentors. They're the ones who know the field best, and I'm sure they're also good judges of your aptitude. If you were not well-suited for this, then any good mentor will tell you so. I feel as though it's hard to pinpoint what makes someone a competitive candidate. I think "fit" plays a big role though. I applied to schools with faculty doing interesting work concerning the Middle Ages and even Francophone studies since my potential interests lie there. It would not have made much sense for me to apply to a program where no one was conducting research that resonated with me. Find what gets you remotely excited, examine why, and craft that into a compelling case for admission to your desired programs.

Far West is farther from campus than Hyde Park. From what I've heard, it's a fairly residential area with the works: grocery stores, restaurants, etc. I recommend Hyde Park, especially the area around 45th and Duval. It's a charming neighborhood with a bus route (the 7) that runs through it along Duval with a few stops on campus. Other areas to consider (I know I mention buses, but you could also bike to campus if you live around these areas): Apartments/houses along Red River Street: A good portion of this street is serviced by the RR Shuttle as well as the 10. Around 42nd and Red River is the Hancock Center. There you can find an HEB grocery store and some restaurants. Super convenient. Plenty of grad students, fine arts students, and law school students live along Red River. The Cherrywood neighborhood east of campus along/near Manor Road: This area is very charming. There are some hip and interesting restaurants awaiting you. I've spent wayyy too much money here... I believe there is a bus line that services this area with a few stops along campus. I definitely recommend thinking about if campus is bus-able from your residence. Commuting to campus via bus is so convenient. I would only use a car for trips to the grocery store or for leisure. Parking around campus can be a nightmare. This website might aid you in figuring out the commute: http://www.capmetro.org/schedulemap-ut.aspx

Would spending my first year at Weyburn not be a bad idea then? The cost is a huge turn-off, but since I don't have a car the convenience is very appealing to me. Also, I'm in not very familiar with the area...

Decision day's tomorrow! Hope everyone's fall is shaping up to be a great one!

If anyone's waiting to hear back from UW-Madison: I just received an email from them today about recommending me to the Graduate School for admission. I hope others hear good news as well!

I haven't had much interaction with the graduate students, but from what I've gleaned they seem to be very supportive of one another and genuinely friendly. The faculty members here are very down to earth and personable as well. I always feel at ease attending office hours because I can tell that they're interested in my growth as a student. Sounds like I'm paid to say that, but my experiences in this department have been positive for the most part.

Nothing like a rejection to spice up your Monday evening. Cornell's a no on my end.

I haven't heard back from Cornell yet either. Fingers crossed!

Okay, who heard back from Cornell? Based on the results page someone heard from them! They were my other top choice. I'm getting antsy! If it's a rejection, I wish they'd just tell me sooner rather than later; I don't do well getting strung along.

I feel ya. That rejection still stings...

Congrats on UT! Austin is such a vibrant city.

I think at this point in your academic career it's best to survey the people closest to you --- your professors. I'm sure they have valuable advice to offer regarding life in the field, grad school, etc. They may be able to help you determine if a graduate education in French is right for you. Have you thought about looking into internships in France to broaden your horizons? Some peers at my university have done great things and put their French to work through this program: http://www.ifeparis.org/

PpHhDd - it definitely wasn't an invite. Odd email indeed...