AWall2014

Georgia Tech. That name is praised in CS!

Admitted to HGSE TIE just last week! I really didn't expect this and had almost written Harvard off as someone directly out of undergrad and with scores/grades that weren't that exceptional. However, after getting crazy looks from my advisors, I reconsidered my acceptance and began to appreciate the many possibilities as a Harvard student. I haven't accepted the offer yet because I'm waiting on the visitation day and also the possibility of a merit scholarship (I'm not too disillusioned about that, though). I'm pretty excited about April 3! Can't wait to meet y'all!

Purdue is really strong in engineering. I'm not surprised you received full funding because engineering and tech are what get the big bucks there.

(just to add this here) New Orleans has a HUGE Vietnamese population and also a pretty sizable South Asian population. But Vietnam isn't China, so OSU may be what you'd want if you're looking for other Chinese students.

A great indicator of where to choose would be to look and see whether or not your location has a thriving community of various South Asian peoples! Since Columbia is in NYC and Berkeley in the Bay Area, they shouldn't be difficult to find. Looking at the requirements for both programs, it also matters what prerequisites you have. For instance, while Columbia appears to be nonchalant about the issue, Berkeley requires one of the following: Two years of study in the language of emphasis or the equivalent, as determined by the Head Graduate Adviser; Five undergraduate courses concerning South and Southeast Asia or the equivalent, as determined by the Graduate Adviser. Best of luck to you!

I think the federal deadline for all grad school acceptance decisions is April 15th. Think Tax Day!

Is UIUC's Master's degree in Computer Science program 2 years? If it is, that's not too long. I'd go with them if the program is clearly stronger and provides adequate fin. aid. That's why I don't mind the prospect of living in West Lafayette for Purdue lol

In your position, I would honestly focus all my energy on applying for programs to be admitted for Spring/Fall 2015. The grad school application process is already intense for the student who applies within the normal timeframe, so I can only imagine how it would be for you to apply now for Fall 2014. Most programs have terminated their application submission period. Those with rolling admissions are tricky because the earlier you apply, the higher your chance of being accepted. You need all the help you can get! Plus, you'll be able to dedicate much more time towards GRE prep and promoting yourself in your Personal Statement and admissions essays (esp. with your GPA).

I think it shows a lot of maturity for you to be approaching this the way that you are. Particularly impressive that you even reached out to someone in academia for advice. Although I'm in no way an admissions expert, schools must value students who prioritize and would rather downsize than burn out, right? That's my hope (it's what I've been told for years).

This question is glued to my subconscious. No matter how much confidence I have in my scholarship potential, there's this nagging feeling that things may not materialize as I'd planned. It's happened to me countless times before, from where I wound up attending for undergrad to my study abroad misfortune. I may apply for the Summer Programs Assistant Coordinator position at my university's Graduate Placement/McNair office. That's IF I decide to stay in New Orleans for an extra year. During that time, I will - in addition to reapplying for graduate school - explore more of the city. It's much different living somewhere as a resident than as a college student I don't know what else I would qualify doing that won't also detract me from pursuing grad school. That's a really common thing that happens during the post-undergrad "gap year". For me, complacency just simply is NOT an option, and I refuse to let it cloud my judgment!

Sounds like a moratorium that they waited entirely too late to pass?

I gave each of them (4 total) thank you cards right after they submitted them. However, I've been meaning to get them an additional gift but haven't had the finances to do so. Thanks for reminding me with this post! I just need to figure out what to give...I'm thinking possibly another card towards the end of the semester that gives them an update of my admission status, my final decision, and a copy of one of my grad photos.

Summer Plans: I graduate in early May but am technically finished with classes at the very end of April. Since I'm pretty set about not attending my graduation ceremony, I plan on going home briefly to get my driver's license and then join one my best friend's in California via road trip. Then I'll return home to do an internship or job in retail/food services up until 2-3 weeks before I start my program. Also lots of catching up with friends and family members. Rejection Plans: (calling it like it is ) I have a realllllyyyyy vague idea of this...mostly comprising of a repeat of this year's application process + serious introspection on what I did wrong and how to change it. That and a job. Somewhere.

I actually had to think about this one: 1) GRE -- $185 2) GRE prep course -- $100 3) GRE score reports -- $225 ($25 x 9) 4) Application fees -- $0 (fee waivers through scholarship programs, thankfully) 5) Official Transcripts -- $18 ($2 x 9) TOTAL? $428 not TOO bad...

Congrats! I guess the application reviewing process was fast since it's a Ph.D program you've applied to (I'm waiting to hear from Berkeley concerning an M.A. program). This would be a good time for you to review any research published by the professors you highlighted in your SOP/Personal Statement. 9/10 they'll be there and eager to converse about the research that you found so interesting.

I, too, hate waiting, but along the lines of what Reinhard said, I'm basically using this time to stave any hard feelings that may arise once rejection comes. I've applied to 9 Master's programs for Fall 2014 without the security of "safety schools". So rejection is inevitable. I actually wonder how I'll take it (of course it'll depend on the school). Good luck!