Kamisha

I anticipate an Oregon bloodbath on the boards today. My post office will deliver my letter in 45 minutes. Gah.

Writing my thesis and teaching. That’s all I do these days: write my thesis, teach, and stalk GradCafe. Haha.

Apart from Stafford Loans and “big name” scholarships like Marshall, Cambridge-Gates, and Fulbright (I’ve already missed those deadlines), does anyone know of funding options for US students who want to study in the UK? Any private grants/scholarships/opportunities/etc? Background: I was awarded a partial-tuition scholarship and, should I accept, I will still need to come up with about $14K for tuition. I’ve got the living expenses covered. Because I was lucky enough to be funded during my current MA, I don’t have student loan debt. As such, I could do Stafford Loans if necessary but really, really would prefer not to.

Apart from Stafford Loans and “big name” scholarships like Marshall, Cambridge-Gates, and Fulbright (I’ve already missed those deadlines), does anyone know of funding options for US students who want to study in the UK? Any private grants/scholarships/opportunities/etc? Background: I was awarded a partial-tuition scholarship and, should I accept, I will still need to come up with about $14K for tuition. I’ve got the living expenses covered. Because I was lucky enough to be funded during my current MA, I don’t have student loan debt. As such, I could do Stafford Loans if necessary but really, really would prefer not to.

I agree. The worst they can do is say no, and if you don’t try, they will likely say that anyway.

I visited Berkeley for a conference in October and fell in love with the place. They’d obviously been on my radar for a long time (because they are the top English program in the United States and, arguably, the world), but I started to do a bunch of research about the university. I love the campus culture, the professional development opportunities are unmatched, and my POIs are huge scholars in my field. So that would have been a dream. What I like about the city, specifically, is that it feels almost like a resort town. I lived in Key West, FL for a while and it reminded me a lot of there. The campus “vibe” is refreshingly artsy and the downtown area has incredible bookstore, coffee shops, restaurants from pretty much any ethnic culture you could imagine. Also, it’s about a 30m drive from San Fran, so it’s really close to a big city if you want that feel. Plus, it’s near a beach, so you have the beautiful views. Because it’s in the Bay area, the weather isn’t as hot as SoCal and you get to see a touch of the different seasons (I went in October and was pleasantly surprised to see Fall colors on the trees). For me, it’s also not super far from home...a quick drive to SF and then an hour flight. I just love the place. The school is amazing. The faculty is unmatched. The city is, in my opinion, dreamy. Love it. EDIT: I should note that there are definitely dumpy parts of the town.

That really sucks I’m sorry.

Berkeley’s my dream school, so I can’t answer this question without any bias. Haha. Best of luck as you figure it out! They are both wonderful schools.

From your signature, it looks like you are wait listed at Berkeley. I’d say hold out before accepting any offers.

Bumping this post for some new info on Waco. Considering completing my PhD at Baylor. I visited Waco a week ago and, though I was impressed by the university campus (seriously gorgeous), the city terrified me a little bit. Any advice for a single twenty-something female (i.e. safer and quieter areas to live) and any advice about good cafes, places to get locally-owned food, etc?

YES.

I’m not a philosophy candidate, but I will say that I was shut out of several universities (six, in fact) for submitting a sample that was somewhat outside of my interest area. I know this because when I emailed the universities to find out what I could do to become a more competitive applicant in the future, they said that despite my writing sample being a published essay of high quality, they couldn’t assess my knowledge in the area in which I wanted to work and thus couldn’t admit me. I don’t know if it’s the same in Philosophy as it is in Literature, but I just thought I’d chime in.

Hahahaha Love it.

My undergrads are brilliant. I don’t think anyone was putting undergrads down at all. I think the comment was more alluding to a concern that the OP would date her students, which would be unethical and a wee bit creepy.

“It’s amazing how many super villains have advanced degrees. Graduate schools should do a better job of screening those people out.” -Sheldon Cooper

Hahahahahhaaha

Making fun? Perhaps a little. Mostly, though, the use of logical fallacies and unfounded assumptions in this thread are unmatchable. Seriously, I’ve never seen a better example. What’s better is that it’s a “real world” example of people (not just OP) using these negative writing techniques. I guess the lesson here is that if you don’t want to be mocked on the internet, maybe don’t post mockable stuff on the internet. Or, you know, learn how to communicate and control your rhetoric a little bit better. That second option would be a “win” all around.

Always be prepared and dress professionally (no matter if others aren’t). By be prepared, I mean take copies of your CV and SoP, study up on the faculty members, try to infer a bit about the campus culture, and make sure you are on time and ready to be receptive. Most of all, enjoy it

The only thing I want more than a PhD is to be the “Star in the Reasonably Priced Car” on BBC’s Top Gear. Well, that and to know (preferably in the biblical sense) Benedict Cumberbatch. If this whole “PhD” thing doesn’t work out, I’m chasing those dreams.

I really hope that’s good news!

I’m apparently an INFJ, which is apparently the “rarest” personality type. No wonder I have problems. Haha.

I do, I do! I actually kind of love it. That being said, I do wish the quality of the clothing was a bit better.

I’m sending virtual hugs your way. Thanks

I would really, really like to get into FSU. Pray for me Haha

I think it’s really interesting that, according to the boards, FSU has sent out Creative Writing and Rhetoric acceptances, but haven’t started notifying for the Literature program.