iwontbelyeveit

What I keep telling myself:
 

 
And yet....
 

Thanks so much, friends. This is really encouraging and affirming.
 
After 2 rounds of PhD applications, I feel really fortunate. To have stable, adequate funding for my entire PhD is just...too wonderful to pass up. Bah! I'm still so stunned!! What a good weekend...   

Officially gave the "yes" to UMass-Amherst Comp Lit! I couldn't be more excited!! AHHHHH! Thanks for all of the support, friends!!!       

Alright folks. After a few days of agonizing over the Harvard waitlist, I decided to take myself off of it and commit to UCLA. I realized that I would choose UCLA even if I did get off the waitlist. I know it's not the same as declining an acceptance offer, but guys, I just turned down Harvard, and it feels...weird but awesome. 

AH! I forgot the Pixies went there!!!! EDUCATIONAL INDEED! 

Congrats!!!
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN4V5XjyR6s
 
 
It's educational!

Officially gave the "yes" to UMass-Amherst Comp Lit! I couldn't be more excited!! AHHHHH! Thanks for all of the support, friends!!!       

Officially gave the "yes" to UMass-Amherst Comp Lit! I couldn't be more excited!! AHHHHH! Thanks for all of the support, friends!!!       

Missed opportunity there for you to say "Call me, Ishmael."

Officially gave the "yes" to UMass-Amherst Comp Lit! I couldn't be more excited!! AHHHHH! Thanks for all of the support, friends!!!       

I totally get that. I actually cried when I sent my email to Madison, it felt so wrong.
 
But I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time in Amherst!

I've turned down Nebraska, Iowa State, Purdue, and TCU. Still need to talk with Clemson and Michigan State and officially accept Florida State. I hate sending these emails though--it feels like a break-up each time! 

Just handed in my MA thesis. More celebration!
 

I know nerves are probably very high for some today so for those of you boring a hole into your inbox with your laser eye beams, come in and blow off some steam! Get a back rub! Have a mojito! We're all cheering for you in here.
 
For those who have made their decisions, whatever they may be, come in and celebrate, commiserate, or simply reclinate (I know that's not a word)! Whatever, let Jim Carrey kiss you on stage!
 

 
I should add: no matter what we all end up doing, we're all move on from this point. 
 
Forward, not backward; upward, not forward; and always twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom!
 

ExponentialDecay, this response is extraordinarily thoughtful, helpful, and thorough. I am truly grateful. Were you nearby, I would by you a beer. 

glad we could resurrect this oozing flesh wound one last time before everyone goes home
 

If you REALLY like the program at Alberta better, maybe explain the situation to the DGS or someone else of relevance to see if they can't muster up some more funding for you. Because the package they offered you sounds terrible, to be honest. If they can't, I'd follow the money. Guaranteed funding and a liveable income are extremely important.

Thanks so much, friends. This is really encouraging and affirming.
 
After 2 rounds of PhD applications, I feel really fortunate. To have stable, adequate funding for my entire PhD is just...too wonderful to pass up. Bah! I'm still so stunned!! What a good weekend...   

Thanks so much, friends. This is really encouraging and affirming.
 
After 2 rounds of PhD applications, I feel really fortunate. To have stable, adequate funding for my entire PhD is just...too wonderful to pass up. Bah! I'm still so stunned!! What a good weekend...   

Thanks so much, friends. This is really encouraging and affirming.
 
After 2 rounds of PhD applications, I feel really fortunate. To have stable, adequate funding for my entire PhD is just...too wonderful to pass up. Bah! I'm still so stunned!! What a good weekend...   

I second what others have said... Amherst seems like the best option, despite it's lack of a Slavic focus. Even if your research interests change because of the way the program is structured at least you won't have to worry about coming up with money for tuition!

I would absolutely go with Amherst. Some people look down on "following the money" but it's not about being greedy... it's about having enough money to not have to worry about taking on other work and thus being able to concentrate on your research!
 
Is there a chance Alberta could make a counter offer? Worth a shot if you're still really attached to their department, otherwise I'd let them know. I don't think departments can feel particularly bad losing you to a fully funded program (as opposed to if you were choosing between two FF programs and you chose the one with the higher stipend).
 
Tough choice! Good luck!

I second what everybody else is saying. I can totally understand that you're worried about losing the Slaving aspect of your work, but when the difference in money is so great I think it's a sacrifice worth making. Also, there may be unexpected ways to still incorporate it into your research even if it won't take up as great a part as you'd hoped.
Also, I assume that you knew that Amherst wasn't as big in Slavic when you applied and you still wanted to go there, while money may be the deciding factor now it's not like you're going a place completely at random. You provably still have loads you'd want to do there!

Also, huge congratulations!!!

Definitely seconding everyone on UMass.  Also, look into Foreign Language Area Studies fellowships once you're at UMass (if you go there).  They are funded by the DoE and cover language study for less commonly taught languages.  You could use them to go spend summers in Slavic countries focusing on language study and squeeze in some research, too.  I did 7 weeks last summer and 6 the summer before in Italy.  This is a great way to develop/maintain language focus, and you can probably still incorporate Slavic studies into your dissertation; you'll just have to be the language expert and do your research on scholarship knowing that your committee can give you intelligent feedback on your ideas but won't know the field well.  

Heading for Seattle this autumn Excitement ahoy!