gingin6789

I've never... - had my ears pierced - took a driver's license test/received my driver's license. (I'm 24) - been drunk - flown on a plane at a fairly young age (first flight at 21 years old) - finished high school (I had to drop out. I have a GED.) Looking at this list, it may seem like I'm sort of sheltered or something... These things are more due to personal preference, not being rich, and having a chronic illness haha

Check out the Education forum for information specifically pertaining to Education (link in above post) I used Kaplan for test prep. It consisted of an online class (although face-to-face classes are also available), three one-on-one tutoring sessions throughout the four weeks of classes, free quizzes that you can customize (for example, if you're weak in geometry but strong in algebra, you can select geometry, specifically), access to 7 full-length practice tests, Smart Reports to track your progress and tells you which areas to focus on, and three books (an overall GRE prep book, one for Math, and one for Verbal). It helped me get my Verbal from a 155 to a 164, and my Quantitative from a 146 to a 152 (but I did get a 155 on a practice test).

Looking at a map of the world on Google maps (or Google Earth or something), and then zooming in or out at any point. Most people find it a convenience, but I have to close my eyes because it just freaks me out. It's some sort of irrational fear I have.

Yup, you need no-show socks! :-) the best ones I've found have been at Giant (a supermarket) oddly enough! "no nonsense" brand, with a little gel patch at the back of the sock to keep it from slipping. Other no-show socks have this, but they still manage to slip. This particular brand of socks are reliable though!! I do love toms, too. Got my second pair about a month ago. Sweet brown herringbone design with gold thread throughout... That way there's a shimmer of gold without it looking glittery to the point where it looks like kesha threw up on your shoes. My dog destroyed those toms today... :-(

Oh wow, really??? The broth I've had has always been so flavorful that I don't feel the need for soy or sriracha or anything! If you're ever in the central PA area, I will recommend some *tasty* pho places for you, just in case you feel like giving it another try =) ...my belly is rumbling now ...

Staying in and heading to bed early, as opposed to going out or staying up late with friends, at night. I've tried going out at night with friends, but no matter where we go, be it noisy downtown or a low-key bar, I just want to go home to my bed. My friend had me watch "Up!" with her really late at night (I'm talking like 2am), and it was a great movie, but a tortuous endeavor. I just wanted, more than anything, to sleep ... I get really cranky and weepy in those situations. And um ... ketchup. Ketchup in things such as ramen, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, other soups, and fettucine alfredo ... *hides* I know this thread isn't titled "weird things you love," but I think that falls under the "unpopular" category as well.

Intersectionality: A term coined by sociologist Kimberle Crenshaw (*swoon*) and made popular by Patricia Hill Collins (*double swoon*), intersectionality refers to "the study of intersections between different disenfranchised groups or groups of minorities; specifically, the study of the interactions of multiple systems of oppression or discrimination." For example, you can't properly address feminism without examining the intersections of race and feminism & class and feminism. You can't fully gauge obesity without looking at race, class, and family. You can't wholly assess sexual harassment in the medical field without also examining race, class, gender, and sexuality. Google Chrome and Microsoft Word seem to think that this word doesn't exist, but this word is everything to sociologists. (Statistical) Significance: This means that your data can be generalized to the entire population you are studying. It also means that p < .05. It should not be conflated with "substantial" or "important." I'll let you know when I think of more ...

Thank you, Curiouslyoptimistic!! <3 <3 <3

Mom: "So ... how much does that stipend offer leave you to pay for school out of pocket?" (asked tonight, over a month after I got the offer) Me: "Oh, mom, I get a tuition waiver, they're basically paying for me to attend there since I'll be working for them as a teaching assistant. I won't pay a dime!" Mom: *sigh of relief* Me: "Yes, the good thing about grad school is that there are more opportunities for full tuition waivers than in undergrad." Mom: *chuckles* "Unless they play sports; then those applicants might have those opportunities in undergrad!" I feel so terrible that my mom didn't know about the tuition waiver earlier!!! I never explained it well enough!! She knows I'm in a good amount of debt from student loans and feels bad that she couldn't help pay for college at all during my undergrad, so she was really worried about me paying/taking out loans for grad school, too ... oh mom, I love you and I'm sorry! Thoroughly explaining funding offers to family is a good idea!!

PvZ2, I hope your visit goes well!! :D I'm glad I could help! NoSleep, I'm glad this thread helped you, too!

I agree to all the points above, and if it will help, you can even call the DGS of the other university to let them know that you've accepted an offer elsewhere. I went to a recruitment visit at the university I didn't choose in the end, and everyone there was absolutely wonderful to me, treating me with such respect as a student AND as a person, rather than a faceless number, when they weren't even sure they could offer me admission yet!! They never expected an answer from me then and there, and they always said "If you should choose to attend ... " I got the phone call of acceptance a week later. I felt that my rejection of their acceptance warranted a phone call to the DGS rather than an email. I simply explained that the other program was a better fit for me at this point in time (I didn't intend on rattling off specific reasons, but I'm a very expressive person, so I did), and the DGS totally understood!! So, my points are as follows: - I don't know why they put you on the spot about attending right away! If it was a recruitment visit, your "acceptance" was a pressured response that I don't think they would take as a proper acceptance. - You can always call them if you want, or if you're worried how they'll respond! Chances are, they'll understand. - Don't feel bad for feeling badly for rejecting the first school ... I was bawling before I made the phone call to the DGS to reject their offer! It just shows that you were accepted to two great programs, and that you're very passionate and mindful about making the right graduate school decision!

I had the chance to meet the professor/DGS who sent me my acceptance at a recent conference. She was the one I ended up sending my acceptance email to. We had a wonderful chat about the program, my interests, and since she got to see my personality, I knew she would understand that my sincerity and elation were GENUINE, as I couldn't stop saying "Thank you!!" when I met her! SO, in addition to Vene's suggestion, if you know the person you are emailing, you can make it more personal and, perhaps, list why you chose the program and the reasons as to why you're so excited to attend the program (program's reputation, funding, location, etc.) =) I hope that bit of information helps!

I have two more things to add to my list: - sweet breakfast foods, besides cereal (waffles, pancakes, french toast) - "Breakfast for dinner" or "Breakfast all day" specials. I'd rather have dinner all day (spaghetti for breakfast sounds wonderful!! I've had sushi for breakfast before, too.)

I just don't understand why they play what they do! Some of the marketing they're doing is just plain terrible as well! A phrase equivalent to "Let's get drunk!" is being used as a "clever" marketing double-entendre for a particular item of clothing. An overtly suggestive title is plastered on the front of a coupon we're handing out. I have no idea what happened! My boss once told me that such marketing and lyrics to songs don't matter. He said "The lyrics could say 'Kill people!' and no one would be listening, they're just listening to it for the beat or the tune!" I wanted to retort, "Yes, but does that make it right??" Sorry to vent. As for candy corn, my friend in New Zealand specifically asked me to mail some to her so she could try it, and she loved it. Her girlfriend had to hide it from her so she wouldn't eat it all at once! I enjoy it, too. It's an odd candy though, I'll admit. @SocGirl, I actually love ketchup in just about everything that's not sweet, already tomato-based, or that I have another preferred topping for.

A big congratulations to you!! *offers you cookies* Ah, Brandeis is a wonderful school *swoon*. I didn't apply there because location was a huge factor for me for family reasons, so I had to stay close to home. But it is an excellent school, obviously!! Keep us posted on how your visits go!! We'll be rooting for you and look forward to seeing you in the decision thread!! :-D

Yayyy Maleficent!!!! I'm so happy for you!!! Finding an apartment isn't fun (I found one, and the first payment for three months is due in July ... way before I get my stipend! looks like a lot of work this spring/summer haha), but once you DO find it, it'll be great to finally settle in!!

The I.T. Crowd Peep Show (it's a British comedy) and on OnDemand from Comcast: Parks and Recreation Restaurant Impossible Kitchen Nightmares Chopped

Steak. Apple pie. Cherry pie. The music that plays at work (I work at a casual clothing retailer. A few songs aren't bad, but when I hear "Tell them that it's my birthday when I party like that" over and over again, it turns into senseless, droning noise.) Watching sports on TV. Staying out late for a night on the town. DANCING. Please don't make me dance ...

I heard they only accepted 3 out of 80 or so. Hopefully there is at least one of three on grad Cafe!!

Here is what I've found out about housing around Lehigh University's campus! Riverport Apartments are pricier, but definitely the nicest apartments within walking distance of campus. From what I can tell (I can't find an official website), base rent for a one-bedroom is somewhere around $1,000 per month. That could be manageable, depending on the amount of the grad student's stipend. From what I hear, Saucon Village and Saucon Valley are good options if you have a car! Just be mindful of the housing lottery procedure for Saucon Village rentals. Campus Hill apartments are less expensive and closer to campus. The name is not misleading; they are a block or two from the outskirts of campus, and they are definitely on a "hill," as the university is situated upon a mountain. The apartments are of good quality: nothing overly fancy, but nothing decrepit in the least. Mine will have a nice living room space with two closets included, a very tiny kitchen, a hallway with a wall that is indented so that there's room for a table (the folks living in the apartment that I toured opted for an aquarium with a turtle), a closet in the hallway, two bedrooms (one smaller, one slightly bigger), and a small full bathroom. From what I can tell, they either don't have one-bedroom options at all, or they simply did not have any left. I opted for a two-bedroom apartment. The best part is that a fully-furnished (an optional package that is an extra $69 per month per bedroom) two-bedroom apartment, with water, cable/internet, is still less than $1,000 per month. The furniture included in the optional package includes: "a stylish leather-like sofa and arm chair for your living room, an entertainment stand for your TV, and a coffee table and end table. Your bedroom will be furnished with a raised full-size bed to allow for extra storage and mattress. Also included in your bedroom furniture is a desk, desk chair, a nightstand and two 2-drawer dressers that can be stacked or placed under your bed."The furniture package can save big on moving your current household furniture to campus. The only snag? Quarterly payments! My lease begins in August, but my first quarterly payment is due July 1. Since the payments are indeed quarterly, that means I pay three months of rent at a time (A lease beginning in August requires payments on July 1, October 1, December 1, and March 1). Be mindful of how this coincides with your stipend payments if you are funded!!

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the area of Newark, DE surrounding the university. Main Street is great because there are so many places to eat and such a variety of options to choose from!! As for housing, ratlab has a great list of options listed above. The only thing I'll add is that I was expressly warned AGAINST going to Studio Green. They apparently changed the name of their apartments because the complex had such a bad reputation. Again, this is only what I've heard, but the person I heard from is a reliable source who has been at UD for grad school for around five years. Living in nearby Wilmington is also a great option if you have a car! There are ample housing options in the area.

Hello, everyone!! I'm curious/excited to see who else will be attending Lehigh University beginning in fall 2014! I will be enrolled in their MA program in sociology! I'm very excited!! =)

Pretty handy way for folks to remember where PSU and UPenn are!! Oh, I never knew about that BU hubbub!! The lengths that former president went to were pretty extreme!! I'd rather say "BU" for Baylor because, whenever I see Baylor, I just think of my friend who is originally from Vermont (I think) whose last name is Baylor, and it just throws everything off in my mind ... [Not as confusing as the high school bearing my last name in the state I happen to share a first name with. It was super weird when I found that out!]

When was the application deadline for this program? Has there been any correspondence between you and your POI up until this point (for instance, maybe they said "We're rolling out acceptances soon!" and that's what's got you so anxious? Or perhaps you're just generally anxious cause it's well past the deadline?)?