skylarking

It really depends on how you work. I have friends in my program who read incredibly fast, so they're able to finish quite quickly. I, on the other hand, take a bit longer to read than most, and also obsessively take notes. I didn't find that things got easier for me in my MA until Spring quarter first year. I can only speak to my program, unfortunately, so I can't give much pointed advice. First quarter felt like being pushed out of a moving vehicle at full speed, second quarter more of a panicked run, and third quarter, a comfortable jog. Try not to feel maladjusted; some people just work differently. We tell people in my program that second quarter is where things get a little easier, but you won't feel adjusted really until third, and by second year you should be used to the workload and know how to work effectively.

I think mormlib is right in that you should figure out whose opportunities are best right now and work around it. It's always easiest when they're able to come with you with little workaround (as is my case, but I'm incredibly lucky in that). I also know how terrible it is to have to make long-term relationships work while you're living overseas (I've had to do it twice now, and I essentially got an ultimatum a little while ago of "never again"). I take it the opportunities for him near your top school are limited, as well? Is there anywhere sort of near to that they could work so you could meet more than over holidays?

1. POI does research on my exact area of interest in the discipline, and they have a fantastic professor in another department who specializes in my area (really rather rare in the U.S.) 2. It's home for me. I grew up about an hour and a half away from there, then went to high school there. I adore the city like no other in the world. 3. Prestigious school 4. Closer to family, and in a location they'd actually want to come visit. Also still have a couple really good friends in the area. 5. Easy access back and forth to my area of interest 6. Did I mention it's home? I just wanna go home

I had the same problem: my research interests are so specific (esoteric?) that it's hard to find anyone who specializes in what I want to continue studying. I applied to all but maybe 2 schools, and I'm kind of kicking myself for not applying to those, as well. Even still, I really couldn't have scrounged up the money for more application fees (the ones to which I applied were insane, especially the Canadian unis) and all the associated costs.

Heartily endorsing Muji. All their stuff is so good. It's just a shame that a lot of the stationery and photo albums and things of theirs that I love are only sold in Japan, so I either have to have friends bring them back or stock up every time I go. On topic, I have a lot of weird habits, most of which are really just manifestations of my OCD (I have to sit in the same position, I color-code my notes, etc.)

Hey there! (Long time lurker, first time poster. The wait is absolutely demolishing my sanity, so I finally registered) I've been dealing with the grad coordinator at UCSD due to some problems with one of my letters and they told me earlier this week that the adcom was beginning their meetings very soon. Also for anyone else who also applied to UBC (where I had the same problem, whooooo), they're also meeting soon/have already begun meeting.