foodie
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Posts posted by foodie
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Hi. Is it UMass Amherst or Wisconsin that funds 2 students each year? Because according to UMass website, they fund all of their students.
In fact, my area of interest is Communication Technology. But I found only a handful of programs that somehow connects to my profile/interest/funds etc (apparently I have a list of criteria), which is why the list is so diverse. But I understand that I need to keep my statements focused.
Penn State was my top choice, so it definitely is bad news for me that they don't fund students much.
Hi!
Funding in general at Wisconsin is a mess due to the state government. From what I know, UMASS does fund all of their MA and PhD students, BUT their masters cohort is usually only 2-3 students... That's what I meant about that.
Penn State has great funding for PhD. students. All doctoral students receive an assistantship or fellowship. Unfortunately, funding at the masters level is limited, so very few MA students receive an assistantship. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't apply, but it's something to keep in mind. If you have specific questions about Penn State, feel free to private message me (I am a student there.)
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Getting MA funding from Penn State and Wisconsin would be very unlikely. UMASS only funds about 2 masters students each year. I am not sure about the other programs though... You have quite a list of programs with very different specialities. Do you know more specifically what you want to study? Programs will want to know this especially if they are funding you.Hello.I have been planning to apply for MA in Communication in USA this fall, majorly. But I have also targeted one or two Mass Communication programs.One of my biggest worries is that I have neither academic nor professional background in this sector. To mention my related extra-curricular activities, I'll say that I have been involved with an online writing platform (kind of a blog, sadly not an English one) for 4 to 5 years as a contributor, editor (for blog posts, the occasional ebooks and the only book we've published) etc. I have several published articles (English ones) in newspapers/websites, but all are small news-piece like, nothing noteworthy. So not only that my experience is not really that much high profile, but I also don't have any undergraduate thesis paper or valuable piece of academic writing that I can present as a writing sample to those admission committees that ask for lengthy writing samples. I can give them translation of one lengthy blog post of mine, which was serious and sort of analytical but surely not as formal as an academic writing sample, but I am not sure whether such informal blog kind of article are acceptable as a writing sample. Or do they only want to check how well you write? I need the answer because cutting off programs that require writing sample is shortening the list of programs I can target.Other than the above, here's my profile:Undergrad: civil engineeringUndergrad marks: 65%Publications: noneWork experience: 4 months in a non-profit (didn't do anything significant there), 8 months in an engineering firmGRE: quant 167 verbal 161 analytical 5IELTS: reading 8 listening 8 speaking 7.5 writing 7TOEFL: reading 29 listening 30 speaking 22 writing 30LOR: From undergrad professors (engineering and some humanities courses) and maybe from my employer who is also an engineer, and one from the social service organisation's head I've worked in for years who is also a communications grad. I can also get one from my blog co-ordinator but not sure whether that'd be of much value.I want to apply to programs that requires a thesis for the masters degree and provides full financial support to some students. The primary list of universities that fine tune with my profile and requirements (no writing sample, provides full funding to some students)1. Ohio State University (though I think I need to take this out of the list as they require 28 on TOEFL speaking)2. University of Wisconsin Madison (not sure about the possibility of financial support)3. University of Missouri Columbia4. Virginia Tech5. University of Maryland College Park6. Pennsylvania State University7. University of Massachussettes Amherst8. Ohio University9. University of Nebraska Lincoln10. University of South Carolina11. University of Tennesse Knoxville12. Temple University (Development Communication)Can you please give your opinion on my probability of getting funded admission in each of these? I don't think I'll be applying to this many programs and opt for 7 to 8 at most, so I need to make my list more defined, by taking away some names and adding some new ones.
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I don't think it's that simple. If you accept an offer to a PhD. program, you are making a 3-5 year commitment depending on your program and background. I've only ever heard of one person starting a PhD. program, leaving, and then beginning another one. (I'm sure many more have, but I'm also sure it's a headache.) For one, it's not like an undergraduate transfer. You are literally going to have to reapply to new programs. Somewhere along the line, you are going to have to explain why after such a short amount of time you are already leaving a program. This may make you look flighty. Hopefully, you remain in contact with your original recommenders because I can't imagine someone writing you a strong letter of recommendation if you leave their program after one year.
If you aren't serious about the offer and program you have already accepted, I would consider not attending and saving yourself and the program a lot of time and wasted energy.
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From what I have gathered, Penn State admitted several MA students but did not offer any of them funding this year due to a large PhD cohort. I think they generally reserve most funding for doctoral students. Will be attending in fall (for doctoral program). Hope that helps.
Hi,
I'm very new to this forum. I would really appreciate it if anyone can help me answer some questions. Have anyone heard back from Penn State yet? Also, does anyone hear apply to UConn? If yes, have you heard anything from them regarding funding or assistantship yet? I'm really stressed out about this.
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I'm one of the people fortunate enough to be attending graduate school in the sciences, where programs seem more likely to be fully funded. The program I'm attending does fully fund its students for the first year through the program itself, and then fully funds its students through their advisors' labs once they pick a mentor. There is also a stipend, and financial assistance is not dependent on teaching.
My question is (and it may be a very dumb one), but is there any merit to filling out the FAFSA for graduate school for this type of program? I qualified for federal aid in undergrad and am fairly sure I would qualify again, but not sure if I need to.
I haven't yet received my financial package from my program either, though I know there are additional fellowships available for some students.
For graduate programs, it is unlikely that you will get anything other than loans offered to you through a finaid package. I was fully funded through my master's and still filled it out. They will offer you loans, and you can choose if you want to accept them. Obviously, if you are fully funded it is unlikely that you will accept them, but it may be nice to have it processed for what if scenarios. I intend on processing my FAFSA for my doctoral program this year, but I do not intend to take out loans. (Just in the rare chance my stipend does not cover EVERYTHING or I need to attend a conference here or there (without funding). I would prefer to take out a low interest loan than put expenses on my credit card). Just one perspective.
- deci:belle and stmwap
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comicalgirl, I recommend having that dreaded meeting with the chair. There could have been interdepartment factors (like faculty coming/going) that may be completely unrelated to you. This may put your mind at ease.
I am curious: did professors at your current institution write your LORs? If so, they should have been a relatively accurate indicator as to whether or not you would get into the program.
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I'm in at Penn State CoC as well! (cultural-critical)
Accepted to Penn State and thrilled. I wonder how many they've accepted so far.. it is likely that I will accept so I believe now starts the grueling process of finding housing..
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Sad to say this, but I've actually just cancelled my Penn State visit. Too much snow in the way! Looks like a Skype interview for me, instead.
Foodie, JL24, TrizzleYO: let me know how it goes! And safe travels!
definitely!
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Same! I'm guessing no news is bad news
Will you be at Penn State's applicant weekend (next weekend?)
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Welcome.
Have you checked the results page? Click results search, type program name and see what comes up. It will at least give you a historical indicator when those decisions will be made.
I have, and historically, decisions have been made in mid February to March. I am just very impatient and wanted to see if anyone had any insight.
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I am new to the grad cafe. Has anyone heard from Rutgers? PhD in Communication and Information for Fall 2014?
Advice on Letter of Intent for funding purposes
in Statement of Purpose, Personal History, Diversity
Posted
Hello,
Here is my brief, but hopefully helpful advice: funding (unless you are up for fellowships) represents a symbiotic relationship between the student and the department. You could stress how crucial funding is for you and how it is a determining factor as to whether or not you will pursue your studies. Another way to tackle this is to focus on the potential assistantship that you may have at that university. What is the school going to get from you? (either as a TA, instructor, RA, etc.) Why should they give you funding, What strengths do you have that others may not, etc...
I am not sure if that helps, but good luck!