johnnycomelately
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Everything posted by johnnycomelately
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The CGS agreement, which may or may not apply to your situation (if the schools are in the US, and funding is involved it likely does), states: "an acceptance given or left in force after April 15 commits the student not to accept another offer without first obtaining a written release..." It goes on to state that after the 15th a school is obligated to get proof of your written release before offering funding/admission. What this means for someone who accepts two spots prior to the 15th-No clue. I'm not really even sure how/if the agreement is enforced, or what the ramifications might be, but in the end, depending on the size of your field, you may end up ruining valuable relationships. I would suggest calling the DGS/admin at each of the programs and explaining the situation.
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To jump in on this conversation, but to change the dynamic a bit, I wonder what a "safety" school for PhD programs even looks like. I've been told by countless advisors/mentors etc., that there is no such thing in grad school, and that getting into any program, whether it is ranked 1st or dead last (according to whatever rating system you give credence to), is never guaranteed. So I guess my question is, why apply to a school/program if you were not absolutely sure you would attend if offered a spot? Edit: This isn't some sort of critique of the OPs intentions in applying, and I am not looking for them to justify their motives, but am genuinely interested in what others have to say about the idea of "safety schools" at the grad level. -
I was in a similar situation (was unsure about whether I would have time to finish my thesis, defend it, and start a summer program I'm already registered for), so I emailed to dean of students and was told that whether or not I ever finish my MA doesn't matter (not finishing it would, however, impact my ability to skip some coursework). A guy in my cohort, who was simply behind in the writing process, did the same (different university), and was informed that he would have to demonstrate that he earned the MA by the start of the program. So, it depends.... No one here can tell you exactly what the program requires, and if you have doubts about finishing/finishing in time, you should get in touch with the DGS/coordinator as soon as possible to weigh your options. Good luck!
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If you don't have any other offers you are needing to respond to, give them some time. Admissions committees/program admins know this is important info for prospective students, and they will get back to you when it's all figured out. Should you have other offers requiring a response soon, however, give them a call, or contact the other program's DGS asking for an extension.
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i admire your sense of loyalty/dedication. Just remember that you need to do what is best for you. That being said, if it doesn't seem like a big deal for you to put off applying for another cycle, do so. Just send a quick note to your possible LOR writers letting them know of your intentions, and when the time comes to apply send them a reminder of what you did while their student/advisee. It helps to send them a copy of your CV with relevant research experience and awards (if any), a copy of your SOP, and a few lines about your plans for the future.
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Do both. You likely won't hear about PhD admissions until well into next year, and won't be starting for over a year if/when offered a place/funding. By then you can decide whether to continue with the job or go for a PhD.
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Some schools will not approve deferrals-for any reason-and will advise you to decline your spot this year and reapply when you are ready to attend. Some have a policy in place for approving them for "serious issues"(medical, death in the family, etc.). Most, to my knowledge, will not approve a deferral so that you can attend another program/delay starting in the program. The best person to ask is the program director/grad advisor. Edit: The reason it isn't brought up is probably because deferrals, possibly with the exception of medical/health related circumstances, are frowned upon. You are admitted in a certain year for various reasons, which might change from cycle to cycle.
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Computer Science Northeastern Phd vs UMASS Masters
johnnycomelately replied to Pegah's topic in Decisions, Decisions
Go for the PhD program. It won't cost you anything, and if you decide that you want to stop-out after earning an MA en-route to the PhD you can, or you might decide to continue with the program. -
Are either funded/partially funded?
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Committed to UChicago. It was a tough choice for a few reasons (great programs/advisors at each school that accepted me, similar/competitive funding offers (one was better than that offered at Chicago, as they guaranteed six years vs. five), diverse and intellectually stimulating environments), but I felt a more immediate connection with the faculty and current students at Chicago. Also, Chicago was the most ideal living situation of my choices.
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Schools for U.S.-Mexico Borderlands/Chican@ History
johnnycomelately replied to MikeTheFronterizo's topic in History
Anthony Mora, and a few others at U Michigan, work on borderland issues. His latest book Border Dilemmas might also be worthwhile reading depending on your period of focus. ^Posted at the same time, ha.- 20 replies
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As I firm up my decision, I thought it would be nice to hear what made others choose the program they are committed to attending this Fall. I will add mine after submitting my official acceptance (planning on early this week).
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I'm in the humanities, so my experience maybe doesn't perfectly fit your situation. At one school I applied to my POI contacted me and asked if I would switch to a related department, also for PhD. Their reasoning was that there is never a guarantee that an applicant a POI is interested in admitting will be approved by the committee, or that even if they are, securing funding could be an issue. I told them that I would rather stay with the program I applied to, and was admitted without any issues (offered full funding for six years, plus dissertation writing fellowships). I think it shows they are interested, but for whatever reason think you might have an easier time being admitted to a different department.
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What would be the reason for telling them? As you currently do not have a competing offer, there seems little reason to do so, imo.
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I somewhat agree. Knowing that someone turned down an offer in no way guarantees that you will be the one picked to take their spot. It can even add to frustrations, especially if you are then not offered that funding/admission. Also, try not to hold it against those of us who have offers to more than one program and are still figuring out where we will be going. I realize that being wait listed is probably very frustrating and anxiety inducing, but know that for some-read: myself-being admitted to some of the programs was unexpected and has made the decision making process very difficult, and visiting the programs is a big part of that process That being said, I don't feel I have the right to declare something to be universally "unhelpful," and will post once I've finalized my decision and informed the programs.
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@AnnaVictoria it may also be that once a funded offer is turned down you could get that person' funding. Wait-listing for funding with acceptances has been known to happen, and I know a few students who have received funding this way.
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I, much like many others on this forum, would not pay for grad. school. That being said, I think it could be worthwhile, should you not be accepted to one of the other two programs with funding, to take a year to work on languages (if you need to) and take a grad course or two and reapply next year. Here's my thinking: you might come to find that you don't want to do grad school and this could help solidify your decision either way; if you do well in those courses, your rec. letters will be strong(er); it will likely be much less expensive than going to an unfunded MA program as an out of state student; you can use that time to really figure out whonyou want to work with, make some connections (emailing prior to applying helped me work out the best way to approach the SOP for each program, and find out whether or not I would be a good fit) and fine tune your applications; maybe even try to raise your verbal score (it's not terrible, but over 160 opens up some possibilities for funding and such). Also, try not to let getting denied by your undergrad school get in the way of continuing on the path you choose. Many feel that getting all degrees from one school is like intellectual incest and could put you at a disadvantage for future prospects. Good luck!
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Admitted Students Open Houses/Invitation Weekends
johnnycomelately replied to hbnj's topic in History
^This is precisely why I have decided to go to each school I am genuinely considering. There are just too many factors to consider, and I wouldn't feel comfortable accepting an offer without getting a feel for the programs. -
^This, all day. Seriously though, skip the tuition and find reading lists in your area of interest.
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I had a similar "chat" prior to being accepted at a program. The conversation was mostly about what I liked about the program/advisor's research, and whether or not I would accept if offered a spot.
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March 2-3. I am not sure whether they have a waitlist from which they pick students should an admitted student not accept their offer. Good luck!
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I have been awarded a diversity fellowship at one program and nominated for one at another. I focused on my research-education and training, how my research interests came about, and "fit" for the program-for the SOP, and made my diversity/personal statement about my experiences pertinent to the fellowship prompt. Grad admissions committees, from my experience, read both, and, if necessary, forward the diversity statement to the grad division/diversity division that awards the fellowship. Hope that helps. Just realized this is info might be a little late. Have you heard back from any programs?
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How do you decide between programs?
johnnycomelately replied to johnnycomelately's topic in Decisions, Decisions
Thanks! Great tips. I will get a chart together and see how I feel after visits. -
So far, I have been admitted to three programs-still waiting on the fourth, and ruling out the fifth I applied to as it is the lowest ranked/not a great fit-and am having a tough time deciding. I realize how fortunate I am to be in this position, but I feel completely out of my element. I am evaluating rank, fit, funding, and ease of travel to/from spouse's location, but still feel overwhelmed by the process. Anyone have any advice? How did you come to a decision?
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Ha. I dreamt that I avoided making a decision by hiding in my office until after April 15th.