PhDerp

It's crazy frustrating because I wanted to be financially independent and take out loans during college to get a bit away from my family, but I couldn't for tax reasons! They wanted the deduction anyway, it ultimately means more money stays in our pockets doing it this way. And as long as I'm listed as a dependent, it's illegal for me to file as something different!! So I literally couldn't (legally) pay for myself! @CarefreeWritingsontheWall, it's actually awesome to hear from someone else in the same boat! I only have friends who either paid all themselves, or were funded entirely and don't expect to pay it back (which I don't think anyone should look down on either!). It's cool to see someone else "invested in" by their parents. Thanks for your support, you two. It really means a lot!

"So how are you going to pay for it? Spend more of your parents' money?" I get this from extended family. They don't even give me a chance to answer before insulting me. It hurts because I am already working to pay my parents back. It is going to take forever, and until it's done, I get crap like this. Eurgh.

My advisor insisted that I apply to MIT, Stanford, CMU, Berkeley, and UW... All top schools for my program. Her insistence was staggering. She didn't think I stood a chance, but kept insisting I MIGHT get in, so why not? Maybe I should have asked her to pay the application fees as an answer to that question!

If you want to become a professor, or at least get your PhD eventually, I'd still say the top 5 school. It sounds like you didn't look into many PhD programs even though that's your end goal. A top school will help make you a competitive applicant in two years. It will also give you time to make sure you want a PhD and look into the right programs for you in a helpful, research-intensive environment!

Just saw Culver City today... Love it, so cute! And pleasant! And I met friendly strangers!! How is LA so damn friendly?!

Haha yeah, it's definitely not for everyone! I am just leaving my visit day weekend now, and with all the information I got... USC is definitely the choice for me. Time to contact UMass!

I am so happy, I hope I get rejected From the other school.

I screw up Idaho, Ohio, and Iowa sometimes. I know the difference, but it's such an easy mistake for me!

Oh my goodness, just discovered Microsoft's research rankings... USC's rank in USNews ignores their research institutions. Including ISI and ICT, there are WAY more publications, especially in NLP!!! This school is an even better opportunity than I realized!!!

Also, not to rile you up, I'm sure it's a pain to even just think about this thread... I'm kind of curious (especially if the issue was electronic): Didn't your schools have status pages so you could see whether or not application materials had been received? All of my schools did, and some even notified students when they were missing materials. If not, it sounds like they could really, really use this feature! =/

There is nothing to be gained by sending that message. I definitely agree this is ridiculous, but she did say that she sent out the letters multiple times before. If you send that message, you are telling her you think she's a liar. And that is rude, no two ways around it. Like you pointed out, you're going to burn a bridge. Things like this stick in the mind. When she sees your name again, she's going to remember the message you sent (especially if it's one of the most recent things she's heard from you) and maybe even share the story. Maybe the letters really didn't make it to the schools for a different reason. I know it doesn't sound like it, but there might have been a problem with her e-mail or connection that made her think the letter was correctly sent it out when it actually wasn't! Or maybe she just mistook sending your letters for others she sent out. Or maybe she is lying. But it's too late to have her submit the letters on-time now. Just don't send that message. It's not worth it. ...But yeah, this really sucks, and I'm sorry it happened. PS: Good job getting into the one school! I really hope this works out for you!!

Congrats!

great Unfortunately, the cat consumed all glory of the moon and stars. It gave him severe anxiety, but also he received the power to fly. A joy. Suddenly...Bees! They flew around, jealous, plotting murder, arson, etc. They were searching for hundreds of floating wildebeest. These evil bees converged into a mega bee! Zooming fiercely throughout the glen until they could find unsuspecting marsupials, the bees settled on a caribou. Meanwhile, the cat soared through the aether, gathering bundles of tiny flowers for the wildebeests' protection. The flowers glowed bright as they bled starlight. This magic was transcendental and powerful. The cat rushed to smash the evil bees, but judiciously reconsidered, quoting the great

WTF Makes five syllables out loud. WTF?

LMAO. XD Also, congrats, emguth!! That sounds sweeeeet

After explaining that I got in on a fellowship, not just an assistance-ship: "I thought they gave everyone a fellowship? The good schools give everyone a fellowship." Thanks, mom. ...I'm not very close with her. ._.

You have an awesome view on this. Good luck!!

I'm glad to share that I've successfully completed step 1 of my 3-step optimally lazy plan. 8D

"You submitted a very impressive application for graduate study at UB. Your record is great. Your preparation for a scientific career is excellent. Your progress in your publication record is scary (in the most positive way). I hope it works out for us to work together because I believe we would have a strong collaboration. Congratulations on your acceptance. We had many excellent applicants requesting to join our laboratory this year, and my recommendations for you reflect a serious regard for your abilities." (some more personalized parts removed) That sub-quote alone would make me want to go to this school. XD Congratulations!!

It looks balanced IMO! Any particular reason for the ordering?

to Unfortunately, the cat consumed all glory of the moon and stars. It gave him severe anxiety, but also he received the power to fly. A joy. Suddenly...Bees! They flew around, jealous, plotting murder, arson, etc. They were searching for hundreds of floating wildebeest. These evil bees converged into a mega bee! Zooming fiercely throughout the glen until they could find unsuspecting marsupials, the bees settled on a caribou. Meanwhile, the cat soared through the aether, gathering bundles of tiny flowers for the wildebeests' protection. The flowers glowed bright as they bled starlight. This magic was transcendental and powerful. The cat rushed to