dania201

Okay, I'll admit that I've put on weight since undergrad (not telling you how much, but trust me it's a lot). As embarrassing as it is, my size right now means that I should be looking at schools that will be better at accommodating someone like me. For those who haven't thought about it, its really useful for someone who is larger to be at a campus where there would be things like seating that works for people of size (no armrests and not flimsy), as well as minimal walking (right now I need to rest after 20-30 paces or so), and a culture that isn't going to look down on me for being this size (or that I'm going to have to be left out of things because everyone else is so 'active'). I do feel a little embarrassed about it, because I was an athlete in undergrad and was way into the fitness thing back then. I also know from recent visits to my alma mater (Penn) that it is not at all the kind of campus that would work for me now. So I need help with this. Any thoughts would be welcome, especially from other women of size! Thanks!

No, I know you're right. There are people who are interested in "fitness" everywhere. I used to be one of them: I was a scholarship athlete in undergrad. I was all about it. But to be frank, that's not where I am at right now. I've put on some weight since undergrad and part of me is afraid of stepping onto a campus environment where that's going to be a problem.

That's interesting to know, and I can imagine how that could be the case in Miami. I am not trying to "base my decisions on the decisions of others" necessarily, its more that I'm not sure I want to be at a school that is full of fitness fanatics if that's not really my vibe right now. Hopefully that makes sense.

I think the right way to approach this might be to ask what you would do next if not grad school. A lot of great grad students didn't organize their life around grad applications when they were freshmen in college. Are you considering work after undergrad in a very competitive marquee-type job? Working in banking or big-3 consulting is a route many econ majors take that will soon overtake any 'blemishes' you feel are on your undergrad resume. And, frankly, often will increase your chances of getting into a better institution.

Awww! I'm sorry that its been so emotionally disconcerting! On the positive side, most any university in the US that's worth its spit has seen a broad myriad of transcripts from abroad--even from Norway and the UK. You might be surprised to see it, but the people who look at transcripts everyday likely are not.

I spent a summer in Eugene a while back. So beautiful; you'll love it. I was more 'active' back then, and its an amazing place if you're into that! Plus, I also remember some great coffee shops and pizza places.

Having gone to an Ivy League institution in my undergrad, I remember quickly realizing that a lot of these schools (for undergrad, at least) are looking for this other thing--this thing that's hard to measure. A perfect SAT (or GRE) is great, but its not necessarily an indication that you are an individual who will make an extraordinary contribution, or has a unique contribution to campus academic life. I think we figure that high scores get us in--but in reality its only a small part of the picture.

I also remember reading a study that showed a 2-3 point increase in functional IQ under caffiene--although I believe it was administered via purified form. Myself, I stick to coffee!

I feel like its hard enough to watch what you eat now, much less without all the stress of grad school. Just thinking about it stresses me out! As a prospective grad student, do you guys feel like there is more or less of a 'fit' culture than undergrad? Athletics isn't really my 'thing' anymore (even though of course I know I really 'should' do it)...