chrissytine

I did not, I applied to the the GEO curricular group. Open House is in ~3 weeks. Good luck, I hope you hear back soon!

Naturally, I find myself back in this forum now that I am finishing up my MS degree. I wanted some input on open house experiences... I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to Scripps Open House. Does anyone have experience with this particular event or similar events? It seems to be a pretty immersive experience (two full days), but I don't actually have any detailed idea of what to expect. I am bringing my own funding (NSF GRFP - 3 yrs) as well which may put me in a unique position (?). Thanks!

I would like to wait to use my NSF money until I finish my MS and am entering into a PhD program...since I have funding from my university for my MS. However, I'm not sure if I'm required to use NSF funding for the first year of my fellowship?

Do I have to use a tenure year for my first year of the NSF GRFP? I'd like to use my two reserve years to get a MS and then use the last three as my tenure years when I will be in a PhD program. Any input is greatly appreciated.

On a somewhat unrelated note, I've lived in both locations for over 7+ yrs each (Raleigh and Santa Cruz). Hands down, Santa Cruz is the place to be. The quality of life is insanely better in SC. I still go back to Raleigh to visit family and wonder why I ever lived there. I realize that there are other factors at play, but I'd much rather spend five years in SC than Raleigh. Just another thing to consider....good luck!

I'm curious if people have interviewed with the EPS department at Cal. I'm going to meet with a few professors there on Monday and was wondering what to expect/how I should prepare? Feeling a little intimidated!

I'm sure you realize this, but the fellowship goes beyond the scope of having a perfect GPA and tons of publications. I also held a position at USGS for 2 years, completed a NSF REU, worked in my field as an undergrad for 4 years...everyone has a different story. I think that in my case having them to corroborate my IM was very beneficial, but for most it probably just isn't enough by itself to make you stand out. I also think it's acceptable to have a lower GPA in my field. I actually merely listed my conference proceedings/pubs at the end of my essay with citations. I focused more on what I learned from each experience rather than the fact that I had presented at several conferences, published papers...I did find a way to tie them into my personal statement, just was never the focus of any portion of my essay. My BI section was "the most remarkable portion of my application". Based on my reviews, they take it very seriously.

Agreed. I received a fellowship with a 3.35 GPA, albeit I have 1 publication, 1 in review, 1 in prep, and 8 conference proceedings. There are ways to balance it out. Only one reviewer mentioned that I had a few "mediocre" grades, and instead focused on my clear research experience and demonstrated ability to write technical papers, etc.

Perfect - thanks! On a side note..I'm curious to see if anyone here has received any notifications from UC Davis (Hydrological Sciences), UC Berkeley (EPS), or CU Boulder (Geological Sciences)?

I was offered 2 years of funding for a MS and I will be getting offered the same from another school shortly (with a few more potentials)...I just don't want to burn any bridges and I think it'd be kind of rude to ignore a personal email from a potential advisor until late March (yes, deadlines mentioned are April 15). Just not sure how to set an email up to cover all of my bases...

Another random question...how have people been responding to advisors/departments who have offered acceptances that you're not ready to accept (w/out coming off as disinterested)? I applied for a NSF GRFP and want to wait until then to accept an offer because that will change the program I enter into...

I had the UHawaii MS acceptance into the Geology & Geophysics department. Thank you! I've heard it's a great department, but am still unsure of where it falls on my list of schools. Any personal knowledge on the department?