DigDeep(inactive)

Well, that's nice, but this is the Anthropology section. Grats, though! [insert random engineering meme]

OOO Game theory! Nice! Love that stuff.

Of course, I will definitely visit before I accept. I just thought I'd get a bit of an opinion! So far the response has been pretty positive.

That is great information, thank you for your thoughtful response!

This is something that I definitely struggle with. It's always a little disheartening to know that you're missing out on so much. Especially things like dinner parties and such where your lack of presence is quite apparent, to your partner and everyone else. But, yes, I think communication is key here. But, breakfast was always my favorite - I totally understand! There's something amazing about the morning. It's just you, your partner, and some coffee or tea and it feels like the whole world is still asleep.

Hello, I'm in a similar situation, but really only interested in Calgary. Could you share any information you have accrued in regards to Calgary?

As long as honesty, trust, and communication are priorities than you will be fine. Although long distance relationships are tough, academic long distance relationships have the highest success rate. This is because both individuals are driven and understand the hardships of academia (lots of travel, school as first priority, hard [bleeping] work). My relationship has actually flourished rather than declined. The success of that is probably due to the fact that we both communicate often and try to visit at least once every 2/3 months. We act as support systems for each, and we truly understand each other's research; this means that we have fostered a deep spiritual connection based on our love for knowledge. In that regard, we bring out the best in each other and thoroughly enjoy sharing the successes because of it. I only speak of my long distance relationship in academia because I can't assume to know anything other than my own experiences. I think the key is that spiritual connection, but the visits 2/3 months (hopefully every month if you're lucky, but most of us aren't) are to keep the physical spark complimenting and facilitating the spiritual aspect, because that's important, too. Regardless, I think that you will have no problem as long as you make sure to keep it a priority, probably the second priority after school. Also, that you both agree to this and talk about it. That means a mature relationship with complete trust, honesty, and open communication about what you both expect to gain and contribute to the relationship. That's what a relationship demands (respect, honesty, trust, communication), and without those, you probably shouldn't be in the relationship in the first place. Good luck! <3

Hello there, I recently was offered a unique opportunity to study at and with U of Calg's Archaeology deptartment. Although the research is quite intriguing, and up my alley - I thought I would see if anyone has any experiences with studying at UC. If you have specific information that you do not feel comfortable posting, please feel free to PM me!

Haha cheers to goin' for it! Not enough make that hard decision. Good for you and good luck!

I know the person accepted. According to their Facebook it's official.

It has begun...

That made me chuckle (the grumpy fish). Also, I don't have anything other than books except for the very first levallois core (obsidian tool) that I made.

Haha you're awesome.

I'm from Texas and I have to say that scarves are never worn. I know that they are professional, and look great but no one wears them. It's too damn hot. Look at the weather. It's Feb., winter is over in Texas, especially Austin.

Here is Sammy giving his best Puss-In-Boots impersonation!

Thanks, sarab!

Haha, I bet! I am a coffee snob, for sure. I can't help it. You can be up here I suppose - I mean good coffee everywhere! Well........I suppose I coulddddd mail you some Stumptown?

Moved to original pet thread!

I am a paleoanthropologist and love it. But, I also love brewing beer and good coffee (I live in the Pacific NW), and I once had a professor tell me that the only thing worth reading is journal articles when he saw me reading a sci-fi book. But, I love Sci-Fi and Science Fantasy and you will never stop me from reading it! Neverrrrrrr!! Anywho, I hope to write a post-apocalypse, dystopian novel eventually. I also love collecting vinyl records, and anything outdoors (camping, hiking, rock-climbing, etc.). I draw pen and ink surrealism, I love IDM music, and like most I have an obsession with collecting books. I'm sitting in a room with towers of books everywhere. I have a problem.............................................................oh and I like pipe tobacco.

haha yeah I hear ya. Sprint got me yesterday. I suppose it's a good habit, regardless. Even if the area code is wrong - you never know if the POI has a cell # from a different state.

Have you applied to safety schools? I mean, I see you have applied to Harvard, Penn, Michigan, Cornell.........these schools are ridiculously tough to get into. Are you opposed to state schools? Also, I have seen a lot of disregard for Masters programs, and I think it is silly. The MA/MS allows you the opportunity to gain valuable research, publish, go to conferences, network, learn new analytical techniques, learn multivariate statistics in various software, make colleagues, the list goes on. I get it, a MA/MS does not do much for a job, BUT it DOES do a lot for your future career as an academic. Education is a marathon, not a sprint. I would suggest not looking down on Masters programs (if you are) and apply to some. Maybe even state schools. If you ARE qualified enough for those schools you are applying to, then you can probably go to some state school with a GREAT funding package for an MA. It's not unheard of, I am doing it as we speak (Ok, so it's not a great funding package but it's free+ school). As for your decision: First, there are tons of opportunities for external funding. You should be applying to as many of these as possible anyways. Second, if you do go to Cornell without funding then I would have to say that it needs to be under the strict rule that you HAVE to be ready to do everything in your power to get funding. Talk to faculty, join research projects, apply for scholarships, fellowships, TA positions in other departments, OR even try to get a job at a local community college to offset costs. On that note, you need to KICK ASS that first semester and quarter and go WELL out of your way to do so. Turn heads. So, what I'm saying is you have to dominate your coursework (4.0, no ifs ands or buts), volunteer at a Center or Institute to get the "in" on a research group, or try to get job if you have previous experience, and try to get involved in independent research. Furthermore, you have to excel in all of these endeavors. If you do this, you WILL get funding. I guarantee it, but it's not easy.... You will be amazed at how many people come out of the woodworks to help genuine individuals who care about learning and share a passion for it. If you're willing to do those things, then I think you will do fine. You just have to work [bleeping] hard. I would seriously consider if you can make this happen, if not then I wouldn't do it. Time is a luxury, that not many have (especially when you have dependents) and everything I just said takes lots of it. Good luck with your journey, and good luck with your other schools!

Thanks! Yes, that is a great thing about grad school. Don't forget, if your dept. does not have a specialist or a particular analytical technique you are interested in, geosciences probably does - ask them Darn skippy! Totally fine! You would fit in quite well at Oregon State University!

Thanks! As for your comment on the state of Anthropology, it is both amazing and our undoing. However, that's a conversation that needs beer and a group of anthropologists. Wherever you end up, I'm sure you and your new cohort will touch on this in full! Those are the best times in grad school, in my opinion.

Very cool! Forced displacement and language. Interesting stuff. Good luck! Awesome. I have a friend who works on Pre-Columbia ceramics via Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) sourcing in order to discern trade patterns in the Northern Highland, Ecuador. So, kinda similar?! maybe? ha My ultimate research interests are associated with Homo sapiens dispersal patterns. Most of my research has focused on the initial colonization of the Americas (14.5 - 13ka). My masters thesis is at a early site in North America, but it is strictly methodological. I'm correlating stratigraphy through a variety of methods, chiefly through geochemistry (i.e., chemostratigraphy) using portable x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF). For doctoral studies I'm shifting more towards the initial colonization of Europe (200-40ka), and working in the Mediterranean (no specific area yet, but probably Crete). Shifting away from geochemistry, I am looking forward to focusing more on human behavior, specifically the origin of modern human behavior and how it has waxed and waned through time. To quantify that I am focusing on lithics. Sorry to be long winded - I'm a professional procrastinator.

Sarab, I'm new here and I know that you have answered this a thousand times. But, what type of Linguistic Anthropology are you doing? Feel free to explain as much as you want, I love hearing about other people's research almost as much I like talking about mine . Seriously though, I think the field is really cool, and I have yet to meet anyone who does it!