artichoke203

Has anyone gone through realtors for their housing hunt? It seems to me that everybody is using craigslist, which could be a bit overwhelming to me.

I like research in general, but what really gave me a push to pursue a PhD is teaching. I've TA'd a few labs during my undergrad and I absolutely loved it! Looking back, I think it's really interesting because I always thought teaching must be so boring when I was younger. In addition, I did my undergrad at a small liberal arts college, where student-faculty relationships are super friendly and personal. Some of the professors I met here have become huge inspirations for me and I'd love to be able to have that kind of mentorship with my students some day.

Thanks everyone for chipping in! I just formally accepted mine and I am writing "No" to others. Feels good to have a plan (sort of) for the next 5-6 years!

Thank you iPsych! The point about the waitlist is a good one -- I haven't thought about that. Guess I should start sending my emails then! Congrats on your many offers!

Thanks for the suggestion! And congrats on accepting your offer already!

I am not familiar with Philosophy research or job opportunities, but one thing I would consider is whether you would enjoy the program and do well at Temple. In particular: - Is it a good program worth going in debt for? - Can you see yourself succeed in the program? - If you enroll now, are there possibilities of getting funded the following years (TA/RA chances once you're there)? - If you enroll and go in debt, would it be too stressful for you to focus on studies and do well? (The last item is from my experience -- personally debts scare me and I don't think I'd do well...) Sorry about your situation, I hope everything works out for you! Good luck!

So I was just wondering if any one has formally accepted and declined their offers. Is is too early because April 15 is still almost a month away? (I am really sure about enrolling in my top choice, but still haven't heard back from an ok-choice -- probably a reject anyway) Also, when writing "Decline" emails to people I've talked to in schools I'm not planning to attend, is it necessary to tell them where I plan to enroll, or just thanking them is ok? -- something along the line "Thank you very much for meeting/talking/answering my questions... I have considered my options carefully and decided..." Any thoughts/suggestions are appreciated!

Thank you for this thread! I have been (over)thinking about the similar dilemma -- to visit or not to visit. I do think it is kind of rude to not visit; it looks like you're not even considering them, especially in my case I have also been in contact with very nice professors and their students. On the other hand I also feel guilty that they are paying (partially) for the trip. So I talked to my current advisor about this, and he said I should still go visit: to avoid seeming rude AND to take it as a networking experience. The people you meet/contact at those schools are probably going to be attending the same conferences, working on similar projects as you etc. so it would be preferable to not "burn bridges". I also think the professors understand that this is a professional decision, so what I am planning to do is just make sure I send everyone I contacted a personal email when I have officially made a decision -- thanking them, saying hope we cross paths etc in the most sincere way possible.

Me too!!! Somehow California schools have the most expensive application fees!!

Thanks for the reply! Yes I have been accepted to school B, also with a good funding offer, which is why I'm pretty much set on B right now.

So I got accepted to school A, with great funding and they're having a Visit Day in a few weeks. The conflict is that I already signed up to go to school B's Visit Day during that weekend, and school B is my preferred choice. From several other topics I've gathered that people usually try to reschedule the visit with one of the schools. However, at this point I'm pretty sure I won't be enrolling in school A so I don't think trying to reschedule would make a lot of sense. At the same time I really don't want to seem rude and NOT contact school A with at least a Thank-you note (or something like that) for their generous offer (I had not made prior contact). Would it be also rude to tell them right away that I don't plan on enrolling, especially without even visiting first? What do you guys usually do? Or for those who have been through this already, how did you tell your POI of a school you've been admitted to but did not enroll? Thanks.

Washington University in St. Louis & University of Washington EE's is on March 6-7