Ralpho

I find with grad school approaching I've become a real cheapskate. Luckily I had a tuition paying scholarship come through for my first year but I still have this crazy urge to pinch pennies. I'm an adult (like a real adult who pays my own way) and I find myself walking a mile to get free parking and taking returnable bottles home that my co-workers don't want at work. I figure every dollar I have is time I can spend not working while studying. Anyone else out there compulsively pinching pennies? Please tell me the crazy things you are doing to save money with grad school approaching so I won't feel so crazy. Please tell me I'm not the only grad student without a stipend, wealthy parents or a willingness to take on a large debt?

Ok dumb question coming... Is it standard for schools to offer funding with the acceptance letter or do they sometimes follow up later? My acceptances did not come with any mention of funding so does that mean there is no funding? What is the best way to ask about funding at schools you have been accepted to? I emailed one school a week ago on the topic as tactfully as I could and have not heard back...silence. I know all schools are a little different but I don't know with whom or how to approach the issue.

Fairweather if you already accepted an offer doesn't it make sense to pull your other applications? What is the benefit of keeping them out there?

The good news is the cost of living in Michigan is probably much lower than you are use to in NY however, you'll need a car because the bus doesn't stop at Cranbrook. The city literally doesn't have bus stops, the bus drives right past Cranbrook because the city doesn't want poor people getting off in their town. I'm not making this up.

I don't want to scare you but I met someone that recently finished their MFA there, they didn't come from money and they said they were hoping for an apocalypse to come and wipe out their debt. They got some funding. They also said they had no regrets if that gives you hope and they could talk about their work like no one I've ever met.

Same here, Michigan rejection via email.

Yeah, EDay you know me, (literally.) I love Detroit a little too much for my own good.

Hello everyone, I've been watching this thread for six months and finally decided to get a username. The majority of you guys seem to be applying to top tier schools (some with very big price tags) and are willing to relocate so I didn't feel I really fit in and didn't bother commenting. Now I figure I mine as well join in the conversation. Maybe there are others out there like me who are cheap and unwilling to move. Best of luck to all! May you get into your dream school with full funding!