ashiepoo72

Financial stuff, mostly. I think a large part of their funding issue stems from the grad students not being unionized. The UCs have achieved some pretty significant gains because of the union. At the end of the day, Davis offered me more stability, which will make working and living less stressful. I'm not just a historian, I'm a mom, and my daughter is one of the main factors in my decision. I'm sure you and other parents can relate, Chiqui! And really anyone with a 2-body problem.

Haha honestly I do better in the cold than the heat...and Davis gets hot as balls.

I'm with you Heimat! We should do a google chat every now and then, catch up on how our classes and research are going. I spoke to my MA adviser, and she gave me great advice. After discussing the pros and cons and what I was thinking, I was glad to hear she agreed that UC Davis is the best choice for me. Had she disagreed it wouldn't change my mind, but I'm happy to have her confirm that my anxieties about Minnesota weren't overblown. I have nothing against Minn--it's an exciting and thriving department. I love that a bunch of strong female scholars run the history program, and I totally dig the interdisciplinary emphasis. But I couldn't get over certain instabilities that I feel would limit my ability to do my best work. So yeah, I'm going to Davis, and I couldn't be happier!

You can PM me if you'd like. I also have some sample SOPs and guidelines that really helped me when I was applying.

Yay new cycle! If anyone applying wants any of my spreadsheets or an extra set of eyes to look over SOPs, send me a PM I'll be sticking around to offer advice when I can.

Congrats Heimat. I'm so happy for you. Sounds like Iowa is the best program for you, and I can't wait to hear what great things you do there

So I've been pretty absent lately, but since I'm on a campus visit I just want to say: when you've gotten into programs that you're seriously considering, VISIT. I think visits have in some ways radically altered my decision. Plus it's a ton of fun meeting new people genuinely interested in your work. But yeah, mostly visits will provide much needed clarity. I know I'm being purposely vague. I think I've decided on a program, but I'm chatting with my MA adviser before I finalize anything. All I'm gonna say for now is that visiting had a huge impact on me. Also, when you've decided against a program...tell them. Don't be the douche that has the department pay for your visit (which is more than a plane ticket...it's a few days in a hotel, food, transportation and a whole shitload of time spent) when you know for sure you won't be attending. Maybe I'm a naive person, but I was shocked when I heard people actually do this.

Ugh touche guys.

I'm packing for a weekend in Minnesota, then I need to just F-ing choose already. I've been wondering why I quit smoking last year

Congrats LeventeL!!!

Absolutely! I may be a broke grad student, but I refuse to eat ramen every day. I did enough of that in undergrad

I view funding kinda like the GRE. There needs to be a base line before I'm comfortable, and that baseline involves two questions: is this a reasonable amount to live on, and will I have enough money/free time (away from TA obligations) and support (like travel and conference $) to do my research? I can't see myself choosing the program that offers me the most funding simply because they offered the most funding. However, I would never ever recommend someone choose a program that'll force them to take out loans. That's crazy! Fully funded should be the first threshold, then you start looking at other factors like adviser, rank, etc. But...even though I make funding the first cutoff, I still don't think it's the most important factor. If it was, my decision would've already been made. As long as I get enough to live on and work with, I'm ok choosing a program that offers less funding because I think adviser/department/placement are huge. Maybe I'm used to be a broke grad student after 3 years in an MA (god I'm getting old). I'm also ridiculously lucky to have multiple funded offers, all of which are enough to live on in their respected areas, so there is that. Short story: don't do an unfunded or semi-funded humanities PhD. Ain't nobody got time for that.

ellebe, PM me if you want me to look over your SOP and writing sample, we can exchange emails. I'm on spring break so I have plenty of time and would be happy to help

A little birdie told me Scott Walker is running for president...let's hope he doesn't decide to spread his Wisconsin vision nationwide. And yeah I think you're on the money TMP. Adviser is so huge in my book. Fortunately I'll have met them by the end of the week!

ellebe, it's pretty late for Davis not to have gotten back to you. You may be on the wait list. I would contact them, but I totally get why you're holding back.

Thanks for the advice, modern! You're right, I'm not too worried about rank. I'm focused most on advisers and funding in relation to cost of living at this point. I'm meeting two of my advisers this week, so hopefully that helps. mvlchicago--I can't believe I didn't think of a coin toss before this haha I don't wanna say which program won the toss just in case I arbitrarily change my mind At this rate I should consult an oracle. In all seriousness, I think adviser is the most important factor, with funding second.

Oh gawd what an amateur...it's all about the tea leaves and blood sacrifices, preferably at the same time

I'm debating whether great funding in the next five or so years is more important than choosing a program I think would make me a more viable candidate on the job market. All the programs I'm considering are great, but even some potential advisers at competing programs have told me one in particular would give me a big advantage on the job market. Another huge consideration for me: move within CA to a nice little town and stay near support networks, including free babysitting when I need a break, or move across the country to somewhere awesome, a great place to raise a child, but where I know no one. This is fun, guys...I asked my fave professor: "Can you just choose for me? Please?!" Haha

It varies widely. I got an acceptance at like 5am, a rejection closer to midnight. Most did come somewhere between 8am-6pm Monday-Friday, though.

I was wondering if you guys would be willing to talk about how you're making your final decision? I was nearly sure a few days ago, now I'm vacillating again. I'm torn because I keep switching back and forth and sideways between which factors matter most to me. So what factors are weighing heavily on your choice? Funding? Location? Rank? Adviser? Vibe? And what kinds of things tip the balance one way or the other? I think this kind of discussion will also be good for future cohorts who venture onto Gradcafe.

Yeah, researching schools and child care added an element of stress for sure, but I only applied where I felt comfortable bringing my kid, places with decent schools nearby. Maybe I'm a cynic, but I think kids are easier to deal with than grown ups haha

I emailed the DGS. I think it's perfectly fine to do so this late in the application season. Good luck!

maelia--I agree, I think sexual compatibility is hugely important. I know someone who was in a sexless relationship by the guy's choice and she felt totally stifled. I've been in the situation where I dreaded going to bed with an attractive partner because we were physically incompatible--even though both of us valued the sexual aspect of relationships. Others would be miserable with someone who places a lot of emphasis on sex, and that's ok too. Bottom line--there's a difference between "dang, you look good" and "dang, you make my ladybusiness feel good"

This is a REALLY interesting thought. I can totally see how my opinion of attractiveness has changed over time, in part because of exposure to new ideas and people. When I say "traditional standards of beauty" I think all of us can kind of outline what those are (obviously this is a singularly Western and maybe even American standard I'm referencing). Our society does influence how we perceive others, but I think attraction is often an instinctual thing (hips and butts are making a comeback, but rail thin women are generally the standard of feminine beauty in the media, so obviously you butt lovers out there aren't just internalizing societal narratives of attraction). If you had asked me what I liked in high school, my response would be very specific in terms of physical attributes. As an adult, I've found there are things I like way more than a pretty face. We all have preferences, sure, but pure physical attraction doesn't necessarily mean great physical/emotional/intellectual chemistry or whatever.

Give whoever you want a chance, but once you feel like the relationship is not going anywhere or not doing anything for you, I would end it. Male, female or any gender iteration, it doesn't matter. I'd give any of my friends the same advice. It's courteous to the person you're dating, and it's not worth your happiness or time to be with someone you aren't into.