CBclone

hillary511, do you register/identify yourself to the Disability Services (or equivalent) office at your campus, undergrad and/or grad? If so and a professor gives you grief over wanting to type notes, notify the DS office and put a stop to it. I have a close friend who has dyslexia and at his former job had to take skills exams to maintain certification every year or so...he constantly got a hard time from trainers and test givers about poor spelling, grammar, and handwriting despite letting them know he had dyslexia. One in-house trainer even called him out on his "poor handwriting" in front of my friend's student. There's a time, place, and situation for things like that.

Advisor not answering e-mails....trying to enroll in a course that has a pre-req, advisor stated (in e-mail) that I could take said course and the pre-req in the same semester, but she would have to do the enrollment. That was 3 months ago. So far...zero progress. Not registered for the course I need and if I can't take it this fall, it will set me back a year as it's a pre-req for others and as far as I can tell, only offered in the fall semester. 3 e-mails sent, one w/ the above statement, all w/ zero action taken on her end. Sitting at less than 6 credits b/c I'm not in that course and it's affecting my financial aid loan amount as well as my GA funding, which is based on number of credits enrolled in... Considering calling/contacting Dept Head or Grad Coordinator and giving them the lowdown, but don't want it to negatively affect me re: how my advisor perceives me, especially since she'll be instructing several of my grad courses including the one in question. Le Sigh

I've been wondering/debating the same thing as the OP. I'm starting a terminal Masters degree this fall and will have an iMac in my apartment (purchased new fall '14). I'm curious as to what size iPad is "enough", obviously knowing it varies for each person. An absolute minimum? I tend to retain info better when I take notes by hand, but would like to be able to pull up and edit docs/pdfs while on campus or traveling, read a file on the go easily, etc. Some web browsing and definitely e-mail checking. Possibly an app to write out notes by hand on the iPad?? (noob, sorry) Something to be able to take with while traveling home or on breaks would be nice as well. Potentially also doing an internship next summer that will be pretty remote (i.e., traveling all over a state and living out of my truck) and am debating iPad vs Macbook Air? I'm completely new to tablet/iPad world -- never had one (and yes, I'm only 27)!!! I had a Macbook as an undergrad, it's actually still around but is better served being a paper weight these days...it was brand spankin' new in 2006! (all are student prices) Air2, 128gb, wifi only = $679 or wifi + cellular = $809 + have to get AT&T data plan I think?? + about $100 more for keyboard-case combo on Apple Store? Mini3, 128gb, wifi only = $579 or wifi + cellular = $709 + data plan... + $100 keyboard-case combo... 13" MB Air, 128gb = $949 or 256gb = $1149 RE: iPads -- is 128 necessary? RE: Air -- should I go 256? Which will have a longer lifespan? Keep in mind I managed to keep my Macbook functioning, okay it was on life support it's last several months, from July '06 to Sept '14.

ashso -- Just about any brand that typically specializes in hiking/backpacking packs will make great packs with semi-rigid back support and waist & sternum straps to help distribute the load. I had a really bad back injury a year ago and am super wary of what packs I wear now. They make packs anywhere from 15 to 60+ Liters, and a good size for school is around 25 - 32/35L. 25L is about your typical run of the mill backpack size. There are so many brands out there. I might have more specific info this afternoon when I get back from work and have more time. Happy shopping

I've had a Dakine 25L pack w/ hydration reservoir for 4 years now as my every day work backpack (I currently instruct in outdoor adventure recreation) and my cross country mountain bike pack. If it wasn't so beat up from daily abuse, dirt, and the occasional fall onto it, I'd love to use it for school. It has an expandable front pouch (great for stuffing a layer), an external water bottle pouch (perfect size for my 32oz nalgene), a small external zipper pocket, a few internal compartment pouches, and 2 big compartments. I love it and am sad to be moving it into retirement but agree that many of Dakine's packs would be great for school. I'm looking at the Patagonia Black Hole series of backpacks. Last year's 25 has the side compression straps and small waist strap (both plusses) but no external water bottle pouch. This year's 25 has the water bottle pouch but no side straps or waist straps. Sigh. The 32 is tempting as well, with it's fold down closure that seems a little more water resistant than the others in the line and has a waist strap, but again - no water bottle pouch. I always have a 32oz Nalgene with me. Maybe the stealth zipper pouch behind the daisy chain would hold a bottle. http://www.patagonia.com/us/shop/luggage-black-hole-bags?k=1G-arWhile the blue color is attractive, I'd probably get a black bag for the professional look. Big plus to these is they're pretty water resistant and rugged, as I've had friends and co-workers use them every day biking, hiking, camping, etc. and they look good as new almost a year later.

If not, you could look into a self-paced program. Rosetta Stone maybe? I've never used RS, but some friends have had success learning other languages. I'm in the process of learning ASL via a free online program that's entirely self-study/self-paced. I have a couple friends who are either completely deaf or have some hearing (wear CIs and grew up only with ASL) who I can video chat with and they're great at helping me along. ASL will definitely come in handy in my field and I've wanted to learn it for a long time. I've only been doing it a couple weeks and I'll admit...I underestimated how hard it could be. I'm glad I'm doing it on my own time, at my own pace, and if I get super busy with schoolwork in the fall, I won't have to stress about an extra class.

I'm curious to hear more from other (as well as those who have already posted) about their experiences with Disability Services. I have accepted a position in my school's DS office to begin next fall -- mostly preparing textbooks to adaptive formats, learning about adaptive computer technology, and administering tests for students who need different accommodations. I have experience in therapeutic recreation (adaptive sports) but nothing in this type of setting other than a strong background of knowledge in disabilities, activities, ADA, etc. Things you think would have been helpful? Things that worked well? Overall experiences?

I have an iMac (bought new last fall), and am debating what portable device to pair with it. I also have an iPhone (5c) and enjoy having everything connected. I've never owned an iPad (or any sort of tablet), but I used to have a Macbook (2006, used until I got the iMac last fall -- it still works, but is incredibly slow and I don't really know why I still have it). Macbook Air? which one? iPad and get one of the covers that has a keyboard (http://store.apple.com/us/product/HH5U2VC/A/logitech-type-keyboard-folio-case-for-ipad-air-2-black?fnode=776b12c6156dae813107e2ccc519080d2ea9417bbc3deabe18f6961e38854974ee234cefdc3dcc6dd0fd5b3ac32505a16e3f50977755cb0edec3d2186272b77736121de68011c3d6857ab7daa44a96c80547c00ca4aec475c24f18d19b8a6efef76be9a436d26fc6356c16fc6c8bf71c)? <-- do those work well? I think the Macbook Pro is a little much for what I need. I plan on using whatever I get as a way to take my projects on campus (library, classroom, etc.) or to the park when I want to get work done. After the two years of school (and while traveling on breaks), hopefully use what I have when traveling for entertainment, internet, etc. Oddly enough, I got the iMac last fall instead of a laptop or tablet because I was at a point in life when I "didn't need the mobility". Then...I applied to school, got in, and now am reconsidering. I will still be keeping the iMac. And I travelled the last 3 weeks and trying to do everything I needed to for work and personal stuff on just my phone was rather trick! Advice?

I will be using a backpack in the fall. I had a bad back injury a year ago and still have lingering pain from it, especially after a long day on my feet or doing a lot of physical activity. Also had surgery to repair a torn labrum in my shoulder four years ago. I think messenger bags look sleek and definitely have a convenience factor, but that's not worth my health and comfort. My apartment is 1.2 miles from the building most of my classes will be in and about 0.7 miles from the main campus. I plan to walk or bike as much as I can, weather dependent, and need a solid pack. I'm debating whether or not to get a new backpack though. I currently have a Dakine 25L that I primarily use for long mountain bike rides and a bigger Osprey 42L bag that I use for backcountry skiing and light (1 to 2 night) short-hike-access camping. The Dakine is certainly a great size for school, lots of convenient little pockets, a water bottle holder, two big main pockets, and a chest & waist strap to help keep the load stable. It doesn't have a laptop/tablet sleeve though and I'm hoping to get one of them (laptop or tablet). I'm thinking about the Patagonia Black Hole 25L (I love Patagonia products) but I'm open to other brands/packs if you have recs.

Just traveled across the country to visit the school I'll be attending and secured an apartment and interviewed for a GA position. Stoked right now. Waiting to hear back on the GA spot. And now...will be gone this week at a training/certification course. Then back to town, a few pretty relaxing weeks before work ramps up again. Work a lot, make (and save!) money, enjoy my last few months in this place. It's become home in the 4 1/2 years I've lived here and now that I'll be leaving in less than 4 months a lot of emotions are setting in. #sigh

Well, got the apartment I wanted and am in the process of signing and mailing lease back to the landlord! So that's no longer a vent I guess. Now waiting to hear back about a GA position I interviewed for and waiting for a dept to post their positions so I can apply. The director of the latter dept said they'd have 4 up in the next week or so, but hoping to get the first position as it's directly related to my field and I just felt good during the interview. Waiting...sucks.

Hopefully will be living alone. I've priced 1-bd vs 2-bd where I'm moving and per person, per month, they're about equal with the 1-bds being slightly higher. The places I have my eye on are all "all-inclusive" so no varying utility bills month to month. Most of the 2-bds, once utilities are included (and I went off averages given by landlords), they're as much if not more than the 1-bds. And I've lived alone for almost two years, plus one other stint of about 8 months in undergrad, and it. is. glorious. I'm also a bit of an introvert and love my personal space and place. I'm excited to have a quiet place to study and relax away from campus. I'll go out if I want to socialize and living alone, there's not nearly as much pressure to go out when you don't want to.

Luckily, my dad came through and agreed to co-sign. I think he's a in a little better financial spot than my mom & step-dad, and he was also burned by my brother's actions (or lack thereof) but realized I've been completely independent and haven't struggled with money. Whew. Now hoping the Landlord approves my application. All 4 of her available apartments are ready to be signed for an Aug-1 start date and I'll get to look at them later this month. If I can secure a spot and know that it's mine before I have to move 2,000 miles across the country that would be amazing. My biggest fear right now is having to pack up and move in August without knowing where I'll be laying my head to sleep at the other end of the trip.

Despite having 5 years of rental history and good credit, the apartment I like the most (from online viewings/pictures/location) requires a co-signer on the lease because I'm a student (granted, a 27 y/o grad student who's had a stable job for 4 years). Asked my mom & stepdad who said "No" and wouldn't budge. I've never had an issue w/ paying rent even when I was a less-than-responsible undergrad. They got burned by both of my older siblings by co-signing either on loans so I kinda get it, but ugggghhhhhhh. Stinks. I'm nervous to ask my dad because he's always been a little more tight on financials, but I've never ever asked him for help like this before. I've leaned on my mom & stepdad but always paid them back as soon as I could. I plan to pay my fall semester months (Aug - Dec) upfront and the same for spring, so maybe that will swing the landlord a bit. I don't know. I'm visiting in a couple weeks and will get to meet the landlord & property mgmt company in person, so we'll see.

Heading to Cortland in the fall, anyone else?

Visiting the school & area next month, hoping to look at a few places to live...long shot goal is to sign a lease for August Working all summer, saving up everything I can. Luckily I love my job...and I get to work outdoors in the mountains Planning a 2,000 mile move. Zoinks. Putting together a "bucket list" of things I want to see, do, experience where I currently live before I set off for two years of school. I can always come back here, but I moved here right out of undergrad four years ago and want to experience other parts of the country after grad school. Playing on a rec league softball team to keep my sanity in check. Gotta defend that championship! Freaking out about money. Freaking out about moving. Freaking out about almost everything involving grad school.

I'm moving from Colorado to New York for school in the fall. I've figured out that I have three options: 1.) Rent a 10' Budget Truck (cheapest of the Big 3 companies) at around $740 for 10 days and unlimited mileage + an ungodly amount of gas money. My parents want to help, so they'd fly out to me and help with driving by either driving the Budget Truck or my small pickup (Ranger). This options includes taking everything in my small 1bd apt in the two vehicles. 2.) My mom & stepdad have access to an enclosed trailer and my dad has access to an open utility trailer (w/ 2' walls). They would drive out and we'd load all my things in those two trailers and my pickup bed. Again, a lot of gas. They don't expect me to pay for their vehicle gas, but I feel bad about it because it's about 1000 miles to my place, 2000 miles (incl some fun stops we're planning), and then 1000 miles back to their homes. 3.) Sell my big things and re-purchase after moving, so I can just take what fits in my pickup bed and the enclosed bed of my stepdad's truck. Big things are: Kitchen table (meh, it's old and I could use a smaller one), bed + box spring + futon frame it sits on (mixed feelings), 5' x 3' x 2' display/storage cabinet (love this thing), a 5' x 5' L-shaped solid oak desk (I would hate to part w/ this one -- it's perfect for my needs). I know that the desk fits in my bed, because that's how I moved it into my place. Not taking entertainment center that's falling apart or the 20" box TV my parents had when I was a kid. Other than that, I just have a lot of....stuff. My goodness I've collected a lot of crap in the four years I've been living on my own since undergrad. I'd currently rank my options for moving as 1, 3, 2, mainly because I'd feel bad about the gas mileage on my parents in 2, and my mom & dad still do not get a long great (21? years after divorcing) and that's one less headache I'd have to deal with. Ideally, my mom & stepdad would flight out, we'd rent the truck, drive it to their house, hang out for a day or two, then we'd meet w/ my dad and the two of us would continue on the journey. I'm not completely sure how much they want to help fund. It's five months away and I feel like I'm not doing enough to get ready /plannerproblems

Change majors? I almost transferred! I went in with a very specific major (athletic training) and realized about two months into freshman year that it wasn't what I actually wanted to do. Looked at transferring to study sports management and/or sports marketing at numerous schools but in the end, transferring to an OOS school was ridiculously expensive and I couldn't afford that. At semester, I switched to a business major and eventually took some Kinesiology courses on the side. About 3 semesters into that plan, realized I loved my Kinesiology courses and made the switch again. Took some specialized courses in recreation management in the major and ended up doing my internship in a Therapeutic Recreation setting (adaptive sports program, non-clinical). Now hoping to start studying TR as a Masters student this fall...if accepted!

Well I'm only applying to one school this year, because I was going back and forth about applying this year or next and by the time I made the decision to apply it was too late to take the GRE for deadlines. So, the school I applied to doesn't require the GRE and it's one of my favorite schools on my list. All of that being said, if I don't get in I'll take the GRE this summer and apply to more schools in the fall. Meanwhile, I have a great job and will continue working here

I'll be 27 if I enroll fall 2015. Graduated at 23, after 5 years of undergrad. Hopefully enroll this fall and be done w/ the program by the time I'm 30.

May I ask why? I went to ISU for undergrad and loved nearly everything about my experience there. I'm still very early in my grad school search, but will always be proud to be an ISU alum. My preferred Masters field isn't offered at ISU, and grad schools I'm looking at range from similar schools (one Pac 12, one Big 10) to smaller schools (Div 3, smaller D-1 schools) that are very well-known and respected in my fields. My feeling may change after attending one of them, but I feel like 2 years as a grad student won't give quite the same connection to the school that 4.5 years as an undergrad could produce.

Hi! Sorry if this is wrong forum, but it seemed the most appropriate to me. First post, hang in there with me please! About a year ago I started toying around with the idea of grad school and about 6 months ago I got pretty serious about it, initially with plans to apply for enrollment in Fall 2016. Why the wait? I was loving my job, my current location, and wanted to continue getting more "real-world" work experience. Well, since then I've started to get burned out on my work environment, I went through/am still recovering from a pretty intense back injury that took me out of work all summer, and the itch to get back to school has been increasing. I am now looking at maybe applying to a school or two for Fall 2015 enrollment and the others on my list for Spring 2016 enrollment. My stats: 2.8 uGPA, about 3.15 last two years. Haven't taken the GRE yet -- I was registered to take the test this month, but then signed up for an EMT course that took over all my free time and had a work conflict that could not be changed on that date, so I rescheduled for April 2015. I had already started studying for the GRE and will re-start my 3-month study plan in January. My uGPA is not that hot, I get it, I know. The good news is that I'm killing it in my EMT course (I'd guess 90%+ average), my first experience remotely academic in four years. And I've gained four years of relevant, valuable work experience in my field with great potential references. My job, however, is physically intensive and I now have a lingering back issue and have had knee issues (possible surgery coming up in the spring) for over 10 years, and need to find a career that is a little less reliable on physically being able to perform. My undergrad degree is in Kinesiology and I'm looking into Master's programs in Therapeutic Recreation to pursue the CTRS certification and gain formal knowledge of the field in an academic setting, and gaining an understanding of the organizational/administrative side of things. I wish I'd known about TR or attended a school with TR as an undergrad, but alas, I did not but was fortunate enough to do an internship as an undergrad at an organization specializing in TR. Any who, back to the the topic of the post. Is it normal to apply to different schools in different cycles? Some of my schools are reaches (min 3.0 uGPA, some overall, some last two years), others accept as low as 2.5. If I had taken the GRE this month, I would probably be applying to all of them for Fall 2015 but by April most deadlines will have passed. The one I want to apply to for Fall 2015 has a deadline of 7/1 (and does not require the GRE), the spring 2016 programs are either rolling, 10/1, 11/1, or 12/1 (some require GRE). Is it weird to apply for Spring admission? (it is a posted option at all schools) Will I be the oddball out for the class? Bonus question: I don't have relationships with any professors/instructors from my undergrad institution. I don't have formal research experience, I wasn't involved in academic clubs/orgs (I was working 40+ hours/week), I didn't really stand out either way positive or negative. Some programs require references, some require letters -- and for most, at least one must be "Academic". I have a great relationship with my EMT course instructor and I feel that he can vouch for my ability to succeed in the course, being prepared, studying, helping other students with topics, being involved in simulations, etc. I have study habits now that I wish I'd had in college. Would that be OK? I have great work/career references and connections. Having an "academic" reference seems to be a bit of an issue though. Alright, long winded. Sorry about that. Been lurking for a long time, and as I start getting more serious about moving on to the next chapter in life. Thank you all!