SomeoneTakeMe

Waytooold - If it's really your dream, it's never too late and you're never too old. And remember - in this economy, the level of competition this year was more fierce than ever. That said, if you really feel you cannot go through this again (and I definitely understand as the application process is AWFUL), there is surely something else in this world to make you happy. So try to keep your head up. Be glad you went for it. It's better to have tried and failed than never to have known what would happen. Good luck with whatever you decide to pursue!

We should plan a GradCafe meet up in the fall !

Oh man - I just got a waitlist form NYU after being rejected from them last week! I didn't even know that could happen. I'm guessing my chances are slim, but that definitely puts a wrench into my decision making process because I wouldn't want to forego that choice if it became available. What to do? What to do?

I haven't yet. It sounds like you went there or have lived there before. Is that right? What are you planning on doing? Any suggestions? I was planning on checking out craigslist.

How much of a role can/should location play into your decision making process?

I just left you a PM. Check your inbox!

So, people have posted that they received emails to check the website and got rejections at one of the schools I am still waiting to hear back from. Obviously, I went directly to the school's website and logged in even though I had yet to receive the email. And nothing. No decision or anything. I don't understand. Do they do them individually and they haven't getten around to mine yet or am I possibly on the waitlist? Has anyone experienced this and/or have any idea?

Looking very likely I'll be headed to Yale in the fall. Anyone else on here going to New Haven?

The BC area should be nowhere near $900 to live with a bunch of other people. I live in the heart of the North End in Boston with one person and pay less than that. Don't be fooled. You can definitely live near BC for a reasonable price. That said, you will likely be living with a bunch of undergrads which is the downside. Look at prices on Craigslist. that should give you a good sense.

Okay, so far Yale is my top choice for places I've been accepted as far as fit and research go. My concern is living as a grad student in New Haven. I've read the stuff on stores and chains and that does not bother me in the slightest. In fact, currently living in downtown Boston, I have to drive to get to a normal grocery store unless I was to pay $20 for a loaf of bread. My concern lies in the social scene there. I will be a single female in my mid to late twenties. What is it like trying to meet people and find friends? What is the social scene like? Dating possibilities? The city doesn't have much industry so I'm nervous there aren't many people outside of undergraduates other than townies. Is this true?

In my experience, it basically means you aren't in or out. They've narrowed it down to a few that they are considering further. Kind of like being on an interview list. Might get in, might get waitlisted, might get rejected. But you are a serious candidate they are considering. Good luck!

Congrats Chimerical! You have quite the choice of schools. How are you going to make your choice? Was Wharton your top choice?

I do agree that there are many brilliant people who have done amazing things without education. I do not feel that graduate school is a necessity to study or produce great ideas. However, that said, I very much want to be a part of it where I can be around other like minded individuals and learn from more experienced people than myself and have numerous resources at my fingertips. And the hostility in your post makes me wonder... if that's really how you feel, than why are you even on this forum and why would you even bother applying to grad schools yourself?

Well, I'm definitely visiting School A and waiting until I do to say no to school B. The question was more of a "if School A meets my expectations, is it worth spending the money to see what School B is like to compare them". If I hate School A, I'll definitely visit school B. But, it'd probably cost me at least $300 and a day off of work so I'm just wondering if its worth going to School B to compare if I think I'll be happy at School A.