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.

Actually, one of the big reasons I am hesitating to spend the money to visit school B is because when I called a former student of theirs who is now a very successful professor at another school and told her which schools I was choosing between she essentially told me to go to school A. But later a current student from school B called and was really nice and said some good things about school B so I'm hesitating to rule it out entirely.

Congrats Sarebear! You have some great choices! I could use some opinions on something. I have two offers so far (and feeling pretty lucky/happy about those). I am leaning towards one school which has a better "brand name" and seems really supportive and great and another with smaller brand name, but larger stipend. The thing is, i think I'll take "school A", but haven't actually been to both schools yet. School A has offered to pay for me to visit and meet with everyone and School B will set things up if I choose to visit, but will not pay for any of it. How important do you think it is to visit before ruling something out? Should I spend the money to go visit School B?

baby fat

I had first posted that I was super jealous and questioned what they had that I didn't. However, since then, I have been accepted to one school with funding that is a very good fit. So now, I look at those other schools and say that if they don't want me that it must not be right and feel okay about it. Even if I had originally thought they'd be better for me. For the record, without that acceptance, I would still be totally jealous and panicking and I don't fault anyone who still is!

<br /><br /><br /> Have you heard from Yale? I was also on the short list and contacted the other day. I'd love to meet the other possible students.

<br /><br /><br /> You were right Chimerical! Thanks for the positive words. I ended up getting their acceptance offer last night. I am beyond thrilled! It feels so good to know I'm going somewhere next year. And while I still have many schools to hear back from, I know I'd be happy at this program. Now I need to withdraw from the programs I definitely would not take over this one...

Haha. This is great because I think I did every single one of the things you just mentioned... in that order. It's nice to know I'm not crazy! Or at least I'm not the only one who is.

Just got a phone call from a professor at a school that had asked me for a follow up paper. I don't think he liked me. He was nice and helpful, but also offered his advice on the application process and told me if I had any questions, even about other schools, to feel free to reach out. But if he was going to accept me, wouldn't he have been trying to convince me of his program? So sad. Want to cry.

Whoever got accepted to USC - first of all, congratulations! Secondly, did you have an interview first? And was it CB or quant?

I didn't apply to Missouri, but I did just hear back from UConn, but it was just last night and they may not be done notifying. They offered an on campus interview paid for by them. I haven't heard a word from any schools on the West Coast though. And I don't think I can blame it on the time difference. Damn.