Lex Shrapnel

Here's a list of things I think I might need in a computer, of any kind, for my physics graduate course: Word processor Spreadsheet Presentation slides Notes organizer Programming: Simulations, Analysis, Modeling etc Everything Internet I've always used linux for all my needs in the past, but I believe grad-school demands might be different than what I've listed. Do I need to get Windows or Mac to push through? One major issue might be compatibility - either between two files or two computers. I have noticed this one from the very beginning of my application process. Every University related documents were designed around non-Linux products. Adobe Reader was required to fill out some pdf forms, some instruction manuals were in Microsoft Word doc extension - some minor things like that. These are, of course, manageable in Linux as long I find the right software. I am also considering buying a laptop - an ultrabook, perhaps. Would you recommend this over a tablet or a desktop PC? I probably would sell this one after my course is complete, since I cannot take it home afterwards. Also, please include in your reply, names of Linux distros, Windows/Mac versions that would fit my needs. Right now, newegg seems like a good place to look.

Thank you for the encouraging replies, everything went well. Just a couple of very basic questions were asked, the answers to ALL of which were either yes or no. It only took about 30 seconds max!

Thank you, everything went well for me too. Just a couple of very basic questions were asked, the answers to ALL of which were either yes or no. It only took about 30 seconds max!

Brilliant suggestion. Thank you. Will the real-estate agents charge me a huge sum?

OK... so this is embarrassing, when I said "I don't have a car", what I actually meant was - you know - hypothetically, intuitively, enigmatically...umm... I don't know how to drive.... Yeaaaahp.

The university is within walking distance from this locality, and necessary facilities are available near by.

How could I go and see these places, if I don't have a car!? The place is a suburb, with no public transportation or cabs. Looking at 4-5 places a day would mean me walking left and right all day long. I'm honestly scared ... and hotel bills, well that's going to be another problem if I overstay. I must do this within a week or so.

Oh boy! Looks like I am in a lot of trouble. For one, I am still in my home country, and I only have less than 3 weeks left to travel. I must be looking for hotels rather than rentals right now, ha?

I am currently in a struggle to find an off-campus property to rent. It is my first time doing this and I am not certain about the procedure. Just looking at pics listed in Zillow and that's pretty much it. Did you sign the lease before traveling or after? How can I get a place from day 1 of arrival? Will I have to stay in a hotel for the first couple of days? Please share your experience in this area. I am moving to Ohio, btw, and don't forget to leave your recommendations for websites and listings.

Brilliant! That's a relief actually. I am going in for the interview this Monday (8th Dec). Even though I am well aware of the department faculty, research and future plans, there is a possibility that my answers might sound a bit robotic. Is there a thing called "over-preparing"? Oh, and by the way, have you guys ever got the question "Why spring instead of fall"? In my case the answer would be something like "the admits that I got during last fall were not up to my expectations." (<-- boring answer??)

Thank you for the reply. If I may ask one more question - would it be a bad idea to say "Yes, I will return to my home country, but I will be joining x university in Canada for my phd soon after" if they asks "What do you plan to do after this? Will you return to your home country?"

I do have a couple more doubts regarding the future-plans section.

I am a prospective grad-student for MS in Physics. I applied to a top Canadian University that had very good research along with the ones in the US. So there are about eight schools that I've applied to including the Canadian one. If I say this to my F1 visa interviewer, would it raise any suspicion? I didn't get an admission to this University, but I got 4 from US universities. How should I address the question "Why did you apply to Canada?" There is only a few days left for my interview. I am worried about the uncertainty in these matters. I have good grades and test scores and a stable financial background, yet the outcome might vary!

@Takeru Thank you for the detailed description, and I must say, this system sounds a lot better. I am very impressed!

Any idea why they chose to do an MS first?

Actually I do have plans to go to Canada for my PhD, many of my friends and relatives are there - most of them are working there. So, are Universities there expecting an MS from PhD applicants? Do you know why this difference is there in the system? I mean, there are several other differences such as GRE scores and their necessity, undergraduate major etc, right?

I have heard that the first 2-3 years are regular coursework in the PhD program. Is this true? Is it going to be exactly the same thing that I would see in the MS (absolutely nothing new)? How does students usually manage this repetition?

Most of the graduates I know skipped the masters degree and applied directly to the doctoral programs. I, on the other hand, am applying to a masters after by BS. I am absolutely certain that I will earn a PhD in my field (physics). The reason for my doing so is simple - I wanted to get a more solid foundation before I go for the PhD. Also, a strong GPA from an MS would increase my chance of getting in to a good program too (or so I hope). Anyway, I am now confused about the overwhelming lack of students doing MS in my field in the US. Everyone I talk to appears to be doing a PhD and think of MS as a shortcut in to some industry based career option, which, in my case is not true. I am interested in earning that PhD and building a research based career instead. I want your honest opinion on the matter and experience in this field. Is MS a bad choice for me? btw, I am currently admitted to a couple of MS programs and might eventually join one. So this post could potentially help me to change/reinforce my decision.

I have another doubt regarding the exact amount that is marked in the I-20. While filling out the grad-application I typed in the exact same number from the expense column to the funds column. That is, expected expense = 25328 and funds available = 25328. Is this going to be a problem (with the visa interview, ie). Of course, I do have more than that in the bank.

@biisis Thank you. I will try not to get too stressed about this. Also, thank you for the information about USD convertion and passbooks; I couldn't find it elsewhere in the forums.

One more thing - do I have to convert these bank amounts from local currency to USD before I present them? I was planning to do so afterwards, but is this common practice? Thank you for taking your time to read this. I'd be very grateful if you could leave me a reply - anything you know about this, especially since I am very close to the interview (2 more weeks).

Would you mind sharing your experience of your visa interview? Did everything go well?

The graduate program (Physics) that I am admitted to is about to send me the I20. Annual expenses for this program are expected to be around $25328 . I have a scholarship that will waive all the tuition fee which brings down my expenditure to $19298 (maybe even less). My father is going to pay for the whole thing. He has two separate bank accounts that has a total worth of at least 10 times more than what I would possibly need for my entire course of study. This, is a huge relief since it is a vital part of the visa application/interview process, right? I do have the proof of these accounts (original) but not their transaction passbooks. He is working abroad and these are in his possession. Should I ask him to mail me these documents? Also, should there be an affidavit statement that acknowledges his willingness to pay? My university gave me one, but didn't had the space for his signature. Could I go through the interview just with the bank-balance documents? What should I type in an affidavit?