gnarls_barkley

Personally, I would absolutely not consider a PhD program that doesn't at least cover tuition. But, maybe your personal circumstances are different. Regarding WVU, I think you should be directing that question to them. Specifically ask where graduates have ended up. They (hopefully) realize the program is new and you have a legitimate concern. Have you considered applying again next year? It's not worth spending 4-5 years in a program you're not fully committed to.

I'm not sure about the grad student housing. I think it's a bit early to look for August openings. What areas (if not around UIC) are people thinking about?

UIC, but I'm open to living outside that area. ex. along the blue line anywhere or Lakeview area

Anyone have advice for apartment searching from distance? Either in general or specific to Chicago? Ideally, I'd like my own studio or 1br but it looks like I may need to get a couple roommates. I'm planning to visit once before moving in August but I would have a very short window to meet roommates and look at places.

Those are both mid to low tier schools in the public health world, but solid universities overall. If you're planning to go into industry, pick the one that will cost the least and have the best connections to employers. You may have to do some digging - ask their career services office, search Linkedin, ask current students, etc.

Assistantships are usually 25% (10 hours/week) or 50% (20 hours/week). 50% positions will typically cover full tuition and a livable stipend. This doesn't have to be the only project/work you do, but some people may fall into as it's just easier. Your life as an RA completely depends on the project/professor. Of course, you need to ask the department these questions, as everything I mentioned varies by country, university, department, etc.

If you're willing to have a roommate, it seems like $700-800 is the range for a decent place in University Village/Little Italy. At least from what I've seen on Padmapper and the UIC off campus housing site.

Hey all. Just accepted an offer to the School of Public Health (west campus) for epidemiology. Any thoughts on housing/places to live? I'm considering the on-campus grad housing, but it's a bit pricey! Moving from a pretty low cost of living city, so housing in Chicago is definitely one thing that I'm not very excited about.

I would be interested about what people think too.

I've got the following that I'm trying to decide on: - Top choice (top 10 program). TA position, 8k and half tuition coverage - Top 20 program. 10k fellowship and full tuition for 2 years. -Top ~25 program. Full funding, 20k plus tuition for 4 years In a tough, but enviable spot. Would love to go to my top choice, but I don't think I can justify having to take loans out when I have better offers on the table. How about you?

Thanks for the response! I think it's pretty clear now that accepting 2 offers would be a huge no-no. My field is actually public health (epidemiology), so top 25 here may not mean as much when thinking about other fields that have dozens or more programs. Do you have any insight on how the non-academic market is for public health?

Ask them. Financial aid is different at every school, program, degree, etc.

Thanks for the responses, all. The mix has been pretty similar to what I've heard from faculty and students I've asked. My field doesn't have as many industry options as other STEM fields, so academia is probably the first choice. I am leaning a bit toward the top 5 school, but I definitely see the drawbacks (financial and non-financial). I'm going to speak with them and see what is the likelihood of additional funding after the deadline and beyond.

So, this is the time of year that everyone has (hopefully) tough choices. My top choice, a top 5 program, just accepted me off the wait list, but their funding offer is pretty weak (I would need ~15k in loans the first year). They mentioned that more funding may become available after the 4/15 deadline. Another school offered me a very generous funding package several weeks ago. This school has a solid program, ~top 25, but it just doesn't carry the same weight as my top choice. My question: Does anyone have experience/insight with accepting two offers, in the hope of receiving additional funding after the 4/15 deadline? In this hypothetical situation, I would obviously lose a deposit and likely burn a bridge with one of the schools. Not exactly the way I envisioned things, but I'm feeling pretty disappointed with getting off the wait list yet still coming up short at the finish line (financially). Thoughts? *This is for a PhD in a health/biomedical sciences field.