teddybrosevelt
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Posts posted by teddybrosevelt
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So I am about a week away from a big decision and I keep having second thoughts. Here is my situation again: I have an offer that includes a TAship with about a $15k/year stipend. However, the school does not do tuition waivers so I'd have to pay about $15k/year in tuition. I am lucky enough to have very generous and loving parents who are willing to pay $20k/year for me. However, it is not so easy for me to accept because of the guilt factor and the mentality that I should be able to get full funding somewhere that includes a tuition waiver. However, this is my best offer on the table and I'm not sure that will change. Any thoughts?
So, my first question is- have you aquired any debt from your undergraduate studies? secondly, is this a Phd or an MS degree we are talking about? Thrice, is the school somewhere you WANT to be with a project you WANT to work on?
I'm sure others will have other questions that may help you but those are the first I thought of.
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I just accepted my offer from IUB and I am over the moon! I'm looking for information regarding housing. Specifically smaller complexes or small houses for rent in the area. I will be visiting campus on the 21st and I would love to check out any places that are recommended!
Thank you in advance!
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Being competitive for a job and funding for graduate school are not necessarily related (they could be, but don't have to be).
I think what I am trying to get at is that most people I have spoke with have this sense of entitlement for full financial support. Somewhere along the lines of, "I refuse to go to Graduate school unless its fully funded, and I will not accept anything else." The honest truth is that a lot of schools only take students they can fund; however, other schools may take 20 students but only fully fund 3 of them. Does that mean the other 17 should pass on that offer until they too can receive funding? I believe if you absolutely need your masters degree to get the job you wish, then do not stress the extra money unless it is extremely expensive. The guy who originally posted had TA offers but would still end up with are 5k a year in tuition (and that is a good offer rather than saying no to graduate school in general).
Yea, this was my original argument as well. Although, I didn't do the greatest job clarifying this..
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I can see where you are coming from but for the record no I would not take that offer lol. Connections still doesn't garuentee that you'll get a job for example my advisor at my current school had connects with my POIs and almost all of them said no to me. I think another fact that must be considered is how much debt you have. Someone who has 5,000 dollars in debt will probably make a different choice vs someone with 70,000 + dollars in debt especially if they only got into a private or out of state school that costs 28,000 + a year. Some people want to gamble and others want to play it safe. I was told by multiple people here that of not offered funding to not accept the offer and reapply. Originally I was skeptical but by looking at what the school would cost, what expenses I would have to lay out etc, it wasn't worth it for me. Again my situation and my opinion
Right. Your situation your opinion. I just felt those weighing partially funded options could use more constructive comments is all.
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I think the honest truth is that a lot people expect grad school to be paid for fully, but it is more competitive than people think. I personally don't feel another 10k in debt would be that bad considering the 4 years of undergrad that was already spent. Also, the connections many of these schools have is what you are really looking for in a program.
Bam! Nailed it!
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It's not a guarantee though that you'll land a job in oil right after grad school. If it was then that would be a different story. In my case the GRE kept me out of a lot of schools so improving might help. Overall I see a lot of grad students, including everyone at my current school, who aren't paying a dime for their degree. Wh should I ? I worked hard for four years I shouldn't have to pay either and luckily I won't. That's my opinion though
I think it's pretty unfair to address these issues as if they are simply black or white, Columbia.
For instance, let's say hypothetically you REALLY REALLY wanted to go into O&G and your only admit was to UT-Austin with the caveat that funding for your first semester, or first year, may not be guaranteed. Requiring you to pay out of pocket for some period of time. Let's continue this by saying your hypothetical prof has all sorts of connections with the industry.
Would you not accept this offer?
It's easy to say you wouldn't, sure. But I think what's best for each person individually is what's really important.
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Hi all,
After being rejected from both of my schools this year (well I guess I'm still technically waitlisted at one until the official acceptances from the other people are in), I started looking at options for next time around. I started compiling a list of schools that I was interested in applying to and came across a bunch of job and message boards. And you know what?! There's a ton of people looking for PhD and Masters students in the US and around the world!! So here's my advice if you're not giving up:
1) Start looking into programs now, don't wait. Make your list now, but don't be afraid to change it along the way.
2) Don't be afraid to contact some people at smaller or lesser known departments, especially if you know someone with connections. If they don't reply, give it a couple of months and try again.
3) CHECK JOB LISTS. ex) AGU careers, MET job list, ES jobs net, GSA Today, seismosoc.org, AGI, etc. There are all these sites for pretty much every discipline of earth science. Most have job boards too with TONS of people with money looking for graduate students. You just need to look! Especially at this time, schools (even prestigious ones) are looking to fill empty spots or get students for those proposals that were accepted late. Check these boards and you might be pleasantly surprised.
4) Keep in contact with POIs, even if you weren't accepted. If you developed a good relationship with them, they are often willing to help you achieve your goals and send info/opportunities your way. And don't be afraid to ask them for info either.
5) It's okay to work a random job if you have prior research experience in the meantime. POIs know that things don't always work out as planned. And sometimes you have to stray from your path in order to reach your end goal. My POI even worked as a sheep sheerer between his undergrad and masters! But make sure you have at least some experience under your belt before you start working odd jobs.
These are just some of my suggestions that maybe some of you have yet to consider. Of course you don't have to agree with them and they may not apply to everyone, but I learned that if things haven't been working out, it may be time to take a different approach and try new tactics.
Good luck everyone
~ssynny
Great post! I couldn't agree more. I like to think of set backs and obstacles as short detours that ultimately make accomplishing goals much more awesome!
A delicious fortune cookie eloquently said, "focus on your long-term goal. Your wish will be granted next year."
Not a Chinese proverb, but still well said.
Good luck!
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I have yet to make a decision... Hopefully the coming weekend will be a productive one.
Also, congrats idiocromatic!
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Congrats on the decisions, Moochie, Letshike, Doodle, Lorde, and Darkstar! After long weeks of deliberation, and weighing all the pros and cons with going to a "2000 and late" school (should have applied to Southern Golf Coast Delaware Tech), I have decided to accept Stanford's offer. Go Cardinals!
*edited to add:
Um, why is there a quota for positive votes?
Congrats, tuff! That's an amazing school!
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University of Toronto also saw my CV on monster.com..They want to offer me a full professorship with tenure (straight from undergrad). Is this good? Should I hold out for something more prestigous. I am feeling a bit odd about living in Canada #cultureshock #idontspeakfrench ...thoughts? I m so confused help me...
These have been cracking me up, thank you! I feel like Stanford and Toronto have Earth Science programs that are just too highly regarded. Like, it's not cool to go there anymore not as cool as like a Southern Gulf Coast Delaware Tech.
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My policy is: always call if you can. You are much more likely to receive a response by calling.
Totally agree! I would make sure you know WHO to call first as pestering the wrong person won't help your case.
Most grad coordinators or department secretaries I have contacted have been extremely helpful!
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Congrats! That's awesome news. Also, an excellent reason to stay optimistic this late in the application season.
I'd definitely say so! I was contacted by my POI and interviewed the next day. Totally out of the blue, but I'm extremely excited!
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Check out all the threads about interviews and Skype interviews on the "Interviews and Visits" forum. There's tons of helpful advice there.
Thank you! I knew the information was here somewhere
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So I was recently contacted by a professor at my 100% 'reach' school. He informed that some of the students have declined their offer and that he is currently trying to secure me a TA position. He has asked if I would like to skype some time this week.
I'm beyond excited as this is truly my dream school. I have no clue what to expect (or say/ask for that matter), so any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance!
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I didn't even talk about admissions and unfortunately it's not a small department... Hope my chances aren't still crap.
Did they have much to say regarding tardy applicants?
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Does anyone know anything about CSM? It's been a while since I've heard from my advisers. I've yet to be rejected, but I've also seen a lot of acceptances.
Ya Im not sure where you've applied but I applied to work in the Econ group and was told final decisions have yet to be made. That was mid last week by my POI. Not sure about geophysics and petroleum and such...
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Keep us posted, ssynny!
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Really?? Ok! I'll email my POI and see if he specifically knows someone from there. If not, I guess I have some emails to write. Thank you
.I would check their admissions deadlines and such, but some schools just don't receive enough quality applicants to fill all of their positions. I think how you articulate your emails will be important.
For instance, you didn't fail to apply initially not because you thought their program was inferior or something, but because you were unaware how many faculties interests are well aligned with yours, yada yada.
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Some smaller schools accept applicants up until the fall semester begins! Maybe explain how you've just found out how you compatible your research interests are with many of their faculty?
2015 Applicant Profiles and Admissions Results
in Earth Sciences Forum
Posted
I would also suggest talking to your prospective prof about his industry connections. In my experiences, if you are well liked, professors will jump through hoops to get you an internship. This has been my experience, at least.