angel_kaye13

^This! I just was talking with my spouse about a guy he's working with who did the unfunded MA; he's finishing up his PhD, but was shocked at my package, surprised that they gave MA packages. (He's in a different field, and maybe needed to do more research, but still.) ^Absolutely. Doable. Will be a sacrifice. Will DEFINITELY be exhausted! But what do you ultimately want to choose. ^ Again, this dovetails off of the previous person's post, but I'm glad you brought it up. I was out of up-votes, but you three added some good stuff. Eyes wide open, to be sure, but I hope drownsoda feels encouraged to make whatever choice she deems worthy, at the end of the day. You all are awesome.~

Hello!! Yes, it's me! But, watching yours, hannalore's and hreathmus' (sorry for the intentional typo, I'm on my phone, and that's the closest it'll give me!) credentials, I felt I wasn't I the same league. (Hence my holding out on ND and Toronto.^^) I am very excited to {hopefully?!?} work with Dr. Gwara, he was my first contact at USC, and my reason for choosing them. His studies are closely allied to where I want to go (philological), and he's followed the trajectory I hope to, institution-wise. He said there is another Medievalist there, as well, a Holly Crocker? Her line wasn't as closely aligned, but...it have me excitement to get to work, that I could be working on real and relevant research, with colleagues who are there! This is VERY encouraging, thank you so much for your encouragment, really. Though I've wanted this for so long, and have been working towards it, some days I still feel that "I'm SO behind my peers!" feeling. And, as small as our specialization is within the English realms, it's nice to hear kind encouragement, rather than the converse.^^ How was the ND visit? that's right near my hometown, relatively speaking (I was a bit south and easy of South Bend).^^ Beautiful area, and I've grown up all my life hearing its accolades.^^ I've never stepped foot on campus, if you can believe it, but I studied for a time at Oxford, and...I imagine that kind of feeling: the intoxicating sense of having, literally, vast amounts of resources and ancient manuscripts at your fingertips. ETA: I guess I listed on my profile my interest in OE, but It doesn't show on my posts. My fault. Still. I've a long way to go!^^

That's what I want to hear!! I didn't bother applying to Notre Dame or Toronto this cycle, I knew I wasn't trying enough to competitively vie for those coveted spots. But maybe after some focused hard work!

Robin Redbreast

Congrats to the latest admittees!!! *^^*

Just wanted to wish those waiting expectantly a hearty good luck!!!! {fingers crossed} Hope good news comes soon for you all~

bgt28, not just an up-vote, but a wholly platonic-yet-hearty "I love you!!!!!"

(And all that goes through my head is Maid Marian, in that Kevin Costner classic: "There is only one man who can heal this land! Robin Hood!") Be still my fluttering heart!!! ;-) :D

Robin Hood!!!!

red rider!! {ryder?!?!}

Jhefflol, I also wanted to second what onlycoffeeiscertain said: I was REALLY encouraged by your demeanor and outlook. Frankly, I don't have any doubt that some good news is pending, but...a lot of people lose sight on here. Rational people give me a little more hope. ;-) Thanks for that. :-) (Again, I would have "liked" what you said, but apparently I'm out of up-votes???)

What kind of English major would I be, if I didn't appreciate a good argument?? ;-) Don't get me wrong: I never said I was advocating going into the depths of debt; I'm a very practical person, and am actually a huge proponent of weighing the costs of any decision. However. I do not know drownsoda, or her financial status, beyond what she has said about her undergrad. And, while I appreciate that you all have had the negative repercussions of doing such, I honestly was speaking from the perspective of knowing a person who did exactly what I suggested; I wasn't just speaking out of pure philosophy and carpe diem. ;-) (He was a religious studies major, if that has any bearing, and also had a family...so...I imagine he had expenses and commitments.) All that to say that everything needs to be weighed out in its time and place. I absolutely think it COULD be feasible for drownsoda to do her dream school. But that's knowing the little I do about her. But I also wouldn't want her to do this for any other reason than her own, as lunalit said. I think of a lot of this is always weighing the pros and cons, not just in drownsoda's case. I mean, we in the Humanities especially hear ALL the time, about people in our fields, pursuing "our" grad degrees and PhDs, because "it's what you do," when, lo and behold, half a year down the road they realize it's really not for them. These, and others (including ourselves) are all examples of what we should all be doing, if we're at or preparing for this point: is it worth it, is it worth the sacrifice, am I WILLING to do what it takes to sacrifice...And, of course, WILL it pay off, in the end?? (My husband has already run "the numbers" with me, regarding likelihood of me getting a viable job after all is completed and done, I promise I'm not just sitting here in LollyLand. :D ) I just don't think that anyone of us can necessarily speak for the other. Only give our respective viewpoints, based on our own experiences. Which I think we're all trying to do, respectfully. But I sure was struck by her excitement. I still can't shake that.

Hahaha~*^^* I recently attended my alma mater, in Chicagoland, and I almost didn't bring a jacket. In November. (I've been overseas for a long time.) Just remember: they don't call it the Windy City for nothing. Parka and boots?? Unless you get cold, probably not. But pay attention to the weather, because it COULD still be snowing. You should be okay with just tennis shoes/running shkes, for casual, and a coat(I don't know how cold you get as to suggest a parka). But definitely bring warmer clothing, you'll have the lake effect, remember.

I just wouldn't count any school out, until you know for sure. I know that sounds ignorantly optimistic, but you can never know a committee's reasons for when and how they communicate. In this "game," sometimes no news is good news. :-)

I'm sure you have MORE than enough feedback from people already, I didn't read through them all. But my initial instinct? if this is what you want??? You don't need anyone to tell you different. They wouldn't offer an unfunded MA, if it wasn't possible for SOME students. You must be one of the lucky ones. I also know a lot of people that are comfortable accruing a little more debt, knowing their payments can be deferred until after their studies are done and a good job gotten. Don't worry about how others will perceive your decision: this is YOUR dream, and you're thrilled! Congrats to you on getting your dream school!!

Thank you, Wyatt's Torch. I'm not saying anything new, but you've been a real beacon around these parts, imparting a lot of insight and wisdom. Personally, I was a little worried, too, after seeing how many of my cohorts {nods in everyone's general direction} applied to at least 5...I knew I had to be more practical in my choices, but...I have to admit, I spent most of my time researching all the schools I didn't apply to, as contingency plan "if I get accepted nowhere." *^^* Today was a great joy, even with a Stanford reject, and I can say, without any reservation, I am EXCITED to finally get to continue my work; that immediate reaction on receiving word was all I needed to know. As, I think,you feel as well? Anyway, thank you, really, for all your support and good cheer.~ It does mean a lot.~ :-)

Got accepted into University of South Carolina, MA program and confirmation of stipend and GIA position {predecessor to GTA, in their ranks}. I'm SUPER-excited to be taking steps toward my future.~ Cheers, all, and many, MANY congrats to all the happy acceptances all over!! ^^

Just got word of my Stanford rejection! That was the last one in, for me, and it was preceded by happy news from another program. I don't know if the same will happen for all of us, but hugs and consolation all around, all~ Praying that, whatever comes, some joy will also result.~ Cheers, mates.~

Woohoo!!*^^* Thanks!! I found it back in undergrad, and...it still gives me the chuckles, every time. *^^*

DagNABBIT! TOTALLY was trying to up vote this, and I hit the wrong button!!! So now I look like a hater! Bah!! Stupid small-faced smartphones!!! Just know, HUGE happiness to you!!! And to all the other accepted!!!! Life is funny how it works us.^^

Happy Friday the 13th, everybody!!*^^* Okay. So I know I probably sound WAY too happy for this thread. Please know it's not that grad school is not important to me. Just...this is my first year applying, there's so much that I know now, better, and...{shrug} I don't know. I guess I know that we all work SO very hard, for just a few, coveted positions. It's sad, but not so very, when considering my peers. I'm not always the first in, but I work hard and have not yet failed at what I work for. So, to me, it's just a matter of time and more effort. Hence my relative zen. :-) Okay, waxing philosophical over!*^^* So my first rejection came from the sweet Emory. As I said in my results post, I thought it was a nice notification: lengthy, probably form, but very kind, which I appreciate, for all my efforts. I'm still waiting on my other two schools, so we shall see. Just wanted to let you all know.~ Keep the fighting spirit.~

desk top

fifth floor

Sorry to be so behind, life's been so crazy-busy lately!!*^^* A nice reprieve from the mindless checking of GC and email, though.^^ Anyway! Congrats to the next round of admits, we are all so very happy for you!!! Many, many felicitations your respective ways, woohoo!!!*^^*