MidwesternAloha

Crossfit.

I work at NCSU in a neighboring department - things move V-E-R-Y slowly here!

You sound very competitive!

LOL! See, I'm glad I gathered opinions. I personally would like it if the person contacted me, but I know others don't feel the same.

I received an itinerary and it has listed names and details and lots of wonderful info. I'll be sharing a hotel room with another applicant, and was wondering if it would be odd to send them a message on Facebook? Maybe introducing myself first? Is that odd? I like getting to know people.

Portfolio with copies of your resume and publications... What else?

I know most employers require two weeks or a month or whatever it may be, but I have been told by a few executives that it's courteous to give as much notice as you have vacation per year. So, if you get 6 weeks vacation + sick days, that's the polite way to go about it, at a minimum. Just a thought. (I'm still going to be waiting til the very end, though)

Oh and another note - I was in your shoes my last year of school. While I wasn't in a Master's program, I was graduating early, taking too many courses, working full time after school and on the weekend, sacrificing sleep, health and recovering from cancer. I hastily applied to a bunch of professional programs (I wanted to be a physician assistant) and was rejected or didn't complete supplemental apps for the schools who did respond to my interest. I told my professors sorry, and in the time off, I realized I'm more interested in a career in research They supported the move and were happy to write letters again.

Do what's best for you. Take time off. Your professors will not be annoyed, they of all people should understand the importance of taking a break. Many of mine encouraged it, thus, I've been out of undergrad 3 years before considering going back to school. They will also use their previous letters as a rubric for the next one, updating it is way easier than writing them a first time. I always wonder why a student would choose to go to a grad program that's not fully funded, so, on that factor alone, I'd be hesitant to accept any of those offers. You don't want to start somewhere and hate it or resent it and quit. Nothing wrong with trying again in a year.

I would also advise provide multiple options for the professor, at least 3 or 5 different times or days, then the professor can choose the best one for his or her schedule.

Just throwing another (personal) perspective out there - sometimes spilling the beans early can lead to undesirable or hostile work conditions. I'm afraid I will be judged/forced out if I use grad school as the reason to leave my current position

I wouldn't worry. They know a lot of people aren't into that. Shoot, I can hardly stay up past 10 pm. I don't think they will think twice about it. I'm sure you won't be the only one opting out. My second interview sounds identical - and they said several times, 'let us know if you don't want to participate." it's purely optional, for those who do want to go out and socialize.

If I get accepted, my parents might say "oh that's nice."

No. The new job could have way higher pay, for all the interview knows. It's not her business to pry, even if she wonders. A concise answer should be sufficient. Your situation is not uncommon, I promise.

Pinterest baby/wedding announcement surprises and some of them actually work for this type of announcement! I saw one that's a real egg and you Crack it open and it has a note inside with whatever you want it to say!

I guess I should've specified "bills from student loans" lol.

In the US, it's generally advised to keep business and personal life separate. That's not always the case, but when you don't know the interviewer's perspective, you should stay cautious. Nothing wrong with being personal, but being too personal can have some impact

That's the saddest thing I've ever read lol. Awww.

You don't even have to mention the breakup. Just state you received a job offer that was really great, so you took it to gain relevant experience prior to starting grad school. You said the job is related to your field of work, so, they don't need to know all the details.

Depends how much you'll make after achieving the graduate degree in your field. If you will make enough to easily pay the debt, go for it. I personally already have 30k in loans from undergrad and I won't go to grad school unless it's fully funded. I don't want to be 40, still paying bills

I always joke that if I don't make it into grad school, I'm quitting science and becoming a truck driver. I guess I really should consider a backup plan. What's yours?

UM. Still a great school, and no debt.

If it's a prerequisite for grad school, you know what you need to do. Can you take the international trade class another semester? Or after you graduate? Many people do that, to have application boosters prior to applying to grad school.

Oh, gotcha! For one of my interviews, they asked for a list of various flight options and said they'd let me know.... Still waiting lol