CFBrown

It's funny that you're deciding between Boston and Syracuse, as both are schools I was accepted into as well - for my master's that is... For me, I kept Syracuse in the picture longer than Boston simply because of the two cities' cost of living and financial opportunities. Although Boston offered me a $7,500 scholarship for each semester, a semester costs near $30K which would leave me a considerable amount to pay in loans even if I landed a $4,000 assistanceship. Meanwhile, Syracuse is offering me a $5,000 scholarship for only the fall and spring semesters. It's not bad at all considering their total cost of $21K, and I could still compete for assistancehips that'll offer tuition remittance. Overall, while Boston offered a better scope of classes, the scholarship offered wasn't enough to justify going there. That's just my perspective though, and I doubt there's any other similarities between me and you...I'd choose Syracuse because of cost of living, still quality program, and diversity. Not only that, but they do a good job of communicating with prospects. But if you have your heart set on Boston and can afford it, go for it.

Thank you, Hero Honda. I know this was a lot to read, so I appreciate anyone who takes the time out to do so. If you don't mind me asking, why forget C?

So this is what it's come down for me. I'll try to keep it as brief and organized as possible, but could provide more information if needed. For what it's worth, I'm pursuing a master's in a field most of you probably aren't familiar with. I guess it's not seen as being as "vital" so full funding is typically limited. Still, any ideas or thoughts you may have would be appreciated. School A Pros: Shortest program to complete degree – 13 months Second lowest (out of 5 schools I applied to) in cost of attendance – around $65K Offered $10,000 scholarship – split into $5,000 for fall and spring semesters Program has provided timely info throughout application process – stuck to decision dates posted online, been forthcoming regarding funding info Department chair in her 2nd year, but has an interesting background; potential mentor Lowest cost of living – mid-sized city Cons: Limited flexibility in curriculum – could not pursue special interests within my field until near the end of my program Still have to apply and compete for assistantships – some positions don’t offer tuition remission Security deposit due by April 15 Weather slightly colder than hometown School B Pros: Top choice - loved my visit there, the subject of many daydreams Best weather – could use a break from hometown’s harsh winters Good curriculum – practical skills taught, opportunities to pursue special industry interests in second year Opportunity to spend summer (fully-funded) working in Capetown, South Africa, or London Tons of student organizations to get involved with Major city Encouraged to find work/internships while completing studies – perhaps employer could offer assistance with financing Cons: Cost of attendance - $110K - $120K for two years Was not initially selected for funding (likely due to GRE scores) – would largely be financing studies through loans (at least for the first year) Referred to apply for another university-wide scholarship fund that doesn’t make its decision until the start of school Very slow application process overall More information needed – will not know everything before needing to decide on School A Higher cost of living School C Pros: Best course offerings – tons of flexibility, teaches practical skills, can earn a concentration specific to my field of interest Offers a center solely dedicated to my field of interest City offers tons of employers/organizations with job opportunities related to my field of interests Could complete studies at my own pace within a five-year limit – 10 courses needed for degree Could get a job, gauge employer’s interest in funding me for graduate studies Cons: Highest cost of living - may take some years before living on my own again Program does not offer funding opportunities outside of a few service organization scholarships, since it is already offered at a discounted rate from the university’s other graduate programs – most students funded through loans/employer/outside scholarships Would be living with a cousin I don’t know that well until I can support myself May not officially be accepted until after declining School A offer Would prefer to take at least two courses per semester – working full-time may only allow me to take one Masters of Professional Studies degree – not sure how that’s viewed in job market or academia if I decide to later pursue a PhD

You're not alone, Apathium... I'm STILL waiting on my official letter from the graduate school office! I also have other associates who have yet to hear from them either. When I emailed one of the faculty in my department, they told me I'm one of their strongest candidates and unanimously selected to admit me. However, an email from a Graduate Admissions rep says I'm still "under review and a decision will be ready in a few days." The week before that, I spoke to someone on the phone who told me my decision should be posted by the end of the week (last week). It's INCREDIBLY frustrating since USC really is my top choice, and...barring a complete lack of funding, I want to commit there.

No I was serious! El P and Slug are pretty decent MCs. I have Atmosphere's Southsiders in the car and both Run The Jewels albums on my laptop.

I finished a book last year about how to effectly network. It's a very helpful and insightful read no matter what your ethnicity is. It's by George Fraser and you can find it here http://www.amazon.com/Success-Runs-Our-Race-Networking/dp/0060578718/ref=sr_1_3/182-4997102-5236211?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426858712&sr=1-3&keywords=george+fraser Networking really is about building relationships. So, if you go into this event thinking "what can these people do for me?" then you're likely going to come away disappointed. Instead, focus on ways you can have a mutually beneficial relationship with the people you're trying to connect with.

Networking, and the events that are designed to facilitate them, are really what you make of them. Kinda like the old adage(s): You get what you pay for...or, "It takes money to make money."

Jenn, you caught me. I'm guilty.

Do you think they could be rethinking about how much funding they wanna offer me and my poor GRE scores?

I checked in on my application status last weekend with a faculty member at my top choice. She told me the rest of the faculty found me to be a very strong candidate and chose to admit me into their program. However, the university's graduate admissions office says my application is still "under review." WTF? Other people have already gotten their acceptance emails and I'm still waiting...What could this possibly mean? Why does my application still need to be reviewed if the committee admitted me? Is anyone else in this situation? I'm trying to make my decision soon and the only thing I need to know about at this point is if there will be enough funding to make it happen. April 15 is less than a month away and I still don't have all the info I need...

The only pressure (or anxiety) I'm feeling is finding out what financial aid I could get offered from the schools who've admitted me. The feeling of getting accepted was nice (especially from USC), but if it don't make sense, it don't make dollars...

I disagree. As long as you have the money and you're still getting paid to attend, I'd attend school A since it seems that's where your heart is.

I've heard of Temple, Tennessee and Alabama in the communications space. Of those, the only one I really looked at for myself was Temple; however, I'll admit that's because I'm biased due to my disdain for living in the South. If it were me, I'd choose Temple since it's based in Philadelphia - one the U.S.'s top ten major media markets. But in your case, you may want to simply go with the one who offers you the best funding.

Thanks for responding. When put in your perspective, Boston doesn't seem too much different than any other major city. It still is kinda crazy expensive to live in though, yes?

As bad as this sounds, I was driving late on my way to work when I got my acceptance email from Boston. I couldn't stop myself from my intrigue of figuring out what financial aid they offered me...

As a black man I just have to be blunt with this question: Is Boston really as racist as it's rumored to be? I received my acceptance letter from Boston University today. It's exciting to get accepted, but BU honestly was my 5th choice mostly because of the noticeable lack of diversity and the city's history against black folks (P.K. Subban, Carl Crawford, and countless other stories found in this search). Not to mention, the financial aid I was offered isn't that great anyway. Am I over-reacting, or is there some validity to these myths?

Seems like you've already got your heart set on going there. I say go ahead and commit to the program before your visit. After all, visit days are for more than just helping you decide who's program to choose.

Thanks for responding! Yea, I've read most of that information on the Newhouse site as well. However, in my acceptance letter they stated that they would have financial aid awards determined until the end of this month. Based on your experience, are these positions based solely on merit or do they only involve an interview?

I'd love to attend Georgetown University's School for Continuing Studies in D.C., but I'm not sure how I could realistically make it happen. GU's SCS seemingly offers very few financial aid opportunities outside of federal loans, but they have the program closest related to my field of interest. I've talked to my cousin down there about living with her, but she lives in one of the lower income areas and I don't want to be too much of a burden to her. I've thought about starting to apply to jobs down there in hopes that maybe an employer would be willing to sponsor part of my education. I'm also hoping that maybe once I'm accepted I could work as a research assistant here to help pay for my classes. But I'm not really sure how financially beneficial this opportunity is. Is anyone familiar with Georgetown's SCS? How could I go about making the move to D.C. without much of a plan? Or could anyone provide feasible ideas on how I could make this happen?

I knew I was stressing over nothing! So it'll be my poor GREs that would've done me in

Getting kinda nervous that I won't get accepted into USC. Starting to overanalyze reasons why I might've been turned down. One of them could be because I submitted three LORs instead of the requested two. Surely this couldn't be a plausible reason for being rejected....right?

I know this doesn't particularly answer your question, but I don't really see why you wouldn't get in. You have pretty decent stats; your GRE scores > my GRE scores and I've already been accepted into at least one school. But in case you don't get in, Peacecorp or Americop might be a decent option. At one of the programs I applied to they provide scholarships to members of those organizations.

I haven't, but I talked to someone in admissions the other day and they told me I should know something next week. Actually, the fact that you've heard something already makes me pretty nervous..... But still, congratulations to you! When I went to the open house in November they mentioned there's a threshold they look for specifically with GRE writing scores. You definitely killed it!

Me too! Did you receive your decision yet? I'm still waiting on mine. Someone in the admissions office said they'd start letting us know next week.

Thanks! I went ahead and checked it off myself.