jdsj

Don't feed the trolls, people.

Wow! This has clarified a lot. To give you more information, they are both sociology doctoral programs. I didn't even think about negotiating health insurance for my spouse (I kind of assumed it would be covered because they said full health insurance benefits). I am also being funded through graduate assistantships at both places. I think being on a fellowship would be much more helpful with my research. Further, do you think it is possible to request relocation fees for the program? You said it was possible in your program, but I have never heard of it before in a soc program-I could always request it I guess. Thanks for your in-depth insight.

Accepted to the sociology program as of Wednesday. Application sent in on Jan. 15.

Hi everyone, I have been made two really great offers. Both are offering $18k+ stipends, full tuition wavers, health insurance, and teaching opportunities. They are equally stacked offers. What is the most negotiable part of these offers? Is it possible to request relocaiton funds (both schools are substantially far from my home)? Is it unethical to pit two programs against each other in a bidding war? Will they be put-off because I do this? Any input is appreciated.

I just founded out there was a glitch in their system that did not allow me to upload my transcripts properly. If you haven't heard back, I'd check with admissions.

I do not believe applying to more schools is going to help at all. Having 5 very strong, tailored applications to specific programs increase your odds drastically. 10-13 applications are bound to be weak because you cannot possibly spend as much time on them as is needed. I only applied to 3 programs and have been accepted to each with funding.

Definitely get the MA first. You will be able to add more to your sociological tool belt and hopefully land more publications. I have received only positive news, but my mentors also contacted program directors. Further, I made contact with each department I applied to several months in advanced. Keep your head up.

Gabe, I have an fully funded offer from a good school that is a great fit, and I am waiting to hear back from two other programs that are ranked 10 places higher than the first school. My question is, how long do I have to make a decision for school 1 without being unprofessional? It will still be 4-6 weeks for the other two programs, and my offer from the first school came last night. Much thanks, JD