Yes

Of course I am not expecting to have three months off during the summer... I am not even the type who would want that. I was just struck by many comments on how with the start of grad school you say goodbye to fun. Surely you can take a weekend off sometimes, have the occasional drink in the evening, or take a couple of weeks of vacation? Or am I wrong?

Retired? What about life between now and retirement?

BionicKris, I am in the same situation; and also very torn. It seems like a great opportunity, but it would mean that I would have to quit my current job much earlier than planned (I dont necessarily mind, but I dont want to burn bridges...). I am also facing a 3000 miles move. It feels like an offer I can't decline, and I feel I shouldnt, but what about my fantastic summer plans? As an aside, all those comments about making good use of the "last summer" to relax are really starting to freak me out! Honestly, is it going to be that bad? I have worked harder than most my whole life, been to very competitive schools and undergrad. Are the next years going to be hellish? Loads of people seem to give off that impression... I am really starting to worry here... Surly *some* relaxation and fun will be possible...?

This is becoming less true though. I know that since last year especially more people than they could accommodate have asked to stay on for the DPhil. However, if you put in the hours and manage to impress potential supervisors, it shouldn't be a problem. On the lifestyle question: Oxford is an amazing place to study. It's beautiful, the atmosphere is great, and although it doesn't compare to London in terms of potential leisure activities (but then few places do, IMO) London is just an hour away. There is a bus going back and forth 24-7, so if you want to go out, it is no problem to get back to Oxford. Plus, the busses are quite convenient with wireless etc, so you can always do some work. I love London, but it is not the easiest place to study. Depending on your financial situation, you will have to live far away from uni and face huge costs of living. Plus, it is very distracting. I always found that when you go to Oxford you get the best of both worlds. If you want to get big city life, you go to London for the day/weekend - otherwise you have the picturesque, convenient and productive atmosphere at Oxford. Of course, lifestyle is not everything... But if I were in your position, I would go to Oxford. In fact, I did.

Yes, definitely still considering Stanford. Visiting Princeton next week so I wont be able to make up my mind until then, but I am hoping for some "divine inspiration"... You have visited both Harvard and Stanford, right? How are you going about making your deicision?

No surprise there... Just declined offers from Oxford (MPhil IR) and LSE MSc IR Research. Have you had any further thoughts on where you will end up?

Yes, why not - you have nothing to lose. I'd prefer certainty myself, so I would probably try to contact the department. I dont know if there was anyone waitlisted, so there might be hope. Be aware though that the department has been somewhat slow to respond...so it might take some time for them to get back to you. Maybe call?

I got admitted by Columbia some time ago, when the wave of acceptances came out. Admitted students were asked to respond by last Friday whether they will be attending the Open house - this sounds like they are done with acceptances. Then again - see discussion in 'Columbia' thread - it is not really clear what is going on in their department.

IR no info on funding

same here

Believe it or not, his acceptances are true; I actually met him this weekend and I have no reason to doubt his success.

Oh, so you are not going to the actual Columbia Open House then?

I will see you at Stanford then... ... the day after tomorrow. So soon! How seriously are you taking the reading for the seminars btw? And when are you arriving? Are you coming in from Asia?

Stanford: 4th - 7th Princeton: 22nd - 23rd Columbia: 24th - 26th

I found that info on the housing website - but obviously doesn't apply to new students then, what a relief. My admissions package hasn't reached me yet (I live abroad). Still.... sharing rooms does not fill me with joy. What about people who have boyfriends/girlfriends - not unheard of for 25 year olds! haha

I am so confused by the whole housing situation - it looks like we have to apply for the room draw by March 26th - but I won't even have visited some of my schools until then. Does the room draw deadline apply to new students as well? I personally cannot imagine anything worse than having to share a room with someone - I havent done that since boarding school and it wasnt pleasant at the time. From casually browsing some property websites it looks like it would be possible to get a non-university appartment at equal/slightly higher rates. I just worry that my social life will suffer as a result. Any thoughts from already attending/former students would be appreciated...

I received an email by Makila about the Open House and a couple of emails from professors and students, that's all. No details on the funding yet, except what was already stated in the first email:"The Graduate School prefers that I not got into the details of the offer here, other than to inform you that it is a multi-year offer that includes a tuition waiver, stipend support of not less than $22,500 dollars per year, health benefits, and access to Columbia graduate student housing."

Thank you! Sent you a PM

That's what I would have thought as well.. Very strange story - call the department? I got offered a place last week (was it last week?) when all the other acceptances came out. I have no inside information on whether they are done with admitting, except an email from a professor at Columbia that mentioned that there was someone else in the IR cohort with a strong theory background (which holds for me as well) so it sounds like decisions have been made. This is only speculation, of course.

I think that's a very good idea. It might also help future applicants. I will be looking at Stanford, Princeton and Columbia, so I will share my impressions as soon as I get back.

No, nothing. Emails from a couple of professors, grad students, that's all. Also, when do we have to rsvp re admit events? and to whom? I'm confused! Is Princeton your top choice?

Hellooo! Looks like I will be joining the Princeton Grad community too. I am still in the process of making my final decision, but I am getting more and more certain about Princeton. I have no idea about the housing situation. I'm definitely not keen on sharing a room though! Not keen at all. I want an apartment too!

Congratulations to everyone who received offers last night! It's great to hear that this process is coming to an end for many of us - I think it's time to start a "decisions" thread soon. I keep my fingers crossed for everyone still waiting to hear. Good luck to you all!

Apart from the programmes I have already withdrawn from I am *pretty* sure I will decline Columbia and Stanford as well very soon. Hope this will help those on the waitlists. Good look everyone!

Congratulations! That's great news! I will keep my fingers crossed for you.