zonko

Anyone dare to call CMU?

I'm just going to wear long sleaved shirt (not even a formal looking one) + cords. Academics don't really do formal so I wouldn't worry too much about it

I've just said things like "I am not planning on attending the visit day" and they just send an e-mail back saying "Sorry to hear that. If you have any questions feel free to contact us." So I don't think you need to worry too much about what to say

I think a lot of schools rank applicants and then meet to decide how many get in based on funding constraints. If some reject early, they might let more in. So it is possible that they had a final decision meeting but will still be accepting people in the future.

I think most schools offer the same amount of money to everyone at the school, but the terms (whether you need to TA/RA) may be different. One of the major drivers of difference in stipend is the cost of living in a location, which you can compare here: http://www.bankrate....calculator.aspx .

1) I'm at Northwestern (but not ChemE). I don't believe the fellowship office does RA assignments. I recommend that you contact the professors directly by e-mail.

I'm in a different field, but I've heard that mid-level universities often primarily look at applications from people from top schools. An outstanding thesis at a lower-ranked school can sometimes offset this, but realize that the bar is raised if you go to a lower-ranked school. But then again, if you love the program you may be able to produce a better thesis, so the answer is not totally clear. A good way to answer this question is to look at the jobs that graduating students at the two schools get. You can probably expect similar jobs when you graduate. If the sorts of places that hire graduating students are similar at both schools then great. If they are different, then it is probably wise to consider whichever one best aligns with your future career plans.

Last year I believe they responded in March, so I wouldn't expect anything back for a little bit.

What does everyone think about the state of Berkeley & CMU (regular CS PhD) admits? They have both sent out a bunch of acceptances, but it is not clear whether they are finished or not (at least to me).

Wait - I got an unofficial notification of acceptance but no official. Is this an e-mail or a physical letter?