Film_Freak

@ Swagato Emory's new graduate school online application messed up a lot people's applications, and that's likely why it's taking so long and has taken so long to hear anything. @ UCLA kids. No one will receive an acceptance packet until Mid-April, they don't come until late in Spring Quarter. Don't worry about it.

Not a peep Swagato! But, I've decided on UCLA. If i'm accepted to Emory (looking like no?), I hope it helps you!

Still haven't heard anything Swagato, called but got no answer.

April! Whoa that's late! Don't most schools need to know by April 15th?

@ Sawgato I haven't called Emory, I'm planning on it tomorrow. All of this waiting without any communication from the school has sort of killed my desire to attend!

@ Harvey I wish my packet would come too! I'm leaning towards UCLA. It's less expensive, a high quality program and in a great part of town.

It's strange, I haven't gotten an accept or a reject yet or a wait list from Emory. I'm assuming it's a rejection, but maybe I'l give them a call today. I have to make a decision!

@ Filmnerd I got into UCLA by email, and then with a phone call a few weeks ago. I still haven't gotten an acceptance packet, though.

@ Cinedam The teacher's who are just MAer's are either older or adjunct lecturers. When I accept an offer, I'll be sure to let everyone know how I faired as far as financial help! It may give you all some concrete insight for next year if you are reapplying.

@Cinedam I would think Emory lets in 6 because it fully funds all of them. Whereas places like USC let in 15 and fund one or two. Emory actually gives out more funding than USC or UCLA, if you take into account how many people actually pay out of pocket for these programs out of the amount they let in. It's not so much a lack of funding from Emory, as it is that they ONLY let in people they fully fund. Conversely, the other schools let in more and make you pay up the wazoo! Most programs don't fund there M.A.'s at all. Emory has no Ph.d, so they fund, fully and entirely there M.A. class. Most of the professors I have in my English and philosophy department, are actually lecturers with M.A. degrees. I'm at a small private with a limited (but big for it's size) endowment. Especially in this economy, why hire a Ph.d when you can hire an M.A. and make them do the same job for cheaper? I'm not an expert on any of this, but I'm just following that thought to it's logical end. As far as the opportunities that exist at other schools, can you elaborate? Do you mean the number of opportunities increase at a well-known program?

At least you heard, Swagato! You're lucky I'm sitting here checking my email every five seconds hoping for an accept/reject so I can make a decision. I hate waiting!!

Mmphin, Are you talking about UT wait list? In the email they sent me they said that they will be updating by April 15th. 8675309, Just realized that your name was referencing that song. It's my first year applying, but maybe I can help out. 1. With a MFA, they want to see research...which we kinda talked about before. It seems like when they see MFA, they get squeamish unless you have a substantial research background. 2. I'm in-state, so UCLA is actually 13,000 a year. After one year, out of stater's can get in-state residency. I may get a fellowship from the programs, but I won't know until April. I am also applying for outside funding. 3. I would research my tail off. Become a research assistant for a professor, look up independent research grants. Take an independent research course. Look up programs that give summer research. Research, research, research!!!!! Your state university sounds great, especially with the likelihood of a TA position.

Hey cinemadam! Emory gives full tuition remission if you are let in. The chair of the department is very well known, though the department itself isn't world-renowned. It being a stand alone M.A. is also appealing, because the only focus of the department is you, rather than the spoiled little funded Ph.d's (kidding about the spoiled). You can teach at community college with an M.A. and you can become a lecturer at a university with an M.A. with a great CV. Some people don't want to go on to get a Ph.d, and want to use the degree for other more professional goals, but would still like the option of teaching. Or, they want to go on to Ph.d later. I think this program is well-known with senior academics in the film field. To outsiders or young-bucks, not so much. You bring up a good point though. What's everyone's thoughts on perceived prestige versus the real quality of a program? And while we're at it, add funding.

Supersmurf, I don't really "get" the whole wait list thing either. But my impression is that if they wait list you, you were only edged out by a few people. Especially for Phd. I'm certain that wait list is a short-list. Have you contacted the department at all to show more interest? Or to inquire about what place you are on the wait list? I'm not sure if this is advisable (it might be annoying to them) but it also might give you a clue as to how that concept shrouded in mystery (the wait list) works.

Bread-Earner