DaisyAdair

Thanks for the replies. I adjunct at a different school, not the school with the doctorate program. When I talked to the director, she said they had only two TAs to offer, so they were very limited with funding. She went on to say that funding is getting very rough right now, which I understand, and she said that it is possible that someone could quit or decide not to go and use the funding later on. Of course, I realize that if I start paying for my program, chances are good that I will pay the entire way. I could pay for my program fairly easily and not take out loans. I am very fortunate that I can get away without loans, and if that changes, I would probably not return to school. Of course, I would rather get funding, but if I adjunct, I am in the same financial situation. I would make as much by paying for my education through my adjuncting jobs. The program is not top ranked, but I don't think I could get into a top ranked program. Plus, I really don't want to move. The fact that the program is local is a huge plus. I know you shouldn't base your school decisions on location, but location is important when you have a family. I guess that is the one reason I am considering paying. I don't really want to move my family across the country so I can go to school. My career goals are to teach. I love teaching, and I want to return to school because I want to continue learning. I love school. I love studying, and I have always wanted to get a doctorate. So that is my reason for returning to school, but I also don't want to spend all that time in school and not end up with a job.

I applied to one school and was accepted but was not offered funding. I could fund it myself without breaking the bank by keeping my current adjunct job teaching one class a semester. I have also thought of waiting until next year and applying to more schools. But I am not sure that I will be as motivated if I wait, and that would mean moving the family. The one school I applied to is local, so it would be much easier on the family, so I was leaning towards that. But then someone told me it looks very bad if you pay for your doctorate because it means the school doesn't really feel you are a worthwhile student. Thoughts? ~palla

I am in the same boat. Waiting... I was sent an email that said they had all my materials, but nothing else. The website says that my application is ready for review. I figure I have been waitlisted, which is better than a rejection, but it would be nice to hear something.

Very cool, underdog! Good luck on the job interview! ~palla

Go for it, underdog, and let us know what you hear. I am rooting for you!

I am in a similar position, underdog. I applied to only one school (I am limited geography right now), but I hope to apply to more schools next year when moving will be an option. The one school I applied to has yet to respond other than to let me know all my application materials have arrived. Sigh. The waiting continues....

Yes, academics does move slowly. I applied for a job (dropped off the application packet), and it took six weeks to get an email that said "We got your application. It is complete, and we will begin reviewing applicants soon." ~palla

Thanks for the information. I am hoping to start a program next year (2009), but after reading the job prospects with a doctorate in English, I am a little discouraged. Hopefully researching the rankings will motivate me a little. ~palla

I am looking at programs in Rhetoric and Comp. Where can I find school rankings? ~palla