geochic

I've moved my kids and I into a room a few weeks ago (I was living in University housing and I graduated so that's what's up there.) In the process I pared down to the bare essentials so we're pretty much ready to relocate across the country- and start over again. I'm completing an internship now, and counting down the days until we leave. I'm not reading any articles (save those I have to read for my internship) and so far I have only registered for one class since I need to meet with my advisor before I can enroll in any others. Right now my focus is on completing this internship and getting my kids and I established in our new city. The day we arrive I have several apartment viewings scheduled and I will need to find daycare and get my oldest enrolled in kindergarten (yikes!) so my thoughts are not on school presently. PastHistory- I often worry that I will be discovered by the department as the sham I sometimes feel like I am....I ran into a former prof earlier today and told him how I felt (remarkably he happens to be adjunct faculty at my new program) and he chided me for my lack of confidence, reminding me that I would not have been accepted if I didn't deserve it (and reminding me what an exceptional student he thought I was- which was reassuring!) I'm still finding my place in academia- that's for sure.

Thank you!

Anybody else starting at Case this fall? How about those of you who've been in programs recently/currently? Any advice, suggestions, interesting tidbits?

I am a single mother of two and I am interested in the experiences of other single parents in professional programs as well. I definitely plan on taking loans out- My oldest starts kindergarten in the fall but my youngest will be in daycare for the rest of my academic career (or much of it) most likely and I know my stipend will not cover the bills. wordslinger- I think you'll do wonderfully and I wish you and your son all the best! Incidentally, how the h*** have you managed to have a social life- between school and the kids I find very little time for myself and even less to go out and mingle with other adults (particularly guys)? I am both jealous and intrigued and I yearn to know your secrets!

I am in geology as well and a non-trad student- I am a 31 year old single mother of two boys and about to start grad school this fall. I'd like to poke your brain (and I apologize for the hijacking). I imagine that my graduate (and if I choose to pursue it- doctoral) research will have some field component to it- does your work require some field time. How do you cope with the kids? My boys are 1 and 5 and after my undgrad research experience (which required a 3 week field season- and was accomplished thanks to my mother) and my field camp I have a tough time getting coverage for the kids and, more importantly, I struggle with helping my older son understand why I am gone fo field work/class field excursions or so busy all the time.

I had a good go actually. I was an MS applicant and I got in everywhere I applied with some degree of stipend and full tuition waivers/scholarships. I can't believe my luck. I also have been TAing as an undergrad and I completed an helluva undergraduate research and thesis project. I suspect my LORs were great too so I had that going for me but otherwise I'm a pretty average student- which is to say I have a 3.75 GPA and my GRE scores weren't steller by any means. I'm also a single mother of two kids (one of which I had in the middle of my research/thesis-Yowsa that was a tough year!) so I'm not sure if that was a point for or against me. Anyway I ended up going with my second choice only because the funding offer was comparable to my top choice and the school is located in the same city as my folks which means I'll have substantial help with the kids. In a perfect world I'd have gone with my top choice and they made me a fantastic offer and had great research so I'm still kinda bummed about the decision. But the school I picked is great and little work is required for my stipend since it is a fellowship. I was really on the fence about going to grad school and didn't even apply to any program until January 31st so I wasn't sure how things would work out for me. After I had my baby in early 09, my confidence plummeted since my thesis advisor started treating me like he'd written me off (nevermind the astounding volume of data and statistical analysis I produced for an undergraduate thesis all while very pregnant and not sleeping, and then taking care of a new baby and not getting paid for any of it), and I started to just feel like all my previous hard work (I went into my thesis with a 3.93)had just been undermined by the idea that I was this piece of trash who'd chosen to have another baby with no help. The bottom line-academia does not like single parents anymore than the rest of the country. Folks can argue this til they are blue in the face but I know better... I'm not whining by any means, and it comes from both sides. An education like mine could isolate me from my other single mother friends simply because it is so much of my life so I struggle to remain very connected with my not-in-university counterparts. It doesn't help that I am also a high-school drop-out from a low-income inner-city background, and a first-generation student so I already feel some social detachment with academia (which I am working hard to eliminate and currently is a muted version of my past demons). So I wasn't sure if I'd even have a shot at grad school, and wasn't sure if I had the will to keep going. That said, I'm about to wrap up this first chapter and apparently as a competitive candidate so here's one for single mamas in science! I want more than most things (save good things for my children) to be a researcher in environmental earth science and I know I can make this happen. In addition, I can't think of a better example to set for my boys. I suspect that some of this came through in my SOP... Sorry if this was intense-I really didn't intend for it to be. So in a nutshell- I was pretty happy with my application season. I hope my PhD applications go as well in two years.

Steve, I'm excited to say I'll be at Case this Fall as well. I am a Cleveland native and I grew up going to shows at the Grog (as well as the much-missed Euclid Tavern-Another great Eastside venue for lesser known acts). The Beachland Ballroom on Waterloo Rd. is a great venue too so point is that there are a lot of nightlife options on the eastside (and westside for that matter) for people with diverse interests. Much as folks don't realize Cleveland is actually a culturally-diverse and dynamic urban center (I mean Chicago or New York it isn't but it isn't Toledo or Albuquerque either). There is and always has been a ton to do in Cleveland and I count myself lucky for having grown-up in a place with so much action and exposure to the arts! Also I agree that the public transport is actually pretty convenient. I grew up in the inner west side and took the RTA (Rapid Transit System) everyday to University Circle to my middle and high school. If I could get around so well in the 6th grade I think it is a pretty safe and convenient system. Cleveland is a city and you need to keep your wits about you but be smart and you will likely be fine. Cleveland is super cheap and after paying a small fortune for a tiny 2-br in the Southwest (as a mommy of 2 I do not have the luxury of getting roomies or a cheap efficiency), I am so excited that I will actually be able to afford rent and food at the same time again. I LOVE the Cleveland Heights/ University Heights Area and East Cleveland does have some very rough neighborhoods so if you are not comfortable in a poorer community you may want to look elsewhere (although I have seen some beautiful homes in the old Hough projects area- there has clearly been some change in those neighborhoods in the last 8 years). The architecture in Cleveland is GORGEOUS so your home will likely have a lot of colonial or Victorian charm and woodwork. I'm not very familiar with Little Italy (my investigations of the area were limited to a more "let's ditch class and go be truant in Little Italy" type of exposure but it always seemed like a beautiful community. I made lemonade at the Feast of the Assumption festival (a big street fair) during my summer as a carnie in Little Italy and that was a great time! Obviously I love Cleveland. I was a bit leary about coming home but now I'm getting very excited!

Thanks- Ironically the school I accepted is OSU -So to further complicate things, I was looking over the funding offer from this other (more recent) option and they've offered me a fellowship w/ a stipend and tuition waiver---so does this mean I'm not obligated to work (like the offer I have at OSU)? I don't know. I suppose I need to ask... Anybody have any insight?

I waited and waited and finally accepted one offer-but I received notification of acceptance this afternoon at another school which presented me with a similar funding package, and it is located in the city in which my family lives in (a BIG deal when you're a single mother of two little ones looking at a field research-strong professional degree and NO help with the kids other than gramma-if my undergrad has been any indication of how demanding grad school will be with the kids than the help will be not just a boon but a necessity!) I mean, how terrible is it to renege on an offer after you've officially accepted?

Yay! I'm in and I am so excited. I've been looking at rentals and reading up on the area and the program. I can't wait to start my professional education at such a nbig diverse campus (and in such an awesome program)!

Seriously no others. hmmm

I'm in the good position of being offered comparable funding packages and assistantships at two great grad programs. School "A" is not particularly highly regarded and is ranked overall as a tier four university by US news. It's not particularly competitive either but so far I've really liked the communication I've had with the faculty, I like the degree emphasis coursework, and the research project I will likely pursue is really suited to my professional interests although I may have to secure a lot of my funding for the research. This program does not have a PhD program. I'm not sure what the size of the dept is but I'd guess it's something like 20 students given the number of advising faculty and the MS degrees issued per year. The school is located in a reasonably inexpensive area very close to my family so I will have help with my children should I need it. However, the city is rather boring and unenticing, otherwise. School "B" is a tier one school and ranked in the top fifty for my field by us news. It is a competitive well-funded program and I know that most if not all of my thesis work will likely be subsidized. The coursework is exciting, there is a PhD program and the research project is certainly interesting though not as tantalizing as A. The number of actived students in the program is enormous (like 50+ students) and the faculty is incredible academically-speaking. I haven't had near as much interaction w/ the department as a whole and some of the interaction with school B has been a lot more formal than with school A so a little more intimidating and less welcoming. I will probably enjoy the area more at school B but housing is more expensive as is childcare, and since it is further away from my family I will not have the access to help with the kids for field work and such so I will either have to make other arrangements or travel several hours out of my way to take the kids to grammas which is okay but still something to consider. The job market in the area is far better so if I should decide to stay I can likely find something lucrative in my field. Right now I'm focused on getting my MS but I am worried that a grad degree from a tier four school may be a detriment should I decide to pursue a PhD later. So I guess the dilemma is I like School A better for the research, the proximity to my family, and the faculty's warm and inviting friendliness, but school B is definitely better on paper, is in a cooler area, and might afford more professional and academic opportunities. Aack I wish I could've visited the campuses but nobody extended the offer and I cannot afford the trip myself. Thanks for any advice!

I'd go where I was offered the best financial package, but that's just me- Have you visited the departments? Which program do you feel is the best fit? What school is your favorite? least favorite? It's a big decision for sure and you have to determine what factors weigh most heavily on your future- but if money is the biggest factor than UCONN is your best bet. Money is definitely a biggie for me. I do not want any additional "massive debt." Good luck with your decision!

Yup I still haven't heard anything. I may call the administrator this afternoon. At this point I'm literally just waiting on this school. I have to make a decision on one school by March 26 so I feel like I'm pressed for time. Good luck to everybody else waiting!!

Good Job! I am also a single mother of 2 little guys and I'm starting my Masters this Fall! I love seeing this! Re: the topic-I know plenty of profs at varying stages of their careers w/ children of all ages and being a mother has not prevented them from achieving academic success-

and I still haven't heard back. It has been a couple of days. I sent an email to the prof with whom I've had the most contact and who was reviewing my file over the past weekend, and --nothing yet-and now it's Friday night-Ughh this is agonizing! How long has it taken everyone to get a response? Should I send inquiry to the grad administrator?

I've been thinking the same thing actually. I have an abstract pending approval for inclusion at a professional meeting (as well as presentation and poster) and for an undergrad that's not bad. I say let them know. Once my abstract is accepted I will likely notify the program that has waitlisted me as well as the program I have not yet heard from (if I haven't heard from them yet *finger crossed for an admit*).

Another thing to consider is that sometimes the facilities on campus are more expensive than off-campus facilities- Be sure and research all your options. My current program doesn't offer childcare on campus but I've been investigating the options at the schools to which I've applied for grad studies and the cost is substantially greater on campus($50+ per week per child more than off campus facilities w/ comparable curriculum and child:teacher ratios). So the on-site daycare may not be the best financially. Obviously the convenience should be taken into consideration to and accessibility in emergencies so a lot of thought should go into the decision (and for most of us it does anyway ).

Just wanted to check in with other geo applicants or those already in programs. I've applied for MS programs for fall 2010, hoping to do hydro and aqueous geochemistry research. Things are looking good so far-2 admits and 1 promising waitlist. What area of geology is everyone interested in? What advice do the more experienced professional geology students have for those of us just getting our BS and moving into MS and PhD programs?

I'm an overachieving undergrad so my situation is different (although I have taken graduate level classes, completed a more intense than normal senior thesis- and I did this all in the midst of carrying and having a 2nd baby last February while raising another toddler so I think I'm equally as overloaded as a first year grad or doctoral student if not more so-certainly seems that way judging by my office mates daily lives) and I TA three 26+ student lab sections. My TA is supposed to be a .50% position and while some weeks are a bit more than 20 hours for the most part I am not quite working that much. I have quite a bit of creative license w/my curriculum, I write all my own exams sans scantron which I loathe, I'm responsible for maintaining my own grade rosters, and course websites, etc... and I hold office hours for 3 hours per week and I still don't spend more than 20 hours on the classes (which should not imply that I am an ineffective or lazy teacher-at the risk of sounding arrogant I know my students are receiving a quality review of the material with me)-I'm in geology and the courses are a blast to teach which makes the subject all the more easy for me to introduce to my students. I think 20 hours a week is totally doable with a classload and as a parent I know how important it is to have some extra money coming in- I don't see those types of decisions as elective-Daycare is not cheap, the kiddos have to eat good wholesome food and the clothes don't last 5 years with a baby! I don't know what a PhD program in your field demands but I'm assuming you will have a few years to develop good solid relationships with faculty and you never have enough time for classes anyhow, but preparing for the task that is in the near-future for you and your wife is big (bigger than anybody w/out kids could possibly know) and I say that you should do all you can to make that adjustment easier. Good luck! Oh, and congrats!

Okay so I heard back from one program- they said I'm at the top of the applicant pool for MS candidates but that they have sent out two Doctorate acceptances and are still waiting to see if they have funding for a third candidate (which according to the email-would be an MS slot for me). They said they should have a handle in a week or two. The grad coordinator indicated several times that they are very impressed with my app and I am a serious consideration for acceptance (apparently, PhD candidates get admission/funding priority-and I am not prepared to apply for a PhD for sure ) but the letter certainly sounded promising, so Yay! The University (not my current program) that accepted me said a form with a scholarship and assistantship offer would be emailed to me tomorrow for consideration-which means I'm funded!! So yay! Still waiting on my top choice- but it's looking like I have a couple of options which is super nice! Thanks for the support and advice!

I think they just want to see how serious I am about the program-which I am but it is no secret that this other program is my top choice. The prof who has agreed to be my advisor is my undergrad academic advisor and wrote a LOR for every program to which I applied, so I think they are just trying to feel things out. An offer was confirmed today w/an assistantship and tuition waiver so my current program is an official option-though this deadline is still in effect...Which is to say I need to have some idea of what I'm doing by the 23rd. I've decided I'm going to inquire about my status at the silent programs tonight and funding with the other school in which I was accepted. Wish me luck!

I'm not in in a grad program yet (will be this fall) but I am a totally single parent of two small children and I am raising them on financial aid and a TA stipend (similar to a standard grad stipend minus any tuition break). Until the last year I worked three jobs while a full-time undergrad in a science program. I've completed research projects, a senior thesis and managed to maintain a high degree of academic success. My daycare bill is INSANE and exceeds the grand total of all my other bills! But if I can do it, it can be done by just about anyone, especially a two-parent family. I will say this-cloth diapering and used everything has saved me a ton of money so frugal choices can make or break you when you're raising kids on a budget. Some will argue but I tend to think it is easier to finish school when the kids are young and more flexible in the face of transition like moves for internships/new programs, being cramped in tiny apartment, etc... so starting a family in school is probably easier than going back after your kids are teenagers. Good luck with your decisions.