currentphilgrad

I would guess the selection is much better up north. I mean I've seen Californians in winter coats before, but my first thought is always "where did they buy that?" (well, honestly my first thought is "this is not winter coat weather"). You could start doing some online research of which things are warmest; but, if you buy it now, that's just more stuff you'll have to bring with you when you move.

Honestly, I've never had a special backpack for snow. I don't remember ever even looking into one that was waterproof or resistant, so I think you'll be fine with anything.

I'm currently living in California, but I'm from the midwest (about 2 hours from Madison). The number one tip I have for surviving cold weather is function over fashion. You'll need to get a nice pair of warm, waterproof boots to deal with the snow (I have Sorels). Given that you've never lived in the cold before, I recommend a long coat. A hat that covers your ears is a must. Also, (even though this is what I wear in winter), knit gloves don't really do much. Look for something more substantial. Finally, for those days when the temperature drops into the negatives, long underwear is a great way to keep warm. The wind just goes right through jeans. Oh and, if you have a car, you'll need a snow scraper. Turn on your car and put on the defroster. Let that run for a while to get the ice melted off the car. Then use the scraper and brush to get rid of the excess snow and ice. Also related to cars, watch out for black ice! Another thing to consider (though I don't know the temperatures in Berkeley or Texas) is that the fall will be colder than you're used to. During this transition time, if you don't want to wear a heavy coat, I recommend wearing a hoodie with a scarf and gloves (this is for the cold days in fall. Not just a typical day). That's all I can think of off the top of my head. If you have any other specific questions about the midwest I can answer them (I did spend 20 years there). In the meantime I'll ask my partner if he has any advice to add since he's also a midwesterner.

Not to freak you out, but I would honestly be a bit scared about that B+. I've been in grad school for five years, have friends that have been in grad school for years all over the country, and for us a B+ in a grad course would be BAD news. It's basically expected that everyone gets an A. Sometimes an A- gets handed out, but that's when you really crashed and burned. Perhaps your future department won't be like this, but I would say the departments I've been in would see the inability to get an A in a grad course to be a red flag. I'm not saying it's damning and they'll throw out your app (hell you could still get into NYU and Rutgers for all I know), but it's just something to be cognizant about.

I honestly think that my SoP was a big reason that I got into schools. My writing sample was a total DISASTER! (*side note: I had major health problems in the summer and fall so I just wasn't capable of revising a paper). There's no way anyone would have read that and thought "well, she's a capable philosopher." On the other hand, I think my SoP was great (not trying to talk myself up). Obviously I have no evidence for my claims but it's just want I think based off the strengths in my application. Also, I probably had good letters from good people and that probably influenced some decisions.

I don't want to go to grad school in a world without Prince

I'm joining the Madison Philosophy Department in the fall. As for housing, I'm going to live off campus in a one bedroom. I actually just put the application in today!

Does anyone know anything about Hilldale Towers apartments? That's where I'm looking to live at the moment and I just want to know if there's any reason I shouldn't.

You know have no idea how much I recommend doing this. I can't even measure how much my quality of life went up once I started living alone. Grad school is very stressful! So many of my colleagues constantly complain about their living situations. You just don't need those extra distractions. Unless you're a social butterfly that needs constant interaction, I recommend living alone. It's great!

Finally got my rejection from Austin haha. Still waiting on Indiana...any day now.

Ugh I can't believe the deadline is tomorrow! So much stress! Come on people, turn down your offers...and also mention (when you turn them down) that you would like to give your offer to currentphilgrad.

Where are you going instead?

Oh this wait is killing me!

Is anyone else only on waitlists at this point? It's so stressful! Two of the programs I'm waitlisted at said they were optimistic about giving me a spot; but, the deadline is less than a week away, and I haven't heard a peep. I just want to get in ah!