DJS

VERY excited!

@FeelTheBern If I were you, I would look for apartments at the end of May (just look around, you don't need to commit). This will give you a sense of what is out there. Obviously make sure you visit, look inside closets, flush toilets etc. NYC is awesome to live in, but not just to live in for the sake of being a New Yorker. Use your weekends to check places out. my recommendation is if you find a place you fall in love with, swallow the cost of an extra month's rent because you will kick yourself down the line. That being said, please make sure that you are on the train line! Don't plan on walking or taking the bus for 20 minutes to get the subway. Something always go wrong! If you want to PM me when you're looking at neighborhoods, I am more than happy to give my opinion where relevant

Hi all, I am considering accepting an MA offer for UVA (I will decide after coming down to visit in a few weeks). In the meantime, I have some questions. I would likely be living alone, and willing to buy a car if there is no choice. Does anyone have any recommendations that are more current? Where would the best place to live be if I want to be near a general store with food, at least?

@merivo I would highly recommend looking around Queens, as recommended above. Long Island City is a dream to live in, but it is quickly rising in price. Rentals, however, in areas such as Sunnyside, Roosevelt, or even parts of Manhattan outside of the expensive parts (unfortunately right around NYU) will be much more affordable. My advice is to make sure that wherever you live (once you've narrowed down options) is near an EXPRESS train line. Be careful not to believe that "25 minutes to midtown" means that you will get to midtown Manhattan that quickly. Avoid having to take a bus to the train as well. Also, research crime rates in the neighborhoods. Most areas are pretty typical of NYC, but some parts are exclusive and, quite frankly, may be a bit racist. I've lived here over 20 years- if you have any questions, feel free to message me directly. Good luck!

Hey all, I was wondering whether anyone else has some more perspective regarding UVA's MA program?

@battermyheart Congrats! I am still waiting to hear from them, likely for a Masters. Any idea if it seems like it is alphabetical?

@Wyatt's Terps Thank you! The rent seems pretty similar to here in the city, so it isn't anything unheard of. I don't remember if this has been answered in anotherpost somewhere, but about how big is the MA cohort? I'm finding that some programs vary more than I expected.

Hi UMD people! I have taken a LOT of time to think about things, and I am still going back and forth between MD and VA. With that said, I see the appeals of both programs, but am looking for some specific advice with UMD. I will be visiting for the open house (and staying for the conference the next day). My mind is full of questions and I am writing them all down, but I would like some help. What do you think people forget to ask that they regret later on? I, specifically from all you great and supportive people, would like to learn more about your living experience in MD. How is cost of living/rent? What is the closest/cheapest I can live near campus to avoid getting a car? As far as school related things, how likely is one to get the 1/2 TAship option? The tremendously reduced cost of tuition is super appealing, especially because it is paired with a wonderful department. Last question (for now): I will likely stay at a hotel when I visit for the 11th. Where do you all recommend I stay? It would be for a few days, so I don't want anything too extravagant, but I'd like to avoid hostels. I would prefer to stay as close to campus as possible so I could walk over Friday morning. Jeez. That seems like a really long post. Thank you in advance to anyone who can respond to any of my questions!

@igetstuffdunn thanks for writing! I have some more questions. Could I pm?

Hi there, So far, I have been accepted to UMD's MA and now UVA's MA program. I am trying to weigh my options here, and would like to hopefully hear from some UVA students (as I have gotten helpful advice from UMD students). Here is where I'm at-- I will likely have to move from NYC one way or another. I am willing to take out loans but would rather pick up a small job on the side. Could UVA students chime in? Is anyone out there in a similar boat? Did you fund yourself for the MA? How is the area around the school/ finding an apartment? This post also welcomes feedback from people who earned an MA from UVA and now are off in other programs. Thanks!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

@blomnosgrad Nothing from NYU here

@Pink Fuzzy BunnyI'm sorry! I know

I thought it was just me and that I was missing some joke that was possibly funny? Any way I tried to spin it the comment seemed kind of silly. I'm assuming the applicant felt relief at the acceptance to Cornell and tried to make a joke that just did not come off funny.

So, I am just checking out this thread since this long weekend is the death of me. For the first time, I am not excited about having a Monday off. med latte, this revelation seems awful! It must be so hard becoming less informed from something that could've been helpful :/ As for everyone else, how are you all holding up? This is certainly a telling and revealing time for our patience, that's for sure!

ProfLorax, You perfectly put in to words what I know to be true.

This question is to anyone with information about the MA program. I saw on the site that there is an option of completing the MA on a part-time basis. I have some questions/ need some advice. If I accept the offer, I feel that I would rather commute from NYC maybe once or twice a week for classes. Has anyone done this? Or has everyone lived in MD for their MA? Also, how do the MA students feel about their current program knowing that there are applications looming for Ph.D. programs? I worry about having to do all of this again (not necessarily because of the work, but more because of the waiting lol). Finally, how do UMD MA students feel about their chances for acceptances to programs they sought out straight from undergraduate who brutally rejected them? It happens! We don't love it, but that's life...or rather graduate life. Thanks all!

Hey all! I see another CUNY acceptance! Congratulations!! Could anyone claim it? And perhaps tell me about their specific area of interest?

The GC definitely likes their blends! Where are you coming from?

Congratulations! It's a great program! What's you area?

I second this request! Very curious!

Wow! That was a lot of helpful information. You guys seem more welcoming than some other departments I've spoken with... I think that is remarkably valuable in a program! If I do visit, I would definitely stay for the conference and make the most out of it! Is it all UMD students presenting? Also, on average, could you give me a sense of how many MA students are typically in a program?

Thank you! I'm having similar feelings. On the one hand, I never thought I would get this far, especially when I was younger. On the other hand, I am still hopeful with some other programs. I don't know whether I should use this as an expectation for what others will offer or not. I will definitely contact you in the coming weeks! I'm undecided about the open house, as I would have to take off and find a place to stay overnight in Maryland (New York is not that far, but I would rather not be on a bus at 4 am to make it that morning! )

UMD sent me an email saying it is unlikely they can offer me a spot in their Ph.D. program, but they are offering a half funded MA program through TAships and opportunity for full funding through work on campus. Good luck to everyone!

Thanks for responding Do you think that the DC/Maryland area is tremendously different from the city here? Everyone tells me to get out of Manhattan for grad school, but I'm so apprehensive. How's the immediate area around the campus?