ts1493

@HopefulSocPhD, I'm sorry. I just saw your signature now that says you were rejected from all programs. I didn't notice that when I responded earlier. I'm sorry because I'm sure that must have been a really hard blow. I would say that if you think the personal contact thing was missing and you are excited about the work of a particular professor, start the contact in the near future for next year. I think my friend who was rejected by the programs and then got in to nearly all of them this year reached out after being rejected and tried to learn what was missing from his app. He said it was really humbling, but he got some honest answers and it was helpful for this app cycle. I wouldn't do it right now, but in a couple months it might be helpful. Are you sure you're definitely out from all programs? Good luck to you ...

This has come up on some other parts of the forum (the applications one I think...) and it really seemed 50/50. Quite a few people have not reached out and they are doing fine, getting into programs! I wouldn't count yourself out .. I did contact professors in each of my 4 programs, but only if it seemed like there was a really good overlap on research areas. I'm glad I did, as I think it's helped (I heard from my POI when I got in, and I've been kept up to date on my application by my POI at the other schools, even without asking for it). I was told by friends who are in PhD programs that it can be really helpful if you do it well (contact early in the semester, make it a very targeted choice, and then don't hound, and of course bring up the fact that you've been in touch in your statement). Also, I have a friend who applied to 5 programs last year. Did not contact anyone, did not get in. This year he reached out to all his programs personally getting in touch with professors, and got into 4/5. He says it helps. I would say keep your hope up for this year, but if it doesn't work try doing more personal contact next year. But again, there are LOTS of people who are getting in without contact (take a peek at other forums on here...) Good luck!

Congratulations!

Thanks - they didn't mention it but I think it's just because I said I wouldn't be able to attend. I found some flights for around $550, so I feel like it might be reasonable to ask for a partial reimbursement. Thinking it through, I might wait to see if I hear back from another program, though and then take the opportunity to visit two programs at once. If I only get into one program I feel pretty set on going to that program anyway.

I think my question got a little lost, since I asked it right before this last issue came up. Sorry to post again ... For those of you attending recruitment/admitted student open houses, is your program paying your transportation expenses? Is it reasonable to ask for a partial reimbursement (like up to $300) if I fly in from out of the country? I'm not an international student, but I am living/working abroad right now. thanks!

Hey there, congrats! Did the program offer to pay your travel expenses? I ask because one of the programs I applied to is having an Open House on March 1-3 for admitted students. I'm working abroad, so I didn't ask about this and they didn't fill me in on whether they reimburse because I said I couldn't attend. But I was thinking the other day of trying to go, and wondering if I should ask the program whether they'd consider covering what they would cover for a national student (maybe $300?) and I could cover the rest of the plane ticket ... I don't think I'm going to make it as it's coming up really quickly, but I'm wondering about trying this if I happen to get into another one of the programs I applied to. That way I could fly up and visit for an Open House, and visit the other program, too. Does that sound like a reasonable thing to ask?

Also, when I graduated college a family friend gifted me a subscription to the Kiplinger Starting Out magazine... it took me a while to read any of them but I was glad I eventually did. Kiplinger's been around for around for a really long time and it's pretty well respected. I think they give some solid advice (picking between a Roth and regular IRA, etc) and it's been really helpful over the years ... http://www.kiplinger.com/

I think we're definitely going to try and continue plugging away at our Roth IRAs, even if the contributions are really slim. A couple years ago we met with a financial consultant for a free consult on how to think about retirement, when we were both working regular jobs full time. It definitely convinced me that we need to keep making contributions, albeit small, especially since the time that we'll be in phD programs will be a major chunk of our adult working years. I like the idea of a slow cooker/crock pot! Coming home and cooking can be so tedious sometimes, even if we're working together. And making big batches of food I think will be very helpful. I'm thinking maybe we'll sign up for a farm share to get our fresh veggies delivered (I used to be part of some pretty affordable ones....) and then just stock up on meat and dry goods/supplies at Costco. I've never shopped there. Is it really that much cheaper??

Thanks! This advice is actually exactly what I was asking for. More than a detailed personal budget just what are some strategies you use to keep costs down, manage expenses, and is it realistic to save, etc. We have been working for several years so doing the PhD programs will definitely be a wage cut for us, but hopefully a worthwhile investment in our future. I was finding that without another degree my employment options and salary were really hitting a ceiling, and I've been looking forward to going back to school, to learn and to grow. We're likely moving to the greater Boston area which from living there I know can be a very pricey place to live. That said, I think some of these strategies and others we've been thinking of (living close by to at least one of our schools to cut down on transportation expenses, etc) will help things stay manageable.

I agree. It's really disheartening to get bad news and almost as bad to expect bad news. I stopped looking at the grad results search page and stick (mostly!) to the forums after seeing a waitlist entry for a program I applied to, and nearly weeping over a cup of coffee and overthinking how I could have made my application better. And then the same day I got an acceptance! The same thing happened to a good friend of mine last year when she was applying to a program - convinced herself that she wasn't going to get into her dream school because she saw lots of acceptances on the search forum, until a month later she saw she got in. Even then she said she wished she hadn't looked because it kind of made her feel like she was a "second pick" but then got over it and rejoiced in getting into the school she wanted to. Anyway, even if you're waitlisted at a program that isn't the end... February fortunately/unfortunately has a long way to go and things could very well shift. Good luck, and I hope you get some good news soon!

Hey there, I'm thinking about the same thing... I'm still waiting to hear on a couple programs but I'll definitely be headed back to Boston. I'm excited to be back in town, lived there after undergrad and loved the city. For BC, you might want to look at Oak Square. I have a few friends who live there and are studying at BC (theology) and it's affordable with some big multi-bedroom houses. Depending on where you live you can easily walk/bike to BC and it's not too far from the B line. I lived for a while right in the heart of Allston and spent so many sleepness nights awake from all the parties. The same is true of Cleveland Circle. I'd be wary of living there again. Good luck!

So, now that I've been accepted at a PhD program and hope to start in the fall, I'm wondering if anyone out there has a good budget that they created for living on their PhD stipend. I've received what seems like a generous stipend ($25,900 that includes an extra 5 year scholarship). My husband is also starting his PhD and we're waiting to hear about his funding, but hopefully we'll try to make it work with both of our stipends. What worked for you? How much did/do you budget for rent, food, transportation, etc? Any tricks to keeping expenses down?

That's great news! I would think you would hear very soon, like 1-2 weeks. Congrats!

Yes, I'm going to wait it out through the end of February before checking in with programs. Judging by the results page the decisions are picking up - lots more being sent out in the last few days it seems. Hopefully the wait won't be too much longer!

Februgatory. So perfect hahahaha. Definitely feel this!

Congrats Michigan admits!! Such great news ...

Yes, I was surprised how easy it was to get a fee waiver from Northeastern and Brandeis. They offer it to former AmeriCorps/PeaceCorps volunteers and lots of other situations. With BC they offer the waiver for current volunteers with those programs but also have a financial hardship waiver, too. It's worth looking into.

I would probably try to reach out one more time a week out from applications. If all three are professors chances are they are just really busy with the start of the semester, but all the more reason to check in once more. Something like "I hope you're well. Things are moving forward with my application and I'm getting ready to submit, just wanted to make sure there is nothing more you need from me in order to submit the letter of recommendation by xxxx date. Thanks again for supporting my application!" I think I would be nervous to leave it to just a couple days before the deadline.

I'm a little late to respond, so I don't know if you're still checking this. But I just wanted to validate your concerns. A good friend of mine went through IVF during her PhD coursework and it was absolutely painful, emotionally draining, costly and difficult. She had a much more supportive department though, and continued studying throughout. She is now pregnant and getting some good continued support from her program. Another friend timed her IVF course for during the summertime to lower the stress and not have to come to class bloated and in pain, and I wonder if that is an option for you? I think some universities are shifting their policies around this kind of thing, so I would look beyond your department to see what kinds of rights to leave/accommodation you might, rather than dropping the program altogether. I'm sure you've worked hard to get where you are and the department would hate to lose you. Wishing you the best.

You know, I thought the same thing. I didn't take a sociology class in college and so have very little academic sociological experience. But I guess I have some valuable work experience and a good fit, as I was still accepted to a pretty competitive program. Congrats on your acceptances! And thanks a lot for your thoughts.

Nope! haha I know there's some overlap with folks who have applied to Mass schools here so if it's okay I'll just share that I applied to Northeastern, UMASS, Brandeis, and Boston College... I'm wondering how folks are thinking about which program makes the most sense? Because I'm doing some work abroad I haven't been able to visit any of the programs to get a sense for them. Beyond trying to find some match up with your interest and the work of the program, what are other factors you're looking for?

Hey all, jumping in late here and haven't caught up on all the posts, but just wanted to add that I'm also applying to 4 PhD Soc programs in Massachusetts. So far had one acceptance, still waiting to hear on three others. Good luck to all those still waiting, and congrats to those who have been accepted!

I applied to 4 PhD programs, all apps were due by Jan. 15th. I've heard from one program in Sociology (acceptance) but still waiting to hear from the other three programs. My husband just heard from his MA backup program, and is waiting to hear from his PhD program on funding (he deferred a year and now has a guaranteed spot but needs to wait to hear on funding). Waiting is so hard! Good luck to all ...

Oh, and as others have suggested the Magoosh resources are great. I downloaded the vocab app and found it very helpful!

I took the GREs twice. The first time I had a tutor and he was great but my scores were just okay. The second time I took the test was recently, and since I'm living abroad I don't have access to a private tutor. I decided to use Khan Academy, the free online math resource, to study for the topics I just wasn't getting for math. I really wish I had done that sooner! The videos are super clear and it has a great progression method that allows you to test your skills over and over. It was really enjoyable! This time I studied almost exclusively for math, which went up 6 points to a much more reasonable level. Good luck!