Sassytune

What were your reasons for applying to such different areas? When you chose to apply and wrote out the SOP you must have tailored them for each, yes? Go back and look at what attracted you those schools and make a list of pros and cons and work from that.

Oh absolutely ask your advisor for guidelines on coursework. You don't want to waste time taking courses that are not useful. I don't understand why you should feel stupid when you talk to your advisor ... to me that would be a red flag, since I am going to learn there, if I already knew everything, what am I doing in the school? I know for sure, I will be having lots of "DUH" moments, but that for me is part of the learning process.

http://www.uwyo.edu/...dentSuccess.pdf

When there is a choice to move AWAY from your U/G - I would take it. Just because you envision yourself working there "10 years down the line" does not mean they would want you there - especially since you have not been tested in a different environment. Not to say, they won't - but it is probably better to move to another Uni. Immunology is great (granted, I am biased) but it can pretty much be applied to any area of life sciences. School 2 has more funding, better choice of course work, in that you can be selective, less course load, less TAship. What's not to like? You can go back to repro. bio for your postdoc, or re-design your project to have an immunology slant - there appear to be more options at school 2, IMO.

I am a bit confused by the wording of the TA offer from X University. It says, "full time twelve-month graduate appointment and your annual stipend will be 16K". It then says "you will be paid semi monthly basis on the 15th and end of the month from September to May". Does this mean the stipend covers only that period and will be pro-rated since it is for 9 months - so essentially I will be getting way less than 16K? And also that I have to get employment during summer??? HELP! confused! TIA

I believe it is not a good practice, but if you read the CGS resolution (http://www.cgsnet.org/portals/0/pdf/CGS_Resolution.pdf), it does have an option for a student to withdraw BEFORE April 15. Good childcare during graduate study is an absolute must, IMO. If you word your letter explaining why you are withdrawing, they might not get miffed (at least not too much).

W00t! Congratulations! Wow! Awesome to be so close to winning the award. Fingers crossed for you! I agree with the other posters - MIT will surely understand the need to defer. Good Luck!

This. If you feel you are unlikely to do PhD later and would be happy with just a Masters' then Yale is okay, if you can finance yourself - $90K <gulp!> CMU has good creds., I think - though I am not in your field, so perhaps don't have all the info. You will not have to choose a research topic right away at CMU, I don't think - so you will have at least the first year to decide on a research topic - so your second point is perhaps addressed.

Choosing a school will depend on your research interests, JMHO. Just listing the pros and cons might not be enough. You might want to weigh them against each other and see which one you can live with and which one is not negotiable. Good Luck!

Working part time and doing a Masters' - that could get very, very challenging, just something to consider. Also, legend has it that after starting a graduate program, students change their interests - so if you are *only* going for your Masters' because of that one prof's research, it is something to consider also. I don't know enough about deferring to give an opinion, but worth checking.

I am a Case u/g and was living in Little Italy. Much of the info. above is still very valid. Though the bus transportation has not improved. BUT, University Circle has their shuttle service and you can take it to get around Case campus and also to Cleveland Heights area. Biking is good, though if you have not ridden in winter, it can be a challenge. University Circle Inc. is building some really snazzy apartments near campus. Might be ready for occupancy by Fall. As any urban area, you have to use some caution, but it is pretty okay. I use public transportation and bike all the time, and have not had any problems. I even bike late in the evenings, after hitting the bar scene on Coventry and don't feel unsafe. It is all about being aware of surroundings and using the usual city living smarts. There are poor neighborhoods like in any city in good 'ol USA, but it is NOT a ghetto. With all the snazzy buildings of University Hospital and Cleveland Clinic - it is quite nice actually. Lots of apts./duplex houses close to campus, Cleveland heights area, Shaker Heights. Drive around and you will see lots of For Rent signs. Avoid East Cleveland for housing. If you have a car, you can even rent a house in the 'burbs - if you share the cost with others. Though, parking is a bear and you will pay beaucoup $ for it. Cost of living is pretty low and a Case stipend will go a long way. Legacy Village, Crocker Park are great for retail therapy and if you like hiking and biking - Cuyahoga Valley National Park is awesome. If you have any specific questions, ask away.

Good for you! Go for it!

After all the hand holding that my LORs did for me and the umpteen SOP drafts that they read and suggestions that they gave, I felt it was only fair to tell them the whole story, rejections and all. I am not easily embarrassed, and did not take the rejections personally - <Harrumph!> - not much anyway (aside, after crying bucket loads that is) .

You can be a non-degree seeking graduate student and take graduate classes. Some schools even allow transfer of those credits towards your degree when you are accepted into graduate school. Some schools have maximum number of credits you can take as a non-degree student though.

I will also claim bias, being a pragmatist. You say after the MFA, you *may* get a teaching gig - sounds pretty iffy to me. Is the MFA program funded or are you going to incur bucket-loads of debt? Personally, I would be leery of incurring debt. With the summers off, full benefits and a hefty paycheck after you get your teaching job, can you not take summer classes in Art school and develop as an artist? Just a thought. Good Luck with your decision.