charlemagne88

Is a 3.2 really that low!? I mean I'm not a nero science major by any means, but I understand the area to be a lot more difficult than say, a major in Elementary Education for example. Couple that with the fact that your undergrad institution didn't even offer the major in the first place but you sought it out anyways via individual studies says a lot about you -be sure to highlight that in your statement of purpose/personal statement. I'd say I agree mostly with what people above have said... you'll need extraordinary LORs and possibly a high GRE score to compensate, but you might find that you will have some success regardless of your "low GPA." I had a 3.61 GPA, good LORs, but a mediocre GRE and I got accepted. I think admissions decisions are based on every component of your application; not just one thing will disqualify you. That being said, you are always competing against other applicants; a rejected application one year could be accepted the next, just because of who's applying. Good Luck to you!

Just that I'm confident going with an MA in comp ling has more applications in "the real world" than does an MA in phonology.. that's all I meant by that. You've made a good point that my project is based on my "limited" exposure to linguistics as an undergraduate -although I have already studied and taken many graduate level course work at my current institution.

The funding is basically the same, with a slight advantage to Indiana because it's a lot cheaper to live there. Indiana definatly would have more academic support -especially because I can work inter-departmentally... I feel that both schools are great, and I have to choose between what school would support my passion (Indiana) and what school is "smart" in terms of career choice (Colorado). -Colorado has a strong comp ling program and I'm confident I could get a job after the MA if I can't get into a PhD program where as I might not have the same chance after the MA in Indiana.... Also I've already confirmed in Boulder, but then I got a late offer from Indiana which is another problem. agh

I see that this is super old now, so I don't expect you to see this or even respond, but if you do I'd be thrilled. I'm having the hard choice of having to choose between CU-Boulder and Indiana University Bloomington. I'm confident I will like CO more than IN, but I'm worried that CU doesn't really offer much in terms of phonology... can you relieve any of my hesitation about the program???

...and before anyone asks, Indiana will save me a little money, but both are pretty similar financially too.

Hi all. I'm having to make a really tough decision between CU-Boulder and Indiana University Bloomington. I've already accepted the offer at CU-Boulder, but then I got a late offer from Indiana and idk what to do!!!!! Indiana IS a better program, and I would have more support there with my area of interest, BUT it's in Indiana where as the University of Colorado is in well... Colorado. I've been told it's beautiful with so much to do! I have family in CO, specifically the Denver area, where in contrast I know absolutely no one in Indiana. Also, I've already "accepted" my financial aid award at CU-Boulder. I know I can still decline it, but will that effect my financial aid award at Indiana at all if I just leave it as "accepted" for the time being? ugh... I've really been racking my mind trying to figure out which is best, and I usually keep changing my mind. Can someone please help!!!??? Thanks!

I'm in too. I was debating between CU Boulder and Indiana University Bloomington... still am not sure I made the right call but Colorado seems way more awesome lol

Thanks for the response! It's really hard to just take a year off. I'm a non-traditional student (put off college for a few years after high school) so waiting another year makes me just that much older -granted I'm not "old" lol just older than the 22 year old graduates. Like I said before, there's not much you can do with a BA in linguistics unless you do some kind of specialized training in graduate school, or settle for a job whose qualifications only require a non specific BA. --> I know there ARE research assistantships out there, but they usually involve moving and are in themselves pretty competitive. I guess in the end I really think it's best I start now, and look for scholarships, funding, assistantships, etc.. once I'm there. Also What if I moved there for a year and then didn't get accepted next year for some reason or another. Then I'd have exhausted a lot of resources and effort for nothing.

What about a terminal unfunded MA? I only got one acceptance this year, and bah bah bah, the dreaded unfunded MA. However, my BA in linguistics really does nothing for me in the "real world," so an unfunded concentrated MA will at least make it so I can get a job when I graduate. and I mean, really the only bad part will be the first year's out-of-state tuition which is pretty brutal, the second year would be in state and it looks like it's about the same cost as my undergrad institution. I think the MA could be enough to get me into that funded PhD later if I really apply myself. (Where there's a will right?) -at the very least it's experience vs. doing nothing. I've basically already decided, but I guess if anyone has feedback I'd appreciate it since it appears we're all in the same field.

Any suggestions how I start that email? I have no idea what to even say other than: So uh, am I in or what!?

I've never had to decline an offer before so I can't say for sure, but it seems like it would be a good idea to me. After all, the higher education community is small and you may end up running into some of these people in the future. As a rule it's always a good idea to be polite and respectful.

food cart

So as of today I'm still waiting on two schools with not so much as a peep from either. It's safe to assume I'm not accepted right? The program that I got accepted into asked that I reply by April first so that they can notify someone on the waitlist if I decide not to accept. Should I write the other schools and ask them why they're taking their sweet A$$ time getting back to people? (after all, I did pay like $200 in fee's and transcripts so I feel like their delay is incredibly rude). by the way, no one has posted on the results tab either, which leads me to believe that they haven't sent out anything at all yet..... ugh

OUCH! are those numbers only from your undergrad!?

He should've had a backup plan all along. I did. However, I know that it's frustrating when the rejections start coming in -wow 16 schools, that must have cost a fortune especially not to have any acceptances. I feel for him. I'd suggest looking for research positions, or really anything that he can do in that gap year that would add to his resume and application for next year. What program is he applying to? what are his grades like? when did he go to school? All these factor in so I can't really be any more specific. I'd be devastated if I didn't get accepted this cycle so I really feel bad for him. Hope he can figure out something productive to do in the mean time.

So far I've received only one acceptance, but, a yes is a yes. (still waiting on two schools which is ridiculous) No matter, starting next Fall I WILL be a graduate student!!!!!! Still working out all the kinks, for me it means moving across the country which in itself is quite scary, but there are still a ton of loose ends I need to take care of first, then figure out where I'm going to live. I'm nervous and excited all at once. Congrats to all who got accepted!

I agree although prestige of the school IS important. For example I keep getting correspondences from SBU (Southern Baptist University -->I think,) begging me to come to their school - I'm assuming because I checked that box that it was ok to list me in the database or whatever when I took the GRE. idk what the two schools he is referring to are, but I'd never ever go to a school that's reputation was questionable just because I got funding. I would however, take a "lesser prestigious" school with full funding over, say Harvard, as long as the lesser prestigious school was like, the University of Illinois or something.... definitely not for a school like Southern Baptist that barely qualifies as an educational institute.

Thanks for the comment. The program I'll be attending is a terminal MA program, which is jointly offered alongside a full fledged PhD program. I truly believe that this can be an awesome stepping stone into a funded PhD program, possibly at the same college or at another, regardless of how it's paid for. It's what my adviser did, so I know that this is something that DOES work. And, even if it doesn't, at least with a terminal MA degree I'll be marketable in the "real world." In my area of study there aren't many opportunities for individuals with only a BA, apart from the above mentioned lab assistant or research assistant positions which in themselves can be competitive and hard to come by. -most of the positions I'm seeing from my university's listserv are half way across the country. I know it's hard to comment not knowing the specifics of both myself, the school, and my plans (and I'm being vague on purpose for confidentiality), and I do agree that trying to fund an entire PhD program is not really a good idea -I'm simply saying that for me, and I'm sure others, this can be good if it's your only option and you have your heart set on grad school.

UC-Santa Cruz is actually a pretty prestigious school from my understanding. Just my little tid bit.

I agree completely. Above everything else, you have to do what's best for you. Turning down a program for a boyfriend, regardless of how "serious" it is is just not smart. If it's meant to be, it'll work out. Do you!

I don't think it's fair to automatically assume it's not worth it to self fund your education. So far this term, I only have one acceptance to a school w/out funding and I fully intend on accepting unless I end up getting another offer w/ funding. (still waiting on 4 programs). I think to some people, myself included, self funding the first 2 years of my PhD is a great idea because it will give me valuable research experience, help beef up my resume, and at the same time increase my chances of getting accepted into a funded PhD program. Not accepting the offer would ultimately leave me in limbo for a year while hoping I can make it in the next application cycle with little to no improvement to my credentials (plus I'd have to try to find a job which is increasingly competitive in my area of interest w/out a higher degree or experience).

Most "success" now-a-days depends on who you know and prestige. I'd choose Harvard. (and I verbalized that end punctuation).

this may make me a bad person, but I came to this thread to feel better about myself and my chances to get into grad school. lol sorry

time zone

I think most of us are in that boat. I've been waiting for what seems like an eternity, -and it doesn't help that I've already been rejected from some of the programs I applied to. The numbers have been meager for the past few weeks with little more than a peep from the programs currently still in the running. I know they must have a lot of work to do deciding on the applicants, but it seems like they should know that most of us will have to uproot our entire lives to go to grad school. In my case it means selling my house, my wife quitting her job, etc.... and these things can't be done over night. The more notice they can give their acceptancees the better.