cavalior7005

@CHOCCOCO This is just my personal opinion - it's fine. While I don't believe all men act one way and all women act another, if you're not comfortable with a male living in your space, than you have every right to not room with one. Be kind in how you phrase the rejection and I think the other person should understand. 
That being said, I've lived with just women and I've lived with men and my roommate experience was 95% affected by who they are (as a person), not just their gender. Best of luck!

Here’s my profile for future students! It’s April 15th and I finally have a plan haha  
 
Undergrad: A California State University 
Degree:  BS in Geology
GPA: 3.6
Type of student: Female, white, late 20s
GRE:
 Q: 157 
V: 162
W: 4
Research Experience: I did field work for an undergrad thesis but never finished it.
Additional Details:  Started out as a dietetics major and then switched to vocal performance before finding geology. My grades were terrible at the beginning of my college career. I was in and out of school for seven years until my last 2 years which were fantastic. I was definitely a most improved kind of student. I actually had to retake an entire semesters worth of classes at one point. At the end of it all I received the outstanding senior award and a couple scholarships that I never applied to but was suggested for by my department. Right after graduating I got a competitive job working as a state parks interpretive ranger with an awesome geologic resource.
Applying to Where (all MS Geology):
Central Washington University: Accepted. Offered TA position. Will not be attending.
Western Washington University: Accepted. Offered TA position. Will be attending. 
 
This process was hell. The waiting, the waitlists for funding, the last minute decisions... but it was worth it. I could have applied to more schools but I knew I wanted to go somewhere with only a masters program and no PhD. If anyone wants to chat — DM me. 

@magnetite I was (one of a few) rejected from Yale after their open house a couple years ago lol
I wouldn't be too nervous about other open houses, because I honestly think I was rejected for 100% the right reasons (the advisor I wanted to work with totally didn't click with me, AND I really didn't know enough to start a PhD program, luckily, I do now and am going to my dream school with my dream advisor!).
The open house was really eye opening and I met some great, interesting, and intelligent people. I hope you have the same experience (but maybe with an acceptance!)  

Wow, a lot of activity in here recently. Congrats to all those who've gotten acceptances!

@cavalior7005 
I think everyone can use inspiration at any time hahaha. Congrats on the top choice acceptance, I'm sure it will be worth the wait, and it sounds like you really earned it!

In short, academia is always risky. I would not recommend pursuing the course you suggested if you are looking for job security, but you are the only one who can decide what level of risk and reward are worthwhile given your background and financial needs. I suggest that to either teach or do self-directed research, you are more likely looking at a PhD than a MS. I applaud you for looking ahead at these issues before jumping into applications.

I'm not in a similar situation, but one of my friends went back to school at age 45 with 2 kids and having done service jobs up until that point. She got her second BA (she got one decades ago in music) in Geology and now is in a PhD program and rocking it. I don't think she has plans to go into academia after her program, but she seems happy and focused and fulfilled. Just my two cents - best of luck!

@student_s aww sorry man, best of luck with mines

I'm still waiting on them too. They are having major funding problems this year but it would be a great program join! I definitely can't swing it without funding though

@JJtheJetPlane Every field has their own timeline. For instance, chemistry programs apply in late October to early December, but hear back in January. If you look up your program + school in the results search, you should get a pretty good idea of when you will hear back. From my understanding, geosciences typically send out acceptances from January to March but with the majority of them coming in February. Hope this helps!

@cavalior7005 I got the same email today! Thanks!