luz.colorada

I'm not going to weigh in because I know nothing about computers and just have a MacBook Air (which has served me well throughout my MA), but in terms of money to replace old laptops I think it's at least typical to be able to purchase laptops more cheaply through the school. I've never heard of anyone getting money from the department to replace a laptop, but I know many friends that have bought computers through their universities for a few hundred less. That's always something to check out before purchasing one!

No, I did not go to UMN, butI have seen him present! I just noticed your name and assumed you were a Latin Americanist. He's really just an amazing professor and researcher!

Luis Campos is amazing!

That's great! It's nice that you have a funded option that will give you mobility to switch schools for the PhD.

Do you know about funding at the two schools you're considering for your MA? Unless it would involve going into debt, I would suggest not doing an MA and PhD at the same place you're doing your undergrad. I just feel the need to chime in since professors at your current school are obviously excited that you might continue on, but some intellectual diversity is usually desired. Could you do the MA at your current school and a PhD somewhere else or do you think you'd burn bridges that way?

Did anyone else here apply to Michigan's joint Women's Studies/ History PhD?

Hahahaha no, it really isn't more dangerous than any other city.

MA decisions usually come out way later so don't get anxious just yet! I am finishing my MA up at UMD if you're curious about the D.C. area.

I applied to Cornell and Princeton my first application season and I received email updates, not portal changes.

I want to reiterate what someone said above which was definitely apply to MA programs. My first cycle I got rejected from all the PhDs I applied to but am now finishing my MA and have been accepted to all the programs I've heard back from so far. I expect some rejections, of course, but this has been a very different experience. I know many people on this forum have applied multiple times, so if the first round doesn't turn out as you hope it will then don't let that stop you. Having an MA or two as a backup plan is a good idea. If you don't end up needing it, great!

It depends. I think if you do get a personal email from someone you haven't spoken with it's generally a good sign that your application needs some tweaking but that you are a strong candidate. I had a few personal rejections last time from people that I had no prior contact with, and while it was upsetting to be rejected it was very encouraging in many ways.

@Karou @gorgogliante I'll also be attending! Looking forward to meeting the prospective cohort.

I wouldn't worry until you get the "other things." I'm not an expert per say, but a close friend of mine was accepted to 3 programs last year and I just received two acceptances myself. The first one mentioned the first year of funding and said I'd learn more later, and the second one didn't mention funding for a week. My friend had a similar experience. Some schools just said "we will fund you for 5 years" but didn't say what that would look like for a few weeks.

That really depends on the program. Were you admitted to one with no mention of funding?

I only know this because I was rejected in 2017 and a friend was accepted in 2018! I got a few acceptances already but I think it will be hilarious if they reject me on the same day again! Best of luck!

The last two years Rutgers has sent out decisions on Feb 14th so I know at least that school tends to be later than January.

Hey! I'm currently finishing my MA at UMD. I am not in American history so I don't know Brewer but feel free to ask about the program in general, the location, etc.

I no longer live in NYC, but I did for several years and I found a few sublets on the Queer Housing Facebook page. I'd check it out! My sublets were temporary since I had a friend I wanted to live with and was just waiting for her lease to run out, but my partner lived with people from QH for over a year.

This has already been mentioned above, but I think it's important to remember that studying the history of women and gender is still studying history. I would caution you against thinking that women (and transgender and GNC people) are not a part of "pure" history. The MA at NYU is a history degree, therefore you will be studying history that focuses on women and gender.

I'm sorry this didn't go well for you, but I don't really think it's your fault. You are just finishing undergrad, right? If that's the case I really think it's understandable that you applied to several schools and want to go to the best one. You're not an MA student that received extra money/ teaching opportunities based on the assumption you would be getting your PhD there. Your advisor should be happy for you instead of resentful that you didn't accept their offer.

Hi @epi-PH_PHD_2017, since no one has responded I'll give it a go. I'm not sure how your program works, will you need to be at both campuses? The main campus is surrounded by neighborhoods that are probably doable on a budget. I live in Hampden, which is getting pricey, but Remington is also close and not as expensive yet. There's also Charles Village and Mt. Vernon which a lot of twenty-somethings live in. The Hopkins Hospital is not in the best area for you to find housing since it's downtown and close to some very expensive neighborhoods. I'm also not as familiar with the downtown affordable neighborhoods since I've lived in north Baltimore most of my life, but in all honesty, Hopkins has a bus that circulates between the two campuses so it actually might be easier for you to live closer to the main campus and commute as you will most likely get more for your money there. I would ask some students in your program where they live, but Baltimore is a pretty small city so you wouldn't be looking at a long commute.

Baltimore is not as dangerous as its reputation leads people to believe. I have lived here for the majority of my life (I did not grow up in a super wealthy neighborhood) and believe that, like any city, you just have to be aware of your surroundings and make smart choices. Additionally, I currently live close to the Hopkins campus and see their security guards walking around constantly, so if you live on or near the campus I can't imagine you would have many issues. I know nothing about your program but just wanted to throw in my two cents about Baltimore!

I actually received a rejection via email from NYU just the other day. In regards to unofficial waitlist status, perhaps this is a good sign for you. Best of luck!

I agree that you can easily live off of 28.5K in Miami. I lived in NYC and that amount of money is worth way more in most other cities.

Hey Fanstorm, I'm also thinking of accepting an offer from UMD. I currently live in Baltimore but I own a car and will probably be moving south since the commute wouldn't be great. Somewhere halfway between Baltimore and College Park could be doable (since you don't like the D.C. suburbs), but the rush hour traffic might still not be ideal. I'm not looking forward to the increased rent prices!