Jae B.

red sale

case study

^… Ditto this! I heard similar things, like "if you stay over here, you'll be far from all the undergrads..." at my Berkeley welcome week, and I was like, um, hello, current Berkeley undergrad right here...and I hang out here all the time...in fact, I have a class in this building....

dress down

cartoon shorts

China pattern

That's the feeling I'm scared of! But congratulations for buckling down and making a choice. I'm still weighing my options to see what I could make happen regarding both of my potential schools, and waiting to see where the cards fall. They're starting to stack up on one side, but I'm glad I didn't have an April 15 (tax day, really?) deadline to contend with -- next week I'll begin to hear back about things! But I do want to finalize my choice soon, so someone else has the opportunity to try figuring out how to fund themselves at this expensive school....

full moon

the surf

Ah...I remember the good old days, when a little bit of fear did me a lot of good! I think in my past two years of being constantly challenged and in intense competition, I've become a bit desensitized to fear. I still worry, but my reactions to my worries have declined. Experiencing fear is more exhausting and annoying for me now, since I'm (supposed to be) more capable and confident than I once was. Worries whisper in my head and I mostly spend my time trying to tell them to go away, since everything always turned out fine the times before, and the worst thing fear could do -- that I want to avoid at all costs -- is paralyze me. Outcomes seem more inevitable to me now; they're more predictable, so I'm less likely to go into that hyper overkill mode fear used to pitch me into (where for example I might spend an inefficient, excessive amount of time studying for one particularly scary test), for better or for worse. Does fear still positively motivate you the way it used to?

metro district

long board

Dwinelle Hall

spice rack

As one person put it, I unexpectedly got everything I wanted as an master's applicant this season. In my heart, I had hoped to be accepted to both the schools I applied to. I thought my odds were good for one acceptance -- because my fit with the program seemed that strong -- but expected a rejection from the other, thinking I wasn't strong enough as an applicant. But, as it turned out, I got into both schools with some funding. The one I thought would reject me I could actually attend for free! But I have sticker shock regarding the school I expected to get into. It makes me really glad to have a choice, even though it's between two schools I regard equally, and dislike picking one over the other. I can see myself at either one. What ifs are bouncing all around in my head!

If I were you, I would try my best not to stress about it. Just be yourself -- I wouldn't even mention it unless they bring it up. In other words, act as if you don't have it, rather than worry about stereotypes, I think. If they do ask you about it, focus on the positives about how you've dealt with it. I have a friend with Asperger's who's also a great academic, and so far he's been well-received both by those who know and don't know he has it. Good luck!

Wow, sounds like USC really isn't known there! You could still be a trail blazer by going there, though. I agree that New York is more international than LA -- New York is probably still the most international place in the U.S. That would likely equal better opportunities there, at least considering your emphasis on international politics. I remember looking up USC's opportunities related to international politics for someone else, and there didn't seem to be much. I wish you luck with your scholarship competition. I totally understand about the $1,000 deposit. I laughed when I saw that requirement -- as if I have that kind of cash lying around. That cost -- on top of everything else -- has really delayed my decision. Regarding my reservations about USC, it's mostly political / ideological / lifestyle / environment / diversity considerations, including the international element you're concerned about. (Although the Latin American community is impressive, and there are plenty of other groups there! It's just not New York.) I know wonderful people in and from the area who are dear to me, but I've heard some stories and seen some history of the area that makes me think major elements of the culture aren't the preferrable fit for me and my personality. (If you know anything about San Francisco, I am well-suited to the cultural climate there.) I could be wrong, though, and it definitely isn't a put-down of the school itself or locals. None of this may be true for you, either. I would love to spend more time there and become more knowledgeable about it, but I wouldn't start by committing to a school.

tank top

mess up

That the school isn't sticking by its deadline -- and just e-mailed to tell you -- is scary! I worried about that, but confirmed with my schools that their deadlines are later on. Personally, I have a major financial decision to make (both schools are my "dream" schools, per se, but would affect my life in very different ways), and where I attend depends on what I can figure out for my next year or two, given each school's offer. I wish the best for wait listed folks, but schools need to stick to their deadlines for everyone's sake, so we all know what to expect.

back roads

control principle

I plan to complete a paid media internship, so I can start next school year off with some money. I'll also get back to reading for pleasure (yes!) and try to brush up on my Spanish.

running pace

I'm deciding between Columbia (M.S.) and Berkeley. I want to attend both of my schools, too! Ultimately, though, Berkeley's offered me enough aid that, if I work as a TA at some point (and I want to), I could graduate debt-free. I don't even have to worry about funding my first entire year, as I get settled. That's pretty hard to turn down! I currently have no debt, and it would be nice to keep it that way. I don't think Columbia's rep. is necessarily worth the tens of thousands I'd go into debt for them, in comparison. Especially considering that I intend to have my career in the Berkeley area. Where you plan to work, will people know of USC Annenberg, or only Columbia? Does the Columbia J-School really have an excellent reputation there? (In some conservative circles here, the Columbia J-School is somewhat of a punching bag. It's a bit polarizing with its politically liberal reputation. USC would probably escape accusations of unbridled liberalism.) Will you make more meaningful work / study connections in New York, or is the LA area fine? Columbia offered you a substantial aid amount. Any chance you can find an outside fellowship to decrease the leftover amount? There's an international house with some competitive aid that could cover some of your living expenses. Maybe you can be creative to lessen your debt. I like USC enough that if they were offering me a full-ride + $20,000 stipend, I'm pretty sure I'd go, despite some personal reservations. That's a great offer!