sturdyelm

I haven't seen a dedicated McCourt thread for this year. But yes, results came out today!

I'm also very keen on Michigan, much like dollybird because of the Social Policy aspect and general respectability of Ford. It probably won't be an option for me because the job market for my spouse's discipline tends to be very small and difficult to find a job in Ann Arbor. But I never know and am waiting.

I did a quick lookup on the George Washington U page, and the Statistics program is within the College of Arts & Science, so that part is not odd. It is weird that you received this email, but to me it doesn't look like an offer, more like an email sent after an offer. It doesn't list the program you applied for (or in this case didn't apply for) so it might just be some automated email. Did the email come from the same address or was it via third party automated email system? That's a good way to confirm if it's automated or not. If you don't plan on going anyway, it doesn't matter if it's an offer or not. I would probably respond with something explaining that you didn't actually apply/finish your application nor receive an offer of admission from the program and that you won't be attending (so that way you don't keep getting their emails).

OP - you might find this similar forum useful

You do not have to choose between a relationship and a career, as long as both of you are on the same page and communicate (like is key to most long-term relationships), and in the end whatever you and your partner are willing to agree to is what matters. No, it won't be an easy decision and there will likely be sacrifices on some level, but it is a very personal decision. You simply can take in the advice/experiences of others and determine what works best for your family. Also adding my own experience of dealing with this currently, and what we plan to do this fall when I attend graduate school, in case it is helpful. My spouse is currently in a PhD program in a different state than I work, although on the same coast. We actually got married while we were doing this arrangement. We both had an understanding that at this point in our lives while our relationship was important to us, so are our academics to take us to our careers and passions, and as such we would manage and make it work whatever is the case (and wouldn't have it any other way). We currently ensure we physically see each other at least once a month and on long weekends. This has been manageable, although difficult (and with its ups and downs) to make sure we see each other often while balancing career, academics and other aspects of life (such as health and extended family). Now that I am applying to a Master's program, this makes things a bit more complicated. We have had many a conversation about where I was going to apply to, as we agreed that two years of a long-distance marriage is about all we can handle, and thus we both want to be living together again this fall. I have applied to schools that fit me all over the country, plus a few more options in the state he currently resides. Once I hear back on acceptances, it then becomes a conversation about fit (academics/general area), finances (as I would no longer be working) and personal life stuff etc. We have agreed that it is a decision for both of us to make, but that is a bit easier as I only applied to programs that I could see myself at and really advancing in. It then comes down to a decision of what program is best for me, and for both of us. I don't think it will be an easy decision as there is always a lot going on in personal lives that affect these kinds of decisions, but we are on the same general page. So whatever happens/decision we make, neither of us will feel like we have missed out on something, though that doesn't mean that there won't be some kind of give and take.

I think it depends on the organization, your relationship with your supervisors, and your position. I have a position that is heavily relied upon in my non-profit organization(and the only person that does what I do). I didn't outright tell my boss that I was leaving for graduate school, but asked her to write me a letter of recommendation, and as such the word got around quicker than I would have told them (ie almost 6 months before I plan to leave). Given that it's a non-profit, they've all been super supportive and understanding, and I have a great relationship with my supervisors. Due to the nature of my position and how difficult it was to hire me, we've started on the hiring process even though I won't be leaving until the summer (which I made adamantly clear and so did they in the job posting). I definitely would have told them sooner (ie not with two weeks notice) anyways because there is no way to higher someone to do my job in 2 weeks, and it's simply not possibly to not have this position filled. This is not the norm I would say, but those three factors are important. You definitely do not have to share now, and a month or two notice is plenty of time and super considerate (as it gives them the chance to go through the hiring process to have your replacement before you leave).

I was always under the impression that it's best to send two thank you cards. One after all your applications are in, a simple thank you for writing the letter, and then a second one when you know where you have gone/gotten in. That way they don't have to wait around for 3 months without a thank you (although I assume you also said thank you via email). At least, that's what I am doing. My first one was super quick and along the lines of " Dear XX, Thank you for your support of my graduate school endeavors. I know it takes a lot of time on your part to write a strong letter of recommendation, and I deeply appreciate your effort on my behalf. I will keep you posted on my results and where I decide to attend. Once again, thank you very much."

As many others have said, not crazy at all! I have done the same thing, especially given that it's a master's program with short turn-around times and lots of factors on decisions, so I need to get as much research in as possible, which includes cost of living. As long as you're not doing it every second of every hour, you're fine. And even if you are, whatever helps pass the time!

Nice to see your hopes and dreams, but you're in the wrong forum (Government Affairs) so I don't know that much to say or how things work differently in Bio. Best of luck!

You should post your entire profile in the "am I competitive thread below". There is a reason there is that thread. Please be sure to read the first post as before posting.

I saw this in a different subject area and loved the idea! Especially while we are all mostly just waiting it out now with competitive/aid deadlines passed or coming up on Feb 1. So what are you hopes, dreams and guesses for admissions/aid? I guess you should also state which type of programs (MPP, MPA, IR) and schools you applied to, but let's avoid gpa, gre scores, work experience etc., specifics (keep it for the results thread!) and focus on our hopes and dreams to keep the overall positivity. Can't wait to hear everyone's dreams! Applied: MPP - Duke Sanford, UMichigan Ford, Brandeis Heller, Georgetown McCourt, UMass Amherst SPP, Northeastern SPPUA HOPES: That I get into one school with at least half tuition scholarship. DREAMS: That I have offers with decent financial aid from my top schools (Duke Sanford and Brandeis Heller) making my decision difficult and really allowing me to be able to choose the school that would best serve my focus well. Lots of factors to consider so not banking too much on my dreams. GUESSES: I don't want to jinx myself, but considering my overall package and the variety of schools I applied to, I'm expecting at least one acceptance with some level of financial aid.

In case you are curious (and in my opinion the more dialogue the better) - there's a similar thread in the "waiting it out forum".

This is great! I hadn't thought about what I would do if I don't get in (or can't afford to go to any of the programs I get into), but I have now. Because I work for a small non-profit currently, we have already started the search for my replacement for the summer.... so that means no job either. The one optimistic thing is that my spouse and I could actually finally live together and I could just end up in some random new city in a new job (hopefully) and it wouldn't require any sacrifices on either of our parts. Probably would try again, but not for another couple of years but who knows. I think the "oh crap" mentality that Gadgette brought up is exactly where I am at! Not sure if I'll be able to take an oh crap day if it's good news, but definitely will try to take a mini vacation to deal with the oh crap bad news.

@Connie @ TheArtofApplying Thank you so much for your lengthy and thoughtful response! I am definitely planning to visit with my spouse to help with the future decision-making process, but I really am trying to get as much info as possible beforehand because it's not that much time to make a decision. I had a feeling that Sanford's cohort was younger, but that's okay as we are both on the younger side too. Thanks again!

I don't know about useless words (probably because I can't remember them), but I did enjoy learning about even more commonly used words in English that come from other languages, such as pariah (Tamil) and amuck (Malay). That's one thing I always find super interesting and seems to have stuck with me more than most of the GRE words

I'm just now realizing how much money I spent.... I probably could have asked for application waivers (no schools had them outright), but it was a long process already and didn't want to deal with it. GRE Costs, incl Prep & additional score reports ( $390) and 6 Apps ranging from $55-90 ($375) = ~$765 total Thankfully no costs for transcripts or anything like that (okay maybe a few stamps) as my undergrad sends for "free" ( I like to think that is was part of our tuition).

This is so so important. Thank you for putting this out in the open and sharing all our your worries with others. I feel like most of us can relate to "imposter syndrome" at some point in our lives, but for others, like me, it's a constant daily battle. The rational side of me is saying I shouldn't be so concerned and worried about what others think and that I am doing just fine. Then the anxiety side/my personal history is saying I am not good enough. I just do my best to remind myself that my background is exactly why I am want to study and get a master's and that if it doesn't work out, then I just take a break and try again. I used to be so afraid of "putting myself out there" as they say, but I have slowly learned with much belief and support from others that I am worth it and that I can do this (whatever this is what I want to do). Of course, I am still anxious and feel this syndrome, but not nearly as much as I used too. And although understandable, the waiting around definitely doesn't help especially when we are mostly all used to instantaneous things in our lives!

Hi everyone, I know this thread is a bit old - but I have a few questions related to Duke that I can't find on the website or elsewhere. As my ultimate decision will include a bunch of factors, I am trying to get a jump-start on learning as much as possible prior to admissions and funding decisions in March. Do you know of MPP students taking undergrad language courses at Duke? Is this advisable with the courseload? I know at other schools this is possible, and it's important to me that I be able to learn Hindi while completing my master's so that I can converse with my spouse's family. What about a part-time job/volunteering? Again in the vain of is this advisable with the course load? I am used to being quite busy with things outside of academia, and would like to be able to continue that to an extent. I know that this is of course an option and there are lots of student organizations, but I am curious if the course-load is so heavy that you don't really have time to do much outside. Family/Work/Life Balance given the courseload and the Durham area? I would be moving with my spouse and hoping for a decent family/work/academia/life balance, but I am not sure how family friendly the program is. I think that's it! Thanks for any and all insight you might have!

Deadlines are not suggestions. If they give a date, you need to submit it by then. Just follow whatever the school says. From my understanding, it depends on the program. Some won't review any applications fully until after the deadline, while others might start reviewing yours as soon as they have everything they need (including recommendations). I would not wait until the last minute, and would submit as soon as you have everything ready to go. Obviously, if you need the time to finalize things, take it, but don't stress over every little detail and submit last minute (also for your own sanity so you are not stressing).

As I am finishing up applications and already getting antsy, figured I'd actually make myself visible on this forum instead of just reading secretly. Undergrad: Top 15 Liberal Arts College, 3.43 GPA, 3.61 last two years, Government Major Schools Applied to: Brandeis Heller, Duke Sanford, UMichigan Ford, Georgetown McCourt, UMass Amherst SPP, Northeastern SPPUA GRE: 161 V/ 157 Q /4.5 AWA Experience: will be 2 years post-grad before entering, working at an Education Legal Non-Profit. also various internships related to focus including attending UN Committee sessions for one internship. Lots of leadership activities for extracurriculars too. I think I have my heart set on Heller because of my focus on Child & Family Policy, but Duke and Michigan are also great possibilities. As my spouse lives in Massachusetts doing a PhD, I applied to more schools in MA as a backup. Major concern is funding but I think I am a strong applicant with a great background and direct focus, including a good SOP and letters of rec (despite my slightly low overall GPA and lower than I wanted GRE scores). So it's now just waiting until March.... *Fingers crossed for everyone*