CrunchyMamademic

I was able to find Bowling Green and Miami Ohio stipend information on their websites, although *where* exactly that was has slipped my mind, and I can't seem to recreate my search. I remember them being in the ballpark of 13k and 16k, respectively. University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a great program that you may want to check out. Their base stipend was 17k this year, and they have additional fellowships.

Wow! That's fantastic. We also decided that I will support the family during this time, so my husband can stay home with our son and help make the transition smoother. It's nice to hear others have done it. Good luck in your program! @shadowclaw thank you for the advice!

This! Very eloquently said, Mel.

It seems like this earlier deadline is becoming more common. My Comp/Rhet program also had an earlier deadline, and here's why: Association of Writers and Writing Programs Recommendations on the Timeframe for Admissions At least, my acceptance letter cited this recommendation as the reason why. I know that doesn't exactly help your situation! But like @FeetInTheSky said, it never hurts to ask for an extension. Just be careful about how you word that email.

I asked a few questions via email, but really got the best feel for the program and campus community when I did my visit. Like was said above, people are much freer in their speech than emails. Going and meeting everyone in person was a nice way to get the vibe of the department. I felt comfortable just outright saying "you guys look really happy. How do you balance everything? What is the level of support like? Are there department politics I should be aware of?" Honestly, my email questions were probably pretty meh. I asked the DGS about some program specifics that I didn't find the answer to online, chatted with some professors who contacted me first, and reached out to one grad student. However, I was trying to be quite professional and poised in my emails, and I just don't think text is a good way to really show off your personality and get people chatting with you on a personal level. As far as things not to do, I'm not even sure. I think as long as you are polite and don't act entitled, you're pretty good. After all, they already decided they want you!

Wow! I appreciate the input. Thanks.

Great advice, @manals! I have always wanted to try meal prepping, but never seem to get around to the big batch cooking day. I should probably practice this summer. Did you have children during your Masters program as well?

Thank you!

I have heard this advice from others in my field as well, but never from my own advisor. In my opinion -- which may not be appropriate for your situation, so take it with a grain of salt -- you should try working on publications. It sounds like doing so will keep you in line with others at your same level, which is obviously important for marketability. The PhD program I am beginning in the fall recommends submitting something for publication about once a year at the minimum. I also published during my MA. Because the advice is coming from your advisor, this may be a touchy situation. However, the decisions you make in your program will ultimately shape your career later on. Does your department have some sort of placement coordinator or someone you can talk to about marketability based on your specific career interests?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Composition and Rhetoric here!

I bet that's the case. I have a March 15th decision deadline, which I attributed to the funding offer as well.

I would probably accept by the 27st, but I'm not sure what the actual guidelines are. That's such an early deadline!

To echo @imogenshakes, the culture in my MA program and the University I currently work at full time, jeans are absolutely acceptable. We have a wide range of styles, though, and it boils down to personal preference. I typically start a little more dressed up and end up in jeans by midterms or so, sometimes sooner if I have a really good class. In my experience, starting more professional can set the tone in the right way, particularly if you are a woman or look young. I'm planning on asking about dress code specifically on my campus visit, since as @Wyatt's Terps noted some Universities tend toward more business casual attire. When in doubt, I think it's always better to lean more toward overdressed.

Ouch. That sounds like it could be a real ego bruiser. And yet I wish my rejection came with one!

Look at how you set the two schools up against each other. One offers only rank, the other "chances to diversify their study widely an pursue their own vision." I mean, the second sounds much better. I think it's pretty clear where you're leaning, but let me add my two cents quickly. You can absolutely find amazing fit at a highly ranked institution, and you might even find better funding at such an institution, which in turn would help you pursue your interests and have more freedom. At least in my opinion, fit is more important (as long as you have funding or the means to fund it without financial agony), particularly since it sounds like you aren't looking to go on the market for a tenured professorship later on. I can't really guide you toward specific schools, although I will say that University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a creative writing PhD. They are extremely tailored toward the student in the Comp/Rhet program, so I'm assuming that they are the same across the board. Pursuing the PhD in CW sounds like it would make the most sense for what you're looking to do, so I'd recommend starting with a general Google search of programs. From there, look at faculty profiles. Is there anyone you recognize? What are their specialities? What professional development workshops are available? From there you will have a better idea of where you might fit.