Johnny.S
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Posts posted by Johnny.S
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Thanks everyone! Your advices were really helpful! Now I've joined some Boston housing networks and started looking at it
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On 4/16/2017 at 2:03 AM, runningit said:
Random thoughts, based on having lived for six years in Cambridge:
1. 85% of Boston/Cambridge-area apartments will have move-in dates that are either June 1 or September 1. You may be able to find August 1, although these are much rarer. You should be looking now. The deadline to let landlords know you won't be renewing a lease is often 3 months ahead of time, sometimes 2, so there should be big increases in listings around May 1 and June 1.
2. $900 for a one-bedroom apartment is not going to happen. $900 for one bedroom in a 3-4 bedroom apartment/house is doable. Maybe that's what you meant.
3. Many HDS students will probably live in Somerville (especially in and around Inman Square, although this is getting more expensive) or possibly Medford, maybe some sections of Arlington. Both have decent bus access into Harvard Square. You should look at places in Allston, which is the neighborhood of Boston that is right across the Charles River from Cambridge. Be careful--there are a lot of sketchy landlords in this area who prey on students, especially international students who are willing to rent an apartment sight unseen. I would also recommend looking in areas of Dorchester that are close to the Red Line. You can easily get from Dorchester to Harvard Square in 30-40 minutes, depending on how far you are from the T (the subway).
One other idea: it may be worth looking into intentional communities in the area, for example the Beacon Hill Friends House.
Thanks so much for the reply.
I also felt I should be looking now.. but there aren't many listings. So I think I should be diligent in searching until late-May. As you might guess, I obviously meant a one-bedroom *in a multi-bedroom apartment*. And it seems like there's just not a lot of one-bedroom units( in a multi-bedroom apartment) in my price range. And as you mention in your "reply 1", I think I should go with SEP 1, but being homeless for seven days should be no laughing matter. I also have to find a way to solve this problem.
I will bear in mine what you advised when I search for a place. And also thanks for suggesting possible alternatives .
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Hi folks! I've recently got off the fence and accepted HDS' offer. So I'm going to live in HDS area for 2 years.
I know this question should go to 'City' forum, but, as you know, that forum got too crowded during this season and only little helpful information is offered at the 'Boston' forum.
I'd like to hear from current or former HDS student (or BTI friends) on affordable housing ideas at/around HDS (or general Harvard Area).
1) I plan to move in mid-August, when should I start to look for apartments? I've been searching HU Campus Housing page and Harvard Off-Campus Housing, but I don't see any reasonable houses. .. Harvard Campus Housing is extremely expensive and their usual move-in seems like early July- which is too early for me. On the other hands, most of off-campus apartments(from Harvard's off-campus webpage) say the usual move-in date will be SEPT 1st- which is too late (I have to participate in Orientation starts on 24 AUG).
2) What is the "reasonable" rent to pay for a month in off-Cambridge areas?
I know the official financial handbook says budget for housing is $11,700 for 9 months which is approximately $1300 per month. But I heard that $1,000 should be a decent budget for rent in *OUTER* cambridge, especially, as long as I am sharing with a roommate. I'm looking for a one-bedrooms for $900 (if I can have a separated room, the other inconveniences should be totally fine) and a shared-room for $600-700. It is possible? And do you have any suggestion or tip for finding a suitable place?
3) That said, any recommendations on where to go (find)?
I'm thinking about heading outside of Cambridge. Although I'm going to live without a car during my Boston years (dear friend of mine said having a car in boston/ parking in Harvard areas is a nightmare), it seems like public transportations are quite convenient and nice in Boston Area (and I love using public transportations). I heard there are a fair number of buses that run right into HDS area with some frequency. As for me, I'm also thinking about biking will be a nice option when the weather permits. Besides, I do enjoy walking or running, so if it's within walkable distance (probably 25-30 min. by foot) I'm totally fine!
4) Lastly, how do you think about the CSWR housing?(and what are the chances of actually getting it?) And Does anyone have any information on if people split the rent for some of the apartments at CSWR and how that might be arranged, if accepted? I know it's a bit pricy. But If 3 bedroom houses can be shared and split up into three, I think it's not a bad option (I mostly can't afford the other grad housings and other CSWR housings). My application is almost done now, but I'm hesitant about submitting it.
Or any suggestions on where to live, thought on general housing situation, and tips will be appreciated.
P.S. If there are any grad cafe folks looking for a roommate/housemate, I'd like to know (or feel free to PM me)
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19 hours ago, avocet said:
After over a month of waiting and emailing the dean, I received a phone call from BUSTh informing me that I was accepted with 70% scholarship! They also apologized profusely for the delay...apparently my application was one of three that was lost. Are the other two applicants whose applications were lost on here by any chance?
So it looks like I'm going to BU! While the offer from Union was great, BU was tied for my top choice and the cost will end up being much lower than Union. Looking forward to the next 3 years!
WOW !Congrats!! They made a very embarrassing mistake.. But in the end, you've gained a wonderful result
I think Boston is a wonderful place to learn and live.
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Wow.. I was accepted. Beyond excited!
And sorry for those of you who didn't get in.
BTW, the decision letter says that "within 24 hours, I will receive an email from the Financial Aid Office regarding your financial aid package ". All I need to do is just waiting for their decision to come, right? (as my previous question about HDS' funding presents, I'm really nervous about their funding decision. So excuse me if I'm having too many worries.)
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I talked with my pals yesterday and one of my friends who applied to the MTS program of Harvard in 2014-15 (accepted but turn down their offer) told me that she received an official decision email on 17th March (Tuesday) that year. Like now, Harvard was on spring break for 3/14-3/22. It seems like their recent decisions shows some flexibility for a day or two.
I'll cross my fingers for all of you (including myself).
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And one quick question. Is Harvard's initial funding offer merit-based or need-based?
My financial situation has been significantly changed (became bad actually) since the submission of application (I don't remember whether HDS' MTS application or financial aids application had list-boxes for funding sources and details, but if there were, I would write down some financial resources which no longer exist). Now if HDS' offer is lesser than 80%, I'm afraid I could not attend the program. And it seems like it's too late to ask for HDS' office to consider these change.
But if HDS' initial offer is based on merit-based and they give somes full-tuition remission and stipend, for an international applicant, regardless of one's financial need, I think I still have some chances (I already have one M* and also have journal publications and conference papers). Any thoughts?
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Thanks for the info @misterrager, @suhba7, @xypathos, and @theophany !
I think we'll hear on March 15th(tomorrow). It seems like they're sticklers in terms of releasing decisions (although it may not be 11:59 AM). Plus, considering Harvard is on Spring Break this week and that snowstorm has been well forecast far in advance, it is possible that they've already finished all the necessary step except for a (formal) notification of (pre-processed) decision on 15th.
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34 minutes ago, misterrager said:
Would you say Duke is more theology focused whereas Chicago leans more towards religious studies?
As far as I'm concerned, I put curriculum and faculty's interest first and I prefer non-theological academic program.
And when it comes to Duke and Chicago, I think Duke's graduate program in religion offers more diverse dialogue in my subfield, although it would be a tough call.
So, I would say Duke is slightly more religious-studies focused than Chicago, in particular from my viewpoint and interest.
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1 hour ago, ibn daoud said:
Very happy we all made it! How many of you are planning to attend? Are you waiting til HDS results come out to think seriously about it?
I'm visiting HDS currently and have to say I don't feel as strongly about the program as I did at Chicago, but my reasons are strictly based on the MDiv program itself (I know most of you (all?) are applying for masters). Granted, it's Harvard, and the program is still top-notch, but I think personally I would be a better fit at UChicago and the work I wish to do would be more appropriate there as well.
I'm also happy for you all.
As for me, I'm slightly leaning toward Duke. I wished I could get more than 60% from Chicago, but it didn't turn out as I'd hoped. Both programs are great and they also have striking differences, merits, and demerits. But because Duke's graduate program in religion offers more fitable subfield and tailored(personalized) academic guidance, for now, I'd choose Duke.
But, just like Franz, I'm going to wait HDS too. While HDS' has the least appealing program for me(because of my background in Theology and my intention of pursuing careers in Religious Studies after all, I strongly prefer religious studies- oriented program, than Theology-centered programs and faculties), but they have a decent scholarship and a brand value. So who knows?
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9 minutes ago, suhba7 said:
Accepted to UChicago MA with 100% Funding! Thrilled!
Wow, fantastic! It seems like UC really loved your dossier. I'm happy for you
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@franz I didn't tell you, but I thought U.Chicago will looove your Philosophy background. Congrats! better funding than mine! ooouch!
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@BeeKayCee Totally fine
We are all going through the changes at different paces and in different ways. Because of this stressful situation, I also tend to fidget and lose focus easily, I guess I also have made a mistake.
Best of luck!
On 3/5/2017 at 1:51 PM, chaosmosaic said:All students get offered 40% funding. Above that, AFTER everyone has commit, the two students who were highest on the pile get an additional... I think it's 2k a year. Not a lot and it wasn't me. Over that, at least one of the fields gives an additional 5k a year and that's based on your personal statement and known interests. Your best bet is to email the advisor you're most interested in the topics of (though the pull at Duke is certainly the flexibility) and tell them you really want to come but need to ask if they have any advice on extra funding.
Thanks for the heads up.. I have read your comment and all of my questions(on additional funding) have been answered to my satisfaction. If you don't mind, may I ask you some questions about 'life in Duke' via PM?
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40 minutes ago, BeeKayCee said:
As far as I know a bunch of people have already heard from the MA program and none from the MDiv program yet. so if you're waiting on MA answers they'll be soon if you haven't already heard since posting this. GOOD LUCK!
Hi? It's the first time I get the news that some MA appicants already heard from UChi Divinity School. Do you think it should be a bad sign to be unnoticed so far? I thought 'the UC day' would be monday or tuesday..
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1 hour ago, franz said:
Thank you! The funding from the religion department covers 40% of tuition.
Congrats on your acceptance! I also have been admitted to their MA program with the same condition.
For me, It's a really great thing to be admitted to Duke, but as you understand, this 40% reward is not really sufficient to cover the whole thing. so I'm thinking I should wait UChicago and HDS's decisions and rewards.
So, where do you think you'll choose to go to school? I think you are the OP who started the thread on chances with a background in Phil. and Lit., I'm wondering how your admissions and personal decision are going because I was in a similar situation last application season- although I ended up reapplying this season.
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3 minutes ago, lurking said:
Got an email from Union this afternoon with an acceptance letter PDF attached! No funding information yet; letter says that will come "in the next few weeks."
Fingers crossed for other Union applicants!
Congrats!!
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55 minutes ago, avocet said:
According to the Results page, it looks like two more acceptances to Union were sent out via email today -- one M.Div. and one MA. At least that doesn't mean that all the acceptances were sent out on one day. Hoping to hear back tomorrow!
WOW. I'll keep my fingers crossed for Union applicants!
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I appreciate your note @rheya19 and @ibn daoud . - I am that
nerdMA student, what a sad fate is mine,
ha
8 hours ago, MayaK said:Ah I was wondering, because I applied there and was hoping we were in different subfields (haha..ha). I was just notified of acceptance to Duke, so if UC funding doesn't come through (:/) I guess I'll be seeing you!
Wonderful! I hope to see you at Duke, even I’m crossing my fingers on your UC admission and financial-aids. And I have also received an official funding letter from the Dept. (Duke). Shoot me a PM if you want to chat more about this (I'm also wondering about yours too
)
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On 2/26/2017 at 5:28 AM, rheya19 said:
I did the MA program at UChicago, and my husband did the MDiv program there. He got almost 100% funding, I got 50%, which I think is the standard.
you meant MA program at U.Chicago does not usually offer more than 50% of tuition? Because I'm hoping 70%-80% funding right now.
I know 50% is the standard according to the results page, but I'm kind of curious how many applicant would get more than 50% offer from the MA decision..
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15 hours ago, hhbchis said:
Applied for another master's (finishing MA this may) to do one or maybe two more years of study before PhD. Harvard, Yale, Chicago, Notre Dame, PU, Vanderbilt, Emory, BC, BU (theology), and BU (religious).
I'm with you. I also applied for my second master's degree hoping it would serve as a bridge to more prestigious PhD program.
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7 hours ago, misterrager said:
I also applied to the MA at Chicago Divinity and they said they would be releasing decisions in the first full week of March. Harvard releases around the same time Yale does, Mid march.
Congrats on Duke!
Thanks
And it looks like U.Chi releases their decision much later than expected.
6 hours ago, 918Philosophizer said:To the OP, I can't speak very specifically to your situation, but I've always been told that in the divinity school, the average master's student can expect to get somewhere in the neighborhood of a 30-35% scholarship, and that they do a handful of 50% scholarships per year and full scholarships in rare situations for exceptional applicants.
Thanks for the info. I've also been told that Duke will allow me somewhere between 30-50%, which is not enough resources to pursue my second master. It seems like HDS and U.Chi.Div. are more generous..
Anyway, your posting have gave me a sense of how competitive it is likely to be. Thank you so much!
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8 hours ago, MayaK said:
Congratulations! I'm assuming you are the international result on the results page? What was your subfield for Duke?
Thanks Maya:) Yes, I am the Intl. poster on the results page. I'm in Religion and Modernity subfield. This will be my second Masters.
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Hi folks! Didn't seem like anyone had started Masters threads up this year. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for the best to everyone on your M.T.S./M.A./M.Div./Th.M. applications.
I hope this thread could be somewhere we can talk about our Master's applications.
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And this is my story so far, and questions.I applied to Two MA programs(Duke U and U.Chicago-Divinity-) and one MTS program(HDS). Any news on these schools or programs?
I only received an offer from Duke yesterday(Thanks GOD). And there was no mention about funding condition from the decision letter and this worries me. Is this normal? Duke is definitely my first choice, but if Chicago Divinity offers 80-100% funding and Duke gives me lesser than 40% funding, that would be a whole different story. If you know about Duke's funding policy and schedule, please help me out
And, according to Gradcafe result postings, I believe U.Chi would release their admissions within few days, and HDS on March 10-16. I'd like to know if there is any news from these programs.
Good luck to every applicants!
HDS - Need Advice on housing
in Religion
Posted
Thanks! I'm so relieved with your comment.