durianseason

am broke now halp. #madamebovary

@BobBobBob it really depends on your lifestyle but rent goes around 700 if you live with a roommate (at least in my case). Food + entertainment is around 500 k. And other expenses around 300. (Aside from expenses, monthly income tax will be around 300). As I have said, summer funding really adds up so I am sure you will survive. But yeah, Duke's funding, from what I heard, is probably the most generous you will find.

I go to Michigan and I spend about 1.5 k per month on average (including rent, food, and some shopping). If they have summer funding, it makes your annual income around 31k. So you will be fine. And yes, let me know if you have any questions about Michigan!

Already signed the contract at Northwood V. Heard it is nicknamed "The Northwood Kindergarten" due to the abundance of kids. Hope to come out alive.

PROFILE: Type of Undergrad Institution: T3 University in Hong Kong Major(s)/Minor(s): Economics and Finance Undergrad GPA: 3.4 Type of Grad: NA Grad GPA: NA GRE: 168 Verbal/ 165 Quant/ AW 4 Any Special Courses: Letters of Recommendation: 2 from former teachers, 1 from a professor I closely work with Research Experience: 1 year research exp; projects in Middle East; 1 published paper at a Q1 journal Teaching Experience: Subfield/Research Interests: Comparative Politics/ Race, Ethnicity and Politics Other: RESULTS: Acceptances($$ or no $$): Michigan ($$), HKUST ($$) Waitlists: Rejections: Harvard, Stanford, UC-Berkeley (Education) Pending: Going to: Michigan LESSONS LEARNED: I think it is better to prepare in advance (at least by early November, you should have your SOP and essays ready) so that you can show them around to your supervisors, which can really beef up the quality of SOPs. I didn't so I really had to rush just before the deadlines. When writing SOP, I followed 90-10 rule, meaning 90% of your research exp, proposed project and its fit to the department, while 10% is your personal motivation for doing PhD and justifying your research interest through personal experience. Don't make it too sappy but make it punchy and relevant to your essay (for example, I used my background as growing up under a military regime.) Everyone has a nice story to tell that can be linked to your research. This will be a good boost to the reader's interest when properly used. Research fit is probably the most important part, as I applied to some schools knowing that I am not a fit. Try to spend most of the time for research into faculty. It is also a numbers game. My strategy is very risky, so don't try this at home. Some fellows say ten is an optimum number. Most of us probably will have to take GRE two times, one for learning how it works and one for really making it work for your application. Give some time for two GREs (Don't take it in November!) SOP: As I said, my background, my research interest, my research experience, and why I am a good fit to the department. Feel free to ask for the file. GradCafe helped me calm my nerves so hope I can pay back a little with this. Good luck to everyone applying for next year!