Klm31

I took a gap year to gain experience in the field and make some money to afford graduate school. I ended up working as a speech assistant for 3 years until I got accepted into a program (it took me 2 rounds of applying to get in). I absolutely loved working as an assistant and it really motivated me to want to go back and earn my masters. My salary from those few years will definitely ease the financial burden of grad school!

Have you reached out to these schools with a continued letter of interest? Might help!

U-Mass Amherst pros: LOVE the program and faculty, 2 hours away from home, highly ranked and regarded program and reputation, on campus clinic, possible grant opportunity in an area of interest cons: 53k Grand Valley State pros: 39k, can live anywhere last semester for externship, family-like atmosphere cons: big move (16 hours from family), newer program: candidate for accreditation, stress of an accelerated program (15 months) ,no on-campus clinic I know I would like to end up in the northeast after I graduate. One school is my dream school, the other is very affordable and I know I would succeed there. My only worries is that the cheaper program is newer. Was accepted to U-Mass first and accepted a seat in the program, just found out that I got into the cheaper program today. Difficult to prioritize location vs. cost vs. quality of program. Size of program at Amherst is 25 students vs. 35 students at GVSU. Any advice?

U-Mass Amherst pros: LOVE the program and faculty, 2 hours away from home, highly ranked and regarded program and reputation, on campus clinic, possible grant opportunity in an area of interest cons: 53k Grand Valley State pros: 39k, can live anywhere last semester for externship, family-like atmosphere cons: big move (16 hours from family), newer program: candidate for accreditation, stress of an accelerated program (15 months) ,no on-campus clinic I know I would like to end up in the northeast after I graduate. One school is my dream school, the other is very affordable and I know I would succeed there. My only worries is that the cheaper program is newer. Was accepted to U-Mass first and accepted a seat in the program, just found out that I got into the cheaper program today. Difficult to prioritize location vs. cost vs. quality of program. Size of program at Amherst is 25 students vs. 35 students at GVSU. Any advice?

Is anyone going to UMass Amherst in the fall? Would love to connect and start a Facebook page!

I mentioned that I was waitlisted and that I was writing to express my continued interest in the school. I then talked about why it was the perfect school for me and how it would help me accomplish my personal goals. Lastly I noted that I was excited about the prospect of joining the program. It also wouldn't hurt to let them know they are your top choice and that you would accept if given the opportunty! Best of luck!

Exactly! I ended up contacting a lot of schools that I was waitlisted at and I had positive feedback. Hope you hear good news soon!

Thank you! I emailed the graduate school as well and I believe they contacted the Com-Sci Graduate Admissions committee.

^ Same thing just happened to me. I hadn't heard from them at all so I emailed to follow up and then they called asking if I was still interested. I was accepted the next day via email!

I contacted schools I was waitlisted at and wrote a continued letter of interest. I had positive feedback and got off the waitlist at 2 schools after doing so!

Looking for U-Mass Amherst!