bittersweet

I went by the myth as well, and apparently, there some truth to it. As soon as I picked up the large brown envelope, I noticed it was rather hefty, and assumed I got it. Luckily, I was right.

he he, thank you both!

sorry - DGS? :?:

yes, daddy! Seriously, I just figured something out. I am looking at the date of this blessed letter, and you know what? when I spoke to the head of the department (as I mentioned @ the beginning of this thread) they had already made the decision. So when he said (twice) "I am very hopeful you will be accepted into the MA program", he was, as my friend said (and glass-half-empty-me dismissed) hinting I was actually in, but wouldn't spell it out. So two weeks worth of tears and utter self involvement - down the drain. ekk!

I got in! I walked in, saw the thivk envelope, and knew. And of course, I had to call my mother. No funding, but we'll deal. They enclosed a list of courses for September, and I found several that interest me. 8) I'm sooooo happy and relieved.

The waiting is killing me. I'm desperately trying to find pleasant distractions, even silly ones, just to keep my mind off the important, life changing issues. And I'm not good with the patience. However, as I was told there will be no decision until the end of March, which means there is no point in calling / emailing, it's out of my hands and that's it. We'll see what happens, and if it's a "no", it's their loss, and it's up to me to roll the dice next year. I happen to think 18 months is a great break between degrees. Helps one clears one's mind and retain focus. Trust me, once upon a time, I made the mistake of not taking a break at all between degrees and it turned out bad for me. I'm sure you're going to do wonderfully with your PhD. Best of luck to you!

Thank you. I called AGAIN (yes, I know, I am a pain in the %^^) and was told Masters decisions - only the last week of March. So basically I'm going insane not knowing, as I am in limbo here. Cannot make any informed decision right now. If I get in, I'll go even though there is zero funding. If I am rejected, I'll go for a second round next year, this time widening the search. Not giving up in any way.

Thank you! I don't drive, so I'll be completely relying on public transport here for a bit of culture \ civilization. I mean, I don't expect to find a lesbian bar in South Bend, but then again, I don't want to get spit at (or get dirty looks) because I wear a pride t-shirt, you know? I'm hoping the atmosphere in ND is slightly less concervative than in town.

I'm considering applying to ND next year, but kind of fretting about the whole Catholic school aspect of it. Can someone please tell me from personal experience - how are gay/lesbians treated? is there a gay student association? any gay \ lesbian bars? would a young lesbian feel comfortable there at all? Thanks.

Well, you're right, what can I tell ya. I was really led to believe there would be no hitch. OK, moving on. I'll wait for the MA decision and then I'll have to make a series of decisions.

Thank you for the support and suggestions. I always try to be involved in "academic" work. In fact, I was just invited to be a guest speaker in a conference in another university in the area. I'll probably accept. After spending the evening browsing other schools' websites, I came to the conclusion I'll have to apply someplace far from here, which would require me to relocate. I honestly do NOT want to move away, but if I have to, I will. I do, in fact, have connections, and it's a matter of re-aquainting myself with certain people who can help me. In fact, back in the fall one or two OFFERED to do just that, but I was steadfast about going to this school that oh so graciously rejected me (after woing me. back in the summer, the head of the dept met with me and I got the grand tour, and was told other applicants are not treated that way!). Fine. It's back to New England then. Dammit.

Thank you. If they tell me I got into the Masters program, I'm going, even if I have to beg, steal or rob the money (metaphorically speaking, of course). If I'm not, it's either becoming an alchoholic (just a joke here) or trying next year, this time expanding the search, unfortunately.

I know it may have been stupidity to apply to one place only, but I could not leave town for personal reasons, and had to apply to the local university, which happens to be a top one in North America. Also, my circumstances are different. My BA looks more like an MA - with about 100 credits in my area alone, TA+RA, scholarships and presentations in Academic conferences. Seriously, if they don't accept me now, I don't know what else I'm supposed to do for them to take me. And it means waiting another year until I apply to other schools. I am older than the average applicant, I should say even much older. I'm afraid the more I wait the less chances I have. There is no consoling here.

:cry: Against all advice and common sense, I called the head of the dept. He was actually nice and said because I called he'd tell me, even though they'll send notifications next week. He said they had hundreds of applications, and unfortunatetely I was not accepted. No word yet as for the Masters program. He said he is more hopeful about getting into the MA. I can't believe it! Everyone kept telling me no way they won't accept me because of my record and achievments. And this was the only school I applied to. No plan B. Now what?????? I'm in total despair. :cry:

I don't think you're assuming too much. IMO the invite is a VERY positive sign, otherwise, why would they invite you on their expense if they intend to reject you? If that is the case and you were accepted - please accept my warmest congrats!