Jinxstar

This was a weird decision to make, to turn down some really awesome programs. I wish I could take the pros of all of them and combine them. I've always been awful at breakups, so sending those decline emails is really getting to me. Acceptances: Florida State University, University of South Florida, University of Missouri--STL, University of Florida, Georgia State University--all Criminology/CJ PhD Research Interests: Social media use--social learning and social control theories, as well as use by law enforcement; informal civic engagement and collective efficacy; IPV and self-representation in the civil and criminal courts. I've done some work with homicide investigation practices, as well, but it's not my "baby", so to speak. Final Choice: USF, pending the resolution of some custody matters. FSU is a fallback, as there was no funding, so I have no deadline for acceptance, and I can commute. Reason: I walked into that campus visit and immediately felt a good vibe of a place where I could thrive. I love the diversity of research, the ability to have multiple mentors for different projects, the camaraderie among and between students and faculty. I found myself gushing over the work of a few of the faculty. The faculty has a strong network of connections through previous employment and alma mater. Tampa is good for me and kiddo, I also have social support. While I received four funded offers varying between $18k-26k, I believe this offer is sufficient. I appreciate how they allow us to focus on coursework/comps instead of carrying a teaching load prematurely. Although I liked the comps/dissertation models of two other programs better, I believe USF will prepare me well for what I do in the future. They are also accepting more of my MSCJ credits than some other programs.

To address potentially bitter or biased response extremes, I know they drop the two highest and two lowest responses. In talking with my colleagues, they are well aware of at least one person in each program, and sometimes when one faculty whom they respect may leave a program (or a current colleague left a particular program), it may impact the perception of the program. If we're talking about someone like Akers going emeritus, or Jennings coming out of Florida, then leaving South Florida for a spot in a different program, Piquero leaving FSU/Florida, etc....people are likely to wonder about their motivations, or how their departure may impact a program. It's curious to me that Louisville is low, considering how many pubs their cohorts have had, especially with Tewksbury and Higgins there. Those big names and mentor family trees leave large imprints upon how a program is perceived. I found myself laughing about how much I sound like I'm talking about the developmental squads for major league baseball teams during Spring Training when we bring up the rookies, haha.

The faculty at my current program like to joke about how the rankings are a popularity contest when they drop, but certainly not when their alma mater rises. It's an amusing little spat they have each year. Has everyone somewhat landed on their final decisions? I'm leaning heavily a certain direction, but it's dependent upon certain personal circumstances for me to be able to relocate. The program I am most interested in has really made me feel like they want me there.

I had an awesome visit to USF this past weekend, and there's a good funding offer. Not to be outdone, I found out today that Florida has a funding offer for me, as well. I really thought I had decided on USF. I'm not big on Atlanta, so GSU has that against it...but I have family there and a fellowship offer. Is it okay to be frustrated and flattered? Are y'all also debating? How are you coming to your decisions?

I have an "informal" Skype interview tomorrow morning. Any advice? I've done a lot of research on the program and pulled the CVs of the interviewers and the faculty members' with whom I am interested in working. I also have my "elevator pitch" for my research, and re-read my statement of purpose.

Will any of you be at ACJS this weekend? Just now managed to secure a place to stay.

@TTAPinCCJ--I have been told this from a few of my faculty mentors. After getting two unfunded offers from programs I loved, I am waiting to hear on the other three programs to which I have applied. I am doing what I can to remain optimistic, as this track is the only career I've had my heart set on at any point, and busted my butt for it for the past few years. I'm not really sure where to go or what to do if it does not work out. I worried that, in the desperation, I may accept an unfunded offer in hopes that I may secure funding later. Yet, here's your post that reminds me why I should not. Thanks for that.

RE: Scholarship Awards at FSU. Just checked the MyFSU portal, so perhaps this means funding decisions? "The Financial Aid Office is processing 2018/2019 awards. Please check back on February 8th after 8:00 am. You can still view your 2017/2018 awards in your student center."

Did anyone get a call from USF today? Funding isn't currently on the table, but I'm first on wait list. They've invited me for the preview weekend March 8-10.

I haven't heard back. To my knowledge, if you're offered an assistantship, the grad student union has some agreement for there to be a minimum of 14k for .5fte positions. I've also been told a number of current candidates are graduating in May, which will hopefully mean vacancies.

This has been the longest two weeks ever.

I'm not completely sure. Didn't want to pry too much about it when I called.

For those applying to Georgia State, per the AYS Graduate Admissions contact, they usually do decisions around mid-Feb. USF has indicated the first week of February. Florida seems to be in adcomm meeting season, based on the request for another version of my writing sample yesterday. I assume they're prepping files at this point. I have no idea about UMSL except that they do a preview weekend in March. For the shortest month, February is sure going to be marked by a whole lot of anxiety. I am not a fan.

One of our faculty members said an acceptance of 30 people isn't unheard of. FSU point of contact implied they have sent out around that many acceptances. Not sure how many have applied overall, though.

I did mention this in the SoP for all of the programs. I have a social support network in all but one of the cities, so that helps with childcare assistance, if needed. He's currently 8, so he's in school. I talked with one of my mentors from my undergrad/MSCJ program about this today. He did say that sometimes people get an advisor who is just a butthead all the time, and other times the advisor doesn't berate you, as long as the work is done. I've been very lucky to stay "in the room where it happens" here at my program by working as staff in the department during my time in the MS, and also since graduation--the access to insight and advice from my colleagues has been invaluable. I am nervous about leaving the nest here, so to speak.