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MCC778

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  1. Like
    MCC778 reacted to AlmostThere! in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    Long time lurker here, but I'll be going to the University of Denver as well! Super excited, and hope to connect with other incoming folks to that program. If anyone has tips on living in Denver, I'm all ears - it's going to be a big transition for my partner, dog, and I. I'll be studying youth identity development/feelings of belonging, place-based resiliency factors amidst personal/community/intergenerational trauma, and the integration of arts-based and participatory methods in social science research. Also happy to connect with others doing any similar work given that we'll likely be running into one another at conferences, etc, for years to come.
     
    (also can't wait to meet in person @MCC778 ?)
  2. Like
    MCC778 reacted to thelifeinpink in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    I just selected WashU / Brown School! Nervous to leave my comfy town but so excited!
  3. Like
    MCC778 got a reaction from Adelaide9216 in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    Sarah McMahon does a lot of great work on campus sexual assault and bystander intervention, especially in designing evaluative studies but I don't know how relevant it is to your interest in the intersection of online feminist movements. I would definitely branch out of social work and look into sociology and information scientists. There are a lot of great scholars in those fields whose work is grounded in feminism and also explores sexual violence. I wouldn't rule out computer science either, as more scholars are embracing humanism in digital discourse. English and/or Professional and Technical Communication fields would also be a place to explore. I completed part of a masters in Professional and Technical Communication (before I decided I wanted to go back for my PhD in Social Work) and it was very much entwined with internet movements, communication means, and social injustices ('twas my focus; but also was not out of the ordinary). 
    Here's an interesting article from OpenGlobalRights about online feminist movements/digital (in)security along with its impact(s) on sexual violence (https://www.openglobalrights.org/embedding-digital-security-in-feminist-movement-building/). The author, Jennifer Radloff, does work with online feminist social change/movements. It's a good article to get an idea of the many intersecting fields of which you could pull from to learn more about scholars doing the kind of work you're planning to do.
     
  4. Upvote
    MCC778 reacted to ANDS! in How to phrase a declining letter?   
    More than overkill.
  5. Upvote
    MCC778 reacted to ANDS! in How to phrase a declining letter?   
    "Dear University,

    Thank you for the offer of admission, as well as seeing potential in my application. However I have decided to accept an offer of admission from Clown College.

    Thank you again."

    Bam. You aren't breaking up with super emo exes for goodness sake.
  6. Like
    MCC778 reacted to thelifeinpink in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    That’s incredible! Kim Bender is awesome, and if I don’t get to go there, they’re the sort of place I’d want to work at. I’ve collaborated with Sarah McMahon a bit already so I’m super excited to finally meet her in person. I’m really excited for you and your forthcoming work in the field! My former colleague Rachel Storm is studying RJ concepts connected with campus SA if you’d be interested in reaching out to her (she’s an EPOL PhD student at Illinois). Best wishes to you!
  7. Upvote
    MCC778 reacted to jblsmith in How to phrase a declining letter?   
    The same way the universities phrase their rejection letters: be vague, impersonal, and feign gratitude and respect.
  8. Upvote
    MCC778 reacted to socialpsych in How to phrase a declining letter?   
    As a current student who helped out with grad recruiting this year, I have gotten a few letters that have made me chuckle. Usually it's because the letter writer has unintentionally said something slightly presumptuous. For example, it is not necessary to go out of your way to reassure people that their program is a great one -- we are glad you liked it, but honestly as long as you're not coming it doesn't really matter to us whether you think we are "great." That is for the job market and our general reputation in the field to decide. Also, it is not necessary to imply that we might be upset or offended by your rejection. Of course we wish you had come, but it's not like we're going to take it personally, and it can almost sound like you're fishing for us to reinforce your sense of self-importance: "Indeed this is a dark day for our program! It troubles me deeply to know that YOU will not be coming!" (How else am I supposed to respond to that kind of comment? "Actually, it would have been great if you'd decided to come, but it's really not THAT important to us"?)

    I don't mean to poke fun. I'm sure I said some of these things myself last year. I know that these comments are completely well-intentioned, and that declining an offer can be a very emotional experience. However, it is just not as emotional to the programs whose offers you are declining (even if they are truly disappointed you won't be coming), so there's no need to write your letter as though it is. Just thought I would share my perspective, since clearly this is a hard thing to get right when you've only been on the applicant side.
  9. Like
    MCC778 reacted to Number4 in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    Writing this thank you note was almost as nerve-racking as the interview itself lol. But thank you ! 
  10. Upvote
    MCC778 reacted to Johnvcm in Importance of prestige for a masters with intent for a PhD   
    Thank you! This is great to hear. I actually spoke with someone in the program at the “lesser” of my options and he assured me that graduates of the MA haven’t been hurt getting into reputable, strong phd programs. And he did say because of the small size, if you work hard and make your intentions known there is ample opportunity to publish and for conferences etc. So my concerns about the lack of perceived prestige have been eased quite a bit. 
  11. Upvote
    MCC778 reacted to pyramidstuds in Importance of prestige for a masters with intent for a PhD   
    I admit I just scanned your post  but the title caught my eye (before I even realized you were in anthropology). I came to say that I got accepted to two PhD programs with a master's from a no-name tiny school, a master's that isn't even in anthropology (granted it's in an emerging niche of anthropology that falls under the umbrella and is highly specific to my research interest). I was a little concerned about a lack of prestige, but ultimately it didn't keep me from acceptances to R1 programs, with funding. What mattered (I assume) is that I wrote some good papers and honed my interest through my master's, proving myself a strong PhD candidate.
  12. Upvote
    MCC778 got a reaction from Johnvcm in Importance of prestige for a masters with intent for a PhD   
    It might be helpful to also think backwards in this situation as well since you have a strong preference for a specific city. First, many places do not want to hire their own PhD graduates; it is not very common to do so these days (especially at top tier universities) and if they do, you run a very real risk of "always being the student"--it can be hard for your mentors to just automatically start thinking of you as a colleague vs. student immediately and can strain your professional relationship. Second, unless you applied to an MS/PhD I also wouldn't feel tied to trying to attend the same university for both. If you want to be a professor, these days it actually looks good to see that you've spread your education across multiple institutions.
    Honestly, for your master's I would try to go to either a) the least expensive option or b) the one where people will actually let you publish with them (this is often mistaken for 'top name' places but don't bet on it---reach out to students or if you look at their PhD candidate profiles and there's not a ton of publications they've worked on since being there be wary of the ease of opportunity). If you're super self-motivated and good at seeking out opportunities, sometimes smaller, less known schools can be the best bang for your buck because you'll stand out significantly, and you will have a lot less competition for limited resources/opportunities ("the extras") that you will need for a really good PhD application. There's a lot to factor in, but where you go to school for your MS will not dictate where you get into for your PhD as much as where you go for your PhD will dictate the job opportunities in academia. Hope that helps a little!
  13. Upvote
    MCC778 reacted to paraent in What is the average salary of a phd student   
    Found some data on stipend sizes: http://www.phdstipends.com/results?fbclid=IwAR1nxViF_Ko9a_780FvnTNJh7_FoEXPKqon-wYngEmsLqV6cBzYFNEkCdM4
  14. Upvote
    MCC778 got a reaction from magnetite in Should I contact programs I haven't heard from?   
    If you have received offers from other universities, it is completely acceptable to reach out and check the status of your application. I had to do something similar for one of the programs I applied to; I emailed to let them know that I have received offers from other programs and that I would like to check the status of my application so that I am able to get back to each program at a reasonable time. I got a response pretty quickly that they were still reviewing and it was going to take a while but that they would make sure to get back to me ASAP so that I have time to consider all of my options. They sent me my status 2 days later. So, I think the worse they can tell you is that is going to take a while, but I think it makes a big difference when you ask with a purpose (you've received offers and need to decide) vs. pure curiosity. 
  15. Like
    MCC778 reacted to QueMono in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    Touche' my friend. Touche'. Here's to a successful last inning comeback for me. Congratulations to you.
  16. Like
    MCC778 reacted to royerful0 in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    Hey QueMono:
     
    When you still have the hope, there will be the hope. Hang on there. I believe you can success !
     
  17. Like
    MCC778 got a reaction from Number4 in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    I always send a follow-up thank you email after an interview. Usually something along the lines of:
    "Dear X,   I appreciated the opportunity I had to interview with you last week. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing the emphasis on the collaborative learning and teaching environment [program name] has cultivated, as well as the program's commitment to social justice informed research.  Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the next step in the application process. 
    Best,"
    Short, sweet, and to the point. Anecdotally, I've always received a warm response back. 
  18. Upvote
    MCC778 got a reaction from briefinterviews in Negotiating Scholarships   
    Hey! I'm am currently in negotiations with PhD programs for funding and here's what I've learned so far (hopefully to hear more following calls I have scheduled next week):
    1) As long as you ask kindly, and truthfully, it cant hurt to try. The worst they can say is no.
    2) That being said, it is MOST helpful and in your best interest for success, to already have multiple offers. This way you can let them know that you've received better offers and if they have opportunities for additional funding (such as fellowships they can off on top of GRA or TA stipends) it would help you in your decision-making. I like to also let them know that I am grateful for the offer either way. Self-advocacy with kindness and gratitude can go a long way!
    3) The more details you can give them the more helpful. For example if they offered you 15,000 and another school offered you 20,000, let them know. Most programs want to be competitive and if they hear--especially from several of their candidates--that people want to attend their school but their funding isn't on par with others then they will relay this information to Dean's and departmental funding to advocate for more funding for students.
    3) Make sure you're reaching out to the right people, if you're not sure contact financial aid, departmental funding, or program coordinators so that you don't send emails about funding to people, especially faculty, who may have no say in the matter. 
    4) Some schools just can not offer additional funds, especially those that may provide all students with similar packages. It doesn't hurt to ask if they can provide additional guidance about where else, or who else, you may be able to contact about other opportunities. 
    Hope that helps some and good luck!
  19. Like
    MCC778 got a reaction from lsg0629 in Negotiating Scholarships   
    Hey! I'm am currently in negotiations with PhD programs for funding and here's what I've learned so far (hopefully to hear more following calls I have scheduled next week):
    1) As long as you ask kindly, and truthfully, it cant hurt to try. The worst they can say is no.
    2) That being said, it is MOST helpful and in your best interest for success, to already have multiple offers. This way you can let them know that you've received better offers and if they have opportunities for additional funding (such as fellowships they can off on top of GRA or TA stipends) it would help you in your decision-making. I like to also let them know that I am grateful for the offer either way. Self-advocacy with kindness and gratitude can go a long way!
    3) The more details you can give them the more helpful. For example if they offered you 15,000 and another school offered you 20,000, let them know. Most programs want to be competitive and if they hear--especially from several of their candidates--that people want to attend their school but their funding isn't on par with others then they will relay this information to Dean's and departmental funding to advocate for more funding for students.
    3) Make sure you're reaching out to the right people, if you're not sure contact financial aid, departmental funding, or program coordinators so that you don't send emails about funding to people, especially faculty, who may have no say in the matter. 
    4) Some schools just can not offer additional funds, especially those that may provide all students with similar packages. It doesn't hurt to ask if they can provide additional guidance about where else, or who else, you may be able to contact about other opportunities. 
    Hope that helps some and good luck!
  20. Like
    MCC778 reacted to hungrygrad in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    I got into UC Berkeley! Anybody else hear back from them?
  21. Like
    MCC778 got a reaction from Adelaide9216 in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    Got a call from Michigan State today that I've been accepted for admission! Great way to start a weekend! 
  22. Like
    MCC778 got a reaction from Number4 in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    Got a call from Michigan State today that I've been accepted for admission! Great way to start a weekend! 
  23. Like
    MCC778 got a reaction from Leah4281 in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    Great to see a thread for this year! I've applied to University of Denver (DU), Michigan State University (MSU), and University of Maryland-Baltimore (UMB), but haven't really seen many others who've applied to those schools or with updated information. 
    At this point, I've had a zoom interview with the PhD Committee (well, half of them; they recorded the interview and plan to play it for the rest of the committee) at DU. When I spoke to the program coordinator at UMB, she told me I would probably hear back around the end of February and to reach out around that time if I have not. I've been in frequent contact with professors, deans for doctoral education, and current PhD students at both DU and UMB over the past 6ish months. Haven't heard anything from MSU yet, but seems like it might be around mid-Feb. before I really hear any decisions. 
    Anyone else heard back from any of these schools by chance? Also, GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!
  24. Like
    MCC778 reacted to Bso415 in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    I applied to MSU. I saw someone was accepted in January. I applied to OSU, MSU, Wisconsin, Loyola, U of I- champagne/urbana, and Mizzou.
  25. Like
    MCC778 got a reaction from Bso415 in Fall 2019 Phd Social Work /Welfare   
    Great to see a thread for this year! I've applied to University of Denver (DU), Michigan State University (MSU), and University of Maryland-Baltimore (UMB), but haven't really seen many others who've applied to those schools or with updated information. 
    At this point, I've had a zoom interview with the PhD Committee (well, half of them; they recorded the interview and plan to play it for the rest of the committee) at DU. When I spoke to the program coordinator at UMB, she told me I would probably hear back around the end of February and to reach out around that time if I have not. I've been in frequent contact with professors, deans for doctoral education, and current PhD students at both DU and UMB over the past 6ish months. Haven't heard anything from MSU yet, but seems like it might be around mid-Feb. before I really hear any decisions. 
    Anyone else heard back from any of these schools by chance? Also, GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!
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