tinymica

Yes, I thought I smelled something fishy but I'm not well versed on these topics so I wanted some outside perspectives! Thank you so much for your response. This is a mark against them in my book...

Hi, since we're all here discussing the benefits of unions, I have a question! I've been informed that UW has a very good union (yay), but I found out that BU doesn't recognize the grad student union at all. They say that students don't need a union because the university collaborates with something called the Graduate and Professional Leadership Council, which they claim has a more direct line of communication with the admin than a student union would. I don't really....know what this means and I'm unsure that this council is better than a union. Any thoughts? (Note that I will also be asking BU grad students about this.)

Thank you so much for your kind response! I really appreciate it. It's such a comfort to have your (and everyone's) insights

Yes, I totally lean one way over the other! I don't mean to inconvenience anyone on either program's waitlist by dragging things out, but I'm still waiting on more info so I can make the most educated decision. I'm ready to free up some of my brain's real estate and focus on other things!

On a happier note, yesterday I made these cookies (with a few adjustments) and they came out awesome. (This is a big accomplishment for a person who's usually an awful baker.)

I keep going around in circles about my decision. I feel like I know what I want to do, but I'm too nervous to commit right now. I keep worrying that I'll make the wrong decision and hate it! But while one program might be objectively "better" than the other (smaller cohort, slightly more resources), I don't feel...excited to go there. It's weird because I've not laid eyes on either city/campus. I hate that I have to make this decision blindly!

Got an email from BU's graduate school telling me they're moving visits online (duh) and to contact individual programs if they haven't reached out already. Um, I did that. It sort of annoys me that I'm being asked to reach out to them when the ball is in their court. I'm trying very hard to be understanding about the difficulties of the current situation, but it's...hard not to contrast this with UW's total 180 (in-person visit to zoom visit) in the span of literally 2 days.

What are everyone’s thoughts on cohort size? What do you prefer and why?

This knowledge is the beast behind my stress dreams

Oh another thought! if anyone else is working/studying/writing from home and is interested in co-working in some way or doing productivity check-ins, hit me up!

Hi just popping in to say that I am extremely worried about absolutely everything and I can't believe I thought things would be better after I heard back from all programs! The naiveté!! The ignorance!! Anyway, hope you're all well ❤️

Thank you, yes I will definitely be reflecting on what I've learned. I'm so sorry you're going through this right now; I don't mean to be insensitive to you by complaining. I hope good things come your way soon! Also, I know that this probably doesn't mean much coming from someone with offers, but being shut out doesn't mean you aren't deserving of getting into a program. It doesn't mean you aren't talented and intelligent and hard-working. And it doesn't mean that you won't be successful if you decide to try again another year. Be nice to yourself, my friend. I think you deserve some kindness.

Finally heard back from BU re: acquainting admits to the program (they’ll be trying to schedule online or phone chats with faculty). I’m relieved but wary about how that’ll go... I know it’s been said but I’m just really bummed I couldn’t visit either of the schools. I feel like it’s so important and it makes me very nervous to choose “blindly.”

This is about UC Davis right? I was waitlisted by them, too, and they notified me about that via email on 2/14. Must've been a gross oversight that they didn't reach out to you.

I know! I'm extremely grateful for them. I try to be super respectful of their time and let them know that they don't have to answer all my questions if they don't have time. It's just helpful if they do I also offer to buy them a coffee or something similar as thanks.

Shout out to all the grad students who have been graciously reading my essay-length emails and answering my 2000000 questions! (I have definitely thanked them profusely already but just saying.)

Just withdrew my name from the UC Davis waitlist. I hope my removal will benefit someone else who really wants to be there. I wasn't all that attached to Davis to begin with and I'm not keen to enter their program knowing how UC's treat their grad students.

That is horrible. I am so sorry they treated you that way; that's unacceptable. There is nothing wrong with asking questions, especially when you've been left in the dark. I don't appreciate their conduct at all. Please don't let them make you feel stupid.

Excuse me??? 24 HOURS? This is unconscionable and disgusting.

@gooniesneversaydie thanks for the update! They still haven’t gotten back to me with real answers, just forwarded my email to the relevant people. I’m very miffed about the way they’re treating admits and waiting applicants alike. I was trying to be understanding about the unprecedented circumstances, but every other university seems to be okay communicating with students! I agree with @Emailchecker; it’s tough not to lose some respect for them.

I’ve been thinking all weekend and I feel as though UW really is the place for me. I’m trying to hold off on my decision until I have all the information possible, but UW has made a real effort to welcome me even with the cancellation, without pressuring me to pick them. They’ve kept me in the loop and they’ve been honest about the ups and downs of their program. The more BU leaves me hanging, the less I want to go there. The only real attraction for me there would be the resources and non-service fellowships. But to be honest, I don’t feel like I have any connection to them. Nobody’s reached out at all or replied to my inquiries. It’s....a bad look.

Thank you!! This really does help and I appreciate it!

Congrats!!! You did it!

Reached out to BU yesterday looking for answers, but no reply yet. I know they must be going through it right now, but so is every other university, and it feels...kind of like they're ghosting me a little bit? Like, I don't expect anyone to roll out a red carpet for me, but I want to feel...wanted? Their silence is making UW look even better than it already does to me, but I feel like I can't turn my back on BU because they have more resources. Urg, decisions are hard. I know I need to wait until I have all the information possible, but it's tough not to feel swayed right now. And I don't even want to talk about UVA lol. Being on the waitlist has made something in my brain just decide I'm not getting out of purgatory, even though logically I know there is a slight chance. I just haven't done enough research on that yet and I don't want to put in that effort if I'm not getting in, but at the same time I need to know as much as I can just in case I have to make a snap decision. My brain feels fried.

Hey, I attended a virtual visit with UW. Happy to chat about that, feel free to PM me!