chickenist

Thank you for this thread! I hope everyone tries to find some way to destress during this difficult situation. I am so, so frustrated. The US embassy in my country has suspended visa applications, and I'm not sure how I'll get to graduate school by August with this coronavirus situation. I can imagine so many barriers on top of my family: acquiring a visa, quarantine, healthcare, etc. I just don't know what to do, and I feel so helpless.

Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for your helpful response, especially given we're in the same situation! I don't have any criminal or even any record, so there should be almost nothing to worry about, I'm guessing? Again, thank you!

I received an offer letter that said "you have been awarded a graduate teaching assistantship ... pending an acceptable background check," and I would like to ask what that would entail of, particularly for an international student if the case is different for non-American students. Would a background check be checking of criminal and disciplinary records, as well as employment fact-checking? Thank you!

Thanks so much for your helpful reply! "Greetings Ms. X," sounds more adult, so I'll borrow that. Again, thanks!

I received an acceptance from my top choice and was wondering how I should address the admissions officer and reply. Would "Dear Ms. x," be all right? The officer does not seem to have a PhD, so I don't think I could use Dr. How should one respond?

I just finished an interview with the director of my top choice program, and I have said that I would email the director my certificate of achievement and final transcript. I recently took the TOEFL and received a higher score from before. Would it be all right to send it in the email as well (I want a better chance of being awarded a GTA)?

I just finished an interview with the director of my top choice program, and I have said that I would email the director my certificate of achievement and final transcript. I recently took the TOEFL and received a higher score from before. Would it be all right to send it in the email as well (I want a better chance of being awarded a GTA)? Thanks!