snappysorbet

I also want to add that you'll want a pair of boots for those winter months, and I'd recommend something more substantial than Uggs. You want something that will keep you warm but also survive getting wet and trudging through sand, salt, sludge, and everything else that comes along with snow, think North Face or LLBean or something similar. Splurge a little and you'll get a pair that will last you for multiple winters, and those transitions in between seasons, too.

I've just found this thread, and it's awesome! Nice work, ladies. GardeningGrad, and anyone else, I'm hoping I can get some advice: I've spent the last 6 years in Boston, and I'm heading to Florida this summer to start my PhD. This whole sunshine/warm weather thing is COMPLETELY foreign to me... any suggestions on dressing for the heat and still looking professional?

Just turned down a fully funded Rhet/Comp PhD spot at UNC-Greensboro.

Hey SwimmingInRhet, I've decided to attend USF in the fall, and I wanted to touch base and see if you've heard from them about funding. Maybe we'll both end up there!

I'll be starting my PhD in Rhetoric & Composition at USF in the fall, and I'd love to compare notes with anybody else who is headed to Tampa!

I'll be declining, and letting them know in the next couple of days. Good luck!

I have no idea whether all accepted students have been notified, but I would assume so. And yes, they've changed their curriculum recently, I think within the last year or so. If I get any more info I will pass it along!

Thanks for your response, michpc! I definitely like the idea of taking advantage of the drive as a roadtrip. I don't particularly want to drive one of those big UHaul or Penske trucks, although I'll do if if the price is right. What kinds of things have you heard about PODS? I don't know anybody who has used them, but I checked out their website and it looks like it would be easy enough to do if planned right.

I've declined UW-Milwaukee, but it's unfunded, so I don't know how much help that will be to anybody waiting to hear from them.

That was me! Joyce Neff sent me an email about an hour ago. Alas, no funding for the first year, although in the email she says it is likely there will be funding for the second and third years. Thanks for the congrats!

Hi folks! So, I've basically committed to a grad program in Tampa (just have to send in the paperwork) and I'm now starting to think about the logistics. My BF and I are currently in Boston, and so far we're thinking we'll move in July, but the question remains: how? I've been thinking about different options: PODs, UHaul, paying a moving company, shipping my car vs. driving south, etc. Anyone have any advice or experience with this type of a move, and what would be the best way to do it and still remain sane? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Agreed.

I have already declined NC State CRDM (unfunded) and Ohio University Rhet/Comp (funded), both PhD programs, and will obviously be turning down a few others in the next couple of weeks. I'm happy to post my progress here for anybody interested. Good luck to all!

I want to let folks here know that I just declined my offer to Ohio U. I'm Rhet/Comp PhD, not Creative Writing, but hopefully this has opened up a spot for somebody on the waitlist. Good luck, everybody!

I think it's only for people who received offers with funding. That's the impression I got when I emailed the program director.

How did you find out? Did you get in touch with them?

I'm GLAD you guys all have different perspectives... that's *exactly* what I was hoping for, so I can use your input to really think critically about what I want, and what program will provide that. And this is why I love this site.

Boo. I'm sorry to hear that, SwimmingInRhet... I will keep my fingers crossed for you! There's still hope!

Hi rhet/comp friends! Here's a general question I'd like to get your feedback on. What is your sense of the differences between a "PhD in English with a concentration in Rhet/Comp" and a straight-up "PhD in Rhet/Comp"? Obviously this depends very much on individual programs, my areas of interest, faculty, etc, but I'd love to get your input on the general differences you've noticed between these types of programs, and especially the ways that potential job placement (always in the back of my mind) might change depending on which degree I will ultimately have. Basically, I have a decision to make, and I want to get as much input as possible from people with different perspectives and experiences, so any help would be appreciated!

That's true, I did! Thank you!

I didn't get funding either, and like you, it's made my decision easier. Bummer, but oh well. Congrats to everybody who got good news!

Given the situation there, I'm concerned as well, and in all my mad googling and gradcafe searching I actually saw that same comment about funding and April. I know a few people who earned their PhDs at UWM, one from the English dept, the other in Education, I believe, so I'm going to be getting their thoughts on the situation up there and try to piece together some understanding of how it will effect (affect? I can never remember) us. But to answer your original questions: no, I haven't heard anything about funding. I'll spread the news as soon as I know anything about anything.

I'm really hoping to get some good news about funding from Milwaukee; I like the program a lot. But I'm still confused about the whole PAWS thing... how to you get there?

I was recently accepted to UW-Milwaukee, so anything anybody could tell me about living in Milwaukee would be *really* helpful! I've spent the last six years in Boston... anybody know how the winters in Boston compare to those in Milwaukee? My bf and I are really into good food, music, beer, and low-key living, so it sounds like Milwaukee might be our kind of town. What's the cost of living like?

(Bump!) Anybody know anything about funding for UW-Milwaukee? I haven't heard anything yet...