aalena75

I'm confused by how arbitrary this process feels--as in, what dictates getting into some amazing schools and not others? After my HDS rejection, I was sure YDS wouldn't want me, either. All said, I'm so grateful. I'm waiting for the aid offer still, but I really think I might be YDS-bound. I feel so honored and excited right now.

Do you know where you might accept at?

YDS decisions up!!! I got in!!!

Anyone else feeling very anxious this morning?

Nah, you deserve it. Be honored, not confused!

Congrats @camelears!

I mean, they never interviewed me so I knew I wasn't getting into HDS. I'm definitely still leaning VDS but waiting for YDS decisions tomorrow before accepting at VDS!

HDS decisions up.

This is good info, thanks! I'm really looking for a single apartment this first year just to help with my cat's adjusting. She really is quite sensitive and I think the move will be hard enough on her as is (it took her months to get used to the sounds from outside my current apartment!) I'm sure I'll find something. I'll probably roommate search for the following year, but not this one.

I thought it was more to form a community, and I know you share meals. I thought initially you would share a room with someone but that YouTube tour video really made it seem like someone was living on his own (in fact, using they used those exact words to describe him: living on his own for the first time). But most likely it won't work for me if the rooms aren't separate because again, cat. I'm looking at some other housing options.

Good to know. I may reach out and ask because it sounds like a great experience, but I also have to keep #1 baby in mind. She's spoiled and she knows it but also she really is quite sensitive. I only got her in October and she's just now starting to come out when I have guests over.

Hello, Question about Friendship House. Did any residents live in separate, one-person apartments? I watched a YouTube video where a Nashville resident with IDD gave a tour of what seemed like his apartment (I couldn't see another bedroom). I only ask because I have a cat and so I would prefer to live alone. She's very sensitive to new people and the big move will already be hard enough on her.

No. I tried to attend one for HDS last minute but the registration had passed (originally I had class but tried to stay home for it). I guess it didn't change DDS or VDS decisions. Again, I feel I've done all I can given the circumstances, so I think it probably won't play into the decision. I may have had some email correspondence with them early on. I can't really remember.

YDS states in their timeline on their website that decisions are March 15th. I don't know, if paying for the application fee and working really hard on the application (I worked hardest on DDS and YDS as they were originally my top choices) doesn't show interest, there's really not much more I can do. I've had a semester from hell (working part-time with 17 semester hours) and am also working through some health issues which really has left no extra time or energy for me. At least the health stuff is improving now, but I really think I've done all I could've possibly done.

I don't know if this is much of an excuse, but actually I didn't know they were having meetings? Like, I never got any emails about them? I got emails from other places and the sessions would be at like 2:00pm my time which is horrible because I'm literally in class at those times. But I never got anything from YDS.

Okay, yeah. I reread the website and it said interactions are taken into account (if applicable) so I think the if applicable means I'm okay. Does anybody think getting into YDS would change the school they are favoring right now? My plan is to pick between DDS and VDS by March 15th (YDS decisions date) so that if I don't get in, I know where to accept/start looking for housing, and if I do get in, I at least have things narrowed down. I'm meeting Thursday with someone who went to VDS and they also have an online info session. I hope DDS does something virtual, unfortunately their in-person day does not fall during my spring break, so I can't go.

What if I haven't interacted with YDS at all though...? I haven't been able to attend anything; I'm a full-time student right now.

What do you mean "that counts"?

YDS doesn't have required interviews.

Housing in both Durham and Nashville is no joke. Holy hell it's expensive.

I was also offered 80%. I don't personally agree with no grad school loans thing, but like you said, every situation is different. I intend to take out loans if the school gives me a good shot at a top PhD program because that is my only path to a job. Obviously, I wouldn't take out an absurd amount of loans, but 80% tuition is a very good offer.

I felt this. It all feels so impossible. I am also waiting on HDS and YDS, but mostly only YDS at this point since HDS never interviewed me.

True. Anyways, beyond grateful right now! It seems very hard to choose between Vanderbilt and Duke. If I were to follow the money I would have to pick Vanderbilt, but there are a lot of pros with Duke, like working with my favorite scholar who teaches there. Decisions! What are you all thinking about now?

Okay, so I just called and was put through to the Dean. After describing what my letter said/expressing a bit of confusion, she told me that she must have accidentally left a paragraph out. I have actually been awarded a Merit Scholarship as well, so I'm excited about that! I felt kind of bad for calling, I know it's probably a busy day. But everything worked out!

Hmm. I'm still very confused. It really feels like they're saying I have an offer, but it isn't stated anywhere.