gradstudent84

I actually entertained the thought of doing that for myself, but decided against it because it seemed like a bit of a selfish idea and also because I invested so much money already in the application process and housing deposit. I can understand WHY people would do it; some grad programs notify extremely late compared to others and financial information doesn't come in until even later, and tuition money can create stressful situations. Nevertheless, I still think it's unfair when so many people are still anxious about getting in

That sucks. I'm sorry that happened. I'm having a meeting with an advisor soon and I'm really hoping that ALL of my prereqs transfer over...if not I will be very, VERY disappointed for what I am going through right now

This is sort of off topic, but I really needed to vent about this..I welcome any advice also. I was planning on posting this on fbook but I know that I won't be taken seriously as there are many dumb people on that site who won't take things seriously these days, so gradcafe was the next option. I'm finishing up some prerequisite courses before graduate school in the fall and I'm really struggling with motivation. It is getting increasingly difficult for me to stay focused on my classes and I keep procrastinating. It's completely different from how I was eight months ago, by the way. I can't help it. I'm telling myself that I need to work hard for the next seven weeks to maintain a B average at least but it's one thing to tell yourself that, and another to stay consistent with that mentality. Is anyone else going through this? The classes are ridiculous. These include a neuro class, a research class, and a statistics class (for ASHA requirement). Save for one teacher, all of my other instructors are not very approachable so that doesn't really help visiting them during office hours. Oh, and there are tons of homework assignments, quizzes, and midterms to study for.

I've noticed that state schools drag their feet when it comes to decisions. I am thinking that, as California state schools (with low budgets and all that) they are less organized and have less staff to sort through the paperwork. I am currently finishing up postbacc courses at a state school and also a first hand witness to how disorganized the system is. I could be totally wrong and if I am, please feel free to enlighten me. I have yet to hear from CSU East Bay and frankly I've lost my patience so now I am no longer expecting an answer. The lady I have spoken to has been very polite and professional, but I'm done waiting. I've been waiting for the past year and I'm just over it.

Thank you gretel and Kaitlin. I am really hoping things will run smoothly. The move itself will be overwhelming and I want to spare myself the stress of searching for a place to live. I called the housing office a couple times about my status change but I decided to just wait and see how things play out. For now I want to enjoy the "honeymoon" stage prior to starting Fall classes

The only thing I'm personally worried about is not knowing where to live. I will be relocating to New York City from the west coast and I really would like to live on campus, but space is limited for graduate students and I can't access the housing application yet due to my status as an "applicant" and not "current student" yet. I'm really hoping everything works out. I've never really been to the city (except for my interview) so everything there is completely new to me.

This post made me laugh. Almost sounds like you're losing it and I totally understand where you're coming from.

I too felt at times that applicants were treated quite disrespectfully. I think the administrative assistants (and even some instructors) forget the fact that WE are the ones paying the money, putting in the time, effort, and dedication JUST to be considered, and putting our sanity on the line. We are the ones putting ourselves under the microscope to get picked apart and judged. It baffles me even more when our fellow applicants respond to acceptances with bitterness when we have all been through the same thing and gone through the same anxieties. I admit I felt a pang of envy when I saw that there were many, MANY acceptances on the gradcafe results page before I got my acceptances, which is why I largely AVOIDED gradcafe and fought the urge to check it from time to time. So it's better just to let things alone and wait, without getting ideas and making ourselves more nervous by checking gradcafe. Personally, it didn't help me at all.

Unfortunately most (if not all) state schools really do judge based solely on GPA and GRE. It's completely unfair, but I've had letter writers warn me that LORs don't count for much, as many would not even consider reading them if GPA was subpar. I don't believe this to be true. I've also had some professors tell me I have absolutely no chance of getting in at a state school, not even some well known private schools. One instructor told me I should wait until the next year to apply, as she believed I wouldn't be in competition with stellar GPAs. I've had many naysayers have very little faith in me and I am happy not only because I got into a couple of my top choice schools, but also because I proved a lot of people wrong with my hard work. Anyone who has something negative to say to me (IF there are any negative words at all) will fall on deaf ears because I proved to myself, friends, and family that I AM capable of going this far, and I WILL continue to succeed.

So it seems like a lot of people are attending graduate programs out of state. What are the processes for obtaining different state licenses (For example, if I am to go to school in New York, how can I get a license to work in California)? Are there additional requirements that need to be completed depending on which state license you want?

Is anyone else overwhelmed by the cost of tuition/housing/books/transportation etc. per year at the graduate programs? I'm referring specifically to people who will take out loans to fund the education. For those of you receiving some sort of "free" grants, good for you, but I'm not talking about you guys. Hahaha. Oh, and if this is anyone's second master's degree, I would LOVE to hear from you on how you're dealing with this. But back to my question, do you believe this is all worth it? It's a huge investment to my future but the cost is so high.

Does anyone know if the NYU MS program for Comm Sciences/Disorders offers credentials that will allow SLPs to work in schools as well? My advisor at my current school where I'm completing postbacc courses told me that I should make sure that I will receive my credentials as wellas my licensure, degree, and CCCs Thanks!

RIght? My poor family were first hand witnesses to my anxious state. My worst fear was having to go through this again if I didn't get in somewhere. Out of more than ten programs I applied to, I got into two. The last several weeks I either lost sleep or went to sleep early. I'm especially thankful that it is over, but I wish I had more faith in myself and my abilities

I'm just so relieved that this whole process is over. It has been a very jarring experience. I underestimated the level of competitiveness for this field.

Thank you! But I don't think I can make it since I will be out of town that weekend. So bummed... But on a more random note, do you (or anyone else) know how many people applied to Syracuse and NYU? I'm really curious.