XOwlfan

I think you should visit! I've found that the atmosphere really varies between programs and schools. I've interviewed at an Ivy where I was accepted for a master's program--between the interviews and meeting with current students, I felt like I would have a difficult time finding peers. People were quite "standoff-ish." I'm currently in a master's program at an almost-Ivy and feel so at home with the student body--an extremely friendly, highly academic environment. My family was shocked that I turned down an Ivy for my current program, but it was definitely the right decision for me. However, I've met others who attended the program I turned down and loved it. Ultimately, it's important that you find your own personal fit. Congrats on the interview!!!!!!!

I feel relieved reading the responses to this thread--I'm so glad I'm not the only one with regrets! I definitely wish I would have applied to more schools. And I wish I would have applied sooner, had more people read my SOP, and put more time into fine-tuning my writing sample. Then again, it's probably the kind of process that never really feels done until decisions come back (and often not even then).

Hi, fellow com-friends! Do any of you know which schools bring applicants in for in-person interviews? A colleague of mine at USC said that Annenberg doesn't (but they do bring accepted prospective students in for a recruitment weekend.) I know that Northwestern conducts in-person interviews. Any others? Wisconsin?

I'm completing my second master's degree (and waiting to hear back about doctoral program applications). I also have a six-year-old and a four-year-old. I've only known grad school as a mother---because I haven't had the experience without children, it's a bit difficult to imagine otherwise. Financially, I would never be able to pull it off if my husband didn't work three jobs like he does. He's entirely supportive, but we both often feel a bit burnt out. We aren't near family, however we have found a wonderful community of friends that have become more supportive of us than any of our families would be if they were nearby. Daycare is a major issue--during my first master's degree, I absolutely could not get a spot for our daughter anywhere--not full time or part-time. We were on a waiting list for two years--and when she finally turned 3, we had options. Because of the childcare issue, I had to pursue my first program part-time and missed out on a lot of opportunities. Your location and the program you are in can make all the difference. The director of my first program was in no way supportive of student parents--however, my current program is incredibly wonderful and understanding. While that was frustrating, I did notice a difference between myself and my colleagues in school. The academic pressure did not affect me as intensely--when it came down to the end of the day, I was responsible for keeping two little people alive....the deadlines, the politics, etc. were just not as important. Regarding university daycares--many of them are used as research labs for the university. When they are, they are careful to encourage a student body that is diverse (financially and culturally)--not all graduate students can automatically enroll their children. They often use an application process to determine which children will be invited to attend the university daycare program. That being said, there are numerous "families" in graduate school--and they all find a way to make it work. =)

I grew up in Orlando but moved away in 2002 . UCF is far enough away from Disney and the theme parks that you won't have to worry about the tourists. Unfortunately, I don't really know much about housing around the university. When I lived there, the housing around UCF was cheaper than the rest of Orlando though! Orlando is quite diverse in terms of what to expect--each little section has it's own feel/atmosphere. How much commuting are you up for?

If you'd like to work in politics/lobbying, the MPhil may be a better idea. I noticed that you listed an MDiv as your masters--an MPhil may grant you some credibility in non-religious sectors. My husband as a degree in theology and it hasn't always worked in his favor when it came to getting a job. Also, depending on where your MPhil program is, you may develop an important community of contacts. In politics, "who" you know can be more important than what your credentials are.

I don't know much about software engineering. However, I would look to apply to masters programs rather than doctoral programs. You may want to consider masters programs at a universities that have a phd program you'd like to pursue. Most programs allow current masters students to transition into their doctoral programs quite seamlessly. Also, current masters students tend to be given preference during the doctoral application process because the faculty members already know them and have been investing in them. If funding is an issue, you may want to apply to programs that cater to masters students and don't actually have a doctoral program--programs that house doctoral students may not tend to fund masters students, unlike programs that cater specifically to masters students.

I don't know much about engineering programs, but the schools you mentioned definitely look favorably on international applications. Look at faculty members in each department and contact the ones who you would most like to work with--ask them about their current work and question about what opportunities might be available for new students (in regards to working with them). You may be able to find someone who will go out of their way to advocate for your application (and funding)! Good luck!

Definitely not crazy--and thinking through things as thoroughly as you are can only be a good thing. Here are some thoughts: 1. Because you don't have very specific "research" goals in mind, look for masters programs that are broad and will allow you to explore your interests. If an MFA is a goal....perhaps look at general MAs in Literature first....or combination programs that allow you to pursue MAs and MFAs at the same time. 2. For better chances at getting a funded program, look for smaller universities (in out of the way places) that cater to masters students (not doctoral students). Straight out of her undergraduate program, my friend landed a full-ride and stipend at Northern Michigan University (English)--she loved it there...went on to Notre Dame (free) for her MFA, has travelled the world teaching English and working, and is now finishing up her doctorate somewhere quite competitive. At the time, she had also been accepted to more competitive masters programs, but she followed the money and has been very successful. 3. For better chances of getting funding, apply to programs that will really appreciate YOUR history, accomplishments, etc. Graduate programs consider students to be resources. Just a few thoughts for now. Good luck!

I'm in my early thirties in a social science graduate program--also a mom of two little ones. I was really surprised to find that I was one of the older students in the program. I think "where" you go can have a huge impact on the type of people you will be with. My program is at a very selective school--which allows for an incredible population of intelligent, ambitious students. My peers are really wonderful to be around and very excepting of me--granted, our social time is spent quite differently. I'd rather be home with netflix than out at a concert or drinking at a party. But I definitely feel like I have friends where I am. I think the most important thing is determining who you want to work with at a faculty level. As an "older" student, I find that certain faculty personalities just don't work with all students the same way. A good number of faculty members can have control issues and really expect their students to "bow" to them--and as a mother of two and coming out of a career, I found it difficult to be pushed around. Thankfully, I've found another advisor who is much more collaborative and really appreciates more independent students. I would contact advisees and be frank about your curiosity--many may be afraid to be too honest out of fear of having their cover blown.

Hi! I've applied to work with Stacy Smith and Sheila Murphy. =) And you? I love USC (for location and such...but Northwestern and JHU are more relevant to my specific research interests). Good luck with the application process! It's great to find a little community of people in the same process.

Hi, everyone. New here to the forum. =) I've applied to phd programs at: Northwestern USC Wisconsin Johns Hopkins (Health, Behavior, and Society) Tufts (child development) my research area is children's media and health