YA_RLY

Aww. Yeah, I'm most definitely not there yet!

Hey cquin, sorry you feel discouraged. About the terminal MA program, I would get feedback from several different trusted others in your field - and then weigh it all out and see what feels right to you. That's what I did when I was trying to decide whether to apply to Masters programs in addition to PhDs. My field is psych, not English, but FWIW I'll share the feedback I got. Basically, several graduate students recommended it because they felt it game them a better sense of what they wanted to do - made them more prepared for their PhD programs and also felt it made them more competitive applicants. When I talked to one of my faculty mentors about it, she felt that since I ultimately want a PhD, applying to Masters was a waste. She said she felt that having a Masters did not significantly increase one's competitiveness, based on her experience on graduate admissions boards. Also, I learned that (at least for the programs I'm interested in) most units would not cross over...I wouldn't get to start part way through because I had a Masters. I wasn't previously aware of that. In the end, I decided I didn't want to do a Masters program because I felt it wasn't the best fit for me. I don't want to dissuade you from the offer; just sharing my experience. I know some people who had excellent experiences in Masters programs and are very happy they earned a Masters prior to starting their PhDs. That's what it comes down to - doing what you really want. Maybe after you talk to some mentors in your field you can get a better sense of things. I've also found that making a cost/benefit analysis can be very helpful - basically just listing all the pros and cons to each option. Waiting it out can definitely be its own downer. Even if you are not admitted this year, I hope your self-esteem and mood go back to feeling good soon. I think and HOPE that once the whole admissions process is over for everyone, our anxiety levels will go down and we can finally get some peace of mind. And of course, I hope that you are not rejected across the board.

Anyone else accepted to and/or planning on attending UCR this Fall?

Hi tolstoy, thanks for sharing this! We had a German Shepherd/Border Collie mix, Koko. She looked a lot like your Danny. Koko frequently "ra roo-ed" (we called it that because it sounded more like talking than the usual bark). Just curious, does Danny do that too? I saw Koko's likeness in Danny. I'm sure Danny is a good boy, and I hope he gives you many more years of "puppy love!"

This is my golden boy, Mr. Bear. He loves people...and who could resist a smile like that?

I like your question/think it is a good one. Maybe if you post this in the Lobby or another place where a lot of different people will see it, you will spark a more thorough discussion.

LOL! Congrats!

I remember it was about 9am and I was brushing my teeth. I heard a "bing" from Outlook - new email. I rushed back to my computer, toothbrush in mouth. Before the popup window completely faded, I made out part of the email address...something about grad admissions. I felt my heart pounding as I opened the email. The first thing I read: "Congratulations." I ran to the front yard to tell my mom the good news. I ran past the landscaper, who gave me a funny look. Toothpaste was foaming around my mouth. In the excitement of it all, it never occurred to me to set the toothbrush down - or even take it out of my mouth! I approached my mom, who just so happened to be standing on the front lawn with a neighbor, talking about landscaping stuff. My mom spotted me, smiled, and said, "Nice look! What's up?" I said "I got in!" but it came out more like "uh buh gih" - like dental patient gibberish! While she said, "I'm not sure what you're saying," I swallowed and then exclaim "I GOT IN!" And even though I looked super funky and the neighbor lady had no idea what was going on, my mom started screaming "Whoo hoo!" and jumping up and down SO enthusiastically. You would have thought she'd won the lottery. Her reaction to the good news was almost as good as being accepted in the first place. Thanks, mom!

If you have been blessed/had the good fortune of being accepted somewhere, please tell us what you were doing when you first found out the good news...and what you did RIGHT AFTER. (I have seen some people share this info randomly, but thought it would be fun to have it together in one place.)

That does sound funny! I never come across any results posts like that! Can someone give me some search terms that will result in All My Children hilarity?

Rejection letters have a reputation for being long and talking about how sad and hard it was to reject us. Acceptance letters are more like a brief: "Whoo hoo!" Consequently, I propose a switch! Rejection letters can stick with a simple: "Sorry, you didn't get in this year." Instead, spend the extra text on letters of acceptance- that go on and on to mention the positives of us and our applications.