MoJingly

So ground breaking that I'm surprised it isn't better-known: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1311997/pdf/jaba00061-0143a.pdf

I am currently in the process of closing, and I will be starting my program mid-summer. I found a little 700 sq/ft cottage that is perfect for me. I'm looking forward to living alone and having my own space. This being said, there are a lot of headaches that come with buying a home, and it's quite stressful. So far, though, I think it is going to be a good move. Once I close and get adjusted, I'll be in a better position to give advice! I thought about holding off until my second year, but the timing worked out well. In the housing market, you have to keep your eyes open and pounce once you find the right opportunity. It just so happened that the right opportunity came RIGHT AFTER I decided to go to grad school here. I already know the neighborhood and am really happy about the place I found. It needs some work, but so does every other place built in 1945. Since I'm buying now instead of after a few years of grad school, I have more time to fix it up and pay into my mortgage before I go to sell. There's a LOT to think about before buying a house! I'm a single 23 year old female, and this has been a lot to handle. BUT it's going to be a good move in the end, or else I wouldn't have even thought about it.

What a horrible time for a graduate admissions coordinator to be on vacation! That's like the Easter bunny taking a vacation on Easter. Dude, it's your SEASON.

Totally. I'm female, but I act in a way that I seem flirtatious to lots of men. I've had to go back and explain myself sometimes. It's just that I'm happy and like everybody Ha. In a way, I disagree. I think women are more confusing. I've always thought that if you don't understand men, you are thinking too hard. But in general, I agree with all that's been said in this thread.

It's a great school, but these are questions that are specific to your program. You might want to direct them to the admissions office and current students.

This. I'm not kidding when I say I spent 6 months on mine. And it changed MANY times. At the end, it was worth it.

I hear this is the sign of an extrovert. I wonder if that's true.

I'm sticking around! (especially after I close on this house )

Oh, that's hilarious. I think it's safe to say you came out on top!

If you call, they will tell you who to talk to. Is there a contact mentioned on the letter they sent you? Respond directly to that party.

I agree! Btw, what's PA?

The most inspirational song by Trace Adkins: Shut my mouth, slap your grandma There outta be a law Get the Sheriff on the phone Lord have mercy, how's she even get them britches on That honky tonk badonkadonk The equally inspirational video is

I clicked "accept" on an online form, but then sent a personal email to the secretary and program director to let them know. And then I hired a mariachi band to dance through the halls of my new home. Ok, no, that last one's a lie.

Amit, questions 1 and 3 aren't really something we can answer for you. You should talk to your program. As far as #2 is concerned, the usual stipend for programs housed at the med center (as opposed to the river campus) is really generous. And the cost of living is pretty cheap. It could definitely work, especially if that other person is bringing in a paycheck as well.

I plan to do a rotation before classes start. My program is giving me the option and will fund it. Then again, I already live near and work at the same University, so it's not much of a change Taking a break and charging yourself for your first year of grad school is definitely important, though!

Did you try contacting the school to see if they could help? A lot of times they offer assistance with the housing search.

That POI's sad email seems a bit unprofessional to me. What was (s)he trying to accomplish there? Just making you feel bad? Acceptances and denials are part of this process, on both ends! Don't feel awkward at all. It's your decision.

I've experienced the same thing with my roommate. I got into a great school with full funding, and now I am buying a house. Things don't seem to be going as well for her. It can be tough, but ultimately, you just keep modestly moving forward and focusing on the excitement to come.

Yes, I did! It was amazing. There was a school that accepted me shortly after I interviewed, with a pretty gnarly fellowship to boot! The other school kept stringing me along, telling me they were going to get back to me in a few days. This went on for months. Eventually, I just accepted the offer from the school I was excited about. It felt good to send that email saying, "sorry, I accepted a fellowship offer elsewhere." I found out yesterday that the MIA school actually called my current PI and asked questions about me a little bit ago. She said, "sorry, you guys just took too long to get back to her." Huzzah! I understand that good feeling you had. It STILL makes me smile, and it's been a few weeks.

"I told you you'd get in." Thanks.

Whoa. I assume you didn't know she was like this when you started the program?