MoJingly

That is so true, but I won't lie, I was awarded a generous fellowship in a place with an extremely low cost of living and the decision might be somewhat about the money It's all something to consider.

Definitely get a desktop if you prefer that. I don't think you will need a laptop beyond your netbook. I have been very pleased with Windows 7 pro. I recently purchased this laptop and am completely happy.

I agree with newms. Never put an acceptance or rejection of an offer in writing until you are SURE. Trying to change your decision will be problematic if it is even possible at all. Extension!

Great. Now I'm thirsty.

That's a great link.

"Weird pseudo-purgatory"

This is just causing a new problem. Now I feel insignificant.

That's a consideration too. I'm choosing between living in a HUGE city and living in a not-so-big city. Seeing as how I'm not really a city person, I need to consider that. But the opportunities that come from living in a big city (especially to a new scientist) are pretty exciting.

Personally, I haven't found a lot of apartments that provide internet. I think you should plan on needing to purchase your own, but it could vary by location. It's a pretty painless process, fortunately.

Thales, if you want to go to law school, go to law school. Nothing is written in stone. There's no reason to continue doing something that doesn't kick you in the butt. Research the $^%& out of your possibilities, and then rest assured that once you make a decision, it is the right one.

Yeah, so what?

Without knowing anything about your program, I can tell you that you will probably spend your first year rotating through different labs before you find a "home" to do your thesis in. Why don't you just ask them? You're in, so you have every right! Oh, and, calm down They would not have accepted you if they didn't think you could handle it. The admissions committee has been doing this for years and they know what they are looking for. Did you ever get to a class the first day, for example, and when you look at the syllabus you think it is overwhelming? But then, after you've been in that class, you realize that when you take it one day at a time you can handle it. When you looked at that syllabus you were looking at the ENTIRE class, not at each individual day. Looking at a PhD program can feel like you are looking at that syllabus. You read about rotating/ qual tests/ dissertations... it gets overwhelming. Keep in mind that everything you are looking at is spread out over 5-6 years. I'm not saying it's not a lot of work and it's easy, but you aren't expected to do everything right away. It's a process that many have gone through, and you will be just fine, like most of them were. YOU GOT IN. CONGRATULATIONS. Now, take it one day at a time, work with your advisor, and enjoy the fact that you got where you wanted to be.

(GROUP HUG!)

I love that video. It's impossible to watch without smiling.

Ditto for me. The choice involves so much consideration beyond curriculum.

Oh my goodness! Go YOU!

I cannot be-f'ing-lieve it is March already.

Yay! Thanks guys! This is going to be a fun time. Linear algebra party at my place!