KRC

Hello all, looking for some suggestions from those of you who have studied/are active professionals in Engineering or Construction Management. I have a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, and a Master of Arts in communications. My overall undergrad GPA is poor, and my major GPA's (dual major) are 3.6 and 3.7 respectively. My MA was awarded with distinction and my GPA there is a 4.0. GRE's 670M/570V/4.5Q (will retake--didn't study very much for them as they were not weighed very heavily at all where I received my MA). Since receiving my BA I have worked as an operations manager in several different locations across the country and for several different companies, mostly doing supply chain and management stuff. I have two years supervisory/hands on experience, and four years management experience. During that time I "drifted" into something of a project management role from time to time; nothing major, but there have been spans of time over the last six years where what I was doing was construction project management. For a variety of reasons I want to leave OM and switch over to construction management. Without substantial work experience and with about as unrelated a degree as I can have for the field, I feel that pursuing a Masters is necessary to secure even an assistant PM job. I have done a fair amount of planning as to how acquiring an Engineering or CM degree with basically no experience would work, and my thought is do take some courses at a community college or 4-year school in Eng of CM to get a feel for the field and maybe get some contacts (which I have already done), and then take a course or two (or three) as a non-matriculated student at the university I wish to attend, and provided all goes well, apply for acceptance to the program. The programs that are in the Bay Area (I am constrained geographically for the next 4-5 years) that have CM are Stanford, Berkeley and San Jose State's CE departments, and Cal State East Bay's CM program (in its Eng department). As you can probably tell, my question is: is this feasible? Even if I do all the prereq's, get A's in all the graduate level Eng/CM courses as a non-matric. student, get LoR's from department faculty, etc. etc., is not having a bachelor's degree in Eng/CM such a red flag that getting admission is impossible? My low overall UG GPA and non-existent work experience don't help either. I'm willing to do what it takes to be ready to apply, but am hoping to hear stories/experiences about "non-traditional" applicants in Engineering or Construction Management. Thanks!

When the 15th came and went, I smoked 3 packs of cigarettes over a week after 2-years of being quit Still haven't heard at this point though I know it's because of other students who have been extended offers who can't make up their minds. I figure once I started smoking again (I stopped at three packs) there was nothing else I could do so I haven't been thinking about it. If I'm waiting on another student,, what's the use in freaking out?

The only good reason why you shouldn't do that is because at 8% I assume that is a private loan (Federal loans are capped at 6.8% I believe). If it is a private loan, that 8% won't stay 8% forever. It could go to 4 or 3... or 15... Private loans are never a good idea, especially when they're 140k. If you want to go, I think the gov't. caps federal loans at 250k so you should be able to get federal loans, and as someone mentioned if you work for a 501c3 or govt agency, combined with IBR, you'll pay about $420/month for 10 years and then be absolved of your loans. Some quick math: Let's say you have 75k of half subsidized, half unsubsidized federal loans. If you don't enroll in IBR, you'll pay close to $800/month. If you do enroll while working for a qualifiying institution and make all your payments on time, you could pay $358/month have 72k forgiven after 120 payments (provided you are your only dependent and you make 45k). SEVENTY TWO THOUSAND ... FORGIVEN. The IBR and forgiveness plans were designed for people wanting to go into this kind of work. Let them work for you. 140k is a scary number for someone who might only have ever had part time jobs at the dining hall in college (don't know the OP's personal history), but given these programs it's not as overwhelming as people think.

This is approaching "luxury" status in the University area. I had a 1BR after I finished my UG (and was enrolled in an MA there) that was the biggest apartment I've ever had (including the one I now inhabit with my partner in CA) and it was $405/mo. With off-street parking. Living alone. If you have a roommate, you can get away with sub $400 easily. As for the other stuff, i'd just factor it in to your federal loans. Assuming debt for a degree (especially in the humanities or arts) is a very personal decision, so weigh it carefully, but I wouldn't be too broken up about what sounds like a not exorbitant amount in your case. Even though it's a pretty old post, 13k will get you pretty far. It's a sad state of affairs, but it's true. The only substantial cost you may incur is utilities. It is ungodly cold during the winter, and if you're not used to that you'll be inclined to pump the heat, but you'll see an enormous utility bill at the end of the month. Good luck!

I feel reasonably certain of two things: 1. These departments "admit" him for PR and increased attention. And, 2. The numbers we see of him enrolling in OVR9000 credits a semester are drastically inflated. EDIT: A third: many people that "don't deserve" to be in grad school are. Franco isn't exemplary here.

Again, same here Things could definitely be worse.

Yep--also a SUNY school. I couldn't get upset about it if I tried at this point so I'm just sitting back trying not to think about it. Stay strong!

Same here. At this point I can't even muster the energy to do anything but wait in somewhat of a comatose state. Also +1 for Semenza's book.

What do you think?

Same here. Gov'ts worldwide should consider including this in their arsenal of torture techniques.

Unless there's the possibility of getting full funding for the remainder of your degree next year--I know a lot of programs don't offer anything for first year students--I'd say bail on them. It's a tough, tough decision but paying for your PhD in the humanities is a no no, especially in New York City. I downplay the economics of obtaining a humanities doctorate in conversation with non-academic friends as often as I can, but this scenario has red flags all over it, especially the "you're on your own" comment. Have you tried external funding sources? I'm not very familiar with CUNY, but presumably they offer in-state tuition so if you're a NY resident and you can secure external funding, it ***may*** be possible. Good luck! (there's also no shame in applying again next year)

If you're doing poststructuralism, literary/critical theory, etc. there's a certain website that rhymes with the town "Fargo" (minus the 'o') that can have you pretty covered depending on the class. Also, regarding used book buying online, the site to go to is bookvolume.com that does a meta-search of all the major sites for the lowest cost plus shipping. If possible though--support your local [used] bookstore!

Anyone else as relieved as I am that the waiting game is coming to an end?

Anyone decline offers from SUNYA yet? Accepted offers? Heard back either way while on the wait list?

Same here! Same here!!