whit

Definitely UCB.

Higher ranked discipline is your best bet. Go with SB.

I think you hit it on the head. Go with a funded Masters, excel, and reapply for PhD programs when you're done.

Could be good or bad.. at this point it doesn't hurt to call or email and ask. Lots of people are still witing to hear from schools that have released some decisions.

Yeah, april is so late... but it seems like that is the reality this year.

I would not expect a pay raise. Consider it something to possibly make yourself more marketable, but not much more than that on the pay side. There are a number of things that make it enjoyable to me... from the challenge, day to day variety, interacting with clients and other professionals, learning and growth opportunities, etc. Job satisfaction is generally high, with respect to many other fields. You will not be rich, but if you can live within your means you will certainly get by and some might even say live comfortably.

Probably SDC. I would take the SE track, then you can go for your LEED AP cert. if you are interested. That is what most companies are looking for as far as sustainability goes.

I think you are better off with the SE program. In practice you could easily move into any of the three areas with that degree since it is the most technically challenging. Tough to say which one will be most enjoyable, that is very subjective. I am in SE design and love it. I have colleagues in the other two fields and they are happy as well.

Two Columbia PhD admits today! If you're reading this thread, please post your profiles!!

I think if you are considering working in Chicago, you will benefit from your location since networking is the best way to look for future employment. Your program will instantly be recognized and will certainly eliminate the need to relocate. As long as the program has a decent ranking and the fit is good, which is what it sounds like, it's certainly worth placing near, if not at the top of your list. As for myself, I have no desire to leave New York, therefore my applications this season have been within close proximity to the city. Not all programs are highly ranked, all have good fit. The connections that I have made in my past programs, both masters and bachelors, have been invaluable to my career thus far. I can only imagine the same for the doctorate. Often it's who you know....

Funding is the main difference that I know of. Many schools (at least for phd) will only give funding to those entering in the fall. You didn't say if you received funding or not... assuming that you did not, there should be no difference for you one way or the other. Only other advantage/disadvantage would be the few months earlier.. may be either one depending on your situation and needs.

Yeah, that sounds like a generic conservative response.

Were you the lone post for the Civil PhD program on the results board so far this year? Best of luck on your other apps... would you mind sharing your profile? I have applied to Columbia as well.... so far I haven't heard a thing...

I would go with B. If you can afford the financial sacrifice, location and connections will be key for industry position if you go that direction. Sounds like A would be better for academia track. For me, location is very important...

How about a summer course at you univ. or one nearby?

Sounds like you have all you wanted, I say go for it! Top choice and funding.. what could the other schools offer that would possibly change your mind?

Mine says "Submission Status:Submitted" I also got an e-mail saying it was under faculty review. I would definitely call..

Did anyone apply to Columbia? Have you heard anything yet?

Yeah I think it's pretty easy. Wait until you hear from all. If the fit and rankings are better elsewhere then go there. Otherwise syracuse has a decent reputation and at least you'll be in a program.

Let's start off with telling us where else you applied? Then we can give you a relative ranking amongst those...

No problem. What did you decide to do instead?

Well, since the majority of dams are being constructed in developing nations, depending on your position and role in the project, that may require significant overseas traveling. I think the demand for dams and other hydraulic structures will probably grow over the next decade or more due to overseas development. In the US, we aren't building as many new dam structures but the is significant work in inspection, rehabilitation and repairs for the existing ones to keep them functioning properly. Always difficult to predict the future, but I do see growth potential in hydraulic systems, water distribution, etc. For this type of work you would need either MS or ME at a civil engineering program that specialized in hydraulics/water resources.

If it's good news, I'll take anything.. carrier pigeon, message in a bottle, etc. for a rejection... i'd prefer a letter, that way I have something to burn!

In my field, structural engineering, it makes no difference which degree you have from potential employers eyes. I would imagine that it is similar if not the same across most engineering disciplines.

I'm sure it can't hurt. I am a licensed Structural Engineer and have applied to programs for this fall. Preparing for the SE1 and SE2 which have tremendously low pass rates (as does the Nuclear) reported by NCEES, was challenging but I feel it has made me a better engineer. In my opinion, real life industry experience should be looked upon favorably, and is incredibly important to professional fields, like engineering. Here's to hoping that it helps!