ElectricRelaxation

Hello there! I'm in a similar Columbia dilemma myself so I just thought I'd chime in. I also applied to two programs, one at TC as well. I've been accepted to TC, but I'm still waiting on a response from the Grad School of Arts & Sciences. I've received some scholarship $ from TC, but it won't make a significant dent in my COA. I went to the financial aid office at TC and was told about the daunting $68, 000. Buttttttt...take into consideration that that number is extrapolated and inflated. It's $24,000 just to dorm!!! Apartments are cheaper (yes, even in NYC-I live here and don't have to eat roasted rats to make ends meet!) Books and other miscellaneous fees can often be paid with a part time gig. Your COA can be brought down dramatically, and it's only an estimate. If I go to TC, I don't plan on taking out more than 13-15k annually...if that much. Where there's a will, there's some kind of way!

I re-posted my question in another forum, but I think this one is a better niche for it. Here goes! So here's my painstaking dilemma: I applied to the PhD program at Columbia's GSAS. Subsequently rejected, I asked to be considered for their MA program. I also applied to Columbia's Teachers College's MA program in a similar field: political science. I received my acceptance from Teachers College, but my heart is with the Columbia GSAS program because of fit and desired faculty. The catch is: I have to respond to TC by April 18th, and GSAS won't issue notifications until mid-April to June! My question is this: I really like the TC program...just not as much as the one at GSAS. Because these programs are virtually at the same institution, is it bad taste to accept the TC offer and then rescind pending a GSAS acceptance? Or can I ask TC for an extension on their deadline? I don't want to "leave a bad taste" because these two programs seem to be interlocked. Any advice? Thoughts? It's greatly appreciated!

So here's my painstaking dilemma: I applied to the PhD program at Columbia's GSAS. Subsequently rejected, I asked to be considered for their MA program. I also applied to Columbia's Teachers College's MA program in a similar field: political science. I received my acceptance from Teachers College, but my heart is with the Columbia GSAS program because of fit and desired faculty. The catch is: I have to respond to TC by April 18th, and GSAS won't issue notifications until mid-April to June! My question is this: I really like the TC program...just not as much as the one at GSAS. Because these programs are virtually at the same institution, is it bad taste to accept the TC offer and then rescind pending a GSAS acceptance? Or can I ask TC for an extension on their deadline? I don't want to "leave a bad taste" because these two programs seem to be interlocked. Any advice? Thoughts? It's greatly appreciated!

Inquiring minds want to know, if you care to share the information-how were you notified? It'd be a lot of help to ease this old soul

Thanks for the info! I noticed this trait when I was applying, and didn't like the look of it. I applied to Stony Brook for their MA program, but I'm not anticipating an acceptance, as the program is geared toward political psychology...not a good fit, even by a remote chance. This application season is looking like a bust, so I'll take the information into consideration for round two By the way-I'm currently a CUNY student. Lol, I've witnessed the horror stories in action. You're absolutely right-over worked and underpaid. Seems to be the CUNY motto...

Yeah, besides Columbia and NYU, I'm at a loss. I know some of the programs do it "off the books" if they don't explicitly state it. This application season is looking uglier than a three headed dog for me, and I'd like to know if my apps will be reviewed for AT LEAST a MA. I'm thinking Rochester and Rutgers is a no-go, since I already have my rejections from them Maybe Brown or Princeton? Perhaps it's a practice reserved for the more "elite" institutions because of the influx of prospective students. I don't know. Help! lol

Unfortunately, I'm bound by marital and family obligations. Caring for a parent. But I can see the value in your statement. Much appreciated food for thought!

Hi! I've been lurking around the board like an academic gremlin, and I have a pertinent question regarding this application season. Apologies if this has been posted before. Here goes: I've applied to seven PhD program in Political Science, sub-field focus in American. However, it looks unlikely that this season will yield any acceptances for me. (I've also applied to three Masters programs because I didn't preclude the possibility of being shut-out this season). The PhD programs I've applied to are as follows: Columbia University Brown University Princeton University Rutgers University University of Rochester CUNY Graduate Center NYU My question is this: Besides Columbia University, which of these programs is known to offer a "consolation" Masters, or at least review the applicant's file in consideration of this? It may be paranoia, but as the application season gets down to the wire, I just wanted to pacify my raging nerves. Thanks in advance!

I haven't anything either. But it all depends on your field, so don't fret! I know for my field, I shouldn't anticipate any notification until at least two weeks. Although I may die of waiting before then...

On some days, I feel like my application showcased all of my strong suits. Those are the good days. Or perhaps they are the more idealistic days. Most of the time, I stress over grammar mistakes and the lackluster efforts that the adcomms are sure to see in my writing sample. Sigh. This is my first cycle, and I don't know if I have the gumption to gear myself up for round two. Good luck to you! And I'm sure we're all unnecessarily giving ourselves premature heart attacks.