cloudless_climes

beautiful america

Engstudent87, you're not the only one who feels this way. This process is entirely too daunting and entirely too nervewracking - I'm going through it for the second time, for a second terminal degree, and the anxiety hasn't lessened...it's probably worse. Just take things slowly - negative self talk is never productive. As silly as it seems, if you don't get accepted this time, take a step back to reflect on your chosen path. If electrical engineering is truly your passion, then you'll find a way to squeeze (or ease) into a graduate program. I've known of a few people, especially in engineering, who have picked a school, then just paid for graduate courses. If that's not an option, you could always take more undergraduate courses to bolster your GPA. As for contacting professors, just get gutsy and do it. The beauty of email is that you just have to hit the SEND button, and boom, it's done. There's no harm in inquiring about a graduate level program, and a genuine expressed connection over shared interests is always a bonus. Remember, professors are people too - they've been through this process and know how difficult it is. Just explain that you'd like to know more about how their labs function etc...and perhaps a compliment on a piece of work you've read might be nice as well.

What's the news around Counseling Psych programs (PhD, PsyD and MA)? Any word would be greatly appreciated.

First, thanks for the compliment; but I really do have a sort of love for the Taubman Center. =] Next, I do have a part-time RA-ship that I got as a part of my financial aid offer. As of this semester, I haven't had to take out any loans as I had money leftover from my undergrad a couple of years ago and some money from working, but that may change come the fall. I do know that several of my colleagues have taken loans from the University. Another option to consider is that faculty are generally open to taking on RAs, and some may offer to pay as well, even if this weren't offered to you with your acceptance. Finding someone to research with might not be as challenging as it sounds, as professors are generally pleased to have a graduate student express interest in their work.

Hi, I would definitely call and check on the status of your applications. However, I wouldn't panic either. While I'm not entirely certain about admitted students days beyond this next one, I do know that the Taubman Center staff and students are always willing to arrange some informal visits. (They did this for me when I lived overseas last year and couldn't make it to the official day. I got to sit in on a class and talk to students and faculty alike.) To Everybody: Part of my decision in coming to Brown was the open friendliness of the faculty and students. Everybody seemed warm and welcoming, and I have found this to be true as I pursue my MPP here. Like others, I was turned off by the reticent, withdrawn, "you're just another number to us" attitudes at some very highly ranked universities. I sincerely hope that if admitted to Taubman, you will come visit us, and ultimately decide to pursue your studies here in Providence.

Traveler, it's excellent that you're coming to visit! Are you coming for Admitted Students Day or just a personal visit? Interaction with the faculty is great! Professors in Public Policy and other departments (political science, sociology, education...) are all VERY open to students and very accessible. Since you'll be spending most of the time in the Taubman Center building, interaction is pretty much all of the time. Research opportunities abound if you contact professors. (Since faculty are very prompt with email responses, you shouldn't have a problem finding someone to do research with, although I can't be sure about compensation...) Coming to the Taubman Center will open you up to the Brown network for career and internship opportunities in addition to some very 'elite' job searches. Specifically in Providence, from what I've heard, organizations are psyched about Brown students working for them. As can be said with any ivy league, the name will carry you far. As for Taubman, we've got a wonderful career counselor who is always willing to help; she's helped set me in contact with former students and professors alike. So far students are pursuing internships as close as downtown Providence and as far away as Europe and Asia etc... Hope that helps! =]

Hi everybody...so I'm a current student at the Taubman center at Brown. If I can answer any questions you may have about the program, I'd be happy to do so. As far as admissions statistics, I'm not sure what they are. I can tell you that we're a relatively young program with a small class size (there are about 30 or so first year MPPs and MPAs). STM, your stats look good to me. Don't worry about writing the perfect entrance essay. Although I'm not on the Ad-Com, I can tell you that the people in the program come from a diverse set of backgrounds with a wide variety of experiences and experience levels. Any questions, just ask =] hopefully i'll meet some of you next year!