California88

I am just now on the other side of the process (finally picked my school) and although I don't have too much advice on the subject of a master's as I went straight from undergrad, I think something that is under-emphasized in the "stats" is the fit with the program. I didn't think it was as big a deal as I have since found out, but I got into 2 of the 7 programs I applied to (both top 20) but they were not the lower ranked. I applied to schools all over the map and the ones I ended up getting into were the ones that fit my specific research interests really well. The programs have so many people to choose from, even just the top 30, that the fit can be a very decisive factor. They can tell if you will complement the research and faculty in the department, and so a 3.5 GPA might beat out a 3.9 when the fit is better. I'm sure you have considered this but I wanted to reiterate because I know I underestimated the impact of this factor in my process. When you say you want to get into a top-15, you have to think how many of those are realistically a GREAT fit with your interests? Maybe 3-5? All top ranked programs are not the same, nor are all top ranked students. Just keep that in mind. That being said, I think your GRE is fine. I wouldn't bother re-taking it. Spend your time researching the best programs for your interests and preparing to convince school in your essay that you're a great fit.

States have economies based on different factors- their main income source (manufacture, agriculture etc) the different tax levels and what they choose to invest in (ie schools, roads, welfare, subsidies). Although everyone is hurting, different states are feeling it differently based on a lot of these factors. Here is an article to explain a bit of the Wisconsin drama: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2052705,00.html?xid=rss-mostpopular Most of this is not financial as much as opposition to the government trying to get rid of the teacher's unions.

Hi Everyone- I got accepted to U Wisconsin (Madison) for a PhD in political science, but I'm concerned that the budget crisis will affect my life as a graduate student negatively because I am dependent on the state for 5 years of financial support. I have been guaranteed 5 years tuition waver, health insurance, and a stipend (amount yet to be told to me) but i'm concerned about the other effects that this crisis could have, research finding etc. While I was at UCLA the state declared bankruptcy and our tuition went up 30%, and I'm wary of taking a chance on a state school in a bankrupt state again. I am choosing between U of Wisconsin and a private university, does anyone have any thoughts as to how the financial crisis might affect graduate students at U of Wisconsin? Thanks!

I never went to UCSC but I was born and raised in Santa Cruz so I thought I could throw my 2 cents in. Santa Cruz is the most beautiful place I have ever lived by far, and probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. The campus is incredible, I would often go to just hang out even though I didn't go to the school. There are not many places you can find mountains, the ocean, lakes, redwood trees and open meadows within a 10 minute drive in any direction. I went to UCLA for undergrad and I can tell you I missed the nature more than I thought I would. On a major downside, it is EXPENSIVE to live there. I think the west-side (UCSC) is even pricier than other parts, like where I grew up, but if you get roommates and divide up a big house it can be affordable. I'm not sure what kind of stipends they give, but it is one of the most expensive cities in California. I would say even sharing a room you won't find anything cheaper that $500 lowest, not including utilities. The weather is pretty mild, rarely over 80 or under 50, so you wont need much heat/AC, but if you want a more comfortable place, perhaps with your own room, you're looking at $700 a month. There are nice places that are a little farther from campus, although SC isn't that big so it's not a big deal. If I were to move back I would begin looking around Pleasure Point, lots of small places that are surprisingly low priced if you look on craigslist, and right by the beach and major commercial street (41st avenue) but still far from anything too hectic. There are also some nice places in Aptos, but it's kind of far from UCSC without a car. The music scene is top of the line. There are so many bands, musicians and performers from Santa Cruz (I went to high school with 2 American Idol top finalists) and there are some great venues for every kind of music. The Catalyst is quite famous, and brings in big names, and Kuumbwa is a world famous jazz club, both about a 10 min drive or less from campus. There is also a great athletic community, running clubs that run along the most amazing 5 miles anywhere- West Cliff- and bike groups, soccer teams, horseback riding, SC has it all. I could go on with my 20 years worth of experiences and loyalty to the town, but if anyone has questions please don't hesitate to ask! Good luck and I hope you all enjoy beautiful Santa Cruz!