squaresquared

I am looking to sublease my apartment in Tallahassee starting May 1st, 2013 until Aug 2013. You can then choose to renew the lease in August with the apt complex. It's located right across from campus and is a 1bd/1bath. It is super convenient because you don't have to worry about struggling to find parking on campus and you are close to fast food/resteraunts/buses and about 10 minutes drive to the grocery store. The rent is $1020 per month (this includes an assigned covered parking space), but this is negotiable. Here are some of the features: Washer/Dryer in unit, highspeed internet/WiFi and extended cable included, full kitchen, and personal bathroom. Apt comes furnished with full sized couch, chair, coffee table, end table, entertainment unit, bar stools, desk + chair, dresser and bed. Wood flooring in kitchen, living space and bathroom. Carpet in bedroom. Apartment looks out to pool area. One assigned, covered parking spot is included in price. Apartment is on 3rd floor. Very secure with electronic key to enter.Apartment amenities include: pool/spa, fitness center, tanning bed, media center, internet cafe, and study rooms. PM me with any other questions you may have or if you would like to see pictures of the apartment!

FSU's director Dr. Apel specializes in language and literacy -- c heck it out.

I thought you can only get a SSN if you are being paid for something -- like having a job and receiving a salary. I don't think you can get an SSN 'just because'.

I'm not sure if it works for spiders -- but I know baby powder deters other creepy crawlies. You could always spray along the edges of your walls with spider killer spray or even duct tape over all the corners. Use drain plugs when you aren't showering or using the sink because they sometimes come up that way. I also heard that strong floraly smells deter them, but not so sure why or how that would work.

Nope -- not needed. It all happens at your first point of entry into the USA and some international canadian airports do it right there before you even leave canada.

For mine I had to make sure my financial form was sent in. Then I received an email from the department that handles them telling me I had to register to have it mailed to me. I waited in limbo for 1.5 weeks and then FedEx showed up with my documents. The date on the documents was 3 days prior to when I actually received them, so I don't believe it takes long for them to actually send. Mine was a single sheet that just had my school/course info on it and my name with a signature. Nothing too complicated.

Not only that, but he may actually not realize he is treating you badly or unfairly. Just enter the situation with a level head and discuss it like an adult. Try not to personally attack him, but definitely make your point and make sure he is understanding what you are explaining to him!

Have you talked to him about this? I find that many people on these boards have posts about negative situations they are in, but fail to actually bring it up with the person in question. I know that it might be scary or that you may think he will hate you more if you mention how he keeps forgetting things you discuss etc., but maybe your adviser is having their own personal issues and they are taking it out on you -- who knows. In my opinion, you need to sit down with them and discuss the issues that are bothering you, causing you to feel depressed, making you want to drop out because you can't stand it, miscommunications about the papers, how you do not appreciate how he 'barks' at you, etc.. If he comes across completely clueless and insensitive, I'd be surprised, but if that is the case, can you take it to the department head? There are also plenty of people that work within universities to ensure things like this don't happen (student affair type folks). You may need to take it to them if you feel you are being mistreated and the department will not help you solve the issue (by whatever means they feel is appropriate). Good luck!

I agree that the emphasis is on untreated mental illness. Grad school across all departments can be extremely stressful and this often exacerbates established mental illnesses or can act as a trigger for those at risk (or even those who think they are completely 100% 'normal'). This is a very high occurrence in medical school and luckily, students are given the support of the program if they request help (or even if someone in the program is starting to notice certain behavioral trends); however, the students are already in the program. Admissions committees would no doubt question accepting a student who is stating they have untreated mental health issues because grad school stressors may cause them to completely break down or turn to more drastic measures like suicide. In a way, you could counter and say that they are trying to protect the student's already fragile mental health. As the other posters shared, I also agree that mental illnesses are often viewed negatively in comparison to physical ('visible') illnesses and they really shouldn't be, but at the same time, certain professions require you to be mentally 'stable' -- particularly in professions helping others with illnesses of varying type and degree. I think with the new generation, the stigma associated with mental illness will lessen, but I believe it will still strongly affect certain professions -- especially those in the health fields that deal with patients. It is amazing to learn how quickly patients judge their health care practitioners on things that you may not even think matter THAT much (shiny shoes, groomed nails, nice teeth, physical proximity, smell of breath etc.), so I can only imagine what would happen if a practitioner was openly struggling with a mental health illness, in terms of patient trust and interaction.

Join clubs. Most cities have clubs of unlimited variety if none of the uni clubs interest you and you want to meet people outside of the school environment (movies/bowling/exercise/running/sports/hiking/crafts/gamers etc). Many cities also have 'under 30' clubs (or other age groups) where single people of the same age get together to do fun activities (they are not dating based, just to make new friends, but of course you could make a romantic connection). Lots of people don't hang out at bars and enjoy drinking, so I really don't think there will be an issue with you meeting people. Even if you hang out with people who are drinking, if they are decent people they won't pressure you to drink. Sure they might say something like 'don't you want a beer?', but they won't be forceful about it if you decline (or make you feel stupid for declining). Also, if you do find a group of friends who are the legal age, while you aren't, I'm sure they'd be willing to do non-bar related activities, so that you can actually be included and not cast aside.

Have you straight up told them how you feel when they say these things to you? I can see how they might feel they are being 'realistic' and they might not feel what they are saying is hurtful in any way. I had/have similiar issues with my parents and everytime they mentioned something that made me feel less than stellar, I pointed it out. My dad told me he didn't realize how I was taking his comments (negatively) and he actually apologized for what he was saying. It wasn't until I confronted my mom and dad and laid it all out in regards to my feelings that they backed off. I do still get the occasional negative comment, but it is way better now. I'm sure your parents just want the best for you and like you said, the best they know is having a steady job/family/marriage etc.. I think it is much harder for families where nobody has gone the higher education route, so it is hard for them to see the positive outcomes. My dad doesn't know the basics of things in the post-secondary realm, so I also have to be very patient with him when explaining things which can be frusterating for me. I do notice though, when I take the time to explain it (as easily and basic as possible), he doesn't say weird/negative things about my program/future. I guess I've just learned over the past few months that I have to start speaking up for myself more and stand up for what I want for my own life. I think it is hard for parents to realize their kids are now adults and have to make their own decisions for their own lives, so sometimes being a bit blunt with them is best. Good luck!

U.S school might take it badly if you are bargaining. I'm sure they have plenty other people in their stash of applicants that are fully willing to attend their school, that could potentially replace your spot. In other words, I would not risk it with bargaining.

maybe she was having a really hard day about something unrelated to you. She might have just snapped at you as a release of her emotions, but not really meant what she said. If it is bothering you, you should approach her about it and ask either why she said that, if she meant it, how you don't appreciate it, how it made you feel, etc.. Nothing will be resolved if you clam up and just pretend it didn't happen. It may be a super hard thing to do, but I would definitely say you need to bring it up with her.

Let's be honest here -- in the grand scheme of life, who gives a flying fart if you got a B- or a C+ -- it doesn't mean you will fail in your grad program and be destined for Baristaville. That is like going from A to B to Z in your mindset. I'm pretty sure there is more to you than a few not so hot grades that you can offer your program. Try to focus on the positive things you have to offer. Life is not always going to be puppies, rainbows and straight A's and I am a bit worn out from reading people on these boards getting so down on themselves or writing negative things over such petty stuff such as a few less-than-stellar letter grades. This whole process is stressful and really makes you analyze yourself through the various portions of the applications, but I think you really need to stop picking yourself apart this badly because if you stay in this negative mindset, it will hinder you, once you reach graduate school.

a quick solution would be ---- look in a textbook! hahah it seems very simple but it may help you out.

You would be exempt if you are spending the money on school related things (tuition, books etc.) if you get the money from a US source such as your school. You would only be taxed if you start using the money for housing and other non-school related items.

If you are a student with an F-1 visa, then that is what you are. A student studying in the USA. You cannot have a normal 'job' other than 20hours per week on campus with the F-1. You don't have to worry about all this other terminology. If you are interested in becoming a resident or working longer in the USA after your school is over, that is when you will have to worry about these terms. The school you are attending should have an international department and I'm sure they would be able to help you out when the time comes to figure out your next step after schooling (assuming you want to try and stay in the USA).

make sure you apply to schools that are varied in the rankings. It would not be a good idea to only apply to top schools. I don't really like to follow the rankings anyways, but many people do, so that might help give you some better chances. You can definitely get in with that GPA, as long as the rest of your application is strong. I didn't have the highest GPA or the highest GRE and I got in to a few progarms this year (I'm also international). You may want to spread your applications out more in the USA because judging from the SLP board for this application season, tons of people apply to the northeast! Perhaps going southeast wouldn't be too much of a stretch? Just an idea!

I've been getting this type of information (immunization, health plan, visa forms etc) through the university, not the actual department. The department got in touch to say that we should be getting more specific information regarding courses and the like next month.

I didn't even get any response to my application from Houston.....

You need to be comfortable with what you are saying. You need to understand what you are talking about. If you don't feel this way about the material, you should re-work the presentation. I find when I really know the material, I get some nervous jitters waiting to go up to speak, but once I am up there, I have no problems. I would never write out the entire speech because if you get lost when you glance at it, you will panic and then it will just get worse as you quickly try to find your place (think hot flashes, stutters -- been there, done that). Just conciously make an effort to talk slowly, don't fidget. If you need notes, make them in bullet form in big enough print so you can read it from a little ways away (say, if you lay the paper on a desk infront of you). You should know the material well enough if this is your specialty, that you should not require full essays to read from in order to get the points across. Bullet form should suffice. I used to be terrified of public speaking when I was a little kid, but in elementary we were made to speak infront of the class. You would be given 2 topics, 10 minutes to write a speech and then you had to go up there come hell or high water and give your speech. So needless to say, every little bit of practice helps. Also, think about it as if you were in the audience. Most people realize that the speaker may be nervous and they probably are not judging you as harshly as you are judging yourself. Often times, if they are going to be getting up there to give speeches, they will be thinking more about their own speeches than trying to really listen to everything you are saying. Nobody expects a speaker to be perfect and never make a mistake -- we are not robots!

My one and only prof recommendation was contacted via email and I had no issues. I guess it just depends how well the person knows you? Face to face would be better if they are clueless as to who you are hah! I sent all of my recommenders a simple spreadsheet of the school, name of the program, what was required (letter/form/both) and the due date. This really helps them stay organized and not have to go back and scroll through automated emails to find the deadlines for the sites (not all people are organized with email folders and such). The prof I asked required me to send him a package of info about myself prior to him writing the letter (resume/past work in his class/letter of intent/transcripts), so perhaps you might want to have something similiar prepared. Profs get asked all the time to write letters and I'm sure they are asked by a lot of people who they don't even recognize. Usually that will give you a generic letter based mainly on your grades (or letter of intent, etc), so if you are in that situation, meeting face to face may definitely give you a leg up on the quality of your letter. In a previous application cycle, I had used 2 profs, and 1 did not send his stuff in on time to anywhere even with constant hounding. I think it is key to give them a heads up early and make their end as painless as possible to the point of giving them envelopes with the mailing address and a stamp on it already hahaha. It may seem silly, but it really does help to kind of baby them along because they are so busy with everything else they are doing! My new tactics for round 2 of applications with the spreadsheet, envelopes and any other tactics I could think of to make the process easier on them seemed to have worked because everything got sent in properly and on time!

I had 2 professional references and 1 academic reference from a Prof I didn't really talk with much. I had two classes with this prof -- one in my first year of undergrad and one in my final year of undergrad. When I initially approached him to write the letter, he wrote me back saying that he might not be able to write the strongest letter for me, simply because we hadn't talked a lot (maybe 2 hours total over the span of the final course I had with him). I was in a situation where I had finished all of my pre-reqs within my first couple yrs and my final yrs were all electives. I wanted profs that were in the field I was applying for, which required me to be even further out of the loop with all of the profs since in some cases, 5 yrs had gone past (I've been out of school for 2 yrs now)! I did also take a few online courses and those profs said they were not able to write letters because they had never met me in person. You may want to look into that to make sure that those online profs can write your letters! Needeless to say, even if my one Prof that I didn't talk too much to only wrote me a mediocre letter, my professional letters made up the difference and I still got in to grad school (as an out of major AND as an international student). If you plan to meet up with certain profs to talk with them as the other posters suggested, maybe you should also ask them not only if they would write you a letter, but what the quality of the letter would be. The quality may improve significantly, just from you meeting with them and talking about your interests etc.. You never know until you try, but I think it is completely doable to get into grad school without being buddy-buddy with your past profs!

I didn't hear from 3 of my schools. Even though I was lucky enough to get in elsewhere and have accepted, I still want those responses, even if they are rejections!

I'm going there too! Housing is going really fast.