Robtastic

I would try not to stress, and look at your decision making history. If you have "grass is greener" track record of liking other things just because you don't have 'em then I'd take a serious second look about what you want to do, and why you didn't choose the one you want to begin with. I don't think anyone would say grad school isn't a big decision so choosing a school impulsively, probably wasn't the best move. Also kudos on adding to the stereo type that all grad students are finicky prima donnas ;P just kidding.

Thank you everyone for your help and input, you have definitely shed some light on the situation! -Rob

So I'm headed to Duke University in the Fall and I was getting my affairs in order when I decided to find out where my local CHASE bank was, when to my shock the website said there none for 50 miles, I double checked google maps and the same thing. My question at this point is what do I do. Chase bank is everywhere in Los Angeles so I just assumed there would be one, now I don't know what to do. I don't use my branch for a lot of things since i do a lot of online banking but I'm worried about depositing checks and getting slammed with ATM fees for taking out cash. In short do I do nothing? Does it make sense to switch banks to one that is in the area? Have any Duke students dealt with this problem or has it proven not to be a big deal? You input is valued, Rob

So I came across a problem with Banking in Durham. I checked google maps while I was just checking out the city in general, and I noticed not a single Chase bank. It was hard for me to imagine since in Los Angeles Chase banks are everywhere, so i figured there would be one, but there isn't a single one for 50 miles at least.... I'm wondering if anyone else had this issue when moving for grad school and if anyone with some banking knowledge would advise me on what to do best if I have to switch banks or if its even worth it. Thanks, Rob PS. Anyone know what cellphone companies work well in the area

This is a chance for the newly admitted Duke grad students to connect to similar newbies and hit the ground running when they arrive in August. Swap contact info, learn who's in the program as you, so I'll start. I'm Rob and I was accepted into Duke's MIDP program, with a Peace Corps Fellows Scholarship. I'm excited to move to Durham and meet all the new and interesting students that I'll be working with over the next 2 years.

Bump, c'mon i know there are a few helpful duke alumni out there.

So i figured I'd follow up. I just got my Acceptance envelope this past Friday (3/18) and I live in Los Angeles, which is about as far as you can get from DC outside of AK/HI. So I was accepted, but I didn't hear anything about funding, which I need to find out about soon since Dukes MIDP program is offering 12k, and Durham is a lot cheaper than DC.

I live in California as well, I'll post when I hear anything from American, honestly I could care less about being old fashion, I have decisions to make and need to know sooner rather than later if I got in.

Acceptance Via Email rejections via paper possibly.... Haven't received anything yet :'-(

Damn I haven't received anything, I logged into my application too, no notification yet. They said they'd be mailing decisions late March, early April on their website. -Rob

I wasn't even wait listed, lame, I wasn't the strongest applicant GRE wise but i was in the score range. In any case congrats to those who got in. -Rob

Depression is not a heart attack, precisely because you CAN snap out of it (not always). Saying that someone can not get over depression with out a professional is not only wrong but will promote a feeling of helplessness on top of it. As for the counselor what I was saying was you can't have that be your only option, because that person HAS to listen to you, and doesn't add to your self worth which is a key source of depression. Lastly I have psychiatrist friends who would tell you your flat out wrong for your last comment. If your depressed and have malignant narcissism then, focusing on yourself will only produce more negative feelings about what you see when your depressed. Helping others is a good way to get over that by giving you real feedback to why you are important and valued by other people.

Trying to find out the same stuff myself, hopefully some helpful alum will grace us with their knowledge.

Hello! Thank you so much for posting this. I was just accepted to the MIDP program at Sanford on Feb 16th and I'm 99% sure that I'm matriculating this fall. I just wanted to pick your brain about the MIDP program to see more or less what the student body is like in the program and what most graduates you feel do with this degree once they're done. If you can recommend someone who is actually in the MIDP program to talk to I'd be very grateful. I'm planning to visit Durham at the end of this month so I'm very excited to say the least. Thanks in advance, Rob

I wanted to start a thread for the 2011 Applicants to the MIDP program and Sanford school in general. I was accepted on the 16th to Duke with a Peace Corps fellows scholarship, making the most attractive choice of the schools I've heard from so far.\ So tell your story! I am also looking for some off the record information about the MIDP program at Duke. How competative, what's the student body like, and what is the school known for in terms of grad placement. -Rob

I used to think depression was a "fake" disease until I experience first hand how a Russian winter and culture shock can do a number on your mental health. So in short I sympathize. I also work with many mentally disabled clients and war vets who have the most severe form of PTSD. The problem with depression, and anxiety is it stops you from doing exactly what you need to get better. The only thing that pulled me out of my depressive funk was summoning the courage to get out of bed and go outside despite little kids tossing rocks and getting accosted by drunk locals. At some point you bottom out and have to come up for air. I myself would not be so eager to recommend a counselor, you need to have normalcy in your life, friends, dates, social time in the quad, whatever. Getting a counselor is almost like cheating, because that person HAS to listen to you, and you don't feel any better about yourself because of it but it can be used as a stepping stone. Taking control of your life and feeling in charge is the only way your going to get out of this. I also don't recommend meds, not that they don't work (they work quite well), but because they are habit forming and temporary. Most importantly stop feeling sorry for yourself, focus on helping others. -Rob

I was accepted to Duke on the 16th of this month, and I'm still waiting to hear back from SAIS. Honestly I was not expecting to get into Duke's program especially, but here I am. I was wondering given how well known the two schools are, was there anything distinguishing their International development programs. Ideally I was looking to work with private companies in developing countries, in my area of expertise which is the former Soviet Union. I appreciate your guys' help. -Rob