theaterdirector

thanks! that helps a lot. it IS on the list (it's a big, top-tier CA university...) any suggestions as to how to handle it?

I have been very fortunate to be accepted to a number of programs (to my SHOCK), and so am in that difficult phase of figuring out which one I want to accept. I still have one more school to hear from (that I think would be my #1 choice.) In the meantime, I have narrowed my choices down to my top 3. One of those programs randomly decided that I should give them a decision by last Friday. I wrote the professor back and explained that Friday would not be possible as I have not had enough time to consider everything, (including financial aid/program cost), and that I would of course try to make this decision as swiftly as possible. His response had a tone that I didn't appreciate, though he did answer my questions. I just received another email from him answering a few more of my questions, and the final paragraph says: "I had previously asked you for a decision by last Thursday evening or Friday morning at the latest. It is now Sunday. Please be so kind as to let us know your decision no later than 9:00 am PST tomorrow, Monday, April 6, 2009 or we will, indeed, be moving on. As I've communicated previously, we would be pleased to have you join the program if you would like to do so." So, two questions: (1) I've not even received ANYTHING official from this university (which is a very well respected, top tier school) regarding my admission or financial aid. (Even schools that did not offer me "aid" in the form of grants did distribute some official forms detailing the federal loans and other loans that would be available to me.) The only thing I have are emails with the professor where he offered me admission. Is that normal??? (The email I just received from him said that he has never had a candidate wonder about receiving official notification before...) (2) The more important question: Can someone advise me where the "official April 15th" thing comes from? Does this pertain to all graduate schools? I am loathe to accept this offer until I have heard back from this last remaining school.... (and subsequently this professor's emails are making me less and less inclined towards this program anyways. perhaps upon design? perhaps he is miffed that i didn't accept straight away?) final side note: these programs take 2 students per year. so i understand that they want to know if i am coming or not, so that they can let someone in off the waitlist and have the class set.

Hi! I've applied to some directing MFA programs and some MA/PhD programs. The only MA/PhD program I've heard from yet is UCSB a few days ago. It was an unofficial email from one of the profs saying they were interested in my application, but that due to the HUGE budget crisis in CA that's currently underway, they don't know yet how much funding they have, and that's complicating their PhD decisions... don't know if that info helps anyone. So, I'm apparently on an unofficial waitlist until this funding gets sorted out. Do you already have an MA in history/criticism?