mungdaddy

I think you should definitely apply. All of the programs are different and each has its own level of financial assistance for incoming students. My program ended up offering me enough scholarship points to cover tuition for the first year. This isn't the perfect financial situation (when others guarantee funding for 5 or so years) but it is something and it allows me to attend without taking out loans. When I asked about aid for upcoming years, I was told that they hope to offer at least the same amount but can't guarantee it. They also told me that grant applications were being reviewed, if they were to be accepted, they would certainly be able to hire grad RAs. Anyway, you should go for it. You never know until you try, right?

Yay NotSoGreatScott! I am glad to have someone else in the program. I sent you a PM. Let me know if you don't get it. Apparently, it's more complicated than I thought

No. It shouldn't be that way. I had an informal notification about my award but after I accepted I got an official letter. Again, all departments are different. I would suggest an email to your department stating that in order for you to make an informed decision, you need the financial info first. That is, if you've not already done this. It's NYC! It's expensive and they should let you know about money so you can decide. I'm sorry for your frustration. But you've every right to be.

Just a tip: I inquired about the meaning of the scholarship points I received and when I politely asked if they could lead me in the right direction on where I could apply for further funding (outside sources, other fellowships, etc), they responded with more money. I wasn't expecting it but I think the money is there. They are just trying to see how many people are actually going to commit before they promise anything. My department asked me to confirm by March 15, and I received an official letter soon after.

I received my official award letter yesterday too, via email. I'll be in the Social Studies Education (PhD) program.

PhD in Social Studies Education! Yay. Did you receive any official notification (other than email) about funding?

Hi everyone. Just to shed some light on the RA/TA etc, one of the professors at TC told me that these will become available once I've enrolled at TC. I am entering as a PhD but I don't see why it wouldn't apply to MA/EdM as well.

Did anyone apply to UNC? Has anyone heard anything yet? They accept applications until April 9, I think, but the chair of the department said they'd be reviewing applications toward the end of January. A grad assistant in the department said it normally takes about 3-4 weeks for the review. That puts me about now, I suppose but I just wanted to check with my fellow gradcafers to see if anyone has anymore scoop.

My scholarship was included in the acceptance email. I'm Phd so I guess it could be different. I've also submitted an application on the application website for additional aid. I don't think anyone will be notified before April.

To littlefish: I received an email from a professor in the department on Feb. 19. It's the Social Studies dept, by the way. To date, my app online status still reads "submitted". Good luck!

Your undergrad is NOT going to sink you. It's what you do there that matters. I myself went to a liberal arts college and I managed to be accepted into top schools. Plus, my undergrad was in Classics and now I research East Asia's role in the Social Studies curricula. My statement plus my "real world" experience made all the difference. Yours will too. You really are on top of things.

Amazingrace: I just wanted to let you know that I think the each program does their own thing- notifies in different ways, that is. . I received an acceptance email from the professor that interviewed me but my status on the application site still says "Submitted". Anyway, my program in Teaching of History/Social Studies PhD, if that helps. Good luck!

Yes, I was amused by the 2 am message as well.. of course I am studying in China so it was just in time to ruin my afternoon. I'm over it now. On to Columbia!

Hi Everyone! Anyone heard anything from Stanford? I got an email today with an unfortunately in it Oh well. I applied to the Curriculum and Teacher Education Program, History concentration. Anyone else out there apply to that program? If so, did you get in? I am really really curious about what Stanford looks for.

Hi. Yes, I applied to the PhD program. I have a Masters in EAS from Duke University, 4 years teaching experience (Latin, East Asian Studies and World History) in the US and several years teaching English in China. My academic interest is History/Social Studies but more specifically, developing curricula to help teachers (secondary) teach East Asia more effectively. As for my numbers, my GRE was low as was my undergrad GPA. In fact, when I interviewed at Columbia, I was asked to maybe mention in my SOP why my GPA was so low. I didn't because anyone looking at my transcript would see how nutty it was for me to take Organic Chemistry and work out the details on their own. Good Luck.