mpppp

Hi Chris, I am graduating from UCSB Materials this year and going to Caltech for a postdoc, so... my perspective: Either place you go, you probably won't get much done in regards to research the first two years or so (I tired but did not get much done). Do not worry about that. The classes are possibly less rigorous at UCSB, but still time-consuming. The most important thing is to join a research group that you like (Advisor, the work, and your labmates). Bummer you didn't hear positively from the group you were interested in at Caltech, the same thing happened to me when deciding (I went to the 'other' school). My advice on that is, be persistent. I actually have the same interests as you so I know the groups that you are probably thinking about joining (at least at SB). I can tell you that you will have all the tools you need at UCSB, and that physically having access to them is very easy. We have had people leave our group and go to other great schools and complain about access to equipment. If you have questions you think I can answer, just message me on here. Good luck with your decision.

I got your message, Stephen33, and replied with a PM. Thanks!!

It is so nice of both of you to answer questions, xnormajeanx and Stephen33! Thanks! Stephen33, if you don't mind, can you please share a bit about your background (undergraduate major and work experience), what other schools you were considering and how you chose Harris, and what your ultimate employment goals are? Thanks again!

Congrats to all those admitted so far! My letter says, "Specific information detailing the conditions of your award for the coming year and fellowship renewal procedures for future years can be found on the enclosed Aid Agreement." My attachments are the OntheMappFlyer, Planning Guide, and a pdf of the letter with my last name as the file name. I can't seem to find an Aid Agreement in the materials I have. Has anyone else? Am I overlooking it?

I went to an information session last fall and Ronke (Nancy's predecessor) very confidently stated that UCLA is generally accepted as a stronger program than USC. She pointed out how quantitative the UCLA program is and how that is a characteristic of all the other top rated programs. She also mentioned what a bargain UCLA is, but after seeing their funding compared to USC's offers this year, that seems debatable. Does anyone have information on internship/job placements for USC grads? I'd like to compare it to the info I have from UCLA. I'd also love to hear why others applied or decided not to apply to the UCLA program.

UMass Amherst (MPPA) changed my online status on February 16.