GardeningGrad

I'm just tapping into this conversation, and I appreciate everyone's thoughts. I'd been procrastinating on formally declining offers until I visited my top school... which went well - last weekend. This is the week to tactfully say no! Good luck, all!

Eek... now, I'm not studying your field, so perhaps there are different expectations. However, you should not be forced to make a decision before April 15, thanks to some combination of this resolution (http://www.cgsnet.org/Default.aspx?tabid=201) and general courtesy. Ask the schools pressuring you about the April 15 Resolution by the Council of Graduate Schools - even if they didn't sign on, ask if they would please respect it! Good luck!

Hi again! just came back from UW-Madison Sociology visit day - a few more stats and thoughts to throw your way. Specifically: they accepted 24 students out of 350 applicants; from now on, all cohorts will be smaller than 15 students. a good program just got more competitive! BUT, if you can make connection with your dream professor, that's HUGE! Who in particular are you interested in working with?

Got my acceptance from Developmental Sociology March 8... but not sure if funding will pull through. what to do?

I've been accepted to this program and here's what I've learned so far: - only accepting 15 students per cohort, so it's significantly more competitive - the post above is right - they guarantee funding for five years. sweet deal! - not sure how the GRE scores factored in; however, I applied to another program at UW-Madison that put a lot of emphasis on GRE score; I was pleased that the Soc department communicated minimally about the GREs. it really does seem like they looked at the 'whole package.' I'd suggest sending your top professor an email with your interests, scores, and how your research would be furthered by working with him/her. In general, I found the UW folks very helpful, if time-crunched. You could also call the Sociology Department and ask any general questions of the secretary. They were happy when I asked for a grad student or two to contact with further questions - that has been incredibly helpful! Good luck!