[History Admissions 2009]

I'm was told that I'm being considered for a TA, so that's why they weren't able to give me a definitive on the stipend. It will depend on what the need is for TAs, and whether or not I decide to do it during the first year. I've been teaching and it would only add to my experience, so I haven't decided just yet if I want the TA or just the stipend. I have time to think it over though. Are you going to visit or are you not going to consider it?

I already know UD's out of the running, so I think it'd be better if I told them so they can try to inform someone from the waitlist in time for them to go to the visit.

[History Admissions 2009]

I just got accepted to Delaware. Well, I had to call a few people first to tell them the good news. They offered me full tuition and a stipend (four years), though no word on how much (stipend) yet. I am so happy because I really love the program.

Guess I'll be able to sleep tonight!

Congratulations! I got an acceptance e-mail today as well. For what it's worth, this is what they said regarding PhD funding:

Just so you are aware of the funding formula, financial aid for doctoral students consists of up to four years of support, including free tuition and an annual stipend ($15,200 for next year).

I've gotten a more attractive offer from another school, so I'll be turning them down. Writing that e-mail is gonna be tough though.

[Admits with no funding or no word on funding yet?]

I'm in a similar boat. One of my admits came with an email that told me what the bare minimum funding was, but I've heard through the grapevine that I was their first choice admit and that my offer may be more. Since then, I haven't received any further info. The minimum funding isn't bad at all, but I'm eager to learn the specifics. Every day I run to the mailbox when I get home and every day I do the Charlie Brown walk into my house because I haven't gotten the letter yet. No matter how many times I read the email, it's not real until I can hold the proof in my hands!

This process definitely seems to be more about patience than anything else. I've learned more about that in the past few months than in all of my life before.

[freak out moments]

Mine came just before a phone-interview. Professor X and I had originally settled on 4:00 as the time, but he emailed me partway through the afternoon, mentioning that he was busy and needed to wait until 4:40. That was fine with me, so I wrote back saying as such. Then, around, 4:25, he emailed me again, saying, 'Actually, I'm done a bit early. Are you available now?' I wrote back, 'Sure, anytime is fine from now on.' Pressed 'send'. The phone rang.

You're joining the X-MEN?!

[Saying No to Grad School - Advice?]

Your odds of getting a job near your family are even slimmer. If this is the life you're planning to lead, then you need to be prepared for it now.

This is really the key. You need to decide which is more important to you - staying close to your family, friends, home, etc. or pursuing a career in academia. I know a lot of really great professors, as brilliant and talented as any others, that are unemployed, adjuncts for life, or in non-teaching positions because they are unable to move or just don't want to. You really need to be flexible about location in academia.

[The College of William and Mary]

I wouldn't mind hearing about the graduate school apartment complex, if you've got any experience with it.

[The College of William and Mary]

I'm almost 100% certain I'll be headed to W&M for the History PhD program.

[History Admissions 2009]

Congratulations! It's my first choice and the first school to actually contact me, so I really can't describe the relief I'm feeling right now.

What area are you concentrating in?

[History Admissions 2009]

William & Mary applicants should keep an eye out for an e-mail, as I just received one notifying me of my acceptance today.