marvel

I'm in the same boat-- I've been accepted into two PhD programs and am coming directly from my undergraduate degree. From what I understand, there is a certain expectation that you may change your focus. In fact, I would be suspicious of any graduate program that didn't change your interests-- isn't that a sign of a stimulating department? Luckily for me, both programs I am considering have two years of coursework before I have to begin my dissertation, so hopefully I'll be more decided by then. Are you looking at programs that demand a commitment right away? Perhaps this is also an argument for picking a school with a stronger faculty in general, rather than for one particularly good potential supervisor.

Hello-- I have also been lurking on this site over the last few months, but thought I should make use of this site to ask a question that's been bugging me. I have been lucky enough to be accepted into the PhD program of my choice, and when looking at residence options, I notice that the college residences run from September to May only. I know the summer after my first year is supposed to be spent studying for my general exams in the fall of second year (I'm in English), and also research, publishing, etc....but do most people stay on campus to do this kind of work, or is it possible to go home in the summer? I would love to be able to spend some time at home with my family, and also to save the rent money, but I feel that my summer stipend suggests they want me on campus all year round...Obviously the best thing to do would be to ask students enrolled in my program, but I was wondering if I could get a general sense of what you guys do with your summers.