To Slothy:
Out of curiosity, how come you plan to go MAPSS instead of UNC, Berkeley, or Duke?
For me these schools are the best schools in Sociology in overall. Depending on your specialty the preference might be changed, but I don't think MAPSS program is worthy to be compared with any of these program. Did I miss something?
Anyway, thank you for sharing you guys information. 'Average 8 years' to complete the program makes me frightened...