Jbarks

Hi, megerdes, I'm not a student there yet. I was accepted to their literature program, and I'm in the decision making process. So far, I've had really great interactions with students and faculty. Everyone has been accessible and willing to answer my questions. I'm a medievalist. The MEMS program is small, but everyone seems really happy. I'm just worried about the prestige of the program. My goal isn't to work at an R-1 or top tier school; I really want to work at a SLAC. I would definitely get the teaching experience needed at OU, but I'm still on the fence. I do know, however, that their rhet/comp program is pretty strong, so it sounds like a good choice for you.

Congrats on your acceptance! What is your area? I'm still trying to decide where I want to go next year, but I've had some good convos with people at Ole Miss. I'm really deciding between three programs at the moment, and it's so difficult because they've all been forthcoming and helpful. My biggest concern with Ole Miss is the stipend. I know the COL in Oxford is low, but $10,250 is pretty small. You may have received a fellowship or something, so yours maybe better. If money wasn't an issue, my decisions would be a lot easier!

I think if you get off the wait list school you should go with the school that feels right in your gut. Where do you see yourself as being the happiest, most productive, and successful student? It could be at the top 20 or the #35. I also feel that rankings are super arbitrary. It really matters what you do as a student-- how much you publish, your teaching experience, conferences, extracurriculars, etc.

Every time I was accepted to a program I reread my SOP to try and remember what I wrote about the school, fit, etc. For UNCG, I apparently thought "UNC Greensboto" was a great place to continue by academic career. And for FSU, I "explroed" the issues... I think adcoms realize we are humans and make mistakes.

I wasn't accepted into their rhet/comp program, but their literary studies one. I've been corresponding with the DGS; she has been really forthcoming in answering all of my questions. She has also put me in touch with several grad students and faculty in my field. I doubt I will be able to make it down for a visit, so I'm trying to talk to as many people as possible before making my decision. Have you tried contacting the DGS yet? Also, from the information I've received so far, I do know that the rhet/comp program is a little bigger than lit. For lit, they extended 24 offers, and on average 50% accept. In terms of placement, the DGS told me that the rhet/comp people typically place in Tier 2 schools in various parts of the country. I would definitely start to contact different people at the program; they can provide you with the best information. I've been really impressed with the open and friendly responses I've received, which is going to make my decision even tougher.

I'm about 80% positive I'll be declining as well. Good luck to everyone on the wait list!

Has anyone heard anything more? I don't really care either way at this point. I'd just like to know because I'm trying to make some decisions here.

I wouldn't lose hope. I talked to the DGS tonight, and there is a wait list. So you never know!

Nope, I'm waiting on them as well. It should be soon though. I know someone in the program now, and she didn't hear from them until early to mid-March. Any day now...

One of those is mine. I had a missed call from the DGS around 9:15 last night. I don't have any details; I plan to talk to her today to find out more about funding, etc. My field is medieval btw.

Yes, I received the same deal. FSU has a great set of medievalists, which is my field; however, for me, I think it's going to come down to the funding with them. I have better offers from two other programs that I'm really enthusiastic about. I also can't attend the open house in two weeks, so I don't know. Is anyone going to the open house? Edit: Also, no health insurance waiver, which is kind of deal breaker.

Ahhhh!! There are so many. Here are my favorite things to do/places to go/eat/ whatever: Places to go/Things to see: Shakespeare in the Park, The Promenade, Brooklyn Museum, The Cloisters, Met Opera, Upright Citizens Brigade, Prospect Park, Southpaw Food: Economy Candy, Sugar Sweet Sunshine, Grimaldi's, ABC Kitchen Bars: Rolf's (at Christmas), The Dead Poet, Cyprus, Pete's Candy Store, Union Pool

I had to try it out. Nice!

My advice, which echoes the advice of everyone else, is not to take on the debt, especially since you already have $70,000 piled up. To be blunt, it's irresponsible. Debt is not an abstract concept. It will follow you forever. Unless you're waiting on a millionaire great-great aunt to pass away and leave you a couple hundred thousand, I would seriously reconsider attending an unfunded program. I also strongly agree with intextrovert. If a PhD program really wants you, they will fund you. If this is your dream, please reapply and wait for a funded offer. I don't think you'll regret it; however, there is a stronger possibility that ten years from now you'll regret taking out hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans. And, yes, the job market is terrible, but even if the placement rate was 95%, I still wouldn't attend an unfunded PhD program, especially in the humanities. It's not like getting your MBA. You're not going to pay off your debt after working for 18 months.

Oh, well. I've moved on. They were my top choice based on fit. However, the more I've read about their program, in particular completion rates, the less excited I am. If by some small chance I am accepted, of course I would be stoked, and it would make my decision that much more difficult. But I'm not holding my breath. Ekant, I sending out good vibes for you. Let us know when you hear something!

I've pretty much given up on Rochester, and I'm starting to move on. I'm just curious when they're going to notify rejections... or anything really.

Last night I went to see Madama Butterfly at the Met. Today I'm going to see Wit. I've had these tickets since October because I knew at this time of the year I would be either celebrating or swooning in despair.

Nope, nothing. I don't even have the option to scroll down. Lame sauce.

Thanks. Now I'm going to look. Ha!

I still haven't heard anything. Maybe I'll receive the email soon...

I can't wait to start choosing classes again!!!!!! A year off from school is way too much for me to handle. So excited about Fall 2012!

Not currently, but I'm sure Apple is working on that. To celebrate my acceptance, I'd like to get another tattoo... or maybe just a good night's sleep.

Thank you, ComeBackZinc for all of your insight. I have made plans to visit at the third week of March, and I super excited. Already the DGS has been very helpful in assisting with my visit. I've never been to Indiana before, so I'm not sure what to expect. Also, I know the transition from NYC to Lafayette will not be an easy one. However, there is a part of me that is ready to live a small town life for awhile. I'm really interested in meeting with students and professors, so I can get a better idea of what the community is like. Already I've been told that the medievalists (of which I would be one) are a congenial and tight group. I'm really hoping this program works out because it would be a great fit, so we'll see what happens.

Nope, I keep telling myself tomorrow is the day!

Congrats, Notabaker! What is your field?