ChrisC

I got a FLAS this year. To be honest, I'm still not sure what they were looking for. I didn't think that I would win because I want to go into academia, and not, say, national security or something like that. I believe that each department has a set number of FLASs that they can award each year, but I'm not sure how they are distributed among different languages.

I have an academic year FLAS. From what I understand, you have to be enrolled at the granting university to apply. At least that's the way it works at my school, even for the summer FLAS. Maybe it depends on your school- perhaps you could ask someone in your fellowships/fin aid office? I found the FLAS application to be pretty tricky, because the personal statement is so short: I think only 250 words! Not really enough space to say anything more intelligent than 'I did this stuff, I think this stuff is interesting, please give me money!' Other than the personal statement, there is a one page application form with basic information, and a letter of recommendation.

Wow! The Admission gods have smiled! Congratulations

Another History PhD! What's your area of concentration? I'll be moving around August 21st, when the grad residence halls open.

Think tanks, gov't, press, going on to to doctoral programs, lots of things. GT's program is neat because it's really versatile, and you can start any one of a number of slavic/central asian languages as well as Russian. I'm sure NYU's program is great as well though, that's a tough call. PM me if you want!

Georgetown. You used 'love' four times in that paragraph That's a fantastic program. Good luck with your decision!

It was down to the wire, but in the eleventh hour I finally got out of Funding Purgatory and have full funding for next year! I hope that everyone else's wait ended well.

yacobito- thanks for the tip! I'll definitely keep that in mind for the future. Cambridge is certainly a bit pricey. Do you know where your friend found out about that? I checked on the harvard website and couldn't find anything.

I'm headed to Harvard in the fall! Really excited, I love Boston. I'll probably live in grad student housing my first year, the price is right, and I don't think I can afford to rent an apartment on my stipend and also eat. As for jobs, I might see if I can find something part time on campus, perhaps as a research assistant.

I'll be attending Harvard in the fall as well, Funding Purgatory is finally over! Congrats to all.

If you're looking to rent an apartment, I would consider living downtown in Lafayette. Lafayette has a beautiful, historic downtown that's not overrun with undergrads. Main, Columbia, or between 3rd and 9th street.

Nine Irish Brothers is smoke free indoors, smoking is allowed only on the patio. I also heard that a city wide indoor smoking ban was in the works.

They're probably being stingy with fellowships because they lost a lot of their endowment this year. At least, that's what I keep telling myself. A question- would you be graduating from Columbia with NO debt, or just 20K less than at Harvard?

Was anyone able to go to the Accepted Students day? How did it go? DId you learn anything interesting?

I completely feel your pain. I'm waiting on a FLAS for my first choice, I realistically can't (or at least shouldn't!) go without it...

Haven't heard from anyone about funding yet. I called the financial aid office of my top choice, and got an evasive "I imagine decisions will be made within the month", which would fall after April 15th at this point.

What's more annoying than waiting for word on funding? Finding out that you're an alternate for said funding, and waiting some more! gah

Ugh. I'm in the same position! I thought it would all be over when I heard from admissions, but knowing I got in and waiting for funding feels even worse. It's just a fancy piece of letterhead without some cold, hard cash to back it up.

Thanks! That's a big help, must at least be livable in that case! Good luck to you too!

I might be heading to Harvard as well, but still waiting on news about funding. Unfortunately, I can't visit because I'm out of the country until May. Quick question- do most grad students live in the grad housing, or rent apartments?

Hey! I'm no expert (since I'm applying to these programs myself this year) but from what I've heard, GT's program is very strong, especially if you're interested in policy/politics/working in a think tank.

I went to Midd for two summers- one thing to know is that they can keep you hanging about financial aid until the very last minute. Two years ago, I found out in the beginning of JUNE that I got a full scholarship. Since their admissions are rolling, it just depends on who accepts/declines funding at what time. For the future, I recommend applying for financial aid as soon as the forms are available in the end of November!

I didn't go to Purdue, but I grew up in West Lafayette. If you want to stay away from undergrad mania, I recommend living downtown! Downtown Lafayette (which is just across the river- less than 5 minutes from Purdue) is a fantastic place to live. The architecture is lovely. It's pretty quiet, but there are a couple terrific bars/restaurants/coffee shops ( I especially recommend The Sparrow on Main and 2nd, McCords, the Java Roaster, Chumleys, Kokoros, Brewing company). You shouldn't have much trouble finding a nice place, and the cost of living is very reasonable. Good luck!