Onedayx3

CU Boulder. You can do as many theory courses as you like, but certain professors and seminars come heavy with theoretical readings anyway. The degree won't necessarily reflect that, but you'll get the education.

I agree! I had a completely different college experience as an undergrad with a small child than my peers did. When they were opting to sleep in, I had to remember I would be taking days off for my daughter and my sicknesses, and therefore had few to spare. I graduated Summa Cum Laud, and I attribute most of it to the tenacious attitude I've had to have to get the work done in spite of the adversity. I asked a mentor about financial aid in the application process, and she told me to mention it in my SOI. I felt that mentioning the fact that I was a single mom was relevant to making a statement about my "need" for assistance. I did not expect, however, for them to address this in my interview! One of the professors asked me about the statement, and if I did not receive funding would I still be able to continue my studies? I did stumble a bit, but I used it as an opportunity to demonstrate my determination to my studies. I told them I would seek outside sources, and do whatever I could to assure I completed the program. They also assured me that usually this is not an issue, and that they were trying to encourage me. I agree that in a formal application process you wouldn't want to give them any reason to think you would be distracted from your studies. I mentioned it because I was told to mention my circumstance for financial need, and I think it was better to be upfront than be passed up for an opportunity. For me, I probably would have reapplied the following year if I did not get any financial assistance. I would be careful before making lifestyle recommendations to others in too hasty a fashion Menadue1978. I think the post was originally geared towards those who already have children. I had my daughter at 19, and was married to my high school sweetheart (at the time). There have been several times my professor told me, "It's better to go to grad school with no kids or SO". I wanted to tell him, "I can't exactly undo my six year old...but thank you for the advice". What I want to hear is "How it can work?", and "Who can I talk to that knows about this already?" I think that's the benefit of these forums, sharing wisdom with each other.

For my SO and I, The threat of going off to grad school was a thorn in our relationship for 2 1/2 years, even while I was still in undergrad. He didn't exactly handle it in a mature manner in the beginning, and it was only when I broke up with him that he declared he would move with me wherever I wanted. I've had a long time to prepare for the transition to grad school and what that would mean for our relationship. Our relationship started to deteriorate six months ago. I finally broke it off, and he has tried to come back promising he'll get me an engagement ring and that he wants to get married and get an apartment together in Colorado. It's very hard turning down the support. This is the person who would get me wataburger and Excedrin at 2am when I have a migraine and message my temples until I fell asleep. So the thought of having someone to help me with my bills, my daughter, sickness, and any other life difficulties is ever so tempting. But, all the benefit comes at the cost of appeasing a controlling SO and limiting my overall potential to participate in grad school to my fullest potential. I've decided to try and make it on my own (with daughter) vs. stay with him because of selfish reasons. Even though I love him dearly, It's one of those brain vs. emotions battle...and hopefully I've let the wiser one decide. Considering all this, I am "single", but not at all interested in dating. I have a 6 year old, a teaching gig, and my own "research" to work on. I figure I'll try and find myself a support network when I'm moved, and worry about everything else later.

That's funny. I'm doing the opposite. I'm moving from Texas to Colorado. Do you have any tips for me? I have been to Shreveport when I was little for a motorcycle rally with my dad, and it's about as hot and humid as Texas. I'm sure you will experience some kind of culture shock, but I can only speak from what I know about Texas. Girls from Louisiana can have a crazy country twang...but I suppose it depends on the area. Louisiana roads are complete crap. It was culture shock for me visiting Colorado. No one wears makeup or dresses nice. It's like everyone is bumming it all the time. I almost felt judged for being overly dressed, but it was my "normal". You might experience the opposite moving to an area that cares a bit more about appearances. I am going to CO for a "meet and greet", and I plan on staying the weekend to look at houses/ apartments/ rooms for rent. It's so hard to tell without seeing it in person, so I will second the idea to find a temporary set up while you are looking. Since you are by yourself maybe you can find a room for rent on Craigslist that is month to month. I am moving to another region of the country intentionally for the experience. I think it's good for you to move away from what you've always known for a period of time, and grad school is the perfect excuse to do it. Good luck!

Wow. I can't believe I found a thread on this. My figure is the same. I will save at about $15K if I buy. Rent in Boulder, CO goes for $800-$1,000, and I could buy a home under $100,000 and pay $300-$500 a month and get some of my money back when it sells. I will be saving money every month, unless I decide to turn it back into adding equity into the house - which still profits me. My concern is having to commute 30 minutes to school for a house in this price range. I would like to put my daughter in school close to campus because I will likely be keeping decent hours on campus and there's an on campus child care facility as well as girls/boys clubs local. My thought is that when I graduate I might have to take a crappy adjunct job before getting a tenure track position, and I prefer not having a massive debt looming over my head. I just want to set myself up for the best post-graduation scenario.

I got a call from University of North Texas this afternoon. They informed me I was one of five applicants selected. I politely declined, as I've already sent in my acceptance to Boulder. My biggest thought was that I'm so happy that my decline gave a second chance to someone who was wait-listed .

I hate the issue all together, and would like to think that one could wear whatever they want as long as they had the right attitude... but the consensus is pretty correct so far here. The interview scene from Pursuit of Happiness:

I've been house sitting and without internet the last few days. But I got an acceptance e-mail from UC Boulder on the 20th (Wed), 5 days after the interview the previous Friday. They said it would be about 2 weeks to hear back, so I was not expecting that e-mail. That was my top choice, for specific reasons...so I've already sent them my acceptance notice. I'm so relieved . Good luck all!

Thank you Pie! They sent me an e-mail 2 hours ago informing me of a scheduled skype interview Friday.

Interview for CU Boulder!

Agreed. Those of us with dependents have more to fight for to try and both follow our dreams and support a family with it's own needs. I have had numerous friends look at me like I am crazy for thinking about moving to another state just to go to school when I have a daughter I will be relocating as well. I've job searched, and can easily apply to positions earning more than I will starting out teaching...but I don't want to be sucked into a non-art world that distracts me from what I really want to do. Be considerate of all .

It only took me a couple of days and I let it sink in be able to relax. Then I found an amazing public art opportunity here in Houston that I applied to same day. After submitting to that, I've been nose deep in artist opportunities and residencies ever since. That's part of my backup plan, add resume lines and work an get ready to apply again.

I've called every school personally to confirm they have received my materials. I didn't do anything like that last year. My recommender ended up coming through last minute...or at least I will call tomorrow and find out for sure. I stopped getting e-mail confirmations from Boulder, they've been having high volume issues with their online portal. All I have left is to send a package in the morning, and my fafsa later this month. So, I'm going to double my hours at work and save up. I really give at least 50% less of a crap than last year. I mean, I do care very much...but my body and brain stressed enough last year to pay in advance for this one. Good luck everyone!

As for freaking out... I just got an e-mail from my prof saying the electronic letters are finished, but she will mail the paper copy when she gets back in town. WTF! That will likely be the DAY the app is due. This year, just as last I have recommender issues because they go out of the country/ state during the winter break. I'm going to call tomorrow and see if the university will allow a couple days for a late letter to fly in.

I am doing the same. My older work is more involved installations and project-based, so there are six images old, and 14 new.