pourtant

Hi @morningdew. I really like GT so far. I wouldn't describe it as all production-based, exactly. Even the project-based classes include theoretical readings and discussions that relate back to the work we are doing, so they do attempt to give everything some grounding. It does seem like we do more hands-on work than MIT-CMS -- actually our department seems to be more in line with Media Lab (although we're a smaller department and don't have as many bells and whistles or recognition). Since the first semester includes two programming-heavy/project-based classes, I've definitely been working on creating my projects and struggling with code more than I've been focusing on the readings. We haven't been assigned to write a paper, but we probably end up giving 1-2 presentations each week. There is a lot of emphasis on crafting compelling presentations and demos. I should note that the focus of our projects is more about concept and less about code. In future semesters, I'm sure I'll end up taking classes that aren't so focused on the creation of projects and my experience will be a bit different. Other things that I like: plenty of opportunities to get involved with research groups in your area of interest, PhD students who are really helpful and knowledgable, faculty members who are based in/focused on this department (i.e. not based in CS, or other disciplines and just teaching some digital media courses). I also like that I'll have a nice portfolio of projects to show employers. Things to watch out for: I find programming REALLY difficult to understand (I have an arts background), so this first semester has been a real struggle. Not everyone gets funding right away and it's not guaranteed when you accept your offer of admission. Some of us got lucky, some didn't. Moving to Georgia from NYC has been an adjustment (although not all bad). Doesn't quite have the cache (or money) of MIT. Feel free to send me a message if you want more specifics. And sorry for kind of high-jacking this thread about MIT. I think CMS is a really, really cool program. If they had accepted me, I probably would have gone (although, like I said, I'm not sure it would have been the best fit after all). I think it's very hard to find info about many of these media studies/digital media programs because they're small. I highly recommend visiting. I know that MIT has a few days for prospective students which are VERY helpful for getting a sense of the program and the students. We're having an info session in December, and if anyone actually wants to come to GT for a visit on a normal class day, message me.

I visited the program a few years ago (when Henry Jenkins was still there) and I really liked it. It's not to be confused with Media Lab, though. It seemed a lot more theoretical (i.e. more reading Dickens, less playing around with Arduinos). It's also very competitive, so give yourself some other options. I'm now in Georgia Tech's digital media program and I actually think it might be a better fit for me than MIT CMS. There aren't a ton of funded masters degrees in this field, though.

The housing is right off campus, but in what people told me was a less desirable neighborhood (Home Park). I guess it's mostly undergrads and the crime rate is a little higher than some of the other areas near campus. (To be fair, the buildings looked nice from the outside.) Apparently many grad students live in Midtown, which is just east of campus. It's a nice neighborhood, a little pricey, and it's easy to get to campus without using a car. I met a girl on campus who suggested that the west side is a good place to look if you like new-ish apartment complexes with all the amenities. It's basically the area to the immediate west of campus. There are lots of good restaurants out there, but it doesn't seem very walkable. She said there are lots of young professionals out there. I'm actually planning to live a little further out, perhaps in Virginia Highlands or Candler Park. It's not as close to campus, but I liked the character of the neighborhoods better.

I'll be in the Digital Media MS program this fall (which I never saw mentioned this year in these forums...I felt lonely). I just visited campus last weekend, talked to some people in the program and decided it was the place for me. Now I'm trying to find an apartment in Atlanta and figuring out how to move down there from New York.

FYI: Digital Media MS at Georgia Tech is not a guaranteed full ride. I'm actually deciding whether or not to do this program and basically they say that assistantships are NOT a given, it's up to you to find one before you start the program, and people with good tech skills (like programming) have a better chance of getting one. Another to add to your list is the DANM program at UC Santa Cruz.

Yep, just doing an M.S., for now, at least. Hear, hear! This has been so helpful and it really makes me feel like this is a welcoming, friendly field.

Yep, I'll be there that Friday/Saturday! I grew up in WI, so I'm pretty familiar with Madison, but I want to check out some of the neighborhoods recommended for grad students, since all I really know of the city is partying with undergrads. I've heard you need to start looking crazy early. Are you in Curriculum & Instruction?

I wouldn't give up! Some people may decide to attend another school.

I think it depends where you want to work. I've worked in NY museums for the last 8 or so years and Bank Street is VERY dominant. I'd imagine the same is true for GW in DC. The people at Bank Street have the best connections to most of the major museums in the city. Everyone knows everyone and you'll have the best internship opportunities because of this. The caveat is that museum education jobs are few and far between. Be prepared to work 2-3 part time jobs at once and barely scrape by until that elusive full-time opening comes along. And even then, be prepared for low salaries that make it nearly impossible to pay back your Bank Street debt. Also know that you can score educator jobs without a masters. Usually you need teaching experience (and expertise in subject area helps), but the masters really only comes in handy if you want to be more of an administrator/manager.

@litjust, I don't know I read this read for this whole cycle and somehow missed that you decided on Madison! I feel like I haven't heard people talk about Wisconsin at all on these boards, but it *might* be my top choice. I'm heading out there for a visit in a couple weeks (unfortunately during spring break, but I mostly just want my partner to get a feel for the city). @wildviolet Did you decide to visit UW?

Sorry to hear that. Funding restrictions? UW usually funds masters students in that program? Seems like they have trouble funding PhDs, period.

I know this thread is way old, but is there anyone out there who is still active on these boards who is in or has done (or knows an alum...anything) the Georgia Tech MS in digital media? Just got my acceptance and I would really love some more info on it.

I'm also masters, but I think I heard around the same time as at least some PhD people. I did hear that someone asked why we didn't hear on the "target date" for admissions results, and the the answer was that they'd be sending out notices "within the next few weeks." If you don't hear soon, you might want to contact them. I just received the form to mail back if I decide to attend and it's not due until June.

Yeah, there were definitely a few last Monday. I'm Educational Psych - Learning Sciences. You?

If you're considering Brooklyn and on a budget, what about Queens? I've lived in Astoria for the past couple years and although it's getting more expensive (and attractive to yupsters who've been priced out of Brooklyn), I find it super convenient and affordable by NY standards. Granted I work in midtown, so to get to NYU would be an extra 10 mins on the N train, but still not bad. If I worked downtown, I would totally still live here. It's a really safe, diverse neighborhood with tons of cheap food and Euro cafes.

I'm think I might try to rearrange and attend the HGSE open house at the end of the month. I have some questions and I just want to get a sense of what the program is like in person. What I like about it is the smaller cohort size and the focus of the TIE program. I've heard really nice things from alumni. [They also seem--how do I put this?--welcoming to the point of aggressive, with the daily emails. Anyone else notice this?] What I don't like is that there's no thesis or culminating project and I'm kind of unclear on research opportunities. I get the sense that it's basically like "take these eight classes and you're done." A two year program would give me more opportunities to get to know the faculty, take part in research, create a compelling PhD application, etc. The state schools I'm considering both have several research groups that are really relevant to my interests. My concern is that the cohorts would be much bigger and I might have to fight for attention.

How do you all feel about the one-year aspect of the program? Are you planning to continue in academia, or look for work after HGSE?

Cool. The thing I keep hearing from TC alumni is that the funding leaves a lot to be desired, so I'm glad you were able to get some. I'll have to stick to an actual state school, I think

Hey Malachi, if you were offered Masters, does that mean they're not funding you (if you don't mind my asking)? I got my financial aid letter back today and it was basically like $40k/year in loans.

Well that's worrisome! Just from anecdotes on these forums it seems like UW has some funding issues...

Well, I'm still waiting to hear from 3 schools, and I need to get a sense of the $$ situation before I can make any decisions. I'm certainly leaning toward one school right now, but having officially visited none of them, it's kind of hard to get the complete picture. I guess what I'm asking is...are open houses an appropriate time to gather data? Or is it mostly for people who are definitely attending?

What could change my mind? Well, in the case of TC, deciding that I don't want to move out of NYC, for starters. TC isn't my first choice because of the high cost and lack of funding, but not knowing all my options yet, I'm not sure I'd want to completely cross it out right now, simply because of the location factor. With HGSE, I'm now pretty sure that I want to do a two-year program, so I'm leaning toward another school, but I'm also really curious to see how it stacks up, in-person, against the other schools I'm considering. So is it wrong to attend the open house if it's mostly about being able to make up your mind and feel certain about it?

Well, to be fair, one was a trip to a school I'd already scheduled on my own (which shall remain nameless because I'm not accepted yet and I don't want to jinx it!), but otherwise its HGSE and UW that weekend, neither of which I can attend. Are you guys going, knowing that you definitely want to go to Harvard? Or are there people who are using the open house more to actually make the decision? Like, I'm fairly certain that I will not be attending TC, but should I go to the admitted students weekend anyway, just to be sure?

Anyone else noticing that these open house weekends are all at the same time? I'm supposed to be in three cities on this one weekend!

Seriously, right? That's only a few weeks away. Unless I can magically find a cheap flight from NYC, I'll probably have to sit it out.