mallorn

Success!!! Here's sort of a 'trip report' just in case someone has the same situation in the future.
 
I decided to renew my visa in Nogales, Mexico, which was the most convenient location for me. It also helps that there were a lot of available appointments- you can book biometrics + an appointment for tomorrow or two days out if you wish. Before I went, also emailed the consulate to make sure I was eligible for renewal there, which they confirmed.
 
Day 0
I took a TUFESA bus from Phoenix to Nogales. There was a wait at the border and someone from customs boarded the bus, but there were no individual inspections. I stayed at a hotel called Marques de Cima which is right next to the TUFESA station and within walking distance of the consulate, which was very convenient. The staff didn't speak English, but they were nice, and it worked out fine with my broken Spanish. They don't have a problem with you leaving your bag at the front desk when you go for your interview/visa pickup, since you can't bring electronics. It's not located in the center of the town, but there are some fast food places, a supermarket, banks, and a small mall also within walking distance you can eat at. There is also a nice sit down restaurant nearby called El Marcos. Some people said dollars are widely accepted in Nogales, but you aren't going to get a good exchange rate, so I would suggest just withdrawing pesos from an ATM. 
 
Day 1 
Biometrics appointment. I took a taxi to the ASC (tell the driver you want to go to 'Edificio Azul') with my papers in hand. Present your appointment confirmation to security outside the building. Inside, they just looked at my DS-160 confirmation and took my picture and fingerprints. Only took me 15-30 minutes in total. The only problem is the ASC is in a sort of quiet area, so I had to walk for a few minutes to find a taxi. I took the chance to go to the 'tourist area' and do some shopping. 
 
Day 2
Appointment at the consulate. I'd suggest taking the earliest appointment you can because they only had 2 people interviewing when I was there and the (standing) line was pretty long when I left. Bring a book if you wish. The consul who interviewed me was very nice and didn't even ask me about my reason for applying. The only question I was asked was why I was going to a different university for my PhD. Also, there was a small problem with my OPT and graduation date as it looks like the SEVIS timeline didn't exactly match the actual one, but fortunately I had my OPT card and a copy of my MS diploma with me, which I think saved me from having the visa denied due to lack of documents. Bring all the supporting documents you think you need! I'd recommend bringing an official transcript as well. After my visa was approved I was told to come back to the consulate that afternoon and see if it was ready for pick up, but it wasn't. I was told to go back the next day. 
 
Day 3
Went to the consulate in the afternoon and my visa was there! I picked up my bag from the hotel and took a taxi to the border. The border crossing took around an hour, as I had to wait for my I-94. All waiting was done inside so it wasn't so bad. When you cross into Nogales AZ, you'll see some shuttles offering service to Phoenix/Tucson for around $25-30. I took one and was back in Phoenix the same night. 

Success!!! Here's sort of a 'trip report' just in case someone has the same situation in the future.
 
I decided to renew my visa in Nogales, Mexico, which was the most convenient location for me. It also helps that there were a lot of available appointments- you can book biometrics + an appointment for tomorrow or two days out if you wish. Before I went, also emailed the consulate to make sure I was eligible for renewal there, which they confirmed.
 
Day 0
I took a TUFESA bus from Phoenix to Nogales. There was a wait at the border and someone from customs boarded the bus, but there were no individual inspections. I stayed at a hotel called Marques de Cima which is right next to the TUFESA station and within walking distance of the consulate, which was very convenient. The staff didn't speak English, but they were nice, and it worked out fine with my broken Spanish. They don't have a problem with you leaving your bag at the front desk when you go for your interview/visa pickup, since you can't bring electronics. It's not located in the center of the town, but there are some fast food places, a supermarket, banks, and a small mall also within walking distance you can eat at. There is also a nice sit down restaurant nearby called El Marcos. Some people said dollars are widely accepted in Nogales, but you aren't going to get a good exchange rate, so I would suggest just withdrawing pesos from an ATM. 
 
Day 1 
Biometrics appointment. I took a taxi to the ASC (tell the driver you want to go to 'Edificio Azul') with my papers in hand. Present your appointment confirmation to security outside the building. Inside, they just looked at my DS-160 confirmation and took my picture and fingerprints. Only took me 15-30 minutes in total. The only problem is the ASC is in a sort of quiet area, so I had to walk for a few minutes to find a taxi. I took the chance to go to the 'tourist area' and do some shopping. 
 
Day 2
Appointment at the consulate. I'd suggest taking the earliest appointment you can because they only had 2 people interviewing when I was there and the (standing) line was pretty long when I left. Bring a book if you wish. The consul who interviewed me was very nice and didn't even ask me about my reason for applying. The only question I was asked was why I was going to a different university for my PhD. Also, there was a small problem with my OPT and graduation date as it looks like the SEVIS timeline didn't exactly match the actual one, but fortunately I had my OPT card and a copy of my MS diploma with me, which I think saved me from having the visa denied due to lack of documents. Bring all the supporting documents you think you need! I'd recommend bringing an official transcript as well. After my visa was approved I was told to come back to the consulate that afternoon and see if it was ready for pick up, but it wasn't. I was told to go back the next day. 
 
Day 3
Went to the consulate in the afternoon and my visa was there! I picked up my bag from the hotel and took a taxi to the border. The border crossing took around an hour, as I had to wait for my I-94. All waiting was done inside so it wasn't so bad. When you cross into Nogales AZ, you'll see some shuttles offering service to Phoenix/Tucson for around $25-30. I took one and was back in Phoenix the same night. 

Success!!! Here's sort of a 'trip report' just in case someone has the same situation in the future.
 
I decided to renew my visa in Nogales, Mexico, which was the most convenient location for me. It also helps that there were a lot of available appointments- you can book biometrics + an appointment for tomorrow or two days out if you wish. Before I went, also emailed the consulate to make sure I was eligible for renewal there, which they confirmed.
 
Day 0
I took a TUFESA bus from Phoenix to Nogales. There was a wait at the border and someone from customs boarded the bus, but there were no individual inspections. I stayed at a hotel called Marques de Cima which is right next to the TUFESA station and within walking distance of the consulate, which was very convenient. The staff didn't speak English, but they were nice, and it worked out fine with my broken Spanish. They don't have a problem with you leaving your bag at the front desk when you go for your interview/visa pickup, since you can't bring electronics. It's not located in the center of the town, but there are some fast food places, a supermarket, banks, and a small mall also within walking distance you can eat at. There is also a nice sit down restaurant nearby called El Marcos. Some people said dollars are widely accepted in Nogales, but you aren't going to get a good exchange rate, so I would suggest just withdrawing pesos from an ATM. 
 
Day 1 
Biometrics appointment. I took a taxi to the ASC (tell the driver you want to go to 'Edificio Azul') with my papers in hand. Present your appointment confirmation to security outside the building. Inside, they just looked at my DS-160 confirmation and took my picture and fingerprints. Only took me 15-30 minutes in total. The only problem is the ASC is in a sort of quiet area, so I had to walk for a few minutes to find a taxi. I took the chance to go to the 'tourist area' and do some shopping. 
 
Day 2
Appointment at the consulate. I'd suggest taking the earliest appointment you can because they only had 2 people interviewing when I was there and the (standing) line was pretty long when I left. Bring a book if you wish. The consul who interviewed me was very nice and didn't even ask me about my reason for applying. The only question I was asked was why I was going to a different university for my PhD. Also, there was a small problem with my OPT and graduation date as it looks like the SEVIS timeline didn't exactly match the actual one, but fortunately I had my OPT card and a copy of my MS diploma with me, which I think saved me from having the visa denied due to lack of documents. Bring all the supporting documents you think you need! I'd recommend bringing an official transcript as well. After my visa was approved I was told to come back to the consulate that afternoon and see if it was ready for pick up, but it wasn't. I was told to go back the next day. 
 
Day 3
Went to the consulate in the afternoon and my visa was there! I picked up my bag from the hotel and took a taxi to the border. The border crossing took around an hour, as I had to wait for my I-94. All waiting was done inside so it wasn't so bad. When you cross into Nogales AZ, you'll see some shuttles offering service to Phoenix/Tucson for around $25-30. I took one and was back in Phoenix the same night. 

Fellow international here- Hmm, did you talk with any potential advisers? I've found that they are extremely influential in your admission and are actually the ones who 'endorse' you to your department so to speak. No adviser = no one to fight for you in the grad committee. If you have, you could try sending them an email to see where you are in the process?
 
I'm a lurker who creeped through this thread and forum through application and interview period and I just wanted to sort of thank everyone for their advice and discussion, even though I didn't take active part in it. I just had a really great PhD interview at a school and at the end, my prospective adviser said they'd recommend me for admission! It will still be up to the department since they provide the funding but I'm crossing my fingers that the result is positive. I find out in two weeks!

Fellow international here- Hmm, did you talk with any potential advisers? I've found that they are extremely influential in your admission and are actually the ones who 'endorse' you to your department so to speak. No adviser = no one to fight for you in the grad committee. If you have, you could try sending them an email to see where you are in the process?
 
I'm a lurker who creeped through this thread and forum through application and interview period and I just wanted to sort of thank everyone for their advice and discussion, even though I didn't take active part in it. I just had a really great PhD interview at a school and at the end, my prospective adviser said they'd recommend me for admission! It will still be up to the department since they provide the funding but I'm crossing my fingers that the result is positive. I find out in two weeks!

Fellow international here- Hmm, did you talk with any potential advisers? I've found that they are extremely influential in your admission and are actually the ones who 'endorse' you to your department so to speak. No adviser = no one to fight for you in the grad committee. If you have, you could try sending them an email to see where you are in the process?
 
I'm a lurker who creeped through this thread and forum through application and interview period and I just wanted to sort of thank everyone for their advice and discussion, even though I didn't take active part in it. I just had a really great PhD interview at a school and at the end, my prospective adviser said they'd recommend me for admission! It will still be up to the department since they provide the funding but I'm crossing my fingers that the result is positive. I find out in two weeks!

Fellow international here- Hmm, did you talk with any potential advisers? I've found that they are extremely influential in your admission and are actually the ones who 'endorse' you to your department so to speak. No adviser = no one to fight for you in the grad committee. If you have, you could try sending them an email to see where you are in the process?
 
I'm a lurker who creeped through this thread and forum through application and interview period and I just wanted to sort of thank everyone for their advice and discussion, even though I didn't take active part in it. I just had a really great PhD interview at a school and at the end, my prospective adviser said they'd recommend me for admission! It will still be up to the department since they provide the funding but I'm crossing my fingers that the result is positive. I find out in two weeks!

Here's my personal to-do list:

1) Get an F-1 Visa- I already have my I-20 so I just have to wait for my next salary so I can pay the necessary fees and schedule an appointment
2) Book air tickets- My mom will stay a few days with me to help me get settled and we'll also visit some relatives before we go to my city. We had to break up the trip somewhere as all the legs will take 20+ hours!
3) Start an inventory of what things to bring and what things I have to buy, especially winter wear as my uni is in the Midwest- I have a hand-me-down coat, an autumn jacket, a windbreaker, some wool socks, a few thin leggings and shirts for layering, and that's about it. Of course I'm going to buy the rest of the stuff I need in the US, but I want to have a good idea of what I need before I go.
4) Learn all my favorite native food recipes that I haven't learned yet
5) Find housing! I hope to avoid having to find a room only when I arrive.

My nickname is something I think most Tolkien fans will get instantly- it's a golden, stately tree that grows in Lothlorien in Middle-Earth (also in a few other places). I started becoming active on the internet shortly after I first read LOTR, so all of my original forum and e-mail names had something to do with Tolkien. Decided to keep up the tradition, as I'm still a fan (except for a professional e-mail of course) after all these years!

Completely forgot about my avatar... I chose this picture because I felt it was fitting for this forum- as most of us join as applicants we're sort of walking towards something unknown while also being mindful that grad school in itself is a bridge towards what we want to do in life career-wise.

My nickname is something I think most Tolkien fans will get instantly- it's a golden, stately tree that grows in Lothlorien in Middle-Earth (also in a few other places). I started becoming active on the internet shortly after I first read LOTR, so all of my original forum and e-mail names had something to do with Tolkien. Decided to keep up the tradition, as I'm still a fan (except for a professional e-mail of course) after all these years!

Completely forgot about my avatar... I chose this picture because I felt it was fitting for this forum- as most of us join as applicants we're sort of walking towards something unknown while also being mindful that grad school in itself is a bridge towards what we want to do in life career-wise.

I know EXACTLY what you mean. I had multiple people tell me I was an idiot for making the choice I did. One friend of mine even sat me down for an entire afternoon and lectured me on why I should choose School #1, he said to go anywhere else would be "insane." Another guy I knew from school actually called me just to say, "You got into School #1 and you're not going? Wow, you're stupid."

I feel kind of silly saying this, but I saw Alice in Wonderland a couple days ago and one part struck a chord with me: all these people are telling Alice she needs to slay the Jabberwocky. Everyone's got an opinion and thinks they know better than her what she should do. Then the Queen told her, "Make sure you're making this choice for YOU and not anyone else, because although everyone's got an opinion on it now, if you go up there with that sword, you go alone."

So, forget what everyone else is telling you - you alone will hold that sword, so you alone make the choice.

Wow, no ifs ands or buts about it. The OP misrepresented themselves in the application process. Whereas he/she could have explained themselves in a Statement of Purpose, and how they are now in a position to complete a program, not they have dug themselves into a hole hoping in the next 5-years they aren't discovered.

That's no way to live an academic life.

Not me personally, but my sister who's applying for MFA CW (Fiction) has heard from Michigan, Alabama, and UT Austin. All rejects. I don't know if that's better than my situation (different field), where I haven't heard from any school yet.

Side note-

Many of the posts here seem to be scrutinizing the possibility that he had low GRE scores/GPA, however, on every other board on this site people aggressively support the fact that "scores aren't everything". You can't judge a book by its (albeit sexy) cover. We don't know what Franco's life in academia was like. Did you know that he wrote, filmed, starred in, and directed his own movie? Which won many awards and was actually a great film? The manuscript of that alone, if one of us "normals" had written, would get us in anywhere.

Sorry but I think people need to relax. He is famous, yes, but he is also an intellectual. Franc-ly, I'm glad someone in Hollywood is actually IN SCHOOL.

Sorry to bump this but I can't believe no one has mentioned The Final Countdown by Europe. The perfect waiting song, surely!

Others:

The Beatles- You Never Give Me Your Money
Queen and Davie Bowie- Under Pressure
Audioslave- Like a Stone
Abba- Take a Chance on Me
Florence + the Machine- Shake it Out

Overall general positive song: Queen- Don't Stop Me Now