Reinventing

I'm in a field that requires a master's degree to stay in, and I've hit the SOGOTP point. Doint it P-T hasn't proven to be a viable option. Also, it's not the kind of work one should get deep into debt for, as the pay isn't great. I don't know if I want to do a PhD; so you're probably saving me a lot of time by getting me to admit it, even if it might make me a stronger candidate for funding. Yes, it was desperation on my part. I just wanted to get this degree without spending another 10 years paying off college loans; and be able to stay in my field. The advice I've received here has been very helpful. I'm going to go think on it and decide what to do. Thanks again.

Thank you for the feedback. That makes perfect sense. Early on in my process last year, when I expressed concerns about how to pay for my master's, a lot of people I talked to suggested cheaper schools, and places that might be impressed by my background and want me in the community; but that strategy alone did not work out for me (for a TA/RAship, at least), and I wish I'd focused more on schools whose faculty/research really got me excited (unfortunately, with the schools I applied to, there wasn't a strong match between me with the faculty taking on students). Also, it seems funding is more available to PhD/EdD-level vs. MA/MS nowadays--like they're two different tracks now, vs. one that possibly builds toward the other?

After applying & getting no funding last year, I'm considering applying to schools again this fall. Is anyone finding strategies that work in getting depts to offer a TA/RA? Knowing the tough market, I tried applying to lower-ranked schools & state schools, but despite my strong GPA, reccs, & GRE scores, still no funding. I think maybe it's more important to apply to schools with faculty that have the most similar research interests--anyone think this strategy will work better? Or is funding just that limited at a lot of schools now?

Yes, I figured if I was getting headaches now, it might not get any better with them. Ironically, the fastest response I received was to my "Thanks, but sorry" e-mail.

tkm256, I agree with what you're saying to a point. . . But I'm not sure we have enough info on what the OP plans to do careerwise. If the degree is indeed just to "check the box," then yes, it probably doesn't matter (other than maybe missing out on some of the educational resources of IU). However, if the OP anticipates being in a situation where the degree might matter (for example, if OP is considering being an academic librarian), it could give OP a little bit of an edge. If the "bit" sweeter is $2,000 a year, then I wouldn't let that make the decision. If it's 10k a year difference, then yes, it probably deserves some consideration.

(great idea for a survey:)

Wow--very tricky.

I'd start with the financial aid office at your school--they've probably answered this q. before.

Year-by-year funding feels like a bait-and-switch situation to me.

A "bit" sweeter financial deal vs. nationally recognized U. Are they sending the football team over to wake you up with waffles and a morning serenade?

Congrats on your acceptance. I've heard of people getting funding later, but from a negotiation perspective, you'd think if they had funding to offer, they would offer it now. Basically, you'll bear the burden of proof and networking. Budgets are not going to get better next year. My accepts didn't fund me, and since my degree would have been in the education field, I decided I couldn't justify the debt. It took a while to be okay with that decision, but I remember the burden of my undergraduate debt, and am happy to leave those days behind me.

My experience with UMass was a bit of a headache--I'd hate to see what it's like when one is no longer in the "courting" stage (I use quotes because I definitely did not feel the love). That said, I seem to remember USC's pricetag being rather high. Best of luck tritonetelephone.

Okay, I'll channel your way of thinking and just do it. Edited to add: It's done. I like your sig--dream deferred.

Anyone else sitting in front of their computer with response forms on their desk, finding it difficult to write "won't attend" (due to funding) on them. I have a good alternative, perhaps a better alternative (a job); but it still feels wrong.

Ow, salt in the wound. No funding at either prog. Darn my "safety schools" strategy. There's the option of applying to other depts and offices, but that hasn't worked out well so far (time, various requirements, interest). I'm hoping another year will offer better results.

(Hugs) for all the stressed ppl (me included).

I agree with this ^^ Plus, IU has the best reputation. I know it may not feel like a win-win, but I think it is.

, Page 4. Only thing to put a smile on my face yet today.

I think it would be worthwhile to talk this out with someone. From my experience, these stories are always a little more complicated than what you can cover in writing. Is there someone from your undergrad institution, for example, that you could speak with? Or a mentor (not someone too involved), counselor, etc? I think talking it out often helps you better understand how you feel about the situation.

Not a Harvard admit, but going to offer my .02 anyway. If reputation is very important to you/your field, I'm not sure it will be worth it to pay 60k for a school that will be unknown where you're going to work afterward. If Harvard is important to you, they have an Extension School that offers several master's degrees that might mesh with your area of interest. The price is decent, too. From what I've heard, parts of TC are good, others have a reputation as cash cows (not unique to TC, BTW; and I'm of the opinion one should be wary of such programs).

I've been working full-time, and it appears one complication may be that I won't qualify for any aid. I expected to at least qualify for govt loans--but unless there's some glitch in the financial aid reporting system--it seems that one school is offering me nothing. Not even loans. I'm a little shocked by that. ____ Edited to say that unlike my undergrad, the grad schools I applied to put off sending financial aid letters. Even though the notice from the graduate school said I would receive something from financial aid, nothing was sent to me by April 15th. I called a few days before and asked what was going on--and was told they wouldn't send out letters until tuition was set, which will probably be in a couple of months. You'd think someone would have communicated that earlier.

Somewhat related. . . my schools sent me paper reply forms. Do they expect me to mail them so they get there by April 15th?

I think the main point of this article is to think critically about this decision. Don't just assume that education is the right path, or even a good path, for you. Plenty of people do assume this, and I hear lots of "you can't go wrong with more school" encouragement of people on the line about the graduate school decision. That encouragement can be optimistic--and it can also be downright incorrect--depending on the candidate's situation and expectations. I think all the author is saying is: know what you're getting yourself into, especially if you are getting in debt, and depending on your degree to lead to a job. Graduate school does not work out as expected for a lot of people. When you buy a car, you'd want to know about the risk of catastrophic engine failure. Why not hear the dirt on this other investment--of money, time, and self?

Will you be taking classes over the summer?

Maybe. . . Wow, they have that many reasons for rejection? (if not more) I cringe at the thought. Sending you a cybertini with olive.