Reinventing

I would decline, but I know none of you are waiting for a spot at my schools. Plus, I am still surfing the pipe dream of funding. With all of us gnashing over funding, I wonder if some of the schools dependent on student tuition will find themselves with low yield. . . (especially those progs that offer no particular ROI).

A prep class really helped me improve my verbal score. I was amazed at how well I did--cracking the analogies was key for me (I didn't realize I was approaching them wrong). I did a lot of work with vocabulary, too--the memorizing was a little difficult at first, but it paid off--200 points.

I didn't think ed programs would be so rough on funding, I admit. I applied to the programs I thought would best be able to offer me funding; but the economy threw a wrench into things. Also, it seems PhDs are having more luck with funding, which makes sense. Well, that's life and I'm okay with it--just sharing my somewhat unexpected results. If nothing else, this process has been illuminating.

Definitely familiarize yourself with the higher ed organizational structure(s) before you jump into more education. There are some great posts about this on the career forum at Chronicle.com (Chronicle of Higher Education). Here's a quick boildown (and note, all universities are a little different): At many schools, there are two tracks: 1) student affairs administration and 2) academic administration (department/school Deans) If you want to get into a senior-level position in student affairs/administration, you will likely have to work your way up a position or two. You might start mid-level (your degrees now may be sufficient) and work for the promotion. Possibly acquiring a PhD along the way, if it's required. It's unlikely they'd sail you to the top right away--you will after all be heading up a group of other people who've been following the track for 10-20 years, and will be lacking "experience" (non-profit experience is not the same thing as student affairs experience). If you want a senior-level position on the academic side, it's very unusual to get this without having some experience as faculty. After all, if you're basically the head of a group of people, you want to have some familiarity with their world. And you usually come from their ranks and have proven yourself there. That said, I know there are a number of colleges that blur these distinctions. Your best bet may be to pick several schools you'd like to work at, and do the research to figure out where there leadership came from.

Very true, Stories. Sometimes I do wonder if I've given up on the things I like the most in exchange for slightly better finances. Awareness of the +/- is good--but even with that, it's really an individual decision. Hmm, choosing between intellectual resources and full funding. Tough decision. Is it possible that you'll find research synergies that you're not aware of now? Can you dig more to find out?

Geez, I must have applied to the wrong programs. I had a high GPA, GRE scores, great experience. Not a single dollar. Hmph. I don't know what they think, but I am not rich. I spent the last 10 years paying for my undergrad. Phooey.

I wish this weren't about funding, too, jferrier. It's been a weird experience because I am a bit sad about saying goodbye to it, and this career trajectory I had in mind. But, on the other hand, I realize this could be a good thing. My field does not pay all that well. Going much into debt for it doesn't make sense. Honestly, I could probably go get an associate's degree in some medical field and make more. . . This is a very weird place. Am I happy to have been saved the trouble? Or sad that I'm not going to get what I wanted? fields&charts, I think it's good to think about this. Maybe it's just all those articles I read on Chronicle.com about the pitfalls of studying the humanities at the graduate level; but this former humanities and american studies enthusiast has decided to explore those pursuits in the library instead of the classroom. I don't know, I just can't bring myself to shell out that much money for it. Even when I had a great offer years back, I couldn't choose it over something with better financial prospects.

(Rooting for peace. ) Anyway, it sounds like you and your signficant other can be flexible with the end goal in mind; so that helps. It's not the best situation, I know, but some couples can manage okay if the end goal is worthwhile to both. I hope it all works out.

This is a tough situation for many, I think. In once worked with someone from another country who was recruited to work in the US--and later found out her spouse was unable to work in the new country. They were not expecting this, and unfortunately in their situation, not much could be done. I do hope the situation works out better for you; as I know you're not expecting much--just enough to help you wiggle through. It's a shame--it's something a lot of us deal with in different shapes and forms (trailing spouses, kids, other dependents), and it's nice every now and then to be dealt a kind hand.

Yay! Congratulations!

That's how I feel, too.

I know a lot of programs have scaled back on their cohort size because of the flooded market (and unhappy grads), and it's gotten even tighter over the years. There's been a shrinking going on for a while now, and with the economy like it is English programs are probably taking it on the chin in a major way. Don't take all this as a reflection on yourself. It's just one of those "this stinks" things.

Anyone else apply with the hope of getting solid funding, now wondering if that will be possible this year, and seriously thinking going to grad school under these circumstances isn't the right move?

I agree with sonnyday's points as well. I think a visit that demonstrates your interest and professionalism--not the desperation, regardless of your justified feelings--might be an option. You may want to keep in mind that they just may not know; or perhaps don't like giving negative answers. Check out the Chronicle of Higher Education if you want to learn more about the budget crises that are keeping faculty up at night. Also *word* about getting the just-like-cattle treatment. Unless you want to Moooo! for the next few years.

You'd think they'd let you know, but it takes less than an hour to fill out the FAFSA (all you need is your bank account balances, your income, and the amount of tax you are paying for the year). I think I got burned a bit this year for not filling it out, so I'd go ahead and do it if you're spending more than 30 mins worrying about it. Especially if you're still waiting to hear back from other schools that might require it.

(((HUGS))) You're not a loser. I know what you mean about the waiting,though. Ugh.

Washable, but recyclable or biodegradable? I don't think so. . . Anyway, I was also drawn to this topic to make a somewhat random post. I try to see both sides of any situation, and it occurred to me that I look upon a friend who comes to me to say they're going to graduate school with the same mixed emotions that I do when they say they're having a baby--happiness at their accomplishment, fear, at well, all the stuff there is to fear (ouch ouch, $ $). So there's another upside. No ouch ouch, and the money will hopefully be flowing in the other direction. Ah, so this topic is Freudian as well. *sigh*

One thing I've learned about this whole process is that there are lots of different "realities" of the graduate school experience. Even on the same campus. Especially on different campuses. And even moreso in different financial times (what we're dealing with now is quite unique).

Some insiders have been helpful in giving me the lowdown on my schools, otherwise, I wouldn't have known. The only thing my department said was basically, "Don't wait for funding from us, go ahead and seek it." And that was because I directly asked them if any was coming, or if the next step was to go and find some. They didn't proactively communicate that information, and I understand why, but it does put us in a bind if we're going by the traditional rules--as do all the regular decision deadlines, without the regular funding. Wishing you luck with all this.

I think it's a very different year--it may be fair for someone to respond to this, "if you love it, take it." They may just be trying to keep you from making what they might see as a mistake. Of course, every story is more complicated, and it can be hard to get advice from someone who doesn't seem to understand your situation. I found the arguments made here somewhat like the discussion that goes on in my head. 1) To go, and go with far less funding than I had hoped for (also applied to schools well known for funding)--or 2) To not go, and deal with the realities of what that will mean for me (like a career change, and feelings of resentment) I know my situation is more extreme because it's "go" or "not go," but I've still had a few people who've advised me to just go for what I want, regardless of the financial element. Do I bristle at that advice? Absolutely. (I also have no fallback cushion.) But then, I feel so dark and downtrodden when I think of all the unwanted changes I'll have to make if I don't go. There's no easy answer. As for advice on asking for more money, I think that's all you can do is ask for it; but I think this year, if we get turned down for these kinds of things, I don't think we can take it as a reflection on how far they're willing to go for us--because it is a very different year. Many departments are looking at cuts to their operations and staff, so they may feel strongly for us, but can't do much to help. But you do absolutely have the right to be bummed. It stinks.

*Word* on the lack of funding. Haven't decided yet, but if I can't scrape something up soon, I'll have to try again another year.

No fun. Not fair. In same boat. Was also told to try my luck for an assistantship at other university offices. I understand these are different times. Depts are probably more concerned about the staff they may have to lay off; but it is tough to find myself scrambling at the last minute, when I am supposed to be worrying about other things right now. I guess they'll get scrappy people who really want it, though.

I think you should do what he/she suggested, maybe explain that so-and-so suggested you contact him/her in the e-mail you write to the director. Both my letters had no word about funding. One department has already directed me to scrounge, the other will probably do so soon. It's log-in, click, refresh until that point. Not so motivating.

Oh, this is so where I am right now. I'm not applying to PhD programs, but things haven't worked out as I thought they would (no funding, programs different than expected, etc), and while everyone else is telling me to push forward and find any way to remove the obstacles and just do it, I am feeling pretty unexcited at this point. Other alternatives are starting to look pretty good. At least they tend to pay, vs. the alternative. Occasionally I think that maybe it will work out great somehow, and I feel a little happy about it, but then I get back in touch with the current state of affairs, and it's back in the dumps again.

Anyone hearing news about funding?