commcomm

I made an announcement as it was easier to do than telling the various friends and relatives I have spread across the globe. However I am going to waiting until I register for classes before updating my profile information as I won't quit my job for a few more months.

HAHA. I was in the same program as the guy in the photo in the article mrpbn7 posted. Nice dude.

I've been waiting... and waiting... and WAITING for Albany. Their process is absurd. Finally had to call b/c if I didn't sign up for classes at one of the other two schools I was accepted into, there wouldn't be any classes left by the time I heard from Albany! I called and explained my predicament, and they explained that they had started sending out initial acceptance letters, but I was "low ranking." Really? I got into Hunter which has an acceptance rate FAR more exclusive than Albany's. I have a 3.75 GPA, I'm in 3 prestigious honors programs, 3 years human service paid/unpaid experience, extracurricular activities... What gives? VERY CONFUSED.

While Hunter is GREAT! They are not commuter and/or adult friendly. Masters program is 5 days a week no ifs/ands/or buts. Also, they are more community organization/macro based. I am clinical/micro track.

P.S. Albany ranks #12 in the nation for Social Work with a 40% acceptance rate, while Hunter ranks #22 with less than a 20% acceptance rate...

Went ahead and dropped the $250 deposit for Hunter. SUPER BUMMED.

I got two good pieces of advice on this from friends:

1. (The advice I think many people will have heard): They're all good decisions-- no matter which you choose, it will be a good decision so there's no reason to worry no matter which you choose.

2. (A different twist on the same theme) You're going to regret it no matter which you choose (especially when you're at a difficult point, which you will experience no matter where you go). So there's no reason to worry no matter which you choose.

Either way: You made the right decision. Don't fret.

Your options are, full funding in Sunny California (where you will be expected to do research anyway) or paying for your education in expensive Manhattan all so you can say you got a masters from an Ivy League. Tough call indeed. . .

I remember reading this thread a long time ago, habenero, and I remember thinking how some of the responses were needlessly harsh. And I think you have to remember that this isn't a popularity contest, and I think you have to ignore people who are rude to you. I do think that sometimes the posts go beyond sarcasm and bluntness (hey biogirl2012!)...totally unnecessary. No need for bullies here.

Oh my god, this post is actually the most pathetic thing I've read in a while (and the War on Women is going on right now, you know).

The OPs only post on this board and this most recent reply almost make this seem as someones assignment for an ethics class or something

edost - Sorry to hear about Albany, but as you said, it wasn't your first choice so all is well. I think we'll all land where we're meant to eventually.

I did not apply to Rutgers but I have a good friend whose PhD is in communication and information sciences from Rutgers and I know that they have a large program and do admit somewhere between 25 and 30 people at a time. If you haven't heard anything yet I'm guessing perhaps you've been waitlisted, and as people who were invited to that visit weekend decline the offer, they'll start to pull names from the list. It can't hurt to email them.

This isn't much of an answer-- but I currently attend what I consider to be a pretty reputable research school and my professors are from all over the map. Many have told me that it wasn't as much about where they got their degree as it was about the connections they made in the academic world ( at conferences, meeting people through joint research projects, etc.) I imagine that regardless of where you end up, finding a good job will depend on your personal record and the connections you've made along the way. My advice would be to go wherever you feel is the best fit!

Side note for anyone wondering-- UC-Boulder decisions should be coming in the next few days, according to the very nice and helpful graduate coordinator.