elvee11

seconded. i'm headed there too, just sent my form. anyone else? i don't know anybody in austin!

mims3382 -- it helps to have outside input! thanks for putting things into perspective. i've been thinking this over for too long!

Joining the realm of first-time posters, but I've been reading every word on this forum! Here is the state of affairs, I keep changing my mind every day: IFA (MA) -- This was my top choice, but obviously I was in the majority that got no funding. I would love to go, but really cannot justify the level of debt. Anyone considering this? CUNY (PhD) -- Love the professors and the courses. Still haven't heard anything about funding, though I don't expect anything. Chicago -- MAPH consolation prize. Does not seem like a good plan. Wisconsin (MA) -- Full tuition + stipend. One professor that matches my research interests. Some hesitations, but still in serious consideration. UT Austin (MA) -- Seriously considering this, some funding. Seeing what I can do to acquire more, since the free MA is incredibly tempting. Two or three professors I would like to work with. Thinking this may be a better program fit as well. Advice is greatly appreciated. Am I crazy for even considering turning down Wisconsin? Right now I'm thinking it would be better to get more experience and get the MA at Austin or Wisconsin, then reapply to IFA, CUNY, Chicago, etc. and hope for funding. Any thoughts? I think an outside perspective from people in the same boat would help out a lot. Also, I've heard a couple murmurs that it's best to get your MA where you intend to go for PhD. Not sure that I agree, but I've never been to graduate school. So I definitely second this -- Sorry for the long post, I am going out of my gourd!