txelizabeth
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Posts posted by txelizabeth
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So I graduated from undergrad with a BA in Linguistics and a minor in Psych in August 2008, did a couple years of grad work in Communication Disorders-Speech Language Pathology, before leaving to switch to grad program in Linguistics. I left the SLP program, because of my own speech issues that I was unaware of until I was in the program, a lack of support, and anxiety issues. Rather than really thinking things through, I then applied to linguistics programs, got in with a full fellowship somewhere and went. I ended up experiencing major anxiety and was very unhappy. I left after one year, in spring 2013 to do work with AmeriCorps. I did a 10 week AmeriCorps Vista program, followed by an 11 month AmeriCorps program. Now, I've been working at non-profits and have considered pursuing a master's in social work, but wonder how I can prove to them I want to do this.
My stats aren't an issue. I did my BA in only 3 years and got good grades in my grad classes, with my GPA above a 3.7 for each school. I recently retook the GRE, since my old score expired and got a 165V, 155Q, 4.0AW. I know I can get great recs from my current and recent bosses, as well as a professor from my first grad school, who I've kept in touch with. I have a history of volunteer work with children and know I want to pursue mental health/nonprofit work. Also, my anxiety has been totally under control for over 2 years now, so I'm not concerned about that. My long-term AmeriCorps program, had me working with a caseload of 20 middle school students, providing one-on-one weekly mentoring and gave me experience facilitating groups; I absolutely loved the work and felt I was making a difference. It's been my favorite job ever. For the first two grad programs I tried, I honestly kinda jumped into them because I thought "hey, I can do that" and my grades demonstrate that i could if I really wanted- but I was unhappy.
Now that I know what I want to do, I'm worried that the adcoms won't look too kindly on me leaving grad school not once, but twice before. I am working to save up money for school (don't need more loans) and want to apply for Fall 2017, so what can I do between now and when I apply next fall to improve my chances? And how should I explain things on my application? Any advice?
Would like to apply to UT Austin and U of Houston, just fyi. Prefer UT.
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I live in Tempe and, while I managed with the bus system my first year out here, that was when the bus pass was free. Now it costs money to get the bus pass, and I wouldn't be surprised if the price goes up (even paying for a day pass has more than double in price in about 3 years). Besides, my car has been so much more reliable than the city bus or Orbit systems. I live 4 miles from work and can get there in maybe 15 minutes by car. I would have to give myself close to 45 minutes to use the bus sytem to get there plus walk a bit to the office. The buses here aren't great and lots of odd characters ride the bus.
And the 100+ degree temps can start by April (last year it was April 1st) and don't consistently cool down until October. I can't wait to get away from these ridiculously hot summers! The low humidity is nice for my hair, but 115 degrees is 115 degrees. That time of year, I open my car, turn on the ignition, turn up the AC, lower the windows, and stand outside until it's cool enough to get inside. And that's even with a sun shade for my windshield. So, I'd definitely recommend a buying a shade or trying to park in the shade whenever possible.
There's a lot of great hiking in the area for those who like that.
I think your grad experience will depend on your department. I found a few very supportive professors here and am very gradteful for their guidance, and even more who were extremely discouraging. Even though I'm close to finishing my degree here (in a different field than I just applied for), I'm choosing to move on to something else. Hopefully your department has more of the supportive type.
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Well I got the last letter today from UConn- the expected rejection. I think I was most upset about UMich and disappointed about UMass and UT, eh about the rest. I already emailed UIUC and officially accepted awhile ago anyway. I've also been looking for rooms/roommates in Urbana/Champaign and have a plane ticket to go visit in April. I also have plans to get a puppy or dog when I move, so lucky for me I'm talking to a girl with a room available who has a dog and is open to a roomie with a pet as well. I'm excited about UIUC's program, though nervous to be away from everyone I know. Anyone else make a final decision yet?
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Who posted the UConn website rejection? And where can I check my status? I submitted my app in October before they switched to a new app Nov. 1st, since I'd already started it, so maybe that makes a difference too.
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Make that 4 rejections in one week...
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Whether it's worth it or not depends on whether the debt you take on is reasonable for the salary you will earn after graduation.
For me, I'm in a M.S. program now that gave me a stipend and a partial tuition waiver (only needed to pay 1/2 instate tuition vs out-of-state) my first year, then a stipend and full tuition waiver for my second year. I owed just 10 hours a week as a research assistant. I did have to take some loans to fully cover my living expenses though. For the M.A. that I expect to start this fall, I've been offered a full tuition waiver and a nice stipend, amount dependent on whether or not I win the fellowship they nominated me for, and likely funding for continuation towards the PhD. I wouldn't go to grad school with out that kind of financial support, because even the little loans I took out in undergrad and for my post-bac year add up, and I want to avoid any more debt. Especially in the field I'm in, there's no way I'm going to pay out-of-pocket for the degree; the funding is what is making it happen.
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Yeah, I had that before, but now it says: "As of February 10, 2012, the status of your application is denied." with a "many qualified applicants...blahblahblah..." when I click on 'denied.'
And, I also got an email that suddenly popped up tonight, referring me to the website.
Thanks for your support too Good luck to you!
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Thanks for the help. And I'm not sure when I'm visiting just yet, to the person who asked.
So, if I have a pair of leather boots that I've sprayed 2 coats of weatherproofing stuff on, will that be okay for walking through snowy/rainy weather? Hmm, and I don't really have a coat, just a variety of light and medium-ish thickness jackets and sweaters and a hoodie. Will layering a few of those over a long sleeve shirt help? I only even have two thin long sleeve tops.
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Two rejections in one day, awesome. Well it looks like I probably won't even have to decide where to go, but at least I like the program I was accepted to. Ugh, just kinda down about getting rejected from my top choices in the same day. For undergrad and my current grad program, I got into every school I applied to and with funding, so this is new for me. Trying to focus on the excitement of starting the program I'm accepted to and moving and all that jazz.
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I'm planning to visit Illinois next month to check out UIUC, but I've only lived in Texas and Arizona so I have no idea what to wear. Any suggestions? Here in AZ, I wore a tank, shorts, and flip-flops yesterday, so I'll be really out of my element. I've already been accepted, so I don't need to dress up or anything. I appreciate any advice or ideas you have. Thanks!
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I haven't had internet for a couple of days, but UMich decided to reject me. I hate this whole stupid process.
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txelizabeth, it appears we have our hopes in the same dual phd program... maybe we'll both be accepted?? good luck!!
Thanks, I'm hoping so! Good luck to you too
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txelizabeth at least you are IN to one school---
I know, and I'm really grateful. It's just disappointing that I may get rejected by all the rest of my schools. I'm still hoping for good news from UMich though. *fingers crossed*
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Ugh, things are not looking good for me these days...
Congrats to to people though!
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And congrats, of course, to the lucky ones!
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Darn, I'm thinking no word from UMass means a rejection for me (since it seems all the news is acceptances and waitlists for them). But on the positive side, UMich hasn't rejected me as of yet- so I'm hoping I've still got a chance there. And still nothing from Texas either. Stupid GradCafe results page getting my hopes up I've refreshed my email a bazillion times today, in addition to checking the websites a few times each. Patience is not my strength this week.
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Ack, people are hearing from UMich (my top choice) and Texas, but my email, voicemail, and online statuses tell me nada! And, of course, it's the weekend now. :/
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24. I got my BA in 3 years and graduated summer 2008. Then I did a year of post-bac work before starting a MS program in a different field. Now, I'm going back to linguistics for a PhD without finishing the clinical work for my MS (completed the coursework last spring, currently taking grad linguistics courses to postpone loan payments and improve my apps).
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Congrats to everyone on the acceptances and interviews!
Argh, it's almost February- going crazy!! I'm glad I have a nice offer from UIUC and think I'd enjoy it there, but I really want to hear from my top choices soon!
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Getting my Illinois decision last week has just made me more impatient about the rest of my results! I need to stop checking my email...
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I don't see what the problem is with sharing excitement over geting an acceptance. When I got my first decision (an acceptance) last week, I ran downstairs while calling my roommate's name, then called my dad, followed by texting my my closest friends and cousins (like my brothers), and then left a voice message for another friend. Afterwards, I updated my facebook status with a message of excitement and a lot of exclamation marks. I only mentioned the specific school once someone asked. But then again, I'm already in grad school and am applying for a program in another field, and I don't know a single person who is applying to anything right now. Most of my friends are in grad school already or work full-time.
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busbus- I'm having trouble accessing it right now, but I recall from a few weeks ago that it's unavailable during certain hours of the night. So maybe that's the issue?
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Hey guys, my apps are all complete and I got my first decision this week! I've been accepted to Illinois-Urbana with a nice funding offer. I'm interested in psycholinguistics, language acquisition, bilingualism, & Romance languages. I've also applied to UMich, UMass-Amherst, UTexas-Austin (my alma mater), UConn, and MIT. The talk of UMich invitations makes me nervous since I haven't heard anything, but I also applied to the joint program with Romance langs, so maybe they have to look at my app too first? Eek, waiting is nerve-wracking!
Quit two grad programs, how to convince another one to admit me?
in Applications
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Thanks TakeruK! I learned from the linguistics program, that academia is NOT for me. I found research intellectually interesting, but prefer working directly with youth. I find it more fulfilling. I appreciate your reply!