CarlieE

I agree - they don't run credit reports.. Plus some (I think most?) MA programs also have some sort of stipend/tuition waiver available..

I know this doesn't pertain necessarily to your field.. but in mine (anthropology) "the fit" and things like geographic location etc can make a huge difference. We have to do overseas field research (generally) or even if it is locally done the field research can take years and is often not predictable - and so if there are kids, families and spouses to be mindful of, the chances of a PhD candidate with these social/familial attachments of completing the program might be significantly reduced. Not saying that it can't be done; it does depend on the individual, the flexibility of the spouse and the children.. It's not that the commitment of the student is lacking but that there ARE other commitments which have to be honored too.. In the program I'll be in the uni is making a $100-200K investment in me; and so, if I drop out half way that's a big investment that has turned into a flop. it might seem unfair but that is how many unis have to see things. Also, just a side note of how this might actually work... A coordinator in our international office said that an older student with 2 kids had applied and gotten a really prestigious and MASSIVE fellowship overseas and the student moved there with her kids, but then 2 months into it she returned to the US and said that she thought she could have done it, apologized and said she "just couldn't make it work" because her kids hated living there. On the one hand that is totally understandable - as a mother she had to take into account the feelings and well being of her kids - but at the same time that meant that the fellowship for that year was "wasted". I'm not sure if they offered the remainder of what she had not yet spent to the runner-up candidate, but as I understood it, the incident riled up some inter-university politics and the other candidates and the student's professors were really disappointed. Again, I think this is field specific and is not true for all programs..

Aside from the unethical aspect of this situation, and what's been mentioned above there are other consequences to think about...(As katerific and others noted above... ) Your academic credibility amongst your peers (other grad students/future colleagues) may be undermined. They might feel that you are getting preferential treatment that's based on your romantic relationship with the professor, rather than your own merit and abilities. Spinning off from this, if you stay in academia, then you might be ostracized once you graduate and try to look for a job. Your cohort now - regardless of school - is the generation of academics who will be your peers and your professional colleagues. [*]If your relationship works out and let's say you make it official, get married, have a kid or move in together then your relationship will be well known and again, your academic credibility might be judged [*]If your relationship doesn't work out then it can be massively uncomfortable and you might STILL be ostracized once someone gets wind of it. People tend to complain or talk too much when relationships go sour; in a worse case, the other party might turn vindictive and again, you'd be in an awful position. All in all... a bad decision... On the up side, is it possible that the request to go out is not romantically intended but was supposed to be a purely platonic thing?

Hi CellMol Biologica 1. I don't mind you asking. I got into Emory for the PhD program for Anthropology and I am coming in with a UG degree in the same field from Northern Illinois University. Emory is considered the #6 anthropology program (according to the Chronicle's list for anthropology) and US News listed Emory as #25 I think in the country...? Not sure . I too heard that non-top-10s are easier to get into but I think there's a lot to do with the right fit as far as research interests between the POI and the student. As far as being friendly goes I got very very good vibes from Emory - the faculty as well as the other graduate students. It was a very familial and encouraging sort of atmosphere. Competitive but in a very supportive way. I got great reviews about Emory from other people as well - my current professors and others. 2. About my F.. hahaha I told the truth - I got it in community college when I stopped going to that class because I was going through problems with my significant other at the time. I didn't know that I had to officially withdraw and when I decided to start school again, there it was: an F. And there was nothing I could do about it. However, I retook the class and got an A the 2nd time around. The professor who asked me about it was just curious; especially since it's the field I am going into it just seemed.. odd.

Thanks! The questions were somewhat similar; they wanted me to give them an outline of my research, most asked what other anthropologists inform my theoretical background or who I had read recently that fit into my research... I did get an odd question here or there that was peculiar to my situation ie. why I have multiple last names, why there was an F on my transcript from community college from an Anthropology course no less.. In some interviews the topics of conversation also went off the topic of my research: youtube videos were brought up, good food and restaurants in the area... But of course, these were part of the small talk/chit chat parts.. Research was the main gist of the interview.. However, there were many moments where I or they joked and there was lots of laughing. Not AT me, but WITH me. But then, I am a very "laughy" kind of person. I make jokes when I get nervous and they are typically ones that poke a bit of fun at myself. I was honest in my responses, I didn't hide my tattoos (although they only showed at the lunches when I took my blazer off) and I just imagined that I was having a conversation albeit a professional one.

Thanks fingers_toes_X Yeah, I think feeling prepared really helped. I don't think I was fully prepared but having something in my hands really helped me feel confident.

Great - NOW I find this thread... I posted a new topic when my search turned up nothing for Atlanta (I knew that had to be odd)... Hi All! I just got accepted into Emory and I am wondering if I could find out what are the "best" areas to live in, things to do etc. I tried to search for a similar thread in this forum but could not find one. (See above ) I'll be moving with my bf - he's an artist, and a fellow anthropologist. We love "ethnic" food, vintage shops, antique and junk shopping, documentaries, fresh fruits and vegetables, cooking at home, lots of greenery and sitting in cafes to read/study/write. We are also gamers (tabletop RPGs) and yes, we ARE nerds/dorks/geeks - call us what you will. We'd like a 2 bedroom (one to sleep in, one to work/study/write in) or a 1 bedroom with some kind of separate office space, and it has to be ok for cats (we have one). The cheaper, the better - of course. I'd like to pay less than $800 (a max of that, if possible). I love carriage homes and places with odd shaped nooks, so while an apartment complex works, I think we'd enjoy a duplex or a small house. It seems like there are lots of homes that would fit us.. I'd appreciate any feedback or ways to get in touch with people renting out homes of this sort.. If anyone could give me recommendations for where to game, jobs for artists (painters) or resources for artists to go to that would be GREAT and very much appreciated! I am trying to help my bf feel like this move has opportunities for him too and not just me. Thank you!!

I think that's a fair question to ask... especially since you are already accepted into the program and you are not asking for any "special" treatment. Perhaps the chair has not responded to your email because he/she has been busy or they are not entirely sure of what answer to give you (yet). If he/she doesn't get back to you, then I would think it would be OK to email the professors you THINK will be your advisers or on your committee and ask them if you could meet with them during your visit.

caramel coffee

Actually... I think that this is kind of the case in some places... At the school I got into there was a tiny cohort one year, a MASSIVE one the next, and then a small-mid sized cohort in the 3rd year. Also, some grad students don't follow the outlined program year-to-year plan ie. they took extra time for research, or whatever - with the permission of the program or are taking longer to write their thesis/dissertation and so they aren't graduating with their original cohort... OR students also drop out of the PhD programs and so "slots" might open up for professors to take on more students in one year, but since the slot is filled, they take on less new students the following admission year. These events mean that from year to year the admissions might vary because of what the professor can handle or wants to handle. Timing can be everything...

Hmmm.. I guess I am experiencing this from the Other End. I'm the first of my circle to get accepted, and with full funding. My friends are happy for me, but have also expressed their worry to me that they haven't received any news about their own applications. Although we're all in the same field, we're studying very different regions and topics so there is little overlap in the programs we've applied to, so there isn't "competition" there. Yet... Overall, I am happy for myself, but I also understand their worry and try not to rub it in their faces. I suppose these are natural emotions and very valid.. At the same time my bf is also in the same field and applying to programs, though he is resigned that he won't get in anywhere. Sometimes it can be tough not rubbing it in HIS face, especially since we live together and my happiness at being accepted is ALL around him (we have 2 classes together too).

That really sucks.. I was paranoid about my applications and checked the status of them religiously.. Unfortunately, I think that we forget professors are still human and fallible in all the ways that humans are. That's not to say that this sort of behavior should be excused. As students and applicants, sometimes we just have to NAG NAG NAG until it gets done and if that's what it takes, then perhaps the end result makes the rudeness of nagging worth it. ...Does that make sense? If it helps, I needed 3 or 4 recommenders per school I applied to.. I ended up asking/getting 6. I asked for more than I needed just to avoid the sort of situation you found yourself in. I was lucky though - my professors were all very professional and got my LORs in on time. If you have time, find more professional references.

Hi All! I just got accepted into Emory and I am wondering if I could find out what are the "best" areas to live in, things to do etc. I tried to search for a similar thread in this forum but could not find one. I'll be moving with my bf - he's an artist, and a fellow anthropologist. We love "ethnic" food, vintage shops, antique and junk shopping, documentaries, fresh fruits and vegetables, cooking at home, lots of greenery and sitting in cafes to read/study/write. We are also gamers (tabletop RPGs) and yes, we ARE nerds/dorks/geeks - call us what you will. We'd like a 2 bedroom (one to sleep in, one to work/study/write in) or a 1 bedroom with some kind of separate office space, and it has to be ok for cats (we have one). The cheaper, the better - of course. I'd like to pay less than $800 (a max of that, if possible). If anyone could give me recommendations for where to stay, where to game, things or restaurants to go to that would be GREAT and very much appreciated! Thank you!!

Glad to help. On the up side, if it's any further help... I got Accepted!!! With Full Funding! So I don't know if any of the above things helped bring about this result but whatever I did, it worked!!!

I made bullet pointed notes regarding my research plans - just to remind me of finer points. It did come in handy. I also used that same sheet to note down questions I had about the program and used it during the interview to write down answers to those questions. I did actually partially show my notes to one of the professors I interviewed with and he seemed impressed that I brought notes. I got accepted so whatever I did "worked' lol

someone from last year posted in the results survey that Cornell's anthro program had 150 applicants but only 7 spots... I can't verify if that's true... but, I have heard it IS competitive..

I was worried that my UG uni would be slow in sending out transcripts too so I ordered them so that they came to ME in sealed, signed envelopes and then I organized all my packets and sent them to the unis I applied to myself with delivery confirmations from USPS. So far, none of the unis I applied to have said that they can't accept these transcripts and I got an interview so it must be fine. Perhaps if you still have problems, you might do this and then you'll have the peace of mind that it's DONE.

I haven't had a problem with this. Most of my professors are super happy for me and they aren't counting my absences towards their usual "max" number of absences before a letter grade demotion. I don't think most professors will be jerks about it; after all, they went through the same thing...

You don't have to speak up in class but in order for anyone to write a LOR they do have to know you and your work enough to make any kind of statement. You could see your professors during their office hours - or most will say "by appointment" if you can't make it to those posted hours. Just stop in and chat, even if to say "I want to know where I stand in this class as far as grades go". You can also see them at campus events - talks hosted by the departments. Ask them how their day is, how their winter break was. Professors are still people too and they will respond if you take an interest in THEM also as people. Something as simple as a smile and "good morning" can help them remember YOU. That can be one way to "break the ice" and then you can ask them for help on your next paper, or help with finding sources or advice on what classes to take - anything, really.

Hi, I didn't respond to your question about what my questions were. I asked things about their classes, if they were cross listed with UG classes, the number of grad students per professor, rate of success for graduation and placement, resources for teaching once I become a TA. And then once I ran out of questions I re-asked some of them in case answers might differ from one prof to another. And when THAT ran out, I said that all my questions had been answered already.

Thanks for the good luck wishes I prepared for the interviews by reading at least one article written by each of the professors in the cultural anthro dept so I had an idea of what kind of theoretical background they favored or methodology etc and of course, what their general research interests are/were. I also wrote out my own bullet pointed answers to why I chose this university (ie. what my process was for picking grad schools), what my research is about, why I want to do it and then a list of people whose readings influenced my research ideas, AND a list of questions I had for the professors regarding their program, teaching etc. This did come in handy during the interviews. I had my sheet sitting on my lap and i used it also to take down notes and also to remind myself now and then. One professor seemed really glad that I had my research ideas down so "coherently" - they were actually a scribbled mess but hey, that was nice. During the actual interviews I was asked some of these questions but also: how I got interested in the research topic, how my research might fit into theirs. One question was unique to me I think. I'll be a native anthropologist so they wanted to know what disadvantages and advantages I foresee in my research. All questions were really very reasonable and the atmosphere was very friendly and pleasant. The interviews were really like short conversations. Very few asked direct questions but rather let the conversation flow in a directed manner. We talked a lot about my research, less about theirs - except where my research intersects with theirs, and about the program. I am hoping for the best too. I'm lucky, we were told that they are deciding today and then Tues/Wed they will notify all of us.

I was a non-traditional UG too. I started in community college - did that for four years on a PT basis, then moved to a 4-yr for my Junior and Senior years. But during my years in CC I worked full time and gained "life experience" - if that's what you want to call it LOL. Plus I only began community college when I was 24...

I don't think you'll hear from NIU until March since the deadline is March 1st... are you hoping to work with Porter or Gebo?

Hi All! I just came back from my first interview and thought I'd share what the experience was like. Naturally, not all our experiences will be the same but I figured this might be helpful to ease the stress... There were 17 of us, and the school flew us in and put us up in hotel rooms that were within walking distance to the department building. We were 2 to a room, both roommates of the same sex. We were encouraged to arrive on Thursday and our interviews were on Friday. I had 8 interviews: about 30 minutes with each member of the faculty who were part of the field I am interested in. Lunch included all the faculty and several current graduate students. I applied to a PhD program and 4 of the grad students - one from each of the last 4 or 5 cohorts gave a short talk about the program and what to expect in each year of it. During lunch we were free to mingle with the faculty and the other graduate students. Then interviews resumed after lunch. After the interviews were over we had a few hours to relax and then dinner was at a faculty member's home. Again, this included faculty and graduate students. We met more of the grad students and they gave us info on what were cool areas to live in, what life is like academically and socially and things like that. It was very informal but of course, we were still being evaluated. The next morning we were taken by a graduate student on a tour of the city and given a brief overview of life on and off campus. Then we had lunch, again with the faculty and graduate students. Then.. the end. We packed and left. All in all, it was great fun. It was stressful but at the same time loads of fun. I made friends with the other candidates and it did not feel competitive; rather, there was a sense of solidarity and friendship. We knew that at some point we'd probably all meet each other in the future. If any of them are reading this... Yes, this is the girl with the Cat Hat. Thumbs UP and Good Luck!

I'm an UG and applying to a PhD program. I've gotten really good feedback from my professors and they feel I am capable and ready for it. What do your professors think of your chances in grad school? The advice I've been given is that acceptance into a grad program is not just about our stats, it's about the compatibility of our proposed research.