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gurlsaved

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    San Fran
  • Program
    Communication Studies, PhD

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  1. Hey, I am also terrified at the moment. I'm not even sure I'm going for my PhD at the moment because of relationships and money. Since you did not enjoy your MA institution, I would opt out of their PhD program and apply to just adjunct. is that a possibility? Then you can stay in the department, keep good connections, and apply to more PhD programs next year. I recommend not going into a PhD program without good funding. If it is a year by year basis, you will be stressed each year and you don't need that for a PhD, especially at a place that you are not truly happy at. Another thing to consider is whether you really want the PhD or not. Is your fiance willing to relocate for you? Good luck.
  2. From what I am reading, it seems like you are going into a MA program, which for many universities, do not have a lot of funding options because of the nature of a MA. If I am wrong here and you are going for a PhD, then this changes things. You can try to defer and go again. Again, for an MA, it is different. A lot of times, research is not as heavily pushed in a MA degree and therefore you are more likely to be accepted for a deferral. But for a PhD, it is a delicate state because professors choose you because they are ready to work with you (maybe not the first year but certainly in the 2nd). And so if this is for a MA degree, deferral and reapplying is okay as long as you tell the program that is what you are doing - saving money so that you can afford the program. I don't recommend getting more loans since you already have loans. I actually did get loans for my MA and BA but I kind of regret it...I mean I dont regret getting my degrees because I had such a great experience. But I do regret not taking a step back and realizing the debt I was walking into. Because I also want to get a PhD and so now money is a big factor in my deciding process. Sooo is this for a MA because my info will change if for a PhD.
  3. Well if money is no issue, then I would look at research fit and faculty. Taking trips might be important depending on if you are traveling home because of a relationship - that would be important.
  4. R Deckard - I've already been to grad school if you count being in a Master's program (and graduated). I loved it. I loved teaching, I loved seminars, reading articles, books, and writing. So why not a PhD? Well, I have an opportunity to work this year and I think I'm going to take it and see how that goes before going on to the PhD.A PhD is so limiting for career options...and it will limit not only my career but also my ability to have a family. I know people have had families with PhDs but for me...it just isn't in the cards. I'm not sure I can topple this hurdle. I am well supported where I am right now. If I wasn't, and I didn't have a career opportunity, then I would probably pursue the PhD because it really does suit me.
  5. svh - If the funding is greatly different, then I would follow the money. Money is so important (unfortunately) and you don't want to accumulate debt.
  6. It is really nice to read these comments...not because I'm happy some of us have cold feet, but to know that I'm not alone in this process. I honestly don't think I'm going to start a PhD program next Fall because I keep finding excuses to NOT go. Shouldn't it be the other way around? All my academic friends/professors are telling me that this is a great opportunity and I have been talking to the department and still getting amazing information. It is so tempting and I know I will enjoy academic life but I keep finding ways of not going.
  7. I am feeling the same thing and asking the same questions. Many people might respond to this topic with "Well you are probably not right for academia if you are questioning it at this point" but these are really good questions and I don't think a lot of pre-PhDs seriously (and I mean seriously) put into account the amount of uncertainty one walks into when going into a PhD program, and I don't care if you are going to an Ivy league school or a small unknown program - you will never know if you are going to work well with your POIs, get your manuscripts published (let alone written), and also life OUTSIDE academia - personal life, family, relationships. A Master's degree is easy to commit to (in my opinion) because it is a lot shorter and a Master's can be applied to more than just academic careers. When you get a PhD, you are limiting your career options severely, albeit, you might be able to get a fantastic tenure-track job, but the chances are low and you need to be willing to relocate at the drop of a hat to get a job. In short: I am questioning whether I want to get a PhD too. I love school, I love taking classes, learning, researching, and developing not only my own mind but my discipline and students. But I am also approaching my 30s and I want to have a family and have a stable life. A PhD does not bring much stability. That is the reality. These are my honest thoughts right now. But I still respect and admire those that are in or have completed PhD programs.
  8. I'm asking this because when I started applying for programs, I was excited and jubilant. I didn't know what my future held but knew that when I got my opportunity, that I would feel 100% about it, despite the downfall of the PhD job market. So I received an amazing offer from a school that really wants me. People keep telling me that I cannot turn this one down. It isn't a top tier school but it really isn't that far behind - plus when faculty want you, and are practically throwing money at you, really, what is there to lose? For some reason, I still don't feel 100% about going here. It feels like cold feet before a wedding. You love that person so much but then feel that your life is going to completely go in a direction that you don't want it to...or you just dont know what the future holds. That is me right now. Anyone feeling this? Cold feet? Even though you have a good admit?
  9. gurlsaved

    FAFSA

    The government is always looking for ways to make this a troublesome experience. I know this from a lot of FAFSA apps/decisions/ect. You can try to meet with a financial aid counselor at the school you are attending for a change in your EFC. You might not be able to do this right now but once you get close to attending, you an opt for them to recalculate your EFC. I have done this many times. It is a pain in the ass but if you really need the money and can prove it...the government will happily it to you...just remember the interest rate is 6.8 and unsub loans don't defer. GL.
  10. Deferring can be a problem for unsubsidized loans though. Interest will accrue on unsubsidized loans and it will kick your ass (sorry but true) if you don't pay the interest during school. I have 1/2 sub and 1/2 unsub and the interest was insane during my Master's deferment. Just some advice....
  11. I have two friends going to Univ of Edinburgh from the U.S. It seems that the UK does not give funding for internationals..according to them and so scholarships are the only way to go. UK or EU citizens hardly pay anything (if anything at all) while internationals will pay upwards to 20,000 pounds a year. If you love this school and connect well with professors, then it might be worth it because you might be able to get a tutoring assistantship if you connect well with your professor. It is a gamble but worth it if this is the place you absolutely want to be. GL.
  12. Hi, congrats on your acceptance. I am not going to Cal but I live in Emeryville, which is practically in Berkeley and it is cheaper to live here. Additionally, if you have a family, Emeryville is very quiet, safe, and fun. If you need tips for the area, PM me.
  13. reterik - I wouldn't think professors would be shocked at what we are talking about on the forums - we are all very very very eager to into a good program and to start!! I think that is a good thing =). Waitlisted is better than a rejection, so congrats on that - they want you! Unfortunately, waiting is becoming increasingly difficult for many of us =/.
  14. Ah nah, my fault, I didn't read it correctly. But I would think that programs with both Masters/PhD would send our their decisions at the same time. With terminal Master's programs, they tend to send out notifications later than PhD ones because with PhDs, there is obviously more weight and more at stake with funding, ect. Master's is only two years and boy does that go by fast!!!
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