sparkplug

For Berkeley's Statistics program, they give out both BA and MA

From my understanding, they the same. Whether a school awards a MS or MA depends on whether their Statistics department is considered a part of the Science school or the Humanities school. Same for BS or BA in Statistics. It doesn't speak to the rigor of the program or the way it's perceived during hiring (I'd be very surprised if so).

Obviously I can't give you any insight into the academics and research fit for these schools you didn't already know. So I'll try to throw out my two cents based on some of the other things you mentioned, Research fit considerations aside I think I'd have a harder time picking between Berkeley and Seattle. I have a similar "crunchy urban liberal granola yogurt orientation," and from having been to all 3 of these areas before I definitely felt that Duke was the odd one out. Basketball culture, as well as all the other cultural/social associations that come with that, can definitely be annoying/abrasive. I now live in Madison WI (similar to Durham in size and it's love for university sports) after coming from Berkeley, and I've found the vibe "off" enough where I don't think I can be here for 6 years, let along work in the area afterwards. Obviously the first priority is to pick the school that will be the best for you academically/professionally, and the one where you will be well supported by faculty and a good financial package, but you would probably fit in better near a major metropolitan area during school and even after your PhD. Personally (and based on my experiences this past year), I don't think I would be able to live in an area I'm not crazy about, no matter how great the school is. But I'm probably a lot more socially particular than others so I don't know how much my picky preference is worth. Anyways, you probably already knew I'd be rooting for the west coast. Good luck to you in trying to decide between some phenomenal programs!

Something's wrong with their system. When my account was approved I could only see the "STARS(Training)" tab. I opened a HelpSU ticket and someone gave me access to the "Home" and "Student Center" tabs. The Home tab should have the link to accept.

Not completely sure. Need to make sure I'm good on finances before proceeding. 75% probability at this point, I think? For others who were admitted: You need to first request/create your SUNet ID before accepting the offer(could take 24 hours or longer). So if you waited until 4/15 to create the account, it won't be ready before the deadline, and you'd be screwed. :/

Has anyone proceeded to request their SUNet IDs (I know they want us to do it whether we accept or decline)? I requested mine Thursday night, but it's still pending. :/

I'm also not sure that seems right. According to the website: 45 units to graduate Lets say at the normal load of 12 months (four quarters). That's an average of 11.25 units per quarter. At $13750 per quarter that's 55k for tuition until graduation. Plus the estimated living expenses for 12 months, which is 33k. That comes out to be nearly 90k. If we do the accelarated load of 9 months (3 quarters), then it's 15 units per quarter. 41k for tuition. 26k for living expenses. Still comes out to be over 60k. :/

I'm heavily considering doing so. William.g.lane, would you happen to have any thoughts about living in graduate dorms versus living off campus?

It should be in the email: "Of the 285 applicants wehad this year, we expect approximately 20 students to join our program next year."

Don't be paranoid. They should have given you a student ID to log in with. Use it. They don't provide that for those who get rejected. You are clearly in. Congrats. :]

Split some Connemara peated single malt?

I thought you already got into Duke? If so, it's really a no brainer, considering it's highly ranked academically and overall, with great industry connections.

Haha. I applied to both as well and have not heard back from either. So then it looks like I'm out of the running for schooling in the city of new york. :/

Did you get an email from the department, or a formal offer from Columbia? I haven't heard back yet but I guess first round admits have already gone out?

Oh. Haha. I thought it didn't make sense. My mistake.