Sociology/Crim Lady

So I accidentally applied for the Spring 2012 semester instead of the Fall. The application deadline was Feb. 1, and I just received an e-mail saying they had made admissions decisions, but don't do Spring admissions, so would I like to defer to next year? Yeah, no. I mean, I absolutely accept that this was a stupid error on my part, but I am kind of miffed that they couldn't go "hey, she applied for admission for a semester that's already happening, maybe that was a mistake? Let's shoot her an e-mail and ask her." Grumble.

I would make it known to non-native speakers that they may need to find outside help with their work, and take extra time and care to proof it before handing it in. They need to learn to master their writing skills, there is no way around it. I've seen PhD level students (and professors) who are non-native English speakers whose writing is still a little sub-par for that reason...so the sooner they try to correct it the better.

Honestly, I don't think it's a matter of saying "well so-and-so are offering me this so if you offer me this..." as much as them just knowing that another school wants you. I wouldn't *ask* for something in particular, but if a program really wants you (I was a top two applicant to one school I've been accepted to) they may be more likely to try and make you a nicer offer - literally court you - to keep you from going somewhere else. I know that's what happened with my friend, they ended up giving her extra money for housing in addition to her stipend to keep her from going elsewhere. But no, I wouldn't out right make demands, but letting them know that you have other offers is usually a good move I would think. But I agree with the other poster about money not being the most important thing. While my above mentioned friend did get the best financial package at the school she's currently attending, she has not had a very good experience there thus far and is looking to transfer somewhere else. So at the end of the day, it's about where the best fit is for you. Although having schools compete for you is a lovely ego boost! Good luck!

So, this is a little bit of a personal question and I am curious as to others opinions. I am a first generation college student, and in a few months will be a first generation master's, and in the fall I will be a first generation PhD. My education has been a big deal for my family, and for myself. It has been a difficult transition to handle. I applied to 7 PhD programs all over the country, and have been accepted to 2 and I will be interviewing for another. When I was applying to schools I tried to keep them on the east coast, so relatively close to home (the closest two are about an 8 hour drive) because I had this tremendous fear of not being able to get home if something were to happen (my father is 65, and my remaining grandparent is in his 80s). My professor's told me that I shouldn't let that worry stop me from applying elsewhere, so I did. A few weeks ago, my brother and his wife were in a horrific car accident and she was killed. I am currently only an hour away, and that hour car ride was the most horrible and hopeless feeling I've ever had. So now I am very worried about being too far away. I know that flying can be quick, but most places you have to drive at least an hour to get to an airport and even then not guaranteed a timely flight. So I'm fairly certain that I will go to one of the two closest schools, but I'm also worried that I may be robbing myself of a possibly better opportunity somewhere else. Has anyone else had any experiences with not being able to get to your family in an emergency because you went too far away? How do you deal with this? Also, how has anyone in a similar position dealt with staying "close" with their family over great distances?

All of my profs (I am currently finishing a terminal master's program) have told me that fielding multiple offers is a great way to bargain for a better funding package. I have been accepted to my top choice school, as well as my "safety" school and have been invited to visitor's weekend for an interview at another very good program. I have no intention of telling my top choice that they are just that, and hopefully will be able to negotiate a better package. I have a friend who was able to do just that with the program she is currently attending. They really wanted her, so when they knew that other schools were courting her they upped her funding majorly.

I had used this defense mechanism for months. I told everyone (and myself) that a certain school was my top choice because I was fairly certain I could get into it and that I would never get into my actual top choice. HOWEVER, the only school I have heard from so far was my actual top choice and I got in with funding! So don't sell yourself short like I did! You may be pleasantly surprised

I did. I was so excited I couldn't help it. I wasn't sure I would get in anywhere and the first place I've heard from was my top choice. However, I did think about not sounding like a twat, so I tried to make my status sound humble, "...I got into the university of -."