skybythelight

So, I find myself seriously considering the possibility that unfunded MAs may be my only option if I want to start graduate school this year, as so far I have unfunded offers to two programs that I'm very excited about. I'm on the waitlist for funding at one, and the other is to be determined. I know all of the negative hype about funding your own graduate study, so I'm not asking for that, though if others want to voice their opinions please do. My question is, for those of you that have done unfunded MA degrees and don't mind sharing some potentially personal information, what's the best way to go about getting the actual loans? FAFSA, I'm assuming? I haven't done one yet this year and wasn't sure if it worked the same for graduate school. I'm also really curious to hear opinions, positive or negative, from those of you who have actually gone to a program unfunded. Do you regret it? Was it the right choice? Have you ended up where you thought you would/want to be?

Thanks! So, question: if you attend Washington for the MA (funded or unfunded) and decide to continue to the PhD, are you guaranteed funding for your PhD?

I can't really speak to your particular situation, but I thought I'd let you know that in my e-mail conversation with Jennifer Siembor (spelling?) in Washington, I did mention that I likely would not be able to attend without funding. She just responded with "we'll let you know about funding offers as soon as we can," or something like that.

I definitely will! Nothing yet. The last response I got from them was around that time, 2/21 I believe, so I thought a sufficient amount of time had passed so as not to be too annoying by writing again.

I thought the "almost full" referred to the $200 in service fees. Maybe I'm wrong.

I caved and e-mailed Maryland again after seeing an acceptance go up today. I just want the rejection to be over.

I heard the same. I started a U Washington thread earlier and posted what I've found out so far.

Ew, yeah that's obnoxious. Thanks for the info, though.

I applied there last year, and he was then as well. They didn't even get their decisions out before 4/15 last year! It was a shitshow. Anyway, I'm still waiting on something from Maryland, Michigan and Penn State, and I really wish they'd just get it over with.

Youngquist sent me an e-mail a few days ago that simply said "Hey skybythelight, We accepted you for the MA. Not the PhD. Just to be clear." I was like um... seeing as I didn't apply to the PhD it would be pretty miraculous if you had accepted me. Except I didn't say it like that.

For those also waiting on word about funding, this is what I've been able to find out: The meeting to determine who is going to receive funding will take place on 3/18 and candidates will be notified after that time. "We offer funding support about equally to both MA & PhD candidates, with about 50% of the incoming class earning a TA or fellowship. TA funding increases for students in their second year at about 85%. The TA positions and fellowships provide an almost full tuition waiver (except for about $200 in service fees) and health care. The monthly stipend is approximately $1500. TAs are required to be full-time students with at least 10 credits per quarter, and work 20 hours a week."

Congrats! I hope it turns out for you.

I haven't gotten the "official letter" I was told would be coming today, either. Unless they're sending it snail mail, which I kind of doubt.

Just saw another acceptance went up... anyone on here?

I heard back from Washington... I was told that the meeting for funding decisions is happening on March 18th and students will be notified after that time. Also, there are no scheduled visiting days, but students are welcome to visit the department at their convenience during the week.

Nope, nothing. Has anyone e-mailed them? I'm considering it if I don't hear anything from them soon. Just to be like "Hey... I saw you accepted me... so that's cool..."

Thank you! I would imagine that the official acceptances will go out today, barring any change. Youngquist did say he would be sending me a letter today, so I'm assuming he meant the form acceptance e-mail.

That's good to know, thanks! I expected a rejection from them a few weeks ago.

I'm still waiting on something official from Maryland, Michigan and Penn State... but I'm assuming rejection from all three at this point.

Honestly, I was really surprised to see it there. I didn't expect them to start notifying for another few weeks at least. So I wouldn't worry too much yet... it seems like my post is the only one for the MA up on the results board, so I'm sure there are still plenty of offers yet to go out.

Thanks! I checked the website after seeing a few acceptances go up on the results survey. Those were for PhDs, though, so I wasn't expecting a decision to be up either way. When I clicked on "status" I was taken to a page congratulating me on my acceptance. So I would check it out!

Thanks! Yes, it is. Although I found out today I'm in at Washington's MA program as well. Eek!

Congrats! I also got in to Washington, but for the MA. At least, that's what it says under "status" on my application on the website. But I have no e-mail or anything from them. Have you heard from them, or did you just check the site as well?

So, I'm in! Paul Youngquist said I was accepted, but that he couldn't speak to funding yet as I am on the waitlist for it. He said he'll be sending a letter on Monday--I don't know if that meant via e-mail or postal.

Okay, I did it. I have no self control. I'll keep you guys posted.