nanoman1

MS in CEE (EFMH) here. I didn't get assigned for first round of housing..I assume after reviewing it I have been place on wait list :/

After visiting Stanford and falling in love with the facilities, the vibe, and my POI, this decision has just become a lot harder. I think at this point I have to wait on Stanford's offer and decide. Although these two schools feel very different, it seems to make the decision between the two that much harder :/ My POI at Caltech has called a couple times now wondering if I had made a decision (for the sake of wait listed applicants), but I feel like I can't rush myself. What is the best way to say, "hey, you're offer is great, but I just need to get all the information I can, i.e. funding decisions, before I can say for sure."

Thanks for all the replies, they're really helpful. I expect funding decisions from Stanford won't come until after the March 16 visit, but I haven't been given any reason to assume they will make an offer. But anyway, I am not being pushed to make a decision before April 15, so I can wait until all unanswered questions get answered. Appreciate all your responses!

Bump!

Hi all, So I wast just admitted to two great programs. This is one of the toughest things I've had to deal with...ever. Caltech - PhD Civil Eng., tuition waved full fellowship funding Stanford - MS Civil Eng., no funding offer yet Now, if I were heart-set on getting my PhD, Caltech would be a no-brainer. However, I'm not 100% certain this is the path I'm wanting to take. Below are my personal pros and cons I'm dealing with, and I just want to know if any have gone through the same decision and have any advice. I hit it off with my POI at Caltech and believe he really wants me to work with him, however Pasadena is REALLY close to home, I'm currently in OC, and wanted to be somewhere new. Also, as I'm not 100% convinced on a PhD (I've always been a bit of a business /entrepreneur type) and I do not want to waste the school's time or my time if I do not end up enjoying this route. On the other hand, Stanford having a more business/industry approach (that I think) may allow me more flexibility in classes and research. After going through my MS I may have a better handle on whether a PhD is right for me. But I have no word on funding, and doubt I will get any help there. Finances are obviously a big consideration as I will have to take out loans--if anyone can lend a voice of wisdom and reason to help me make the most informed choice, it would be really appreciated.

after being accepted into a top choice for ms/phd in env. fluid mechanics "So you weren't applying for the MBA? Is it too late to switch?" ... sigh

Thanks! I was really surprised Prof. Andrade actually called me up. Most my research has been open channel work / surface flow. So the Geomechanics group (which I applied to because I've always had a massive curiosity for subsurface mechanics, and the group at Caltech is doing some really incredible stuff) was a big surprise to hear back from. Should be a really exciting visit...but it's no guarantee of admission I'm sure. And don't lose hope, I'm sure as a mechanical applicant to the group you'd add some flavor!

Undergrad Institution: UC Irvine Major(s): Civil Engineering Minor(s): GPA in Major: 3.65 Overall GPA: 3.62 Length of Degree: 5 Position in Class: Top 10-15% Type of Student: Domestic, male GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q: 800 (94%) V: 670 (94%) W: 4.0 (48%) Research Experience: Computation Hydraulics Group, 1.5 years -- urban flood inundation modeling, dam-breach modeling, ecological services for improvement of open channel hydraulic systems Awards/Honors/Recognitions: SURP Fellow, Dean's List, Honors society (TBP and XE) Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Research assistant Applying to Where: Caltech - MCE - Computational Geomechanics - INVITED TO VISIT MIT - CEE - Computational Hydraulics Stanford - CEE Berkeley - CEE Columbia - CEE UC Irvine - CEE - Computational Hydraulics

Nothing yet, and a few friends of mine haven't heard from those as well. I'm guessing they'll start rolling in after a week.

I'm applying to CEE programs, Computational Hydraulics specifically, so far here is where I'm at: Applied: MIT, Berkeley, Stanford, Columbia, UC Irvine (undergrad institution) Invited: Caltech (no solid word yet though, visiting the 24th) Accepted: Rejected: Waiting sucks :/

As a current undergrad at UC Irvine applying here, I wouldn't stress yet. My advisor whom I do research under currently is also department chair, and he has told me he wants me to really consider to continue with him here. Further, he has funding etc. to offer me a good package. However, I still have not received any official decision from admissions, so I think they are still in the process of sending them out. Don't get too stressed, I would probably start asking questions in a couple of weeks or so.