Stories

The folks in my signature, even though it doesn't really matter

You could be accepted until the day before classes start. So don't worry yet!

You're bound to get in somewhere! I did 17 schools this past application cycle

Unfortunately, it would seem that the first folks who were offered admission were better fits for whatever reason. Perhaps you were too narrow in your research focus or perhaps the faculty members you identified didn't have any more space to take on additional students? All possibilities. Next time, try expanding your applications? That will give you a greater chance--unlike undergrad, grad school is not nearly as predictable in its application process.

Online dating is your friend!

Well, based off of what you wrote, I'd venture a guess and say that your research interests probably don't fit as well with the programs as other candidates.

Give us a little more to give you feedback on. What kind of program is it? What type of degree is it? What are the schools you applied to? Any information you're willing to give will definitely help us make recommendations.

If you're doing an academic degree, it is absolutely impairitve that you have letters of rec from fellow professors. If you're applying for professional programs it's good to have maybe one letter from a non-academic, but it's still very important to have professors critique your ability to do graduate level work.

Does prestige matter to YOU? Ask yourself that, then weight in the rest of the facts.

I guess it really depends. In my MPH program, there were way more women than men, but because nearly everyone is older and mature than in undergrad, I found far more folks were already in relationships (whether committed relationships or married). During my interview day for Yale, most of the interviewees had significant others, as well. Just an observation I had.

If you take out only a small portion in Federal Direct Subsidized loans, they are interest-free the duration the loan is in deferment (6mo. post graduation). So if you don't mind paying back money slowly over the time you're in school, go for it. Otherwise, I say just rough it and wait till your car payment is over. I'll be coming into school with 2 years left on my car loan, and I've budgeted to have just enough left over each month to save a small portion.

Suppose I'll just toss out my GRE performance and GPA: GRE: 520V/730Q/5AW BA GPA: 2.9 MPH GPA: 3.5 And I did get several acceptances with plenty of funding offers. Go figure, right?

One of my most important recommenders was both my work supervisor (PI on a study while I was a RA) and academic adviser. However, we had a very open relationship. I could come talk to her about anything that was going on and I actively asked her for advice. I'd see her at social functions thrown by the school and mingle at school parties (which included alcohol). So I don't think associating with your recommenders outside of school is such a huge deal. I wouldn't call her up randomly and ask to hang out, but then again, she's like 55 and I'm 25.

The department chair leaving his position does not mean the department is in downturn. Many things change, including your desire to move onto a new place of employment and focus in research. You need to decide if the faculty you identified as potential advisers and mentors for your research leaving is critical to your success and happiness in the program. If there is no longer anyone in the department you're interested in working with (no matter how flexible your own research interests are), reconsider attending that school. Your significant other should play into this if, and only if, you think she's someone you wish to continue dating and has marriage potential. Otherwise, I say focus on what's important for your own education and career.

Upon the same token, if you continue straight through School Z's program and do the PhD from the MA, you'll probably chop some time off of the total number of years spent getting the PhD. Just something to think about.

It's amazing when you tell folks that live around you (not in the same city as the school is located) that you went/go to XYZ school. They automatically assume you're rich and got pampered. When really, it's just a lot of hard work in high school. People seem to forget that the educational system rewards perseverance. Although I'm happy to say that I'm a first-generation college graduate, master's graduate, and future PhD student

I think it's really just indicative of how much money is in the respective field. Sciences and health students get paid more because there is simply more training grant money floating out there. Professor salaries also reflect this.

It seems like it's tough to land a spot in the university affiliated housing options, they're a little expensive, but seems like they're in high demand. I was turned down for units I was interested in... and it's only April!

Seems the consensus is that science and health fields pay by far the most (at UMich). Looked like the majority of the assistant-level professors made in the $70k-range followed by upwards of $120-$150k for full professors.

Also, truly find faculty that make your potential research a good fit for that program. That and an eloquent personal statement will greatly enhance (and sometimes) override a poor GRE scroes or mediocre GPA. Although at some schools, they simply won't overlook those.

This is especially true of mandatory or core classes.

Don't fret so much about it. You'll make it happen some way or another. Longest case scenario, you could always go into a MA program and then transition into a PhD program.

I think some of you folks might be apt to consider contacting your adviser directly and asking the stance on funding. They'll give you a pretty straight answer of how most students are funded in the department. I did this with a few schools before I got the exact funding package I wanted.

A little bit, but I'll be only a year removed from my studies when I enroll in September. The nice thing is I've enjoyed my time away from studying and bringing work home with me, so I'm ready to be back in that environment

I'm sure you'll love it. Yale does have many appealing aspects, and the biggest one is the very cooperative graduate community.