esopha

I'll keep my fingers crossed that it won't be!

I think we have to take HESP 417 at UMD in the summer. That's my impression, anyway! Although - aren't you doing a whole second bachelors? I'm just taking prereqs. Maybe the requirements are different?

I'll PM you!

Hey, Puffer Fish, don't worry just yet. Even if you were waitlisted at one school, so many spots open up after April 15th. Did you write to Pitt and let them know how excited you are about their program? Definitely also take some time to feel bad and process your emotions. You can't make feelings go away, I don't think, just feel them and get them over with, so do that, too. If you don't get in this year, there are definitely things you can do. Raising your GRE writing scores, getting more observation hours, volunteering, getting a job in a school or other related area. I think we're in similar geographic areas, and I have a list of opportunities that I was keeping for the chance that I would have to apply again next year and wanted to beef up my resume. If you want to PM me, I can send some of those along.

Ugh. That's... a really unfortunate trend to notice. It's an issue with higher ed all over the board, though I understand that's not going to make you feel better. I've noticed that all of the schools I've upped into my final decision list are schools with explicit diversity policies and foci, so I'm hoping that wherever I go will be a little more diverse.

I'm from out-of-field, so I can't speak to it. I'm sure there's a high level of attrition, and perhaps programs haven't figured out how to enact effective affirmative action policies?

Oh definitely! That was the most informative part of the day. All of the students were super friendly, too, which was nice.

Heyyyy, also the only asian/minority lady in several tours that I attended. We are legion, but apparently in disparate places?

Yeah, it was really cool that they had so many opportunities for externships! Although I've heard that having outplacements anywhere in the US isn't unusual for the top programs, since their students tend to come from all over, they try to accommodate. I also really liked Iowa City. It was so quirky and nice. Again, not sure if it's the best place for me, but I think anyone who liked the program would find Iowa City a great place to live.

It was interesting! I liked talking to everyone. Ultimately I'm not sure it's the best fit for me, personality-wise, but it was cool to see their facilities. What about you?

Yes, I'm hoping Maryland offers some kind of financial aid. That will really make or break the decision for me (or... make the decision much less confusing and stressful, at least!) because I love things about every program I got into. I gently emailed the admissions secretary, and she mentioned: If an incoming graduate student has accepted our offer of admissions and needs to take HESP 417 Principles and Methods, we do hold that spot for them. Your place in the program guarantees you a seat in the class.And yes, the committee is still planning on releasing financial aid information in late march. Which is all good info to have, I think.

There was an earlier thread about this! You can find it here:

I hope so! I'm not interested in being cut throat, heh. So, how is everyone feeling about the visit day?

I just keep refreshing the GAship listings page, waiting for something to pop up... But yes, UMD is still in the running for me!

Congrats! I just got into BU too - I'm excited now, but ready for the inevitable neurotic breakdown when I have to pick between schools.

Ugh, I'm sorry to hear this, Puffer Fish. I will keep my fingers crossed for you! I'm sure something will work out.

I'm not applying to any of your schools, but I definitely see myself in this post. I think I've started to make myself and my boyfriend insane over how much I'm stressing about the cost of these programs. I'm also trying to decide whether it's worth it to stay in a location that I really dislike in order to go to a (potentially) cheaper program. I just don't know. It's an nerve-wracking decision, and I've never dealt with anything like it before. Blah.

I admit that I'm a little bummed that neither Emerson or BU have posted results yet! I was really impressed with BU, so I definitely want to hear back.

Someone earlier in the thread posted that they asked and were told decisions would come in a week or so!

Eeee, this is only a week away! I'm reading over the itinerary again, and it seems like such an intense visit. I'll be interested in seeing the personalities of the rest of the cohort. I got to speak to some people who had graduated from Iowa's undergraduate program, and they made it sound like the undergrad population, at least, was pretty cut throat. I... definitely had enough of that in my undergrad days, lol. Did anyone request to meet with any specific professors?

Can you send the letter back along with a nice handwritten note saying how much you like the program and want to go to the school? Maybe mention that you've enjoyed taking your prereqs there?

eeeeeeeeeeeee

I didn't, but I kind of wish I did. I really enjoyed the interview and the tours and am eager to hear back...

I got a degree in English lit (and not even teaching - critical theory stuff), and I've gotten in to two programs. You'll be fine. Ace your prereqs, save up your money (to pay for school), and write a killer SOP.

I also heard back from GWU, although I was waitlisted. I finished my application in November(!) because I was trying to get the ones with shorter SOPs out of the way.