prufrock123

Hi, I finally decided on Tisch for the PhD Cinema Studies program and will now have to make a big move, across continents! Just wanted to sound you guys out on some questions I have... 1. What would be a good locality to zero in on for someone who doesn't have a large budget and will be travelling to school everyday, mostly late evenings.. Queens seems like an option..? 2. How do you find flatmates?? I will definitely have to split the rent and will be looking for an apartment with a room of my own. It'll be great to hear from others who are going through this process. Thanks!

Hi Pearla, I've done all my education in India, and that includes a MA and M.Phil. Slogged for a month on the GRE and got a 1460. That was the toughest part of the applications ordeal for me because i hadn't studied Math in a decade! I have a background in filmmaking and I think that worked in my favour. What program are you applying for? Good luck

Hey BrainySmurfette, Thank you so much for taking the time! It's great to have someone who's been through the process to make a candid assessment. A lot of what you say speaks directly to some of my concerns. I am currently completing an M.Phil thesis on a very specialised historiographic project. I'd ideally like to do some thorough coursework in the basics and at the same time move out of my niche research area. You've just described a near-perfect scenario. Thanks for the tip-off about the 'impersonal' atmosphere because yes, I am not used to that. Also, I have a film production background and your examples of PhD students combining theory with practice sounds brilliant. They've offered me a Corrigan fellowship which seems like a good deal. I have little idea about housing and living expenses in New York but perhaps I could badger you some more when it comes to that? cheers.

thanks for that reply, teaganc! hmm. traditional, eh? that's interesting. i know they insist on rigorous and traditional coursework, but that is something I look forward to. does anybody have anything to say about the Critical Studies department at USC? Their faculty, research reputation..?

hi, got accepted into 2 PhD programs - Cinema Studies at NYU and Critical Studies at USC. Have to decide in a week. NY has just been a city i've longed to be in for years, while USC is offering a fantastic funding deal. Any insider info on the pros and cons of the 2 departments? Any opinions about the courses, cities, faculty would be a huge help. Thanks!