kateg212

I will be crossing my fingers for you that funding comes through... For now it sounds like Kansas is the most promising..

ugh, I'm so sorry, I was typing my previous note when this one showed up. I'm so sorry, Kate - maybe you should start telling these schools that you have other offers and ask if there is any type of funding they can offer to entice you?? I'm kind of at a loss, but it doesn't make sense that you are clearly a good student and were accepted to so many programs - but that no one is offering funding. I feel like you might need to start making phone calls and seeing what they can do for you....? <3

Thanks for the congratulations!! And I'm sorry to hear about these funding difficulties. Although, if most students in the program at KU seem to be able to procure funding, I would take that as a really good sign. I know it seems uncertain, but if everyone in the program has found funding, I think it is more than likely that you will, too. As a side note, my program at Columbia is only offering funding for coursework, not for the dissertation stage - but all the current students have been able to procure funding for that stage. So while it is unsettling to go into a program not knowing how it will completely pan out, I think I'm going to take the leap, since there is evidence that it works out for most students. That said, I understand your frustration about funding: it really sucks that these schools are not offering at least the first couple of years guaranteed. Do you have a lot of debt from undergrad? If you don't, you might want to consider taking the leap - but if you do, it's understandable that you might look to defer.. Are you still waiting to hear from Bowling Green and Utah? I am crossing my fingers that you will receive an offer that will blow the others out of the water Also, thank you for the offer to help me out with NYC - I actually live here currently, so I feel quite comfortable, but it's nice to meet another New Yorker! -kate

You said in another post that Rutgers is a better fit -it also has a GREAT reputation (not to imply anything about UF's reputation - in fact, I don't know anything about UF, so this should be taken with a grain of salt), and a great network of faculty and students. If you are planning on continuing to a PhD, I would advise you to choose Rutgers. Their WGS program is the most reputable in the country, their faculty are well-known, and the proximity to NYC brings you into an elite network of faculty from not only Rutgers, but other schools in the area. good luck with your choice!!

oh, just saw this recent posting.. I'm so glad your visit went well. And I'm sorry to hear about the lack of funding at Buffalo! Did KU give you any indication when the 'uncertainty' surrounding funding may resolve?? 2-3 years isn't ideal, but it's better than no funding. And after 2-3 years you would probably be finished with coursework and able to apply for research and dissertation grants. What did the current grad students say about the funding situation?

Well I heard from NYU - and it was a no, but not a huge surprise. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with Columbia, but I am still thinking, thinking, thinking.... Thanks, Kate

yayyy!! congratulations! <3

Earlier you said you feel like this visit is to "prove that you're worthy" - which i think is a really shitty way to make an ACCEPTED doctoral student feel. You have been accepted to the program - there is no more proving that you are worthy. Funding should be on a merit or need basis once you are accepted, not on anything else. I'm just saying this so that you don't go on your visit (that you are funding) and feel like it is going to be a make-it-or-break-it kind of audition for funding. In fact, my advice would be to ask about the procedures of applying for/obtaining funding for school again - before you go on the visit, so that while you are there you can really focus on the content of the program and matches with faculty. I think a lot of schools are short on funding, especially state universities. I know when Buffalo emailed me, there didn't even seem to be something to compete for, they just made it sound very matter-of-fact that there isn't funding to go around. But other schools may have limited funding opportunities (TAships, RAships, work study), that are allocated based on merit (or need, for work-study). I hope that you hear positive news about funding from the schools you are considering - and I hope that your visit goes really well!

Congratulations, Kate!

Hi all, I've been accepted to OSU for the PhD - and was wondering if any current students are on the board? or any that have visited Ohio, have any insider knowledge? I'm planning a visit, but in the meantime would just like to get a (possibly unbiased) opinion about the department.. Thanks -kate

Hi KS - Yes, I received the letter in the mail today. I wasn't expecting full funding, because I know a few friends that attend UB and full funding is apparently unheard of. But I was at least hoping for a chance at a teaching assistantship. The letter simply said, "Unfortunately, funding is not available" - so it was a little unclear if that is a unilateral NO on any sort of research or teaching assistantships, but I assume that if they had that in mind, they would have said so. The school I attend now has a similar process with admissions - where some admits are early, and others are late - I think you still have a good shot at UB, especially if you've already been admitted to another program - that would clearly indicate that you're a competitive applicant.

Just got word on funding from UB - none! So that sucks.

I really hope that no news is good news for you. thanks for the congratulations and GOOD LUCK, i'll be sending positive vibes your way.

Hi ksgrad - I was the acceptance to buffalo that posted today. Keep your head up. I also got rejected from USC today, so it's been an odd day, emotionally. My status on the buffalo website didn't change until I received the email, which I'm certain was a generic form email from the general grad admissions office. I have yet to hear from the department. Good luck!

I just wanted to let you guys know- after I got my PhD rejections, I applied to the Mailman School of Public Health for an MPH in Social Science Research and was accepted! Thankfully, my story has a happy ending after all.