phdincrim2016

I'm pretty sure they did, too.

I completely agree, when it comes to working with an advisor. If the choice is between a "prestigious" school where faculty don't publish with students or there's no clear advisor, and another school with a very well known scholar who is known to publish with students, I would choose the latter. All else equal, I'd go with the higher ranked school. But I agree, the choice of advisor is probably more important.

My opinion - for what it's worth - is that you should definitely, definitely go to the top 5 school. I think the reputation difference would be huge in terms of job options, and honestly the TA/RA work can help to build your CV more than not having a work requirement. [I just got notice of funding from a top 5 school, too... If you want to compare notes or talk specifics, send me a message and we can do it off-board. It's probably the same one.]

Congratulations on the new offer! I would say it depends on (1) how much more prestigious is the other school? and (2) what is the difference in cost of living? If you are open to saying which two schools, it would be easier to have an opinion on it, but I totally understand if you'd rather not.

YES, you should attend every event they host as if you were from out of town (in my opinion).

I think I know what you mean, but can you elaborate? I was admitted at Irvine and have been given indications that I am likely to be admitted at Rutgers. I will visit Rutgers in a couple of weeks, but any perspective you might offer on the differences between the two would be greatly appreciated!

I am with you - I really want this to be decided so I can make plans and know what I'm going to be doing. I don't deal well with ambiguity. I'm sure it will work out well for both of us, but I can't agree with you more. I want this DONE. :-) I have not been hard-recruited by multiple faculty from the same school. I would say to keep your options open and be respectful, but they shouldn't be asking you to commit yet. Faculty don't tend to have the best social skills, I'll admit, but everybody is supposed to adhere to the 4/15 deadline. I don't think it's right to push people to accept before then.

I can't find it either. You might want to just call the department administrative assistant and ask. They'll often at least give you a name, even if they won't give you any additional information.

The only email I ever got was one telling me that a "decision was ready" or something like that. I logged on and there was a place to click for decision letter. If it's not showing up on your screen, I'd contact them to see what's up.

I was also rejected by Penn... Oh well. Congrats on making a final decision! I'm still sorting through things and wish I were already done. I could do without all the ambiguity! :-)

This is not a ridiculous question at all. In my opinion, I'd definitely email them back and let them know how excited you are. I am sure that part of their decision-making is in how likely the admitted student is to actually accept the offer. They are probably more likely to offer admission to somebody they are fairly sure will come. Congratulations!

I got rejected from Delaware, but my guess is that they have kept a group of people as a sort of informal waitlist, and those are the ones who haven't heard. In any case, I think this is definitely cause to send them an email to ask for clarification... If you know people who have heard both positive and negative news, it's only fair for you to inquire. Just my opinion...

OH, okay. That makes sense, sorry for my confusion. That seems like a lot of risk and potentially a lot of money to spend... Ugh.

...so 70% of those NOT funded in the first year get funding later, or 70% of the class gets funding? I'm sorry, my brain is tired! :-)

Darn - not one of my applications. :-) Good luck!!!