BrokenRecord

Since we all have to make our money stretch--either on loans or stipends....how often do you all go grocery shopping? Approximately how much do you spend for a week? Do you shop at local stores (Trader Joes or for the independently wealthy Whole Foods...lol), farmers markets or big box stores? What do you usually buy and prepare meals with? Any favorite quick, easy, healthy and filling recipes? This is basically the first time in my life where I will be doing my own grocery shopping and sticking to a budget. I've been reading up on some quick recipes to make in bulk (pasta and rice dishes) and either eating leftovers for lunch or dinner the next few days. I'm a relatively healthy eater so I know I will have to incorporate some fresh fruits and veggies, so that will stretch the dollar a bit. I'm also going to school in an area where groceries are about 10-20% higher than the national average but is still cheaper and a lot healthier than takeout. My grad student handbook says to get a membership at Costco, but I'm not sure how much shelling out $50 for the membership is going to pay itself in the long run being a single student with limited space in a shared apartment. Love to hear your suggestions!

I'll concur with this! Sometimes when we loose our heads we have nothing to think with, I am the poster child. We are all in this together!

Ahhh yes! I think so too, I just couldn't bear the thought of wearing ripped jeans and combat boots that I don't even own! I know when we go visit and do field work I will worry about that. Our administrative assistant tends to have a dressing style like my own when I went to visit, so I hope I'm not too out of place. I love eyeshadows too but whenever I do wear even the thinnest coat it stands out on my brown skin, so I've stopped wearing them for professional reasons. Thanx again!

Geek! I know the feeling, OP. I am having those same feelings now in moving from the North Carolina to the Seattle, WA in about a month. Although I know I know I made the right decision, I can't help but to think if I am doing things right! It is all irrational as the unknown is breeds anxiety, but it is nice to know that I am not crazy!

CageFree, I really enjoyed your first uplifting post. However, I think your rebuttal to 1Q84, be it in frustration, really demonstrated what you wanted to say initially, but didn't have the platform to do so. I don't understand how you can generalize an entire group of people based on the one comment of someone on the computer screen. In what ways have 1Q84 and other "minorities" minimized your accomplishments? It seems to me that you have some very deep seeded insecurities and are probably more conscious about your ethnicity (being a Latina) than the blase', "I'm just an American/don't focus on being a minority" nature you attempt to portray in your posts. What you are studying doesn't seem to help that justification either. If what you said is within reason, none of us would be here. Many come on this fora seeking advice, expressing their anxiety, frustrations, anticipations about the unknown--especially those just beginning to start graduate school. My worries are no different than anyone else who is seeking advice about dealing with a new situation. My only scope of educational experience was at my undergrad university (which happens to me majority black) and now attending a university, in a totally different location and environment, which far....far from that. And if you were to really stop and think about it, had I not already experienced "real discrimination" as you term it, I wouldn't have had a reason to create my OP, as issues of race wouldn't be on my radar screen. To minimize my insecurities as "stressing myself out needlessly" about something that is a reality---so much so that my grad university has dedicated a whole BUILDING and task force to addressing---is something that is quite beneath anyone here. If you think it is something that is needless, fine, there is a little x at the top right hand corner of your screen that would make better use of YOUR time.

Thank you everyone for the comments as they were all insightful and inspiring, even given the diversity. In general, I do believe we are all the consequence of our experiences--and the responses are a unique example of that. As such, we may do a disservice to ourselves and the nature of commonality when we become insular and critical to those who may have tangential--yet, well intentioned, advice and viewpoints. I know from experience that it is very difficult for some people to truly understand the dynamics of racism primarily because it is uncomfortable and reinforces an undue sense of guilt upon the ethnicity of the historical oppressor. It is much more comfortable to generalize issues of race in the context of everyday insecurities, especially when issues of race are beyond the scope of their direct experiences. With that said, we all have negative stigmas, bet it major or minor, that are societally reinforced, but it is the common thread of empathy, the ability to place ourselves in the position of others, that offers us the best solution as we can't possibly place ourselves EXACTLY within the experience others. Race and gender just so happen to be my own, but the same also applies to those who are disabled--which I am not, those who are poor---which I am not, or increasingly those who are homosexual---which I am also not. I don't think that makes me any less of an authority to share my experiences. Its an effort to relate and provide a source of comfort for the most part (as we are all on this fora for a reason), and not to minimize its complexity. At any rate, many thanks for all the wonderful comments!!

For starters, I have been graciously offered a fully funded masters to one of the top programs and public health schools in my field. I am also a black female from the south in a very....almost exclusively....white male dominated science department and field. As a matter of fact, I believe I am the only black female in my department---ever (not confirmed) in its 60 years of existence so I certainly feel that pressure to set the standard. I visited the department on an initial recruitment visit and everyone was exceptionally enthusiastic, accommodating and nice, even setting up a visit with a particular department on campus dedicated to diversity in graduate education. My background is upper-middle class, so I am familiar with being the "only black person" in a class, sporting team, etc. I also attended an HBCU (historically black college or university) for undergrad. I feel that I have to work harder than everyone else as to not re-enforce the stereotype consciously or sub-consciously associated with my ethnicity and gender. The fact that I am also funded increases that sense of responsibility. I think I am making more of it than what it is as I have not moved yet, but I can't help but to feel anxious about the unknown. Has anyone ever been in this type of situation (not just ethnic minorities, but women/men, homosexual, disabilities, religion, customs, etc.) where you've been the "only" one or one of the only ones in your department? How did it effect you? Did you feel a greater burden or sense of responsibility? I'd appreciate your input.

I am contemplating not getting a PhD for career reasons. This may disqualify me from pursuing a PhD for the right reasons, but reality is reality and we all have to think about the kind of life we want for ourselves outside of graduate school. Currently, I am pursuing a masters in fairly in demand technical field with great job prospects after graduation. I would love to get a PhD as I enjoy doing research and would like to teach, but the idea of loosing three more years worth of work experience (critical if I wish to become certified in my profession) and a good salary is very unsettling in this economy. I am also concerned with the erosion of the tenure-track process and the availability of academic jobs in the next 5 years. What I will end up doing is applying to PhD programs next year anyway as to keep my options open.

Wayyy too much! I am so BLESSED for my boyfriend who was financed my expenses 100% so I didn't have to tap into savings. I really don't know what I would do without his love and support. I am moving from the east coast to the west coast to a on-campus apartment (4 bedroom suite) that is furnished, so that luckily cuts down on having to look for furniture and things. But I still believe that I purchased way too much stuff for one room. My initial expenses included: Prorated first month's rent and deposit: $950 Plane ticket (one way): $200 Winter clothing/undergarments/boots: $400 Flat screen TV (got a true steal!)/electronics: $250 Bedding/pillows/mattress topper: $250 Toiletries/kitchen supplies: $250 Shipping costs: $200 Books: $110 Total: $2500+ (not including costs of recruitment visit, groceries when I get there, etc.) My stipend doesn't come until the beginning of October (moving in september 15th), but I will probably take out a no-interest short term loan that my university has to help me offset some of my costs and pay it back over the course of the semester with my stipend.

Will be moving from Raleigh, NC to Seattle, WA at the University of Washington on September 15th. Orientation/lab tours/health and safety training will be starting the week after I arrive. Classes start on the 24th.

Glad I found this thread! I would describe my clothing style as more comfortable girly girl. I'm tall so I don't do heels, but I like to wear flats and nice boots, skinny jeans and sweaters, nice dangling jewelry, etc. My field is heavily (almost all) male dominated so the attire, at least when I went on recruitment day, were all white washed blue jeans and north face jackets--for both the students and faculty. Needless to say, I am afraid of coming off as too "polished" when in actuality, this is a very rugged field and I want to "fit in" to the greater decor of the department. Any suggestions?

Lol! Precisely...two different dynamics. Personally I wouldn't do it unless the two are in completely separate departments; and even then I don't particularly see the rationale. PhD students believe it or not do hold a position of power, authority and influence in a department especially relative to an undergraduate student. There is a sense of responsibility that should be upheld not only for the protection of the u-grad student, but mainly for that of the doctoral student. Though the nature of the job is academic, it is still a workplace environment and all that comes along with it.

No financial aid office will hold onto your refund for that long, especially as a graduate student. I went to undergrad where our refunds were dispersed 2 weeks after registration closed for classes (3 weeks total). But again, that was a small minority serving state school with stricter standards.

*screaming* DEFER! Though it may seem like you are a failure now, you won't believe how WORTH IT it is to take a year off, work, save up some money (you are for SURE going to need that little nest egg for relocation expenses) and broadly apply for other scholarships and even programs. If $50k isn't worth that, then continue with GWU. Trust me, I took an extra semester in school so I can intern another summer, revise my essay and get good letters and now in a fully funded masters program. That being said, I was lucky in the sense that my field is a pretty in demand technical discipline. You are in a VERY tough field and location to crack and your work experience will mean way more than the school you choose. Have you thought about applying to schools out west? I say that from experience (from NC going to WA state for grad school)--generally the better funding offers come from places outside of your region. Korbel School at the University of Denver is a very strong and respected IR school with top faculty and connects. But as always, distinguish yourself (learn a second or third language, create a strong online presence via blogging or social networking on critical IR issues, etc.)

should I be going to Germany or taking the latter option which is also cheaper. I am personally of the mind that an internship would be most beneficial, especially considering I have no other work experience. Do you have any other study abroad or foreign experience? It is my understanding that for IR that may be a crucial piece of your application. Assuming that you want to continue to the PhD at this stage the research may matter more. Considering you are only a junior in college, I'm also leaning toward the internship in this case especially if the research is not applicable for your thesis topic and $$$ is concerned. Your mind can change within two years so its always good to have some work experience behind you should you wish to work after graduation. Are there any other options or steps I should be taking in order to give myself a chance at top-tier schools? Too much of a crap shoot to truly 'prepare' yourself for. The best students with the best marks across the board get rejected at top-tier schools every application season. Best thing to do is really hone in on your honors thesis with a possible publication to stand out. You went to a great school not too known for grade inflation so your 4.0 will really matter to the adcoms. My best advice to you---apply to mostly PhD programs and masters as backups. Don't shortchange yourself. Masters degrees especially in the non-stem fields are generally cash cows for the university as they are unfunded and should only be pursued (unfunded) if you are seeking to build upon a crappy undergrad--which you do not have. You have the GPA, research background w/ your honors thesis and hopefully great letters from your research mentors in order to be in a competitive position for some of those programs. IR is very...VERY...competitive, but I think if you work hard on establishing a research agenda and bang out your honors thesis to send as a writing sample you should be a pretty strong candidate if you cast a wide net in your applications ( = $$$$ make sure you save up!). Unfortunately I am not a great standardized test taker when it comes to math, so taking an internship in the states would also allow me more time to prepare for the GRE. What should I be shooting for? The revised GRE just launched last fall so there is changes made to the grading scale. Percentiles will count much more in this case. For IR, I would shoot for 70% percentile on all sections minimum to be on the safe side. Again, your other metrics matter way more to the adcoms by far, but a strong GRE score could help for funding purposes. Does overloading classes have any effect? Effect as in 'impressive' I should say not. Adcoms tend to know roughly how much work goes into a course for students particularly if it is an upper-level course. If they see a 4.0 on 21 hours of all advanced coursework in your major it might send a red flag as to the rigorousness of the courses that you took. If that is the case, I definitely wouldn't highlight that fact in your statement and draw attention to it. I will also be taking classes after my senior year to complete my degrees. Should I wait an application cycle and do another internship? I would start applying for programs the fall before the year I am scheduled to graduate (assuming you will be graduating in the spring). If that is the case, the summer after your fourth (senior) year I would definitely do another internship and apply for programs when you get back in the fall.

Hi, I'm commuting roughly 3000 miles away from Raleigh NC to Seattle this fall for the next two years of my masters program. I've been craigslist hounding for weeks since I decided to accept in April. Nothing panned out except for rented rooms in houses so I decided to apply for the graduate housing at UW which had furnished individual rooms in 2 or 4 bedroom apartments. The typical rent all included for one room is around 750-1000/month!! I am spoiled with Raleigh cost of living--that is equivalent to a 3 bedroom townhome here. But, I am paying for the convenience of on campus housing, fully furnished, all utilities including internet/direct TV. I'm also living with other graduate students so it works out great. I'm going to essentially pack my clothes and order the rest of my other stuff off of overstock or target (toiletries, linens, pots/pans, etc.) once I get there considering the back to school sales will be going on---and it's cheaper than shipping from home. All in all, UW has been exceptionally accommodating as far as keeping my initial out of pocket costs low. I'm fortunate for that.

Ditto.

Undergrad GPA matters far more. Grad GPA's tend to be heavily inflated. Your research/publications matter more if you already have a masters. A 4.0 masters GPA with no publications won't get you anywhere. However, in your case since you switched disciplines poli sci adcoms may pay more attention to your masters GPA since it is the only barometer that they can attest to your competency of the political science field. Your competitiveness for either PhD program lies in the research agenda you are carving in your masters program. I would honestly be wary if I were a sociology adcom member seeing your masters in polisci and undergrad in sociology UNLESS you make the case in your personal statement how your research addresses a specific gap of the literature that is explained more thoroughly by a knowledge of both disciplines (of either political science or sociology). Social sciences are increasingly becoming more interdisciplinary so it may be to your advantage so long as you can make the case without of sounding unsure or wishy washy with what you want to do.

Not necessarily true, it is program specific. Someone from a state school with a strong program and research experience would be just as competitive as someone from Harvard if GPA was equal (heavy grade inflation on Harvard's end). You may have had a strong GPA but what were your other metrics? Research experience (most important), statement of purpose, letters of rec, GRE score, etc.? All of those can factor in a department's willingness and/or ability to fund you. From the looks of it, if you had that GPA coupled with research experience, great letters, scores, clear statement of purpose, etc., I would have a very very hard time believing you couldn't get funding from somewhere unless you were only aiming at top programs. But back to the OP's concern; if you want to do something biomedical related there is NO WAY you should pay for any degree, masters or PhD. There are way too many training grants and NIH/NSF sponsored fellowships in that particular field--assuming that is what you want to do. I would say be strategic and apply to a mixture of PhD and masters programs and see what you come up with. I will be enrolling in a masters program (originally applied for PhD, but department re-purposed my application to MS program) fully funded + stipend this fall. I'll be funded on either a training grants or research assistantship.

A huge part of getting a PhD is not how intelligent you are but how malleable you are in response to extraordinary pressure. The most important thing for you to know is that these feelings are VERY common among grad students. It seems to me you are not in the right frame of mind to make such a decision which will impact the rest of your life. What you are going through to me seems like the reactionary phase of anyone experiencing a significant amount of uncertainty, insecurity and overall spunk in regards to a major life change. For starters, I would suggest you speaking with someone (professionally) about what you are going through. There is a reason schools employ numerous counselors and psychologists---again, these feelings that you have are more common place than you realize, especially at the grad level. I would also try to incorporate at least 30 minutes a day (no less than 15) doing something you absolutely enjoy--whether it be a TV program, reading, sleeping, etc. If you can't give that at least to yourself you will be no good to anyone. Good luck and hope you realize this is just a slump in the long road of your life.

Are all of your loans federal loans (from the US department of education) and not private? If so, you will be able to take advantage of the public service loan forgiveness and income-based repayment plan. However, this is contingent upon you finding a job in a public service field which is already getting heavily slashed from state and federal gov't budgets as is. I think you also have to consider a few things. Firstly, how do you know for sure if you do take the time off and presumably get accepted into another program that you will be funded in that particular program? What if, for some reason it is not as highly ranked and will not give you as many opportunities as NYU will? The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior---if you did not get into any schools this cycle the probability that you will be accepted the next go around with no additional embellishments to your application is also nil. And for that time you could have stayed at NYU and finished---I'd stick it out. But while you are there, don't be hesitant to ask your professors, advisors deans and even those in different but related departments about funding opportunities through TA/RAships, if it is a research-based program. Also, this is your time to network---and network hard while you still have the cushion and financially security with being in school. NYU is your base; you are not confined to the parameters of your own department. Interact with the business/law schools--attend a few open lectures and get to know the faculty. Speech path is such a fluid discipline with opportunities for advancement outside it's standard employment area, especially in business. Make the prestige of NYU count for you and the wallet will thank you!

As a general rule, the combined GRE score (old scale) of 1000 is the cutoff that most graduate schools (not programs) will accept. With that being said, the decision to keep a score or retake is contingent upon the competitiveness of the programs you are applying to and the strength of other aspects of your application. For PhD, in my experience the greatest emphasis will be fit and funding ability> research experience/publications > letters of recommendation > GPA (undergrad is weighed more heavily) > Statement of purpose (tied w/ GPA) > GRE. Although the GRE is undeniably less significant than the other metrics, it could be important for funding purposes and used as a cutoff for some programs to even look at your application considering their pile can range upward of 800-1,000 apps. I would assume sociology PhDs across the board would be in that category and you will be in an extremely competitive pool. Since your GRE score is at the cutoff point for most graduate schools in the tier you are applying to, I would recommend to take a real self-effacing view of your application if you decide not to retake. What is the strength of your u-grad/masters institution's sociology department? Who did you work with? Publications? Having a MA under your belt will give you a boost so long as you have a solid research agenda and history behind it. You will be competing with undergrads with honors theses and 'masters caliber' resume's so you will have to stand out in order to really distinguish your MA. I think we need a little more information about the other 'well-rounded' aspects of your application to make a truly informed decision. My general feeling is that if you can spare the time and money to get an ETS prep book and retake it wouldn't be such a bad idea given the overwhelming competitiveness of sociology PhD programs. You want every advantage you can get. I took the revised GRE only once without studying and my score was 1050 and I still got into PhD programs fully funded. Granted, I had other decent marks and great essay which explained away my GRE score. Also an URM in a very...VERY...underrepresented health sciences sub-field as far as black females are concerned.

Thanks everyone for the heads up!! I was wondering the same thing about my own stipend. I do have another question: Can you take out loans if you are receiving a fellowship (tuition, health insurance and stipend) from your department? I wouldn't think a stipend would be taken into account for financial aid because it is essentially a part-time job.

Nope nope nope. Not worth it in the least---especially if you are coming out of school without some significant work experience. I also applied for BU and Yale MPH...couldn't get past the almost $70K in total tuition balance...for an MPH?? Ridiculous.