radiomars

Thanks for the input. I think I'm leaning toward Yale, but it's hard to make the decision since UCLA's program is really great.

Out of curiosity, can I ask why you're hesitant to travel outside the US? If you're interested in ancient Egypt, why not go to Egypt?

Given the fact that you described him as your "dream professor" and the higher ranking of the UCLA (assuming that is relevant to your field), I say go LA. I think it'd be a smart idea to meet up with the POI from FSU and gather your thoughts, but it seems you are leaning to UCLA as well. As to professors being inaccessible, that's kind of a fact of life in academia. Do you have access to his other grad students or others in the department? Perhaps you can email and snoop around as to how communication is when he is traveling. Also, I was a former Bruin and am biased. UCLA is beautiful, I think you'll love it.

Hi all. I'm planning on starting a PhD in biological anthropology this fall. Help me decide? 1. UCLA: - Went there for undergrad, hesitant to go back when I have the chance to go somewhere new, but: - Excellent program fit. - Funding so-so, cost of living really high - Get along with grad students and faculty quite well - Weather is divine. - 1-year full fellowship, four years of required TA/RA to meet stipend minimum. Proof of applications to external funding sources required. - Required courses pre-determined. 2. Yale: - Program fit is good, but department is much smaller. - Funding much better, cost of living lower. - Opens up another coast of connections with faculty and students - Cold winters, small town. - Small class sizes, lot of individual attention, would be adviser's only student. - 5+ years of full funding, no TA/RA required. - Can build own curriculum to fulfill class requirements, in all departments. Things of note: - I'm not 100% concrete in my research goals; they're fairly broad and malleable. - UCLA is well-established in this field, Yale is growing toward it.

Well, Yale has a smaller department. My POI there does interesting work on life history and human evolutionary biology that I like, but only 2 or 3 other people in the department do human bio. Their main focuses are primatology, molecular genetics, paleo, and human behavioral ecology. I've been told they are expanding more into human bio. Ucla focuses on evolutionary medicine, evolutionary psychology, human behavioral ecology, and primatology. I feel like I am more interested by ucla's focuses but I think it might possibly be from lack of exposure to others. Also, I'm thinking that I can still do evolutionary medicine (pretty much the one big difference between the two) like at ucla or still collaborate with faculty in other schools as a student in Yale if that's something I feel is lacking. My POI at Yale made it clear that if I have a good idea, they will support me in pursuing it. So that is reassuring.

According to the results search, in previous years, some candidates found out through emails prompting them to check the website. I'd think it's definitely still possible that you're in contention and you haven't been pre-informed by your POI.

Congrats! Hope you get a great funding offer. Also, I'd just like to thank everyone on this board for being so wonderful and supportive. You guys are awesome.

Thanks a lot for this input! This is exactly what I'm thinking. I already have very strong connections at UCLA, and it seems like a good idea to expand out further. And thanks for the positive support. It's almost like choosing between two different desserts, nothing to complain about. Ah, and yes, I made a trip out to Yale a couple months ago. Got along fabulously with my POI and the other grad students seemed really nice. I think I could be happy there, the only thing I'm slightly concerned about is that it's a smaller department that's not as well-established as a powerhouse like UCLA, but maybe that's not as big of a detriment as I think.

Yeah, I certainly have a lot of friends in Los Angeles already and a good support system. That's something to consider. But I have no doubt I'll make new friends in Connecticut too. Not sure if I should choose comfort or a challenge. And yeah, I feel like I'm leaning towards Yale because of the new exposure and connections it offers. In terms of brand name, I find that it only seems relevant outside of academia. Like, if I were to try to get a job at a tech company, I feel like an Ivy name would be noticed more than a UC. But that's pretty much all. Within academia, your work and your colleagues are the most important things; the school name is almost irrelevant.

I'm actually struggling with this a lot. Choices: 1. UCLA: - Went there for undergrad, hesitant to go back when I have the chance to go somewhere new - Excellent program fit (but is it because I went there for four years?) - Funding so-so, cost of living really high - Get along with grad students and faculty really well - Weather is divine. 2. Yale: - Program fit is good, but not excellent. - Funding much better, cost of living lower. - Opens up another coast of connections with faculty and students - Cold winters, small town. Halp.

Hooray! Do you think you're going?

Oh man, I actually am really struggling with this. I've narrowed it down to UCLA and Yale, but that's about all I have figured out. I went to UCLA for undergrad, so that's something to consider. I think the program at LA is stronger but I hesitate to turn down an opportunity to diversify and expand my training and connections.

Thanks, guys :3 I'm thrilled. I wasn't told the exact date, but he did say I should get it "in about a week".

Just got into Yale! My POI called me on the phone to tell me.

I'm applying to bio.anthro. I know only cultural does interviews so it's kind of frustrating not having any feedback until decision time.

Haven't heard anything from Yale yet. I was hoping this week would be the week.

Official acceptance letters have been released.

I'm really sorry to hear that, Lexicon. I wouldn't stress about prior decisions you made regarding application fees and whatnot. You made the best decision you could at the time and you took a shot at your dream. Nothing to regret. I hope you try again next year!

I'm not 100% sure if it's just bio.anthro or all subfields. I also got the Admit Weekend email and I already know I'm accepted so I think it's a very strong sign of acceptance. Are you going?

I've been told it's guaranteed funding for five years with mandatory TA/RA starting second year. Everyone gets the same amount. No negotiations. Only scholarship is the Cota Robles Diversity Scholarship.

Got a more official (but still not fully official) acceptance from UCLA and a promise of 5 years of funding- without digits, though. Maybe looking like I'll go back to LA for my PhD..

I've been feeling the same! I really hope this next week brings some good news. This has been the longest month of my life.

Just got an acceptance from two schools that are both tied for my second choice. The funding is fantastic for all these offers so far, which makes the decision not about money, and is a huge relief. Still waiting for my top choice, but still fairly excited for these offers. Best of luck to everyone!

I know that the adcom for UCLA has already met and I received an informal acceptance from my adviser, but I think that's a special case. Official decisions have not come out.

Gah, I know. I'm actually surprised by how bad the waiting has become the past week or so. I know my last school officially notifies end of February and my potential adviser told me he'd keep me updated on what's happening, which means I may hear before that. So, any day? My dreams are ALL about getting into school.