Wait it out for something better? Take the plunge?

[Silent_Bobina]

So I finally got my first acceptance after 2 early rejections and a long silence from my other 4 options. I got into Boston University's MFA program with a merit scholarship in Cinema Studies but have yet to hear from 3 other programs. Boston is one of my top three choices (one of which has turned me down) but I have yet to hear from USC. However, on the forums I've noticed a trend of USC releasing rejections sporadically and notoriously late so I'm wondering if it's even worth waiting to hear from them as some positive ande negative results from my department have already been posted leading me to believe that the decisions have all been made but not sent out. I also was wondering if anyone knows much about the research interests of the professors in this program. It seems that few post this information instead posting their production experience. Wether this is because the professors are primarily filmmakers and not critics I'm not sure. It does not bother me either way as the professor I will likely be working with has posted research interests and they are very similar to my own. I was just curious about the other professor's experience. I also was wondering if an MFA degree would hinder serious consideration for a PhD in this area of work even if it is in a critical studies concentration. If any of you know anything about Boston's program in these capacities I would love if you would share your wisdom. Also is it worth it to wait out USC despite not knowing how long a wait it will be? I'm also waiting out PennState which would hold my interest if they offered a nice financial option although I'm not sure when I would hear from them either. Any advice?

[Xanthan]

So I finally got my first acceptance after 2 early rejections and a long silence from my other 4 options. I got into Boston University's MFA program with a merit scholarship in Cinema Studies but have yet to hear from 3 other programs. Boston is one of my top three choices (one of which has turned me down) but I have yet to hear from USC. However, on the forums I've noticed a trend of USC releasing rejections sporadically and notoriously late so I'm wondering if it's even worth waiting to hear from them as some positive ande negative results from my department have already been posted leading me to believe that the decisions have all been made but not sent out. I also was wondering if anyone knows much about the research interests of the professors in this program. It seems that few post this information instead posting their production experience. Wether this is because the professors are primarily filmmakers and not critics I'm not sure. It does not bother me either way as the professor I will likely be working with has posted research interests and they are very similar to my own. I was just curious about the other professor's experience. I also was wondering if an MFA degree would hinder serious consideration for a PhD in this area of work even if it is in a critical studies concentration. If any of you know anything about Boston's program in these capacities I would love if you would share your wisdom. Also is it worth it to wait out USC despite not knowing how long a wait it will be? I'm also waiting out PennState which would hold my interest if they offered a nice financial option although I'm not sure when I would hear from them either. Any advice?

Seeing as we're already into the middle of March, I don't think it would be out of line to email the other programs you haven't heard from and politely ask if/when a decision (and funding) will be available.

[Silent_Bobina]

Seeing as we're already into the middle of March, I don't think it would be out of line to email the other programs you haven't heard from and politely ask if/when a decision (and funding) will be available.

Would that make them reconsider any offers they were in the process of completing... would waiting a week and then e-mailing be more reasonable? I think Penn State's decisions are being processed right now as I noticed some responses from the larger communications programs.

[wtncffts]

If nobody, to your knowledge, has received responses, you should wait. If it seems like they've already started the notification process, I see no harm in asking politely about your status. I doubt very much they're going to change their decisions, if made, based on your e-mailing them. That would be quite petty and unreasonable, I should think.

[Silent_Bobina]

That sounds like a reasonable way to decide who to e-mail thank you for the information!

[Silent_Bobina]

Just got rejected from my safety, the only school that was cheaper at face value then BU is with my scholarship... thinking this might be a sign... although I'd still kinda be interested in hearing from Penn State before I send in the paperwork. Is it worth it to wait on two reach schools?

Edited March 14, 2011 by Silent_Bobina