Wait for an assistantship

[Dal Espyrn]

I just got accepted to my top choice, UC Berkeley, with a modest fellowship. If I'm to be able to afford it, though, I'll need loans and an on-campus job. The school's documentation said most of the assistantship positions aren't advertised until August. Obviously, I need to make a decision before then.

Is this common? Oregon seems to make them available much earlier. Going to Berkeley, with its cost of living (I have a wife and kid, so common grad-school arrangements aren't an option for me), won't work without that job.

[turkeyteacher]

Congrats on Cal!!!

I am running into the same thing. I could make it through the first year without an assistantship, but I wish that schools provided more clarity on the process before I commit.

I know this doesn't really answer your question, but I am planning on emailing my top two when I have finally decided and asking them what their stats are for assistanships each year.

I will certainly be keeping my eye on this thread for any more insight/help from others!

Good luck!

I don't know if you are familiar with the Bay Area, but it's no secret to anyone that it's crazy expensive!!! I lived in both Oakland and SF for many years, however, and you can find little gems (in the Oakland/Berkeley area) that would be safe for a family for a reasonable amount.

[Hillary Emick]

Congrats on getting in! Talk to the grad office or your POI about this. I am sure they will understand that you need more information about the likelihood of being offered an assistantship before you can commit to moving your family to the Bay Area. Does your wife have any job prospects? Or do you have savings to help out until you can get a TA or RA?

[gurlsaved]

Hi, congrats on your acceptance. I am not going to Cal but I live in Emeryville, which is practically in Berkeley and it is cheaper to live here. Additionally, if you have a family, Emeryville is very quiet, safe, and fun. If you need tips for the area, PM me.

[Dal Espyrn]

Berkeley has had two different first-year students call me, and both have been very encouraging about assistantships. Not everybody gets their first choice, they said, but there are enough assistantships to go around for everyone who wants them.

Washington, which is also very high on my list (I lived in the area for 10 years and want to move back), is less encouraging about assistantships. And it's even riskier for me to go there because I'd be considered out-of-state.

[Dal Espyrn]

Congrats on getting in! Talk to the grad office or your POI about this. I am sure they will understand that you need more information about the likelihood of being offered an assistantship before you can commit to moving your family to the Bay Area. Does your wife have any job prospects? Or do you have savings to help out until you can get a TA or RA?

Thanks! My wife is a freelancer and can work from anywhere. But we have no savings; we're going to have to pull out of my 401(k)s to finance the move.