Pittsburgh--Hot Metal Bridge Program

[dazedandbemused]

So, I applied to Pittsburgh and got rejected, but they advised me to apply to the above mentioned program. It's not a degree program, it's post-BA, but it comes with a stipend and you get to take classes with the grad students in the department. They said it's to increase your chance of getting into a PhD, plus it's an initiative to increase diversity. Have any of you guys either heard of or participated in it? I didn't even know these kinds of programs existed!

[ferhin]

I was offered the same opportunity. I told them to go ahead and submit my application because it sounded like an exteded version of a different program I did last summer (Rutgers REDI program). I have recently emailed them informing them that I am no longer interested-not because it didn't sound like a good program, but because I was accepted eslewhere.

[TripWillis]

Why on earth is it called the "Hot Metal Bridge" program? I mean, I think "Bridge" makes sense to me... this sort of sounds like an 80s band.

[poliorkein]

It's the name of a bridge in Pittsburgh.

[dazedandbemused]

Yeah, I thought it was random too. I mean, why that bridge specifically? Weird.

[Julianne Pigoon]

I would not do this. You won't be taken as seriously as the other students, and I doubt it will increase your chances of getting into a PhD. If you're paying them anything at all, it's a cash cow.

[dazedandbemused]

No, it's not something you have to pay for. It's a fellowship and comes with tuition remission and stipend. I've got other options, but they're unpaid, so I wouldn't mind the chance to take classes without the costs.

[lyonessrampant]

Especially if it is paid for, I don't think it will hurt you, and it is a better option than going for an unfunded MA at this point. I disagree with the statement that all unfunded (or not fully funded) MAs are cash cows, and even if they are a revenue-raising avenue for the university, this does not categorically mean the program is bad. That said, I would do this and apply again either this coming fall or do the whole year and apply in 2014. I think it will make you more competitive in terms of refining your interests, enabling you to generate a new writing sample with graduate faculty supporting your revision process, and likely produce a more focused SOP that meshes well with your new writing sample. I think it is a good option, and I know people who have done this and similar programs and have been quite successful. Best of luck with whatever you decide!

[Julianne Pigoon]

I disagree with the statement that all unfunded (or not fully funded) MAs are cash cows, and even if they are a revenue-raising avenue for the university, this does not categorically mean the program is bad.

I agree. It entirely depends on the program, but it is not uncommon for unfunded MA students to have an adversarial relationship with the funded PhD students. My professor Amy Rodgers, who is fresh out of PhD from U Michigan, told me that's one of the biggest reasons why they no longer offer an MA. She strongly warned me against them without talking to current graduate students. I have been warned by other faculty, as well.

That aside, if this program is funded and it's enticing to you, then go. I still don't think I personally would, however. Why not come to CMU with me and we can be bro(cifinas)?

[dazedandbemused]

I agree. It entirely depends on the program, but it is not uncommon for unfunded MA students to have an adversarial relationship with the funded PhD students. My professor Amy Rodgers, who is fresh out of PhD from U Michigan, told me that's one of the biggest reasons why they no longer offer an MA. She strongly warned me against them without talking to current graduate students. I have been warned by other faculty, as well.

That aside, if this program is funded and it's enticing to you, then go. I still don't think I personally would, however. Why not come to CMU with me and we can be bro(cifinas)?

Alas, I have already given Carnegie Mellon my no I just couldn't stomach the idea of doing a one year MA and then having to apply again in 5-6 months. Too much. I'm almost positive I'll be going to Boston College at this point, but I'm definitely keeping this Pittsburgh thing as an option. I do love good old PA.