Binghamton

[pinkoats]

What's the word with Binghamton, y'all?  There have been a couple yays and nays on the results board, but I haven't heard yet.  I applied for a creative dissertation spot, so I don't know if that influences the timing.

[kareneliz]

Hi, Pinkoats! I'm a BU student currently for my MA, and have been offered funded admission for a PhD spot in the fall.

 

Here's what I know about the creative writing folks: they meet separately from literature, and they generally make their initial decisions and offers fairly early. I have a friend who was accepted. However, funding -- while solid and generous when given -- is not bountiful, and methinks the committee only accepts those students they can afford to fund. Then, the waiting begins. If someone turns down an offer, an offer gets extended to someone else.

 

All admissions decisions at Binghamton must be "officially" DELIVERED by the Graduate School. This means that while your department might contact you, nothing is official unless it has come through TGS, where all record of decision-making, funding, etc. is kept. If you've not heard explicitly, from the graduate school, that you are rejected, you are likely still in the running for what I know to be a very, very competitive spot.

 

If you have questions, Colleen Bailey (secretary to the Dean) is awesome, and you might do well to give her a call/shoot her an email to see if she has more information than that for you. I do know also that it'll be useless to contact the Graduate School itself for information regarding your decision. I worked there in the past, and I know they have NO information here beyond what departments have given us.

 

I hope this was at least a little helpful!

[pinkoats]

Kareneliz,

This is very helpful info! Thank you for taking the time to respond.  Maybe I'll send an email, but I'm sure I'll just have to wait a bit longer.

Thanks again!

[pinkoats]

Well! It seems I'm accepted but was on the waitlist for funding, and those who were offered funding ahead of me took it.  Bummed. This is the only program I applied to.

[kareneliz]

Congrats on your acceptance! ? There's possibly a chance to reapply for funding in future years. Also unfunded students have the opportunity to get GA/TAships beyond traditional funding -- that, and being a grader, is how I completely funded my MA . Also cost of living here is cheap . Are you still considering accepting? If so, don't give up hope! There's money to be found; you just have to look for it.

[pinkoats]

Kareneliz,

Thanks for your kind enthusiasm! I queried the dept. with just that question about funding potential in later years, which will give me something to think over.  I actually live about an hour or so away with my boyfriend who is in med school.  I teach composition, and could potentially keep my job, which I suppose would function as something like a TA-ship. Hah. Anyway, congratulations on your acceptance as well!

[kareneliz]

Keep me posted! I'm more than happy to give you details about the school, various profs, etc. If you end up coming our way in the fall, you'll already have a friend in me!