Waiting is Torture!

[onefellsloop]

I'll preface this post by acknowledging that I am chronically impatient and perhaps just a little neurotic but the waiting for results is seriously agonizing. I've applied for admission to the Scottish History MscR program at the University of Edinburgh, and despite previous assurances from the post-graduate program secretary, I've yet to receive word on any kind of decision. Having thus already contacted the secretary once, I don't want to do so again lest I come across as one of those 'high maintenance' students and leave a bad impression.

 

The general mental discomfort of not knowing is compounded, too, by the fact that I live in the U.S. and have had long-standing plans to visit Europe in the first two weeks of June. Thinking I'd know the results of my application by then, I decided to tack on a couple of days in Edinburgh to the end of my trip to visit the campus and possibly meet up with the faculty member with whom I'd corresponded about research during the application process. Should I be accepted, this person would most likely be my first supervisor.

 

However, the fact that I'm still in existential limbo, as it were, is making me reluctant to email said professor to suggest a meeting because I don't know how appropriate it would be to do so. For my part, even if I am not accepted to the program, I'd still like to meet this person if for no other reason than to convey my thanks for his/her help and encouragement (s/he was good enough to review the drafs of my research proposal and make comments, as well as solicit feedback from his/her colleagues in the department on my behalf) in person and to have an opportunity to discuss his/her research which I find profoundly fascinating. That said, I'm unsure, like I said, if this would be considered a strange or inappropriate request from an applicant or if it might prove awkward for him/her, especially if s/he has foreknowledge of the school's decision and it was unfavorable.

 

So, may I ask for some thoughts on this? Did you meet with potential supervisors/advisers even before knowing if you'd be accepted to the program? Basically, any advice would be immensely helpful. I should also note that because of the time constraints (my trip is already planned and booked and has been for over six months), I feel like the very latest I could send my request would be this weekend because any later would feel like a rude presumption upon the person's time, implying, among other things, that s/he couldn't possibly have anything better to do and should just be indiscriminately available. Or maybe I'm just being even more neurotic than usual.

[an11]

I personally think you should proceed with your plans of meeting up with this faculty member, when you visit the University of Edinburgh during your trip. Clearly the decision to meet with him/her, has absolutely no connection with yours getting accepted into the program...and as you mentioned, you would like to meet him/her, to just discuss his/her research and express your personal gratitude for all the help he/she provided, irrespective of whether you get accepted or not. So I think it wouldn't be all that awkward or untoward, if you stick to your plans and send in your request to him/her, whenever you want. Of course, it would be wise to clarify your thoughts to him/her as well and inform him/her of the fact, that you would just like to meet up because of your fascination with his/her research, if not anything else. But I am sure you would be able to figure out how exactly you want to put forward your request. 

 

In the meanwhile, I think it would be best for you to just relax if you can ! Try and enjoy your trip...Europe is an absolutely amazing place, and don't let your anxiety keep you from having a good time there! 

[onefellsloop]

Thank you for your reply I went ahead and sent my email and have received a response. All my neurotic worrying on that score was totally for naught.

[an11]

You're welcome ! I sure do hope everything works out for you!

 

On a side-note and just out of curiosity, where all do you plan on travelling during your trip? 

[onefellsloop]

I'll be spending a week in Paris with the odd day trip to the countryside and then two days in London and the rest in Edinburgh So I suppose I should've just said "I'm traveling to France and the UK" lol but "Europe" was a bit more succinct if entirely too broad. Have you ever visited any of these cities? Got any recommendations?

[an11]

Yes I have been to all three . You made a wise choice by allotting an entire week for Paris, because trust me, not even a lifetime is sufficient for taking in everything this city has to offer! But a week is long enough to have all the experiences that make Paris, such a popular destination for tourists all over the world. The way you should chalk out your itinerary, depends entirely on your interests. Paris has something for everybody! The history and art enthusiasts would remain inordinately busy with the Louvre, the Versailles and the innumerable other museums, palaces, art galleries and historic sites strewn about all across the city. For people who are more interested in having fun, there's Disneyland nearby and there's Montmartre, if you want a taste of that world-famous nightlife. Besides, the city itself has that romantic and elegant charm of its own, which never fails to beguile anybody who sets foot in it! You can also go for a couple of trips into the countryside and visit Givery or Fontainebleau. There's only one thing that you need to be wary of...the Parisians themselves are notorious for being cold, unfriendly, snobbish and unhelpful towards tourists and this is partially true, from personal experience. You would have a relatively easier time in the city, if you have a decent working knowledge of French. 

 

A couple of days is okay for touring London, though you would miss out on a few things. Once again, you should select the places you want to visit, based on your interest. I visited London with similar time constrictions as well, and being the history buff that I am, I made it a point to squeeze in a half-day trip to the Stonehenge, within my schedule. 

 

Edinburgh is a pretty unique city...far different from any of the others that I have been to (and I have been to quite a few all over Europe)! You would either love it or hate it, and I loved it . Try exploring the different alleys, kirks and old courtyards, around the old town in the evening right after sunset, it truly is an indescribable, fascinating and unworldly experience! Take a day trip of the Scottish highlands as well, if you can. 

 

Hope you have a really nice time and enjoy your trip ! And, wishing you get accepted into the program at the University of Edinburgh as well! 

[onefellsloop]

Thanks for all the info! I've actually been to both London and Edinburgh before - going back because I didn't get to see everything I wanted to the last time - but this'll be my first time in Paris. So far I think my friends and I were planning to day trip it to Versailles and Fontainebleau, and since our interests are primarily history and food-related, we were planning to visit the museums and places of historical significance within the city before exploring the various meal offerings available.

 

Your well wishes must have worked, however, as I just received an unconditional offer of admission this morning. So thanks Couldn't be happier!