Fall 2014 Applicants

[PhDerp]

Holy crap man, looks like you are landing them all... I hate you

This is great IMO because you can only really accept one offer, so there are more seats that are being "reserved" at n-1 schools! ;D

[DeleteMePlease]

Hi All,

 

as you can see from my stats I have been accepted in one school so far and haven't heard back from any other. I am about to enroll at Cornell as it is my top choice anyways,

 

Just wondering, is this a stupid thing to do? I don't think any other school will give me a better offer anyways and I don't think I am the first choice of any of these institutions if I haven't heard back from them so far. So why wait?

 

Still, it is weird not even getting notified by the lesser ranked schools like Northwestern. 

Edited February 22, 2014 by GermanStudent

[Kleene]

Hi All,

 

as you can see from my stats I have been accepted in one school so far and haven't heard back from any other. I am about to enroll at Cornell as it is my top choice anyways,

 

Just wondering, is this a stupid thing to do? I don't think any other school will give me a better offer anyways and I don't think I am the first choice of any of these institutions if I haven't heard back from them so far. So why wait?

 

Still, it is weird not even getting notified by the lesser ranked schools like Northwestern. 

If you are accepted by what is definitely your top choice why not enroll, regardless of any other results not yet out?

[eien]

If you are accepted by what is definitely your top choice why not enroll, regardless of any other results not yet out?

 

I second this opinion. However, I would wait just a week more as the majority of admissions should arrive before February ends. Who knows if some university may surprise you with a crazy unusual offer.

 

Remember that the Council of Graduate Schools establish April 15th as the soonest possible response deadline for financial offers. I really suggest you to read da rules here: https://www.cgsnet.org/ckfinder/userfiles/files/CGS_Resolution.pdf

 

Otherwise, if you are completely decided, I only have to say: GG yo, good luck, have fun.

[DeleteMePlease]

yeah they actually mentioned this resolution in the acceptance letter.

I will wait a few more days and talk to the student and professor who contacted me and then I will enroll. I highly doubt that any school will offer me more money and even if research fit is much more important than the stipend.

The only thing that I seriously worry about with Cornell is that it will be too competitive for me. 

Edited February 22, 2014 by GermanStudent

[compiler_guy]

yeah they actually mentioned this resolution in the acceptance letter.

I will wait a few more days and talk to the student and professor who contacted me and then I will enroll. I highly doubt that any school will offer me more money and even if research fit is much more important than the stipend.

The only thing that I seriously worry about with Cornell is that it will be too competitive for me. 

From my experience, if you wait a bit longer you don't risk your acceptance at all. Your place is guaranteed. But the program might offer you a bit more money (in terms of a one-time stipend) as a incentive for you to enrol.

Have you visited Ithacha? It might be that you like or not like to location. It really depends on your interests, hobbies and where you aspire to live.

[Bethdv]

Hi All,

 

as you can see from my stats I have been accepted in one school so far and haven't heard back from any other. I am about to enroll at Cornell as it is my top choice anyways,

 

Just wondering, is this a stupid thing to do? I don't think any other school will give me a better offer anyways and I don't think I am the first choice of any of these institutions if I haven't heard back from them so far. So why wait?

 

Still, it is weird not even getting notified by the lesser ranked schools like Northwestern. 

 

I thought I had my choices all figured out and already had an offer from a better program when I got an email from a professor who had just arrived at my 4th choice. He's both a better fit and more accredited than all my other POIs and he's coming from a much better ranked program (seriously, 50 positions or so better). 

That had huge impact on my decisions and I'm now unsure where I'm going. You might get a surprise and end up changing your mind, I'd wait as much as possible before making a binding decision.

[phdProspect]

Hi,

Not sure if posting to the correct topic. However, there are useful information in my post for viewers in this topic, too!

I'm an international student. So far, I have been admitted to the PhD programs at 4 schools: UCSB, GeorgiaTech, Toronto and Yale (SEAS, not CS). I had been interviewed by POIs from all of these schools before the admissions came out. I don't really think any better offer will be coming for me. Now, here's the case: the POI at Yale is the closest to my interests. He is truly an expert and is pretty much well-known in the field and I am sure any student can do a great research with him. However, he is very young and I will be his first PhD student, if I accept the offer. POIs at GATech and Toronto are also very good, but obviously not as good and expert as Yale's in the field. I am about to finalize my decision on going to Yale, however what I am really worried about is the reputation (e.g. ranking) of the school. Does it really matter? Also I'm hearing that a Yale degree may not be something much wanted in the academia/industry. Any other similar case or experiences?

What should I consider in choosing among these schools? Thanks a lot!

[SaulGoodman]

Hi phdProspect,

Would you happen to know if Toronto MSc (CS) admits have been sent already? (Sorry, I have nothing to offer in response to your query and I am desperate for some/any info on Toronto)

Thanks and congrats on your admits.

Edited February 24, 2014 by theTB

[eien]

Hi,

Not sure if posting to the correct topic. However, there are useful information in my post for viewers in this topic, too!

I'm an international student. So far, I have been admitted to the PhD programs at 4 schools: UCSB, GeorgiaTech, Toronto and Yale (SEAS, not CS). I had been interviewed by POIs from all of these schools before the admissions came out. I don't really think any better offer will be coming for me. Now, here's the case: the POI at Yale is the closest to my interests. He is truly an expert and is pretty much well-known in the field and I am sure any student can do a great research with him. However, he is very young and I will be his first PhD student, if I accept the offer. POIs at GATech and Toronto are also very good, but obviously not as good and expert as Yale's in the field. I am about to finalize my decision on going to Yale, however what I am really worried about is the reputation (e.g. ranking) of the school. Does it really matter? Also I'm hearing that a Yale degree may not be something much wanted in the academia/industry. Any other similar case or experiences?

What should I consider in choosing among these schools? Thanks a lot!

 

Please, don't take my word as an authorized opinion. However, I think that the POI situation at Yale may provide you with an excellent oportunity. Hey, Yale is a top notch university!

 

If this guy is the best at his area and you are his first PhD student, he will do his best to introduce you to his (surely awesome) projects and teach you everything about them. You will be also under a great preassure, as your outcome will determine his 'ability' to direct PhD students in front of his peers. But overall, I think that this is a great situation.

 

On the other hand, experienced and renowned POIs may be too tired/busy to pay the attention you will need during your studies.

 

Wish you the best on your decision

[phdProspect]

Hi phdProspect,

Would you happen to know if Toronto MSc (CS) admits have been sent already? (Sorry, I have nothing to offer in response to your query and I am desperate for some/any info on Toronto)

Thanks and congrats on your admits.

Sorry, I got no info about MSc admissions. However, I think you shouldn't be disappointed. I reckon my case was very exceptional in terms of POI and the field. There are still people who haven't heard about PhD admissions.

Wish you the best on your applications.

[tormentor]

Did anyone else get a reject from McGill for MSc. I saw that my references were listed as 'Cancelled' in the website. Maybe coz none were academic references and maybe this is what caused the rejection. Wouldn't have headed towards McGill anyway, but still, rejections hurt.

[Snoq]

Hi,

Not sure if posting to the correct topic. However, there are useful information in my post for viewers in this topic, too!

I'm an international student. So far, I have been admitted to the PhD programs at 4 schools: UCSB, GeorgiaTech, Toronto and Yale (SEAS, not CS). I had been interviewed by POIs from all of these schools before the admissions came out. I don't really think any better offer will be coming for me. Now, here's the case: the POI at Yale is the closest to my interests. He is truly an expert and is pretty much well-known in the field and I am sure any student can do a great research with him. However, he is very young and I will be his first PhD student, if I accept the offer. POIs at GATech and Toronto are also very good, but obviously not as good and expert as Yale's in the field. I am about to finalize my decision on going to Yale, however what I am really worried about is the reputation (e.g. ranking) of the school. Does it really matter? Also I'm hearing that a Yale degree may not be something much wanted in the academia/industry. Any other similar case or experiences?

What should I consider in choosing among these schools? Thanks a lot!

 

Well, I think that you should read the frirst answer here: http://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/90/university-rank-stature-how-much-does-it-affect-ones-career-post-ph-d

 

I think that in every situation there are pros and cons about every decision. You just need to choose what is most valuable for you.

 

P.S. I am not an applicant for Fall 2014.

[PhDerp]

Well, I think that you should read the frirst answer here: http://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/90/university-rank-stature-how-much-does-it-affect-ones-career-post-ph-d

 

I think that in every situation there are pros and cons about every decision. You just need to choose what is most valuable for you.

 

P.S. I am not an applicant for Fall 2014.

 

Very helpful; I've been wondering about this question for a while. Thanks!

[qualthian]

I got EPFL and UNC admission without funding, which is no different than a rejection.

[DSA]

I got EPFL and UNC admission without funding, which is no different than a rejection.

Yeah, I got admission without funding from UNC as well. A couple days ago I had actually emailed all schools that hadn't gotten back to me yet, to let them know about the offer I currently have (and to politely tell them to hurry it up if they want me ). Since the acceptance I have from Purdue comes with funding it's hard to beat that.

 

I really only have one more school on my list that could seriously rival that offer... still waiting on that.

[compiler_guy]

I got EPFL and UNC admission without funding, which is no different than a rejection.

Did you try contacting them regarding possible RA\TA position with fee remission if you accept?

[JavaGuy147]

So was anybody here at the UIUC visit 23rd-25th? I few people mentioned gradcafe and I was wondering if they might be in this thread

[DSA]

Did you try contacting them regarding possible RA\TA position with fee remission if you accept?

It's frustrating in my case because I had emailed UNC to let them know about my Purdue offer, and the graduate office person had gotten back to me quickly -- and then the UNC email (with no funding) arrived the day after that. So I expect that there's no real bargaining possible since they know already what my other offer is and seemed not to bite. But that's OK (for me at least) because I wasn't particularly drawn to UNC enough to favor it over the offer I already have.

[JavaGuy147]

The thing I have going for me is probably my recommendations. Multiple faculty have mentioned that they knew my letter writers. To be honest, I would rank an okay LOR from someone famous over a great LOL from someone not so famous. Several of mine were "did well in class" but the professor was well known, so that may have worked in my favor.

That probably had a lot to do with it. I went to a smaller state school (but with well known CS program in the state system) and smaller/more specific, but still good, internships so its likely most committees didn't recognize any of my recommenders. I've always thought its stupid to believe someone more just because you know (of) them, but it seems to be a consensus that thats how recommendations work. Besides that... 4.0, top of my class, CS/Math double major+honors, 170/162 GRE, 3 diverse research projects, and lots of extra-curriculars and such. I'm guessing my LOR were good just not from well known people )

[PhDerp]

MIT posted rejections today!! I'm so excited to accept at USC without any doubt in my mind!!!

...After visit day. Next week!

[eien]

MIT posted rejections today!! I'm so excited to accept at USC without any doubt in my mind!!!

...After visit day. Next week!

 

Same here. I'll be visiting UCSD on March 13-14th which most likely will be my destination university.

[DeleteMePlease]

Just in case somebody wonders. 

 

I got e-mails from profs at Northwestern and UNC. Both more or less offered me admissions. So, it seems they are still looking at applications. However, afaik UNC has rolling admissons.

 

However, I told both that I will most likely accept Cornells offer. I am still certain that the systems group at Cornell is the best choice for me. One reason is that I am not 100% sure yet what area I want to specialise in (probably either Networks or Distributed Systems but I still have a "thing" for AI) and Cornell does department admissions that let me choose freely between profs when I am in Ithaca. 

Maybe I could gamble into a higher stipend but I don't really care about money that much.

Edited March 1, 2014 by GermanStudent

[mmacha]

Hey guys,

 

I was casually checking my Application status of Purdue and saw that I have been "Wait-listed by the department".I applied for PhD Computer Science. Any one in the same boat ? 
Also, what are my chances ?

 

P.S :

I applied to six universities - CMU,UCSD,UIUC,UTA,UMass Amhrest,Purdue.
Was rejected by CMU and nothing from the other four.

[pearcema]

So was anybody here at the UIUC visit 23rd-25th? I few people mentioned gradcafe and I was wondering if they might be in this thread

 

Hey, I was there!  What did you think?  The department feels like a great fit for me, but I'm visiting one other school before I make a decision.