HGSE 2016

[nm16]

1 hour ago, CIShopeful said:

I haven't seen it either and I'm starting to panic.

@morifol - I don't think PhD students are expected to fill in finaid. Just posted this in another thread but the PhD apps are through GSAS, so it doesn't make sense for PhD applicants to receive the HGSE finaid form. Also, as @JWalters said, you don't need finaid in a program that is supposed to be fully funded 

[Escussel]

7 minutes ago, nicolemae said:

@morifol - I don't think PhD students are expected to fill in finaid. Just posted this in another thread but the PhD apps are through GSAS, so it doesn't make sense for PhD applicants to receive the HGSE finaid form. Also, as @JWalters said, you don't need finaid in a program that is supposed to be fully funded 

I agree, I thought it was odd as well.  However, according to information from Stanford, they need the financial aid information filled out regardless.  My assumption is documentation of a paper trail to validate funded programs.  

If you are unable to find it in your folders, mine went into the 'updates' tab of my Gmail; sender: finaid

[nm16]

18 minutes ago, Escussel said:

I agree, I thought it was odd as well.  However, according to information from Stanford, they need the financial aid information filled out regardless.  My assumption is documentation of a paper trail to validate funded programs.  

If you are unable to find it in your folders, mine went into the 'updates' tab of my Gmail; sender: finaid

Oh, I'm sure Stanford's procedure is quite different! but from what I know, Harvard is very decentralized (and thus incredibly frustrating to deal with sometimes) and the different schools do not really work together on things like these. I think one of the primary reasons why they recently shifted PhD apps to GSAS is due to funding, anyway.

[edldwannabe]

That may be so, but there is a need to be able to live in Cambridge.  The package does not provide enough to live in decent housing.  I would prefer to not live in a whole in the wall.  I am simply trying to seek clarification like everyone else on this thread! 

[JWalters]

2 minutes ago, edldwannabe said:

That may be so, but there is a need to be able to live in Cambridge.  The package does not provide enough to live in decent housing.  I would prefer to not live in a whole in the wall.  I am simply trying to seek clarification like everyone else on this thread! 

A recent graduate told me that, while he was there, many of his classmates had to dig into personal saving to make it work. He is married, so his wife helped him stay afloat.

[nm16]

6 minutes ago, edldwannabe said:

That may be so, but there is a need to be able to live in Cambridge.  The package does not provide enough to live in decent housing.  I would prefer to not live in a whole in the wall.  I am simply trying to seek clarification like everyone else on this thread! 

Yeah, it's going to be rough. I currently reside in Cambridge and the expectation is that you'll be in a hole in the wall unless your family/relatives are able to support you, or you use your personal savings like jwalters said.  Housing isn't the greatest either -- high prices for relatively run-down places. If it makes you feel better, it is a challenge to stay afloat even with an income, ha.

[edldwannabe]

That is why I asked about financial aid. I personally do not have substantial savings or relatives with deep pockets.  My spouse will remain in VA and maintain our home here. I expect to find some form of part time work.

[morifol]

Oh... That sounds scaaaaary... Please someone say that it does not cast too many clouds on the experience! And that you can live on campus. I would love that.

[edldwannabe]

1 minute ago, morifol said:

Oh... That sounds scaaaaary... Please someone say that it does not cast too many clouds on the experience! And that you can live on campus. I would love that.

It is my understanding that there is on campus housing available for graduate students. I would like to live off campus so my spouse can visit.  Also, I think I would do better off campus and living solo.

[Shlee467]

On 1/24/2016 at 7:09 PM, wannabephd89 said:

Hello, all!

I applied to the Ph.D. program at HGSE this year (HDLT concentration), and I just got an interview offer via email! Super nervous and excited at the same time.

They said the interview will take about 15-20 minutes, which feels short... and I don't know if the brevity signals anything. But oh well, I don't have an emotional room for all these suspicions. I'll just do my best. 

Fellow Ph.D. applicants, I am crossing my fingers for you! 

Congrats on the interview invite!  I know someone who was accepted to the phd program despite getting on her interview call late so I don't think you have to worry about how short it is. They just want to know your interests and such.

[Shlee467]

On 1/26/2016 at 9:01 AM, edldwannabe said:

Have any Ed.L.D. applicants  heard anything? The last thing I heard was that my application is complete.  Should I have received financial aid information?

I don't think EdLD people get any financial aid. There is an automatic stipend plus tuition covered, so you won't get any additional aid. (Unfortunately, since the cost of living in Boston/Cambridge is astronomical).

[edldwannabe]

2 hours ago, Shlee467 said:

I don't think EdLD people get any financial aid. There is an automatic stipend plus tuition covered, so you won't get any additional aid. (Unfortunately, since the cost of living in Boston/Cambridge is astronomical).

Thanks! I'll have to come up with plans B and C.  Getting in is the hard part, and hopefully I'll do that.  Where there is a will, there is a way! Also, I found out through admissions that interviews will be via Skype.  

[GoBigOrGoHome]

1 hour ago, edldwannabe said:

Thanks! I'll have to come up with plans B and C.  Getting in is the hard part, and hopefully I'll do that.  Where there is a will, there is a way! Also, I found out through admissions that interviews will be via Skype.  

EDLD interviews will be via Skype? That is the first time I have heard that. I thought there were group and individual portions on campus for two days? Is this new?

[Hockey Diva]

I applied for EdLD. Because I also indicated an interest in the EdM program if I don't get into the EdLD program, I received a link to the financial aid portal today.

When I started seeing posts about the financial aid portal, I was worried because I hadn't heard anything--I even went back and checked my spam folder. It finally arrived this morning.

While the message says in bold:

"Please be assured that this message has no bearing on the status of your application to the Ed.L.D. program."

I can't help but wonder if it does mean something! I've been trying very hard to forget I even applied so that I don't spend too much time worrying about it!

[Escussel]

2 hours ago, Hockey Diva said:

"Please be assured that this message has no bearing on the status of your application to the Ed.L.D. program."

I don't know if 'assured' is the correct word for that sentence...Just sayin' 

[JMDesert2]

16 hours ago, edldwannabe said:

Thanks! I'll have to come up with plans B and C.  Getting in is the hard part, and hopefully I'll do that.  Where there is a will, there is a way! Also, I found out through admissions that interviews will be via Skype.  

Well that's an interesting development... 

[edldwannabe]

17 hours ago, GoBigOrGoHome said:

EDLD interviews will be via Skype? That is the first time I have heard that. I thought there were group and individual portions on campus for two days? Is this new?

When I called I told the representative I had applied for the Ed.L.D. program.  She told me the interviews would be via Skype.  I believe the point she was trying to make was that there would be one less thing to worry about; having to travel to Cambridge.  For personal reassurance, please call the admissions office. 

[Shlee467]

4 minutes ago, edldwannabe said:

When I called I told the representative I had applied for the Ed.L.D. program.  She told me the interviews would be via Skype.  I believe the point she was trying to make was that there would be one less thing to worry about; having to travel to Cambridge.  For personal reassurance, please call the admissions office. 

Oh that's terrible news. I think Skype interviews are the most awkward thing ever. It's so hard to be natural talking to a computer. I so wish they'd be in Cambridge!!!!!

[EdLeadershipApplicant]

26 minutes ago, Shlee467 said:

Oh that's terrible news. I think Skype interviews are the most awkward thing ever. It's so hard to be natural talking to a computer. I so wish they'd be in Cambridge!!!!!

I'm surprised by this too - when I spoke with admissions folks months ago they sold the idea of building a "cohort" pretty hard, so I assumed part of the interview weekend would be in groups.  Either way, though, I suppose it makes the program/application more accessible, so that's a good thing for applicants with more limited means (especially considering how anybody admitted will be needing to pinch pennies to live in Cambridge next year!!!).

As an aside, I can't get over how expensive this whole application process has been...for a field that seemingly values "access," between application costs and GREs, etc, it seems a little absurd.

[Shlee467]

10 minutes ago, EdLeadershipApplicant said:

I'm surprised by this too - when I spoke with admissions folks months ago they sold the idea of building a "cohort" pretty hard, so I assumed part of the interview weekend would be in groups.  Either way, though, I suppose it makes the program/application more accessible, so that's a good thing for applicants with more limited means (especially considering how anybody admitted will be needing to pinch pennies to live in Cambridge next year!!!).

As an aside, I can't get over how expensive this whole application process has been...for a field that seemingly values "access," between application costs and GREs, etc, it seems a little absurd.

In previous years they footed the bill for travel to the interviews. So extra disappointed.

[edldwannabe]

Please, pardon any confusion I my have caused by my recent post. For some reason, the admissions rep. I spoke with called me this afternoon. I was driving and almost slammed on brakes. Anyway, she called to correct what she told me. Interviews are in person!! She must have to record the name and number for all calls. I'm glad there has been clarification, and again I beg your pardon!!

[Shlee467]

2 minutes ago, edldwannabe said:

Please, pardon any confusion I my have caused by my recent post. For some reason, the admissions rep. I spoke with called me this afternoon. I was driving and almost slammed on brakes. Anyway, she called to correct what she told me. Interviews are in person!! She must have to record the name and number for all calls. I'm glad there has been clarification, and again I beg your pardon!!

Oh I'm so glad to hear it! I knew it was supposed to be a day of collaboration and seeing how people work together and such, which would have been nearly impossible over Skype.  Now back to just hoping so much to hear from them that I'm invited for an interview!!!!!! I wish they'd give us more time. By that, I really mean I just wish I knew.

[morifol]

3 minutes ago, edldwannabe said:

Please, pardon any confusion I my have caused by my recent post. For some reason, the admissions rep. I spoke with called me this afternoon. I was driving and almost slammed on brakes. Anyway, she called to correct what she told me. Interviews are in person!! She must have to record the name and number for all calls. I'm glad there has been clarification, and again I beg your pardon!!

That makes sense. Still, calling you back... I mean, really, calling your back?! Wow. They are professional.

[morifol]

Now, really, I believe this idea of being penniless is spoiling our waiting game. Seriously, to anyone who is there in Cambridge, Is it t h a t bad? I mean there is a stipend and all. Is it bad if you live with a roommate? And Harvard housing?! I cannot get properly exhited about Harvard if I think that the Struggle Times are coming...

[nm16]

22 minutes ago, morifol said:

Now, really, I believe this idea of being penniless is spoiling our waiting game. Seriously, to anyone who is there in Cambridge, Is it t h a t bad? I mean there is a stipend and all. Is it bad if you live with a roommate? And Harvard housing?! I cannot get properly exhited about Harvard if I think that the Struggle Times are coming...

Meh, I think it depends on how you look at it and where you've been.  I've lived in several metropolitan cities before moving to Boston, so the sticker shock was bad, but it wasn't a deal-breaker. If you want to live near walking distance to campus, it's likely that you'll have to fork up $1000+ each month for rent and utilities. It could easily be 50% more if you're looking to live alone, in a studio or similar.

Also, Cambridge residents are largely Harvard/MIT people, if that makes it any better. And most people here live with housemates; I've even seen married couples living with housemates...