Accepted wiithout funding - UCSB (PhD in Eudcation): What would you do?

[Dindi]

I am still waiting for two more programs' decisions.  I got accepted to the UCSB without funding (PhD in education).  Nothing about funding was mentioned in the decision/welcome email.  It seems like it is quite common that the UCSB does not offer funding to new students.  Hmm...what would you do? 

[missgord]

which program are you in within education? i don't have funding yet either. where else are you considering?

[Dindi]

It's funny how we both posted about the UCSB. I have applied for the Literacy and Language program. You?

[missgord]

the stat program (policy leadership research methods). did you get funding offers elsewhere? did you interview/discuss funding at all?

and yea - but i guess the coincidence makes sense since we got our letters today

are you attending admit day?

[Dindi]

You got the letter today, too?  I was accepted yesterday, but received the welcome letter today.  Of course, the orientation is next week. I am considering attending.  I have gotten an offer from another university.  I was told that it is not likely that I will receive funding because it is very competitive and only a few students receive it.  Are you considering attending UCSB? 

Edited March 2, 2016 by Dindi

[missgord]

yeah i was accepted a few weeks ago so i was able to book flights in advance. i assume everyone got the official letter today. they haven't been too clear with me about funding, which is confusing. they said the sooner i accept, the sooner they can try to get me funding. so i guess if admit day goes well, i'll accept contingent on funding. i do like my program and professors a lot.

[Dindi]

In my letter, they said that they will discuss possible funding opportunities, which means nothing really. I hope you get funding. 

Edited March 2, 2016 by Dindi

[missgord]

i don't even think they said that in my letter. it was just a standard letter. said during admit day we'd have an opportunity to discuss applying for fellowships. we'll see!! thanks. you too! do you have a funding offer elsewhere?

[Dindi]

Yes, but it is not official yet. I am waiting to hear back from two other schools. What about you?

[lugosifan]

I applied to UCSB too for the Phd in education but during a casual interview with my POI in January he basically told me there is very little if any funding for the program and that if I receive a funded offer from another program I should take it.  A little disappointing because it is such a beautiful location to pursue graduate study.  Might be different for other applicants, best of luck!   

[missgord]

49 minutes ago, lugosifan said:

I applied to UCSB too for the Phd in education but during a casual interview with my POI in January he basically told me there is very little if any funding for the program and that if I receive a funded offer from another program I should take it.  A little disappointing because it is such a beautiful location to pursue graduate study.  Might be different for other applicants, best of luck!   

bleh! which department??

[missgord]

1 hour ago, Dindi said:

Yes, but it is not official yet. I am waiting to hear back from two other schools. What about you?

i had other funding offers, but the programs weren't a good fit

[lugosifan]

5 minutes ago, missgord said:

bleh! which department??

Learning, Culture, and Technology Studies.  As you're in a different department with a different POI you may have a different experience.  I would contact your POI to inquire about any grants he/she expects to receive or has already, from what I've heard this might make a difference.  Offers without funding are ridiculous, after all you will be working for them! 

[missgord]

8 hours ago, lugosifan said:

Learning, Culture, and Technology Studies.  As you're in a different department with a different POI you may have a different experience.  I would contact your POI to inquire about any grants he/she expects to receive or has already, from what I've heard this might make a difference.  Offers without funding are ridiculous, after all you will be working for them! 

Haha well I'm not working for them if they don't fund me

[rising_star]

On 3/2/2016 at 8:41 PM, Dindi said:

I am still waiting for two more programs' decisions.  I got accepted to the UCSB without funding (PhD in education).  Nothing about funding was mentioned in the decision/welcome email.  It seems like it is quite common that the UCSB does not offer funding to new students.  Hmm...what would you do? 

I wouldn't attend a PhD program with a tuition waiver and a stipend.