Your Top Choice?

[Marshall]

I want to get into Ohio University the most. To be honest, I'm at the point where any school that accepts me will be the best EVAR. The only school im not 100% rooting for is Kent, only because they only have invertebrate paleontology, I'm hoping to get accepted into a vertebrate paleo program.

[juror#1]

Right now I would have to say John Jay or University of Nebraska-Lincoln because both are really great programs for my field (psych and law) and both have professors that are a really good fit for me. Though this might also be influenced by the fact that they have at least invited me to interview haha. If I hear from them, Tufts would also be up there because I applied there for one POI in particular, and I think I would jump for joy to work with him.

[Bluesprite]

I'm really hoping for NYU's anthropology department. Last year, I was one of two alternates in my subdivision, archaeology, but neither of the originally accepted students turned the places down. Hopefully that means this year I'll be accepted. They're the perfect fit as there's only two archaeologists on earth that research exactly what I want to where I want to and my potential advisor there is the only one of the two in the States. I flew across the country twice to meet her, she really wants me in the program, and even her current grad students are rooting for me, but the decision isn't entirely hers. Crossing my fingers! Chicago's my second choice, but I haven't built the same relationship with the prof there, so it's a lot less likely.

[intextrovert]

As it seems a few of the English applicants have also said, my absolute dream school is Stanford - it's completely perfect for my interests and has lots of people doing fascinating work in my area(s), including one prof whose work I really admire, some cool interdisciplinary programs and opportunities, seems like it has the environment I'd like and a good rep for mentorship, etc. It's also in a lovely place, and obviously an extremely strong program.

...And it's very unlikely I'll get in. Who doesn't want to go to Stanford?! But I'm keeping the hope alive while I can!

Not far behind Stanford, though, and I think still count as dream schools, are Michigan and WashU. Also excellent fits and great places where I'd LOVE to be. I'm waitlisted currently at Michigan and hoping for the best.

I made a list before I did all of this, and the school I've got an acceptance from (UC-Davis) was #4 of my 12! So I'm happy. But still anxiously awaiting news from the others.

All of this, of course, could change completely with results and further research and especially department campus visits. But that's where I am based on what I've gleaned from researching this programs.

[pizzapie]

People keep on asking me this, but I really don't know. My schools are really tough to get into, and I'd be so happy to get accepted anywhere. If I end up having more than one choice, I'm going to have a really difficult time deciding.

Edited February 10, 2010 by pizzapie

[Kam]

Any of the 3 PhD programs I applied to are my first choice for different reasons. (That sentence is grammatically questionable, but I'm leaving it and using application stress as an excuse.)

They're three different programs, so depending on where I go (and who accepts me), I'll end up studying slightly different things. But I would be IMMENSELY happy with any of them.

Really, if two or all (haha) of them accepted me, I'd have a lot of trouble deciding which one would be best. I'd probably have to do a poll...

But all three programs are insanely difficult to get into, from what I can tell, so I'm just hoping that I get some choice in the MA programs I applied to and can go from there...

[Summit_Bid]

Any school. Berkeley was a top choice tied with UT Austin (this if for a PhD in Film) but I just got rejected today so I'm hoping for Austin (although they already sent out admits and so far I'm not one of them!). Why? Lots of awesome professors in my field, great location, great funding pacakge. Not really a hoity-toity place so I think I will enjoy being around really nice people. They have a good rep of placing people in prof positions after graduating.

[tem11]

Columbia is by far my first choice and although I'm accepted, I highly doubt I can afford it. Oxford is my second choice but I don't think a move to the UK is a realistic option at this point. More than likely I'll end up at Pitt, and I'm perfectly content with that.

[Kathryn]

Well, in all honesty, I would say any school that accepts me, but I really want to go to school in Ohio. I've already been accepted to 2 Ohio schools, so it's all gonna come down to money.

[Branwen daughter of Llyr]

Was Yale (both because it's well... Yale... but also because I thought it would be a terrific fit and loved their courses)

However, while researching schools for next years apps I discovered other top choices: Cornell (I'm definitely applying there again next year), Duke, Notre Dame, U Michigan, U Illinois, and Ohio State. No top contender among them, however - I would probably be equally pleased to go to any of them (at this point - it may change), each for their unique reasons. But all of them have a strong Medieval program, with at least one prof interested / researches Medieval Celtic / Arthurian, and at least one prof in the department who is interested / researches Folklore / Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Children's.

May all of us get into our top choices + full funding, AMEN (even if it's next year).

[Yes]

For me it's Harvard, always has been. I haven't heard from them, but since I got into Stanford, which was my second choice, I am trying to calm myself down and tell myself that life in California will be much more pleasant anyway.

Not working. I still want Harvard.

[subrosa]

Am torn between Yale and Harvard. At first it was Yale all the way, then I got to talk with some professors at Harvard, who swayed my resolve. I suppose it is premature to agonize until official results are in, but would still appreciate any words of wisdom.....

Also, to those of you in fear/loathing of New Haven - yes, crime does happen, but, for what it's worth, I never had any problems when I lived there, and I'm a tiny female who walked alone a lot during late nights.

[minnares]

For me, Harvard, but only because I've had this pie in the sky dream of going there since my folks brought me a sweatshirt back from a trip when I was 8 Honestly, though, I think the best fit for me would be WUSTL, Brown, or Hopkins. The other three would be amazing to be accepted to, but I don't expect it at all. I'm honestly not sure what I'll do if I actually do get an offer from any one of them. I also have to consider good locations for my kids to attend school and DH to have a job transfer. So I've modified the dream somewhat, but that's OK too.

~m

[watersnake]

UChicago, UChicago, UChicago, UChicago, UChicago

[Timothy Vallier]

Princeton.

[fauxtog]

of the four i applied to, i have 2 that are tied for 1st place, and for different reasons: michigan and usc.

while i feel that usc has an incomparable combination of faculty that will be great for what i want to study, i'm very hesitant about living in LA. but, LA would offer a better resource pool when it comes to my research. but the thought of commuting several hours and being stuck in a car every day is a total turn off.

michigan has amazing faculty and unparalleled resources when it comes to the subculture i'm interestred in, however the subculture i want to study within that subculture will be very difficult to flesh out in michigan. that said, the faculty seem amazing and supportive of the track i am interested in, and to be quite honest, i can see myself being much happier in ann arbor than in LA.

of course, this is all speculation, as i haven't heard back from either program yet. so...here's hoping!

ps. funding could make or break the decision...

[annie a]

Columbia is by far my first choice and although I'm accepted, I highly doubt I can afford it. Oxford is my second choice but I don't think a move to the UK is a realistic option at this point. More than likely I'll end up at Pitt, and I'm perfectly content with that.

Hi TerriM,

Perhaps this is a bit off topic - but when you say you can't afford Columbia, do you mean you simply don't want to take out that amount of loans? I still have not heard from them yet...oh well. Did you decide to pass on Pitt? I'm from Pittsburgh and it is a wonderful city.

Best of luck on your decision!

[PsychPoet]

Well, if I got into Berkeley or MIT, I'm pretty sure I would basically have to go to one of those, but if I got into both I would have a hard time deciding between the two. Berkeley has much nicer weather, but is also significantly more expensive to live in and much further away from home (so it would cost more than twice as much to fly home). As far as specific professors for me go at those two schools, the two are basically equally good.

Cost of living in Berkeley is significantly more expensive than Boston?

Might want to re-think that assessment.

[fauxtog]

Cost of living in Berkeley is significantly more expensive than Boston?

Might want to re-think that assessment.

ditto. cost of living in cambridge and berkeley is roughly the same. i say this with a bit of authority because i grew up in cambridge and i currently live in san francisco and have spent a lot of time in berkeley. rent is comparable, however certain other things are higher in CA: most notably the 9.5 percent sales tax. but if you live in berkeley and within walking distance to campus, you wont have to worry about transportation costs. likewise, there are hidden costs in cambridge as well, such as utilities.

the pros for berkeley:

-farmer's markets and fresh, local produce all year round. trust me, this is an important thing, because food is cheaper and better quality at farmers markets!

-weather is nice

-progressive atmosphere

-great place for people who like to commute by bike

cons for berkeley:

-the weather may be nice, but it is very monotonous, which can cause a bit of dysphoria. mostly because time is passing (fast) and you never notice it b/c there are no seasons!

-9.5% sales tax. seriously. your wallet feels it

pros for cambridge:

-a plethora of educational resources at your fingertips (so many universities in such close proximity: the possibilities are endless).

-very easily walkable, great public transit, not bad for biking in,

-spring and fall are just lovely

-as you mentioned, closer to your family

cons of cambridge:

-while cambridge likes to think it's the progressive hotbed of america, but it actually has a bit of a stick up its butt...but once you accept that and move on it's fine (this may not even be an issue for you, but it was for me, hence my relocation to the bay area)

-extreme winter and extreme summer can be quite a drag: digging yourself out of mounds of snow, high heating bills in winter (seriously, it can get up to $300/month), and suffocating humidity in the dead of summer

anyway. that's just my $0.02. good luck!

[peppermint.beatnik]

I would gladly go to any of the four schools, to which I applied. I have different reasons for liking each one.

One has been THE school I've wanted to go to since undergrad. My dream advisor is there. It's in fantastic city. My family vacationed there, when I child, so I have fond memories.

The second, I LOVE the advisor, and the school community is the best of the four schools (my impression) It's close a major, desirable city, too.

The third, is a major school in my field; love the work of the advisor; went to school with people already attending.

The fourth school is probably the best fit. Am really interested in the program focus and work of advisor.

So, I have things going for all.

If I could randomly choose a school, based on the school and not whether they actually have my field of study, I'd choose the Sorbonne, Princeton, or Berkeley.

[tem11]

Hi TerriM,

Perhaps this is a bit off topic - but when you say you can't afford Columbia, do you mean you simply don't want to take out that amount of loans? I still have not heard from them yet...oh well. Did you decide to pass on Pitt? I'm from Pittsburgh and it is a wonderful city.

Best of luck on your decision!

Yeah, I'd be very foolish to take out $120,000 in loans (in addition to my significant undergrad debt) to get a degree in social work. Social work just doesn't have much earning potential and even with income-based repayment I'd pay a small mortgage each month. If Columbia give me a somewhat competitive financial aid package I'll consider it, but their financial aid director told me they only give each student about $8,000/year max. Pitt is by far the most affordable choice, even without scholarships, and their program always ranks well nationally. I'll know what kind of funding they give me by next week- the wait is driving me nuts!

I'm from near Pittsburgh too . I hope you hear soon! I take it Columbia is your top choice, then?

[skidaMarinka]

My top choice would be NYU, followed by Brown (though they may not even accept anyone for my program this year... wah wah). Though if I got a YES from any of the schools I applied to, I'd probably laugh, cry, pee my pants, and eat an entire cake to myself. hahaha.

[coyabean]

The first one to admit me will automatically advance as my top choice .

gazelle--I have a couple of friends interested in International Relations and I have a little bit of knowledge about both institutions/cities. PM me if you want to know more.

pretty much. lol i'm all about Emory these days.

[DJLamar]

On 2/13/2010 at 10:47 AM, coyabean said:

pretty much. lol i'm all about Emory these days.

Haha, I can relate to this with my admission to Cornell. I'm really excited about the school at this point. I'm still trying to make myself more excited about the town it's in though

coyabean, if you end up going to Emory, I've been at Georgia Tech in Atlanta for three of the last four years (one of those years was study abroad ) so I can tell you a bit about stuff in the city. I've mostly hung around midtown though more than the area where Emory is, but I suspect I could still be somewhat helpful. Atlanta is a pretty cool city by the way -- I'll miss it!

 

Edited February 13, 2010 by DJLamar

[tskinner]

For me it's Harvard, always has been. I haven't heard from them, but since I got into Stanford, which was my second choice, I am trying to calm myself down and tell myself that life in California will be much more pleasant anyway.

Not working. I still want Harvard.

California's a beautiful place! Lived here all my life!

My top choice is UCSD! It's a perfect fit, the weather is amazing, it's only 2.5 hrs away from home (my undergrad right now is 5), and it is simply beautiful down there. If I got into Harvard (which I am not expected to happen in any way, shape, or form), it would be an extremely difficult decision to make. I'd have to visit both campuses, but I still think I would take UCSD first.