Did you guys respond to the e-mails you received saying you were accepted, the ones that weren't sent from a robot but from a real person's e-mail?
Anyone else still waiting to hear back from UCLA?
TUFTS!! I am so happy!
I'm trying to wrap my head around a dilemma that other's who got into Cornell with the minimal aid package probably share: Is a degree from Cornell worth ~$45k? There's no question that it's a fantastic program and, believe me, I would love to attend. But, assuming there are cheaper options at decent in-state schools, does the strength of Cornell's program make up for the difference in cost?
Does anyone else have thoughts on this? I attended an obscure liberal arts university for undergrad and got a great education so I've always been skeptical of the benefits of big-name schools. But I'm willing to change my mind now that I have the opportunity to attend a big-name university.![]()
I'm having similar troubles in regards to Penn - assuming they don't give me $. Everyone on these boards will tell you not to pay big bucks for a big name, but it certainly is tempting. To make matters worse, I got a full ride + stipend from a state school, which is great, but will certainly make choosing any other school really tough. I guess your career goals play a role. Are you planning on working in govt, nonprofits, etc? If so, you most likely won't need the ivy league cred. I work on the planning dept floor for a fairly large city and there are Ivies mixed in along with plenty of state school grads. I dont get the impression that it matters much. If you want to work in the private sector, perhaps $50k in the long run isn't very much to pay back. As you can gather from my scattered reply, it's a tough call all around.
So.. I just got into Cornell as well... and I have to say it's a huge honor. They offered lower tuition at $29,530, a stipend of $7,047 a year, and I was accepted to the Peace Corps Fellows program which includes aid in summer job placement in between the two years and $3,750. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it too. I hear that the connections you will get will help the rest of your life if you have an Ivy League school behind you. I also got into a program I am very attracted to at UT Austin (dual MSCRP and MS Sustainable Design) but they offered no funding for definitely the first semester. UT would still end up being cheaper in the long run and I'd end up with two degrees from a great program. I'm still waiting on UVA, UNC, and VaTech Alexandria. Any input would be appreciated.
Like others, I now need to engage in some cost-benefit analysis. I got into Harvard (still waiting on financial aid) and Maryland, which offered a great funding package. I like the DC area and would be happy to go to school down there, but I'm worried that I'll be at a competitive disadvantage relative to graduates of Harvard, UMass, and other Northeastern schools if I move home to New England after attending Maryland.
I've struggled with this question for awhile. Initially I was pretty set (although I haven't heard from UVA yet) on UW-Madison because of the program, tuition and cost of living. However, later on I started to think about the resources of UCLA, inclusive of faculty and departmental resources of the MURP program, and the marketability afterwards. Sure, we will end up with debt at the end of this (I'll probably go over $50K for the two years), but I am pretty confident I can secure a full-time job within a reasonable time period. You might not have the same results if attending Arizona State, for example. I think UT Austin is a great program, especially if you're interested in design. But Cornell is ... Cornell! hahaha.
Is it $25K+ for the year or two years at Cornell? Anyone know how much Harvard costs?
I assume that a 2nd round of notices will go out soon. Received an email yesterday requesting that I login to the UCLA web portal to acknowledge receipt of my admission notice. I presume they are trying to get an initial idea of interests.
Still no package though... 10 more days!
good luck.
I doubt anyone cares considering recent announcements to UT Austin and Cornell, but Texas A&M send admission notice today.
5 for 5 - I really should of listened to my advisor with regard to the number of schools to apply to... I chose to go with 7 thinking I would only get into one. This whole process has been tremendously humbling. Glad it's almost over! haha.
so...has anyone gotten their packets from UCLA yet?
My address is 80 miles from UCLA and no packet yet.
Cornell is almost $30,000 a year but usually $45,000. After my stipend... $22,000 a year... $11,000 a semester... which is close to what UT is for out of state tuition. I guess at this point I'm wondering:
Do I have a better chance at getting other funding in the 2nd semester or year at Cornell or UT Austin.... UGH... so much uncertainty.![]()
I can relate to your dilemma! First, congratulations on getting into both programs. I would suggest that cost is only one factor and you shouldn't get hung up on a single factor. I am sure you've averaged the cost of living of Austin versus NY.. But all that set aside, I would really look at the program features and which match your interests most. If one school has more research projects, faculty, etc that match you- go to that school. It is 2 years of your life and it will mold you as a professional- invest in yourself, it's worth it!
I was wondering if some of you would be willing to share your perception on which are the top planning programs with an international focus. Thoughts are highly welcome
I received an email notifying my acceptance into their Planning, Governance, and Globalization (PG&G) doctoral program... Seems that I was the first international student notifying an admission into a PhD program for Fall 2013 in Grad Cafe... Unfortunately, there were no departmental funds available to me at this time, a tragic news for an international student making me hesitate to attend... Having no idea of living costs, I hope some of you would kindly help me...
Last edited by urbbabz; 06 Mar 2013 at 1:37 PM.