<p>Hi guys!
Today I received an official notification about being accepted to an MA program... but it doesn't say anything about financial support or TAship. Should I start panicking? I've spoken to some grad students at this university and all said that it is typical to get TAships and financial support for the MA, but my letter didn't say anything about it.
What is you guys' experience with this? I already filled out fafsa, but don't know what else to do.
I've emailed the grad adviser so many times with questions I'm kinda shy to do it again, specially if it does take time to be offered some kind of support, in which case I just have to wait and see.
Thoughts? </p>
<p>Email the DGS. Express your delight upon receiving word of admission, thank the DGS for his/her support throughout the process, and then ask about the timetable in which you might expect to hear about support.</p>
<p>I did what ProfX said, only I didn't email her, since it is the school where I'm doing my undergrad, I went to her office and asked her in person. She said it would be a about a week. But I also spoke to one of my recommenders (who is in the committee) and she said that most MA students this year weren't getting TAships :( However she said to stay, be patient, and perhaps within a quarter or two something would come up.</p>
<p>If you don't mind me asking, what department/school are you in? A friend of mine got into UCLA for EE and they only let people into the MS program apparently. She asked them about financial aid/funding, and her "admissions adviser" said not to even bother applying for funding because she didn't have a 4.0. Anyone know how true this actually is? She blew through undergrad in three years since she's paying most of her way and really doesn't want to take out even more loans so she can have the possibility of getting to do a PhD there.</p>
<p>RacinReaver,
I'm in the Spanish & Portuguese department at a UC as well. I can't imagine a program denying funding b/c the applicant doesn't have a 4.0. Your friend should probably ask someone else. I think I'm really lucky the adviser for my department is very nice and supportive, I've heard all kinds of stories about evil advisers and, well, I am thankful for the one we have, she truly is great.
So is your friend still going to UCLA for grad work?</p>
<p>From what I know, MA students will have a harder time finding TAship as they are in competition with the PhD grads who also depend on TA to survive. PhDs will be given priority in this case.</p>
<p>I'm from UC, and if you're doing the MA at a UC too, dsl, then I'll guess it's probably the same case there.</p>
<p>Given the recent huge budget cut across the board, I wouldn't put much faith in getting constant TAships in a UC.</p>
<p>
[quote]
RacinReaver,
I'm in the Spanish & Portuguese department at a UC as well. I can't imagine a program denying funding b/c the applicant doesn't have a 4.0. Your friend should probably ask someone else. I think I'm really lucky the adviser for my department is very nice and supportive, I've heard all kinds of stories about evil advisers and, well, I am thankful for the one we have, she truly is great.
So is your friend still going to UCLA for grad work?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm trying to tell them to try talking to professors they'd like to work for there about funding, as they might be a bit more open or, at least, friendly towards giving advice and helping her find a way to go there. They'd really like to stay in the LA area for grad school (is originally from the area), and hasn't heard back from USC yet.</p>
<p>It is likely very school dependent, my DD is in a MA Psych and was not eligible for TA the first year (not high enough incoming GPA, so whilst 4.0 sounds intense, maybe they do have a cut off?) She was told if she did well, she could apply for the 2nd year program. These are a big deal as they also offer tuition remission. DD did get RA, which is the same income, no teaching and you work on research for your thesis, so that's all good, but you still pay tuition.</p>
<p>This term one of her prof's is the pne in charge of organising TAs and DD has been ivnvited to be a spring TA, apparently based on her performance in that profs class, probably that prof also checked with her research profs, as she will no longer be doing the RA, but I think a stellar performance can overcome a less than perfect UG GPA in short order.</p>