The College Visits (Thus Far)

While I was in DC this week, I made a point to make appointments with both American University and The George Washington University to learn more about their Ph.D. programs in public administration.  I'm trying to visit them (6 schools) all before the application deadline although that doesn't look realistic right now for the Seattle and Portland schools.  Those may be January.

So anyway.

I should state that all six schools are contenders.  All of them are top 30 schools, all of them are within a few ranking points of the other and all of them would be great on a resume.  Really, this is going to come down to "fit" and financial package.  For those of you that aren't aware -- being a Ph.D. student often pays.  Literally.  I could get a fellowship for teaching and/or research that would pay me a stipend as well as give me -tuition free-.  Yes.  So, obviously I am looking hard and doing my best to sort out where I'll go.

First visit was yesterday -- to American U.  I met the advisor for all Ph.D. public affairs programs.  He is staff (not a professor) but truly understands the process and the ways in which the program works.  We had a meeting scheduled for eleven (for an hour) and I was in there the better part of an hour and a half.  We chattered back and forth like magpies, with each moment bringing new and different ideas, thoughts and plans to the table.  Suffice to say, we got along famously and he encouraged me to apply.  He later walked me to a class (that was in session) and asked if I wanted to stick around until the prof had a break.  I said yes, and sat in the hallway listening in to a lecture. 

At the break, I walked into class, introduced myself and the professor was warm, engaging and interested in me being there.  Asked me all sorts of questions, flattered me (they were talking about grants and he said he wished he had me in there as a guest lecturer) and was really open to the notion that I'd email him and learn more.  I left on Cloud 9. 

So.

I should also mention that I made this appointments about 6 weeks ago when I knew I'd be in DC at this time.  I wanted to give a long enough lead time for a good appointment slot and also so I'd have an opportunity to meet with someone one-on-one.

I arrived at my appointment today at GWU and met with not only an advisor, but another potential Ph.D. student.  Yeah.

The advisor hands me a packet of stuff that includes their master's program stuff (I asked her if she wanted it back [because I HAVE the masters in what they offer] and she said, no, this is the general packet we give everyone).  The meeting lasts less than an hour, isn't very engaging or personable (because she has two prospective students to talk to), and basically leaves me with a very sour taste in my mouth for GWU.  She was helpful (in a general way) but wasn't selling the notion of my application (or the other student's application) at all.  I mean, seriously, you have two potential Ph.D. students (who have their master's) and you can't be bothered to organize a freakin' packet of material to exclude the master's stuff.  Lazy.  Fucking Lazy.

I should state at this point that of ALL SIX schools, this is the one that I (of course) have the best contacts.  My mentor knows the head of the frickin' department.  One of my professors this year is an alum.  Oh yeah.  Not Pleased.   Boooo Hiss to GWU. 

So I'm not sure they have made the "apply" list any more.  American -- oh hell yeah.  GWU -- damn it, I'm disappointed in you.