JotCast | Admitted Graduate Student Chat - March 6, 2019 - Today's chat will start at 11AM EST. We apologize for any inconveniece.

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Prerit

11:24

Thanks Will, I will mail that on this ID.

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:24

Yu, Miranda will get you an answer in a moment.

Prerit, thank you!

11:24

How long after submitting the decision form and requesting for deferment is the decision given ? Also is a binding job offer an acceptable reason for deferment ?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:25

PC, well, the dept will need to approve the deferral request, but it's usually done in 24-48 hours, depending on how busy everyone is. And yes, a job offer can definitely be a reason that would be approved.

Aayush Dua

11:25

What are the rentals for off campus and on campus housing? Which places should I consider if i opt for off campus housing?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:26

Aayush, Sansom place is the main housing that is open to graduate students, http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/residential-services/applicatio.... You can find housing information here, especially for off-campus.

Rafael

11:26

I was checking the prices for a single apartment in the in-campus housing options. This prices is similar to what I would found off campus? or is it possible to find cheaper options for apartments with similar characteristics, even though a bit further from campus?Any hint about the typical budget of a phd student in Penn?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:27

Rafael, when talking prices for off-campus, it can really vary quite wildly, based on location, amenities, etc.

11:28

As for a typical budget, do you mean stipend size? This is handled by each dept, but I believe the average is around 33,000 or 34000. You can also find information about prices in Philly at this link: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/philadelphia

Miranda Stewart

11:28

Hi Yu! Sansom Place is the only on-campus housing for graduate students, unless you are interested in working as a Graduate Associate in the undergraduate College Houses, in which case you would work in the College House that employs you.

11:29

Hi Aayush! Rent rates for on-campus housing are posted at http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/residential-services/room-rates...

11:29

What would the work at Graduate Associate in the undergraduate College Houses be like ?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:30

Have you received decisions from other schools?

Yes (66.7% | 2 votes)

No (0% | 0 votes)

I've received some decisions, but not all (0% | 0 votes)

I've been waitlisted (33.3% | 1 vote)

Total Votes: 3

11:31

PC, it can be quite varied - you can act as a counselor to undergraduates, put on educational and/or fun programs for them, assist with discipline in the living situation, mediate roommate disuptes, handle all/any types of emergencies, and really get to know and be a positive influence in their lives.

I was a Graduate Advisor when I was in grad school and it was a tremendous experience.

Miranda Stewart

11:31

Hi Rafael! Something to keep in mind when comparing prices between on- and off-campus housing is that for on-campus housing, your rent already includes the cost of utilities, internet, and furniture and includes 24 hour security in the lobby and free laundry in the building. In off-campus housing, these amenities are often separate fees.

11:31

Thank you for the info! How and when should one express interests in working as a grad associate in an undergrad college house? Where can we find more info on this role? Thank you!

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:32

Yu, you can find more information here: https://www.collegehouses.upenn.edu/join/ga

Miranda Stewart

11:32

HI PC! If you are interested in applying to be a Graduate Associate, please take a look at the application information at https://www.collegehouses.upenn.edu/join/ga

11:32

Thank you for your input.

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:32

You're welcome, PC

Aria Zhang

11:34

Hi Will, so far I've only received email notifying me that the decision is available. Should I also be receiving emails about details regarding visits and fellowship&aid?

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:34

Aria, are you a PhD admit or a master's admit?

Aria Zhang

11:35

I'm a PhD admist

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:36

Congrats on that! Yes, you should have received a notification with the fellowship/aid amount. I'm not sure if you would have received an email about a visit, as this is handled by the dept. Can you let me know your dept/program?

11:38

Dear Will and Miranda, thank you both for the info. It was very helpful! I have never thought about this opportunity, and I’m glad to learn about it. That’s all questions from me. Have a great day!

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:38

Thank you for participating, Yu. We hope you have a great day as well.

Aria Zhang

11:39

I'm admitted to Materials Science and Engineering department

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:40

Aria, I'll contact the MSE dept on your behalf to find out when they'll be sending out their offer letter. Also, their program coordinator is Irene Clements, and you can reach her at ipc@lrsm.upenn.edu.

11:43

Aria, Irene is out sick today, but I'm going to follow-up with the department, as you should have received the offer letter by now.

Aria Zhang

11:45

Thank you very much Will!

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:46

Aria, you're welcome. I do apologize for the delay.

Where would you want to live?

On campus (0% | 0 votes)

Off campus, but near UPenn (40% | 2 votes)

Off campus in West Philadelphia (0% | 0 votes)

Off campus in Center City (0% | 0 votes)

I have no idea, help! (60% | 3 votes)

Total Votes: 5

Aria Zhang

11:50

No worries. Have a nice day!

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:50

And to you the same.

Have you been to UPenn or Philadelphia

Yes, I live here (0% | 0 votes)

Yes, both (0% | 0 votes)

Philadelphia, but not UPenn (0% | 0 votes)

The United States, but not Philadelphia (0% | 0 votes)

I've never been to the US (100% | 2 votes)

Total Votes: 2

11:55

Hi folks, we have 5 minutes left. Does anyone have any final questions?

Sara

11:57

Quick question: can you do take Mba classes as electives

Will Fenton, Asst Dir

11:58

Sara, it is possible, but you'd have to get approval from your advisor as well as from the professor for the specific course.

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