this blog is kind of different. these are scanned in pages from a book of [bad] essays i am writing. the titles right now is “things and thoughts I once had and then lost while writing them down but regained focus at the end”. I thought these pages describe my state of mind right now as I leave Hopkins and as you all leave high school. So read away and enjoy.
I’m in a similar situation as you.
I’m looking at schools – graduate schools – and deciding what to do. It’s a crazy experience. Going into college it wasn’t this strange. Part of it is that when going into college, everyone is at the same point of their lives. Seemingly everyone goes to college nowadays. Graduate school is different. But back to similarities.
By the main lobby of CalArts. Was asked if the background was real. It is. As real as southern California can be at least.
Application recipes:
How to choose where to apply
Ingredients:
First, look at programs you are interested in. SEE ALSO ones that you are not aware of. Pick which ones you like. Choose a location that you want to live in. Next, do a lot of research and ask professors about programs. Finally, disregard rankings.
How to get through the application process
Ingredients:
First, make sure you figure out how to manage your time correctly. After mixing hard work and thought, let your application sit for a few days. During this time, be sure to find ways to relax. Next, go back and make some revisions. When you are satisfied, send the application in and wait. For best results, have someone read through your application materials.
How make your decision
Ingredients:
Step one would be to find out where you got in. Next, let your favorites rise to the top. Compare those by looking at location, size, class style, field of study, professors, financial aid packages, etc. One the perfect mixture is found, select that school. Once finished, apply school’s sticker to rear window of car.
*****************************************
Luckily for me, I didn’t have a huge decision to make. I applied to 3 schools. I got into one. My theory was to apply to the 3 schools I really want to go to and apply again next year if I didn’t get in. I got into CalArts though which is a huge feat. It was a program I almost didn’t apply to. But after researching it more and more, I fell in love with it. The program fits my ideology and style really well and I’m happy to have gotten in.
I wasn’t 100% so I went to visit though. I met the professors and realized how different grad school is than undergrad. You are hand selected by the faculty at a place like CalArts. The facilities there were very nice and the school is just a cool place to be.
Grad school is a huge step. It’s terrifying and exciting. Going to a part of the country in which I have no contacts or context is a daunting thing to think about. Moving out there and starting anew adds to it. But the thought of a new adventure is thrilling. The new memories I can create, the new people and things I will be exposed to, and even turning my world on its head will all enrich my life.
After sophomore year, Hopkins students have the option to live off campus which is what I’m choosing to do for next year. The process of finding a place to live is an interesting, stressful, and fun experience. My roommate and I have actually become so enthralled in the process we now watch House Hunter and Property Virgins on HGTV.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
1) Look early. Know before Winter Break whether or not you want to live on or off campus for the following year.
2) If you decide to live off campus, talk to upperclassmen who have been through the process. Get their advice on what to do and what the different building are like. If you dont have friends who live off campus, make some!
3) Check the building’s website out for some preliminary information.
4) Start looking at places around February/early March. Although the buildings won’t know availability yet, you can check out the places that interest you and put your name down on a waitlist for properties that will open up later on. There is usually an application fee that goes along with this process. Also, when you look, make sure to ask questions that you want to know. It’s stupid to find out after you get a place that it is missing something that you needed or you have to pay extra for something.
5) Shop around. Find places that suit your needs and wants. You definitely won’t get everything you want, but make sure you don’t compromise the things that are most important to you. Also, if you are living with someone else, consult with the roommate and find out what his/her priorities are. If you two want totally different things and don’t see a way to compromise, maybe you should find someone else to live with.
6) Look at local apartments and houses. The housing website has choices for you, but also take advantage of the newspaper and things like craigslist.com to find a place that suits your needs if you can’t find something that you like.
7) Take into account security. Most apartments have guards placed in the lobbies, but smaller apartments don’t. Neither do houses. The Charles Village area is generally a safe area of Baltimore, but a sense of security is important. For some people a lock and key is good enough, but other require a higher sense of safety.
8) Consider location. Do you want to be right next to campus? Do you want to be in the heart of Charles Village/Hampden? What side of campus are your classes primarily on? Where do you work? Where are your friedns living? All questions to consider when picking where to live.
9) Costs. Money is something to consider. How much are you willing to pay a month? Are electrical/utilities included? Are there any other fees you would have to pay for different amenties? A 2 bedroom apt is cheaper than a 1 bedroom since the slightly higher cost overall is split between the two roommates.
These are just a few things to consider when you want to move off campus. But as for now, stay tuned to the different blogs for the CRIBs series where we show off our dorms and off campus places. Watch the videos on the Hopkins Interactive Video Blog too!
TTFN.
Name: Josh G.
Year: Alumni
Graduated: 2011
Major: Film & Media Studies
Hopkins Interactive |
|
Mason Hall |
