If you whisper loud enough, it will echo in this place.  At the start of the semester, I had a crazy plan to take six classes, and simultaneously work on graduate school applications.  The reason was simple - if I had fewer classes, I would simply waste more time, and the time spent on apps would work out to be roughly the same.  But with the knowledge that I was constantly running out of time to finish the applications, I would work hard on them.

It has been semi-successful so far.  But what it has also done, is turned me completely anti-social, and on the verge of breaking something.  On a Friday night, when the rest of NYC was out partying like it was 1999, I was sitting in my room and writing grad school essays.  To make matters worse, the laptop gods obviously don’t want me to get a new laptop.  Every day, I go through phases when I’m close to buying a certain laptop, only for that to change a few hours later.  As of this writing, the HP Elitebook 8530w has its nose ahead for the durable construction, good battery life, and non-glossy looks.  I was almost certain to go with the ASUS G50V, when along came a new version with a more conservative silver/grey color scheme and a better GPU.  The stripped-down Best Buy version is not ideal, and the size is still bothersome.  Battery life will probably take a hit with the new GPU - not good news when it was a paltry 2 hours to begin with.  But with the rupee being pretty weak against the dollar, the Elitebook is an expensive proposition compared to the ASUS.  But, but, but, maybe the durable construction and battery life make up for that?

Run along now, I only posted this entry to remind everyone that I haven’t suffered a nervous breakdown yet, and that I was really, really bored while writing these essays.  I hope that makes you feel better.

So it begins.  I’ve formally started researching graduate schools to apply to later this year.  I’m trying to come up with a list that includes some of the top graduate programs for Materials Science, but at the same time, I need some backup schools.  Places that I’m nearly guaranteed to get into.  During my undergrad college search, Adelphi and Georgia Tech were my backups and I got into both.  I need to do something similar again.

So far, my list includes schools like Northwestern, MIT, Standford, UT Austin, Caltech, etc. and I have to do more research before I can finalize this list.  I also don’t want to apply to too many colleges so top choices + backups seems to be the way to go.  If I get into any of my top choices, I’ll definitely go.  Otherwise, my backups should be good enough to make me want to pursue graduate study.

Of course, if I get into multiple programs, then things like financial aid will play a big role in my decision.  But wait a minute, all this is months down the line!  I need to first prepare and do well on the GRE exam and then send in strong applications.  Decision time is almost 10 months away.

I’m also going to try and look for a job.  If I can land one I like between now and March-end, then I might consider working for a bit before going into grad school.  We’ll see, I guess.  Also, just what the fuck is up with the weather in New York?  It’s far too cold for May!  Also also, it seems like the theme switcher is now working fine.  I haven’t worked on the theme or on anything else website-related today.  Tomorrow will be different!