ACCEPTED!

That's right, baby, I've been accepted into Marquette University's Master's of Public Service program. Hot DAMN!

I was notified of my acceptance on Monday. I literally did a little jig talking to the head of the department, who was extremely nice to me and seemed a little confused that I hadn't received official notice of my acceptance yet.

Since then I've talked to the head of the non-profit department (that's my specialization will be within the Public Service program) and received some sort of disheartening news: there is absolutely no scholarship or graduate assistantships I can apply for to help finance my education. None.

That means, basically a combination of four things have to happen:

First, I have to find a non-profit in Milwaukee that will pay me well enough to at least partially cover my expenses. Finding a non-profit is essential--working at one is a requirement of Marquette's PUBS program (see how easily I can throw around acronyms?). This has to happen.

Second, I need to see if my very wealthy and extremely stingy grandma will loan me several thousands of dollars so that I won't have to sell my soul to the federal government in order to cover my education. I don't know if she'll cover this (yup, she might actually turn me down). I would much rather borrow money from her than the government because she won't charge me interest or late fees.

Third, I'll need to apply for federal financial aid. Do I need to explain this?

Fourth, I will need to start selling organs.

So, there you have it folks. I've been accepted but I'm not sure I can go. I'm still putting in an application to U of Minnesota, which has WAY more scholarship/fellowship and graduate assistantship opportunities than Marquette, but is actually kind of expensive for out-of-staters. In fact, I'm half Minnesotan anyway, so I think I should get in-state tuition by default.

ISN'T IT COOL I GOT ACCEPTED, THOUGH? SOMEBODY WANTS ME!!!