Decidering, Part 3

Last night I had to make two decisions: where to grab a quick bite for dinner and which frozen yogurt to select at the Yogurt Shack (Chipotle, Cherries Jubilee). Easy.

Tashya wasn't having any of that easy decision making crap, though, so she sent me some decisions that almost made me waffle under the pressure.

Tashya wants to know:

Should she apply to graduate school for a Master's of Public Health if her GPA is low?
I decide: Yes! OMG, I totally know the answer to this one, hands down, because my husband is a school counselor and this is what he does all day. Definitely apply. It's better to apply, whatever the result, than not apply and regret not taking the chance. I would suggest applying to two dream schools, three schools that are right in your GPA range, and two safety schools. And study up for the GRE.

Should she move out of her mom’s house? If so, when?
I decide: Yes, eventually. But, really, you should stay as long as possible. My friend Jose* lived with his parents for a good deal of his twenties, even though he was a working professional at the time. Let me tell you--that man has got some seriously nice clothing and has a seriously nice collection of wine and has a seriously paid-for new car and gets some seriously expensive haircuts--all because he was living rent free. So, I say: live with the mom until either:
a) you have a chunk o' change in the bank;
b) you just can't take it anymore;
c) school or career necessitate a move;
d) you get married;
e) you turn 35; or
f) you accumulate more than 10 cats.

She just totaled her car and does not have money for a down payment. When should she look at getting a new car?
I decide: Get a bicycle tomorrow! You won't have a car payment, you'll get awesome calves, and you'll never have to get gas. This is how I roll. However, if not having a car is detrimental to your employment or social life and you absolutely, positively cannot live without one, I say decide on a payment that you know you can afford and stick to that. Stick to it even when the salesman tries to convince you that if you just don't buy lattes you can afford to tack another $50 onto your monthly payment. (Did I ever mention I used to work in a car dealership?)

Remember: I am decidering for all of April, so send decisions that need to be made. Also, feel free to put in your two cents--should Tashya apply for an MPH program? Move out? Get a new car?

*Single and hott, ladies, and once brought me back a fake Burberry purse from one of his many trips to NYC. A good fake. Loves tapas, traveling, and mixes cheap red wine with Pepsi. {Hi Jose!}**

**This is all my doing. This ad was not approved by Jose. It was not solicited by Jose. In fact, Jose is probably going to be mad at me. But, you know what? Jose can drive himself up to Davis to tell me all about it. And then we will all go out for tapas.

Comments

[Leanne]

Firstly, you are right about Jose!

Secondly, I was in a similar situation, car-wise, recently, and I walked into the dealership determined to stick to my price range. I kept telling myself that *I* was their customer and therefore the one with the bargaining power. They needed me more than I needed them-- I could find a car anywhere! I actually got a lower price, a lower interest rate, and a higher trade-in value that way, so that's my advice on the car-- just stay levelheaded and stick to your guns!

[J]

Oh she should definitely apply. A lot of grad schools give you the option of sending an explanation of anything on your transcripts, resume, etc., like a low GPA or a large gap between jobs. And even if they don't officially give you the option of sending an explanation of some sort, send one anyway. They'll read it even if it's not required and put it in your file. In an instance like this, having some sort of work experience would really help your application too. It kind of serves as "proof" that you can be successful in the field of public health if your academic record isn't strong.

Sorry for writing a book. Can you tell I work in admissions?!

[kathryn]

jose is a super nice guy.

[AuburnKat]

She should definitely apply! You never know unless you try!!

If she can financially afford it, I would recommend moving out!! I personally love living on my own!!

As for the car, I would recommend public transportation until she can afford a down payment. If a car is necessary then I would recommend creating a budget to see what exacly she could afford and then stick to it!!

BTW, is Jose single? =)

[carrie]

does jose want a blogdistance relationship? :)

[Shesabigstar]

If things don't work out for Jose and AuburnKat, and then he strikes out with Carrie, send him my way!

And yay for you deciding on dinner last night...good one!!

[amanda]

Dear Janet,

I love your decider blog. Anthony and I are so undecisive at times that we get annoyed with eachother. I see we are not alone with this problem. Good job on the decisions blog!

[Nicole]

Great advice, Janet. And you should advise Jose that you have a single friend in Atlanta who speaks Spanish fluently and loves tapas. ;) xo

[Amanda]

I am loving the deciding posts. I think you are an excellent decider as I would make all the same decision. I may have a decision for you soon, as well.

[Tashya]

Thanks for the advice. It really helped!!!!!