Can I take a nap?

I survived the trip to Indy/Purdue...and I'm exhausted. Who knew sitting on your ass for hours and hours could take so much out of you.

On a positive note, I talked to a few schools and am thoroughly impressed by the University of Arizona in Tucson. They have a top astrophysics program that allows interdisciplinary research between the Physics, Astronomy, and Planetary Science Departments. So here is my new-and-improved school preference list:

1. University of Arizona
2. Purdue
3. University of Minnesota

I was not impressed by the UofM's presence at the conference. Maybe they were trying to recover from their loss to Purdue Saturday night. The guy at the info told me, in fewer words, to go online and look at the department webpage. Thanks, I could have done that at home. I pressed for more information, getting nowhere each time.

I didn't realize how many more steps I have to take before I apply to schools. Sure I have to take the GRE in November, but I should start applying for fellowships. I learned that simply applying for fellowships greatly increases your chance of acceptance.

Hooray, more applications.

Then you have to contact professors in your potential area of interest so they will champion for you when your application comes across the graduate admission committee.

I wish I could pay someone to do this stuff for me....hmmm.