muteswann18

Denver people -- are you referring to Literary Studies or Creative Writing PhD?

Thanks! This makes a lot of sense to me. I have been swayed by advisors who stress a significant link between ranking and job placement, but it's nice to hear that you'd feel confident about your job prospects regardless of ranking.

Im also out! Kind of relieved. If I got in I think I really would have wanted to go, knowing that I wouldn't be able to afford to live there. To you and others who were hoping to get into Boulder-- I am curious if you could talk a bit about what attracts you to the program. Is it mostly location? The program itself? I notice it's pretty low in rankings and there's no placement information on their website, so I wondered why they still manage to draw so many applicants. I certainly understand the draw to live in Colorado, and the program does seem to have really great course offerings and graduate groups, but just curious to hear about your personal draws to the program. Thanks!

Haha, whoops -- too late! Well, now I know for next time. Thanks!

After the first email from a POI, she signed her name Firstname Lastname. I responded by addressing her as Professor Lastname. Second time around, she just signed Firstname. In my response, is it now appropriate to address her, "Dear Firstname" ????? Wish this cr-p didn't matter. And doubt it really does to her, but who knows! Thanks for your help!

Hello, I am considering a PhD at SUNY Buffalo. Is there easy access to woods/forests/natural beauty, or not really? I know there's Niagara Falls, but, judging from a Google image search, it doesn't seem like the most rustic of spots. Looking to live somewhere when I can hike/appreciate nature/etc. and enjoy access to woods. Is this at all possible in and around Buffalo, or are the surrounds mostly suburbia? Thanks!

Hello, I am applying for English (and a few Comparative Literature) PhDs this fall. I've scoured the forums here to see if any generous souls ever posted or shared their writing samples and personal statements. I haven't been able to locate any, but It would be so helpful to see an example of a successful SOP and Writing Sample. I've actually been able to find a few SOP examples but no writing samples--and even so, the SOPs were for other fields (history, etc.). In any case, I wondered if anyone here who has been through the process and received admissions offers might be able to show me their SOP & writing sample. I won't use it as a model or anything, but I just want to take a look at the depth, level & caliber of a successful writing sample (and SOP, too, but especially a writing sample!). This may help me to stop feeling like I need to already have a polished MA thesis to submit as a sample--which, unfortunately, is my fear at present. Links to posted samples that I somehow overlooked in my feverish googling would also be much appreciated. Thank you! -M