bbuoy10

Good idea. Thanks.

I looked at the GRE site and it says the official computer-based test scores are released 10-15 days after the test. But I'm reading a lot about things going horribly, horribly wrong with score delivery. I was thinking about taking the test in early November, but it seems like that's too late for early December deadlines. Should I shoot for mid- to late-October? Thanks.

That is really impressive. Wow. Going the MA route worked well for you. On a somewhat related note, how do you like the CSU Long Beach English dept? And are you from that area, or did you move there to go to school?

Jhefflol, the thread began in 2008, but I decided to revive it a few days ago instead of starting a new thread (although perhaps I should have). So your comments did not go to waste. You'll see my situation when you go through the posts. After reading through posts on this forum and looking at degree requirements, I'm leaning towards applying to an MA program first. I'm going to audit a class or two as well in the meantime.

Wyatt's Torch, those are great ideas. And thanks for the offer to help. Let me get to work first.

Here's one more thought I just had: I wonder if it's better to try to get into an MA program at a decent school and then apply to a PhD program at a top school. Right now, I doubt I have what it takes to be competitive at one of those universities.

Thanks, everyone. Your answers were incredibly helpful. I've spent the last few hours looking at grad program requirements, deadlines, funding, etc. So my brain is a bit fried. I personally feel like I need to take a few classes so I can get current LORs and get my brain back in critical thinking mode. I'm sure I may have to prepare for 'career student' and, possibly, age bias. I'm basically someone who should have pursued the academic route out of undergrad as my director suggested, but for a variety of reasons I did not. However, I've led a very interesting life since undergrad (living abroad, traveling internationally for work, raising a child, etc.), so I'll try to emphasize that in my SOP or personal statement. I agree with Wyatt's Torch. I think I have to address my time out of school. I'm interested in Ethnic Literature, specifically African-American lit. My BA is from an HBCU (Historically Black College/University), and my senior thesis was on Toni Morrison (which was actually published in a teeny-tiny scholarly journal). So I'm not a totally 'left-field' candidate. My state university's flagship school allows non-degree seeking students to take graduate classes. That could be an option and potentially a way into either their MA and/or PhD programs. I'd have to do some more digging to see if I can get into a class this fall, but I doubt if I'll be able to get in until winter or spring. And, of course, application deadlines are in December/January. But I'm fairly certain I can take upper-level undergrad classes online this fall at another state school (no grad program in English). I might be able to use my undergrad thesis as my writing sample, but it's so old, I'm tempted to just write something fresh. Yes, receiving funding would be ideal but if worse comes to worse, I have a gainfully employed spouse who is willing to support me for a bit. I feel like getting all of this done in 3-4 months might be doable, but will take an insane amount of work with no guarantee that I won't be doing it all over again next year. But I hate the idea of wasting more time before I start a program. I really would like to get going. So going straight into a PhD program would be perfect.

On the off chance that people are still responding to this thread, here's my situation. I'm interested in getting a PhD, but I've been out of school (a 'mature' student) for many years. I have a BA in English and an MA in Liberal Studies, which I received in 2005. I'm wondering if I should work on an MA in English since: 1) My other master's was not in English. 2) It's been almost 10 years since I earned my last degree. 3) I don't have a recent writing sample. 4) Much of my real-life work experience involves writing or editing, but I don't have any teaching experience. PhD programs are, obviously, competitive. So although I'd rather not spend more time in school before I actually get to the doctoral level, it might be in my best interest. Any thoughts? Thanks.