Another Crazy Poet

Watching Grey's, Scandal, downloading seasons of Homeland, Private Practice, Bob's Burgers, Nashville, Portlandia, playing Angry Birds in Space and Star Wars, planning Birthday parties, and trying not to think.

UCSD has miraculously become my first choice. I was in this serene space of calmness when I submitted the application and now the fine reality of things has sunken in. I rate somewhere between a 7 or an 8 out of 10 on the Ph.D Stress-O-Meter. I have a lot of other things I have to be excited about and grateful for but this being my first year applying ever, and just wanting to hear back from someone, anyone. It def starts to make you think about everything in a consistent downward spiral. What I do know is I studied meticulously, looking for program fit, right professors, funding, SOP, writing my scholarly essay, and all the other details. And given I really pulled this all out the crack of my ass. I'm pretty damn proud. Nonetheless exhausted, stressed, wondering, worrying, and trying to console myself knowing I put the best energy out there possible. This is all I can do. Now I have to see what comes back to me. Whether its your 1st or 2nd or more time applying, good luck everyone. May we all come out on the other side of this Higher Ed monster.

I hated writing the cluster statement at the end of the app. I basically wrote the same that it would enhance my research, professionalism, connection to departments, blah blah blah. Just tried to play it up as something that would be life changing for my degree.

I think state it, if it relates to your studies. Since you're going to be linking gender and environmental issues it might be worth making the connection but only if you truly feel like it fits otherwise I would state it in the personal statement and prove your theories and research in your statement of purpose. good luck. .

where are you currently pursuing your ph.d?

Have you considered University of Arizona? They have a program in Gender and Women's Studies. Also how are the emails coming along with current students and faculty?

ok everyone I'm feeling overwhelmed and confused I know I need community, diversity, queer friendly environments and my top 5 is changing still moving forward with University fo Michigan at Ann Arbor-Ph. D in English and Women's Studies University of Wisconsin at Madison-English/Literary Studies UC Irvine-Culture and Theory Ph.D *considering Arizona State Ph.D in Women's and Gender studies any recommendations? Is there anyone who studied at these schools and has any feedback. I have an MFA if that's insightful at all.

I'm sorry honey I haven't come across this yet but I also haven't looked at actual apps yet. Just focusing on making the most concrete SOP I can imagine right now. But I do appreciate you bringing this up and I have no answer for you except to say I'm also queer and trying to figure out how to best word all my experiences whether they have anything to do with me being queer or not. At the same time be honest, let others see it before you submit it, and keep asking what these means for you. Good luck

I love and appreciate this thread sooo much. I am applying to Vanderbilt University-Ph.D in English University of Michigan at Ann Arbor-Ph.D in English and Women's Studies University of Wisconsin at Madison-Ph.D in English University of Minnesota-Ph.D in English UC Santa Barbara-Ph.D in English emphasis Feminist Studies Considering NYU WUSTL these schools are pretty competitive and don't know if its worth it? My research interest include gender and sexuality studies, queer politics, queer film and representation, butch and femme identities, the role of gender and performativity, race and identity, feminism/womanism, and writers of color. Any programs people would recommend? My focus is def full funding and programs that are a good fit. Which I feel my list is.

I think from one artist to another the best thing to question is what sounds best for you? Really. These are the questions that helped me to narrow shit down...what program has full funding, great job placement/internship, other great artist you want to work with, a program that feels connected to a larger community so you can build your name. I got my BA in English and my MFA in Poetry and I asked myself all the same questions. I think in the end you really have to be happy go with doing both. Pursue a degree program that might be arts/administration/management so you can work in the community you love and still have health care. Also at the end of the day if you build up your name nothing and no one can touch that. So build a website, consult other artist, work on building your name, getting your work out there and pursue a degree that makes you feel thrilled. I know money is the need for all of us. But people who pursue the money always go back to the arts when money and the job become soul killing. I decided I need to pursue the Ph.D (even though its hella crazy and dumb right now). Also can you pick up something on the side like building websites or some shit, new media? I want a city that's diverse, full of art culture, a degree program where I can study gender/sexuality/literature/nerd stuff and I demand for myself and my future full funding. Its what we all deserve. Find money and a place that will make you smile, great connections you can make. Start here. And good luck.

So I totally had these same feelings. I am 29 and queer and I've thought about all the same questions. I finished my MFA at 24 and I'm just now in a place where I've paid off my undergrad transcripts so I can apply to Ph.D programs. I was worried about everything about time, money, job placement, and whether pursuing a Ph.D is a worth it or not. I don't know if it will be worth it to pursue a Ph.D in English/Humanities but if feels like the thing I was made to do, however crazy or dumb that sounds. I decided I will not attend a program that is not fully funded, I am calling and researching (and have been) schools to see what their program's structure is. i.e. if they try to get you out in 4-5 years vs the expectation of 7-8yrs for women and people of color especially. I think being a part of a program whose intention and funding packing reflects the student finishing in 4-5 years is everything. I also have grown to slowly understand the age is just a number. Spend more time focusing on what makes you happy and that age thing fades. Finally I'm only interested in schools that have a strong job placement program. I'm also applying this Fall for 2013 and interested in a Ph.D in English/Gender Studies. Good luck to you remember keep asking questions. Send emails to current students in your program. Call the school itself. Keep researching. Do all of this until it makes sense to you. Until you feel absolutely excited about a program. Right now I have 5 on my list and I'm thrilled about 3 of them. Let's keep talking. Feel free to message me. Good luck.

While I have you here...where are other English Ph.D applicants applying? I have a ,BA in English and an MFA in Poetry. I want to pursue a Ph.D in English with a focus in gender and sexuality/feminist studies. I want a fully funded program, that's culturally diverse, and of course a city/program that's lesbian friendly while I did see the thread about some lesbian friendly cities I still want to talk more. See what you might recommend and hear what you're thinking. My top 5 so far is Vanderbilt University-Ph.D in English, University of Michigan-Ph.D in English and Women's Studies, University of Wisconsin at Madison-Ph.D in English Literary Studies, University of Minnesota-Ph.D in English, and UC Santa Barbara-Ph.D in English. Still considering a Chicago school, Brown, UC Irvine-Ph.D in Culture and Theory. Would love a great American Studies programs but not open to L.A. and USC or Berkeley. Any feedback?

Hey All, This is a great thread and I'd love to hear more feedback about the following cities Nashville, Santa Barbara and any word on the cultural diversity of these places?