sebastiansteddy

The GRE Writing is about thinking quickly. I don't think English graduate students ever need to write like the GRE writing asks you to write, but in a PhD program seminar, you do need to be able to quickly form arguments and articulate them in conversation. I think that is why some programs do consider the writing. I am an MA student, and I was told that in consideration of applicants, quantitative score is thrown out and verbal and writing are considered. You can practice the writing: look at a prompt and write an outline for it in under two minutes. Then you have 28 minutes to write the essay - plenty of time to write, edit, and proofread again. I practiced doing that 3 or 4 times, then got a 6 on the writing. Hope that helps!

Thanks - that is very comforting! I cut a bit, but I decided I am going to leave it about 85 words over. That way I will have something to blame when I am rejected, instead of taking it personally

Question RE: the length of SOP's: how exact must one be in following length requirements? For example, NYU asks for 1,000 words, and right now mine is 1,100. Is it mandatory that I cut out 100 words?

Thanks for that link! I am very glad to see this. So now the three UC schools I am applying to can all accept all of us GCers who apply!

I am glad that this passed, but does it help out the UC system? From the state's official voter's guide: "Allocates temporary tax revenues 89% to K–12 schools and 11% to community colleges." Or am I looking at the wrong thing?

I have multiple versions of my writing sample for the different lengths that various programs ask for. Right now I have a 12 page version, a 15 page version, and a 20 page version. My question is this: some schools ask for 15-20 pages and some ask for either 20-25 or 20-30. Is it ok to send a 20 page paper to a school that asks for 20-25 or 20-30? Or does it look like I am just doing the bare minimum?

Hello Galoup11, I am a current MA in English student (with similar research interests as your own). I am interested in Penn State, but have heard that they do not like to accept many students who already have their MA. Do you know how many students with an MA they tend to accept into the PhD program? Thanks for your help! I appreciate that you started this thread!

I am applying to NYU. For my writing sample, I am using a seminar paper that was originally 22 pages (which will also be a part of my thesis). At first the thought of cutting it down to 10-12 pages was horrifying. I managed to do it by cutting out a lot of theoretical background and sticking mostly to the textual analysis. Instead of paragraphs on the theoretical paradigms I was invoking, I explained them succinctly in a sentence and then moved to the application. I think this ended up making my paper much stronger. When I went to add back material to make it 20 pages, it really showed me that the textual analysis needs to be the meat of the paper. I guess what I am getting at is that forcing yourself to REALLY cut down a paper can reshape what you find to be the most important elements.

My suggestion would be to address this in one or two sentences in your statement. I'd mention where you got your MA and the name of your thesis, and then say something like "Since completing my MA, I have developed an interest in ______"or something to that effect. Just my suggestion though. I'd probably ask an advisor.

I am not applying there, but I know that a few schools prefer two smaller papers. I am wondering if anyone is applying to USC? The way the phrase their page requirement is kind of strange. They request "two writing samples (one if you wish to combine both) totaling no more than 20 pages." Does that mean you need to have two smaller papers, either completely separate or combined into one document, or can you submit one paper that totals 20 pages?

I am using a paper from a seminar that is also a section of my thesis. In editing the paper, I am working on my thesis and my writing sample at the same time. I am all about killing two birds with one stone.

I would say apply to both. Having to decide between the two options is better than putting all of your eggs in one basket that ends up breaking. Yes, spending the money sucks, but it'd be insurance against you having to stay where you are now. That's my advice.

Ohhh! Sorry, I didn't realized you were talking about the subject test. I did not mean to confuse anyone! Sorry!

Since the revised test was put into place, whenever that was. From the ETS website: The raw score is the number of questions answered correctly. The raw score is converted to a scaled score through a process known as equating. The equating process accounts for minor variations in difficulty among the different test editions as well as differences in difficulty among individuals' tests introduced by the section-level adaptation. Thus a given scaled score of a particular measure reflects the same level of performance regardless of which section was selected and when the test was taken. It says nothing about deducting points for incorrect answers. My math score was WAYYY too high to have had anything deducted from all the ones I guessed on.

Don't skip questions! You no longer get deductions for wrong answers, you only get points for correct answers.

I took the GRE yesterday. As I was leaving, the administrator said "thank you for choosing ETS." I replied "...did I have a choice?" ANYWAYS, I am glad the test is over, my scores are good, I am (hopefully) NEVER taking a standardized test again.

I am not emailing POIs either, unless I genuinely have a question. All of the professors at my current MA program have told me that it makes no difference, and that professor's rarely remember who has e-mailed them and who hasn't. A few have told me that when they DO remember, it is usually for a negative reason (such as they perceived the applicant to only be grasping for a way to make contact). Many have told me that they are more than happy to answer questions about the program or their interests, but it annoys them when it is obvious that they are only being e-mailed to establish contact. I am taking their advice, and I hope it doesn't come back to haunt me!

Oh wow, I did not know that. Thanks for the info. I'm still going to apply, but won't hold my breath for that one!

Penn State does accept applications from students already holding an MA, right?

I might send you a PM sometime in the near future as well - I have talked to Timshel about a few things. I'm glad you're both liking Riverside - I'd be so happy to end up there!

Between my 15-16 different schools, I have about 5 different "versions" of the statement, emphasizing things differently based on the emphases of different programs. For example, for one program I may emphasize theoretical methodology while for another I may emphasize something like the pure literary aspects of my research. That is sort of a crude example, but my statements do vary more than just the fit paragraph.

I have a list of 15 right now... my advisor just suggested one more though, and I think that one is a good idea. I am either going to swap one out and keep it at 15, or do 16. I know it's a lot...

Yes! It's definitely one of the programs that excites me the most.

No, I was not there last year. I am confused though - are they having it again? Is there a CFP?

We have pretty similar interests! I'd love to be at Riverside.