daydreamer254

I did a search of this forum and didn't see a thread for this, but I have an interview via Skype with the supervisor of a journalism program I applied to. We have yet to schedule it but I'm prepping and before coming up with responses to possible questions, I'm trying to come up with questions to ask him. Here's what I have so far: 1) How many students are in the program? 2) How does ____ program differ from its competitors? Any others? Also, feel free to give advice on how to answer questions as well!

I used to be worried about going into journalism, and started having doubts about pursuing it as a career because of that quote. But now I see that journalism is evolving, not dying. Journalism school should give you all of the tools to keep up in a constantly changing field and to be a versatile journalist, who can adapt to change. Writing is what I love to do, and I don't see myself doing anything else. Following your dream is more important than peoples' opinions about your dream, and dumb quotes.

In order to strengthen your application, you can call the department (when you're ready) and ask why you were rejected. You may not apply to the same program, but at least you'll be able to get into another if you know what you lacked. I'm sorry you received a rejection, and it's fine to cry about it. I did.

One MA program I applied to reviews applicatioins every three-four weeks and decisions come out in waves, according to its secretary. I know this is a dumb question, but do decisions come out in a pattern of admitted, rejected, or as a mix of both?

In my statements of purpose, I mentioned the names of my programs twice--once when describing my research and possible faculty advisor ("In the ____ program I am interested in..." and in the conclusion, when explaining why I want to study in the program ("I am applying to _____ progam because...")

You want to follow the prompt for the statement of purpose, and if there are any questions, to answer them directly and fully. The criteria that you listed can vary: Some programs require you to talk about your personal background while others may only be interested in your reasons for entering the program. There is overlap in the two prompts that I gave, but regardless, you do have some freedom in what to include. Really, though, you don't want to repeat anything that's in your application (like your GPA) in your statement of purpose. You can elaborate on relavent work experience and research, but that's about it. But to add to your list: -How you became interested in your field -Faculty you want to work with (name at least two and explain why you want to work with them)

The secretary told me that the department was currently reviewing my application, and the priority deadline was Nov. 30...I sent in my application in October. She didn't mention a wait list.

Yesterday I called my prospective grad school department about admissions decisions and she told me that I won't receive a decision until about a month or so. Is that normal?

Last week Friday my uncle and aunty were asking me about grad school...and then another uncle asked what my Plan B was...I was very anxious then. Not fun.

That's incredible!!! Now, which one are you gonna choose?

To stay serene christine: No, I don't know anybody else who's applying to the program. I'm an out of state student. As for contacting the secretary of the department, haven't done so. But I guess I could call next week just to check... I see you applied to CSU's as well!! Including Northridge! Good luck to you!

I feel like my days are spent just waiting for a response...I feel ya!

The Cal States don't specify when they send out admissions decisions, and for Cal State Northridge (the school I applied for), the results search on this forum doesn't list my program (mass communications). Anyway, since it's nearing the end of the second week of March, is no news a bad sign??

Anybody familiar with Northridge, CA? All I know is that it's in the San Fernando Valley. It is a safe place? Also, does anyone know about Cal State Northridge? The campus, atmosphere, etc.?

Good one!

I finished in five years thanks to some hard classes that I needed to retake since I withdrew from them.

Loans are your best bet. I heard Sallie Mae has a good graduate student loan package.

I was in this situation as well with my official transcripts. Thankfully admissions caught their own mistake and took the "missing official transcripts" off of my Incompleted Tasks list on my student portal. Phew!

Did anybody get accepted to programs yet, or is everyone waiting anxiously?

That's an unexpected surprise isn't it? Congrats!!

I'm sorry you were rejected, but congrats on the job and that you aren't too down about it. But you do have one more school to hear back from...

London has good journalism MA programs, such as Kingston University and Goldsmiths.

I hope that's true! But to Cool, it's fine to ask. Go for it!

I went through the same thing: I applied to only one grad program and was rejected. I was devestated and didn't know what to do. My career counselor suggested that I call the department and ask why I was rejected, but at the time I didn't want to. After a few weeks I did and I was surprised at the reason (not enough research experience--I thought it was my grades or personal statement). But who I called was the graduate coordinator and he had my file on record. He was nice about it. Currently I'm in my second round of applying to grad schools and I've learned a lot, such as that I didn't even want to attend that program (and my reasons for applying weren't realistic). I also applied to three schools instead of one. So far it's going pretty well. Also, I found programs that were better suited for what I really wanted to go into. (I did a bit of soul searching for careers before I landed on the right one). Rejection feels like the end of the world, but it's not. You can be down about it, but eventually you need to get back on that horse again and keep on moving. Do not give up.

I feel your pain! It's totally normal to feel like you won't get in (I'm going through it right now, and my friend did a while back). What I do to take my mind off of it is keep myself busy: listen to music, watch TV, read, hang with friends. I try and not think about decisions and I don't look back at my application because I know I'm gonna find something that I should've changed. I just let it be. It's easier said than done but it's possible. You'll get into a program, or two, for sure! By the way, is mid-March the time when decisions definitely come out, or can programs make their decisions earlier or even (yikes!) later?