Conscia Fati

I can't speak to the dynamics of the history department at Columbia, but my department there is extremely friendly and surprisingly non-competitive. If you think these departments are good "fits," I'd recommend applying. If you get interviews, you'll have an opportunity to gauge the amicability of the departments. You could also email graduate students at these departments and ask them directly. I did this when applying to programs, and actually made some friends at schools I didn't end up attending. Good luck!

I got married while in college, and had a baby my senior year. My spouse and I took a year off from school. We both applied to graduate school last fall. We didn't get into the same PhD programs, and we decided to take my offer. My spouse is doing a post-bacc certificate program and plans to apply to PhD programs next fall. I just finished my first semester of my graduate program. My spouse is pouring more energy into the domestic sphere while I finish my course work and comps, and then we are going to switch roles. It's definitely a juggling act! I'm very fortunate to have a supportive spouse who is selfless enough to let me pursue my dream first. For our family, taking turns and sharing responsibility is key.

I think that self study is totally fine. Programs just want you to be able to read scholarship in German. Good luck!

Just remember that in graduate school for classics, you will probably be reading 1,000+ lines/week for survey alone. On top of that, you'll have three or so other classes which will also require ~300-600 lines/week. You'll need as much experience with both languages as possible by the time you enter. To be a competitive applicant, I would say that 2-3 years of language experience is on the low side -- many people enter with 5-7 years under their belts. I can't really speak to medieval studies!

At my school, it's pretty difficult for graduate students to earn As -- they certainly aren't doled out, even to the most talented students. If you have some friends in your program, you might want to chat with them about your concerns. I thought my first semester GPA was mediocre, until I disclosed my concerns to my colleagues. They had the same grade worries, and later we all went out for drinks.

It's my first year in a PhD program. My semester is going well-- and I love my classes and professors -- but I feel like I have lost a little bit of focus. And the hurricane has distracted me even further. Does anyone have tips for getting out of a little slump?

Could you explain this in a little more detail?

As dark-knight points out, Obama has flip-flopped too... it's what politicians (and people) do.... Obviously, we're at an impasse. I don't want to fight with you. I'm sure you're a nice guy (girl?), and I wish you the best in your grad apps. And, regarding the election, may the best man win! : )

I meant to LIKE your post, and I accidentally gave you a negative reputation point! I'm so sorry!!

"So. So. So. Very. Ironic.... Cannot compute." Look IQ, all I'm saying is that we live in a land of multiple view points. Be open minded! If you are voting democrat, I'm not going to call you evil or heartless. If you choose to vote for Obama, I think your decision is respectable. There are reasons to vote for Obama; reasons to vote for Romney; reasons to vote third party. I don't think Obama is a good president, but that doesn't mean I think YOU are a bad person. It doesn't even mean I think Obama is a bad person! I respect him as our president, even if I don't respect (some of) his policies. (See article above). I just am sick of people saying that voting for Romney means that you are a horrible person, that you hate women and gays, and that you are a heartless jerk. To vilify the opposite side with ad hominem attacks is not being open-minded. You called me self-loathing, without decency and kindness. How is that being open-minded, much less kind? I'm not calling you names, and I'm not going to. Just try to see the other's point of view! We live in a democracy which needs good, healthy debate, not name calling!

This is quite a good article, that makes a very good case for not voting for Obama, even if you are a democrat, based on issues of human rights. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/09/why-i-refuse-to-vote-for-barack-obama/262861/

Ah, well kids DO definitely get sick! And it's still fine. : )

I don't think voting dem/rep makes one a "tool" -- but I totally agree that the drone wars and attacks on our own are terrifying and unjustifiable. I was so disappointed to hear that Romney also wants to continue the use of drones, but as you point out -- I'm voting against indefinite detention and the suspension of habeas corpus. This is way bigger than free birth control, people.

Ad hominem attacks aren't going to get our country anywhere. This is exactly my point: how can we live in a democracy when we just call the "other" names? Try to be a little open-minded.... just a little.

I have an 18 month old son and I am a PhD student at a top program in my field. I'm really fortunate because the chair of my department is also a parent, and is very sympathetic to my position. I'd like to add that it's extremely important to prioritize work. It may not be possible to do everything you are assigned. For me, it is more important to take time with my son every day than it is to get every last bit of reading done. I do the most important stuff, and let some things slide. So far, I have done very well -- but it is very challenging, and I am only averaging 5 hours of sleep per night. My spouse is also in graduate school, and we trade nights to cook dinner, watch the baby, and clean the house. We have a nanny for about 35 hours a week to take care of our son while we are in class and at the library. We are also taking out some loans to pay for our son's childcare. I am fully-funded, but my husband is not (yet). A stipend meant for one is not enough to support a family of three. Fortunately, child care expenses make me eligible for more government loans. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions, or need solidarity!

I'm voting for Romney, here! It is so liberating to say that, given that it often feels like it's only politically correct to be for Obama in this election.

I was handed a bibliography for my thesis. It wasn't comprehensive, by any means, and I still did my own research, but it was an excellent starting point. YMMV.

26 pages is too long. I promise you they won't read beyond 20, and that's already pushing it.

Verbal and writing scores are much more important -- I imagine that a quantitative score in the 60th percentile won't keep you out.

I'd definitely recommend doing a terminal (funded) MA program. It sounds like your stats are really good -- you just need more time with the languages. Good luck!

I've heard really good things about UVM's MA!

Salve Petros, I missed that you are applying next year. I think that having another year of the languages under your belt will certainly help. I don't think you're crazy, and I think that you have a shot. I would apply widely; you never know which program will let you in. I suggest looking at UVM, CU Boulder, Univ. of Kansas, WUSTL, and Notre Dame in addition to the two you mentioned above. Also, French and Italian are of course valuable, and I'd also recommend familiarizing yourself with German if you have the time. Looking at the reading lists for these programs might be a good idea too -- get a head start! Teaching experience and presentations can only help. As a non-classics major, your personal statement will be very important; you need to have a really tight, well-researched writing sample. The more letters you have from classicists, the better.

Hi Petros, It's always a bit tricky guessing how someone will fare with his/her applications. I hate to say, but I'm afraid in your case that your lack of experience with the languages will make it difficult for you to get into a funded terminal masters. I definitely think you should apply -- you never know! -- but I agree with the poster above: a post-bacc sounds like a really good idea in your case, if you are serious about pursuing classics. Might I suggest that you apply to a couple post-baccs in addition to your MA programs, just as "back-ups? Good luck!