Porridge

I would like to add that regarding GREs, some places (SUNY Buffalo) require a certain result (305 +, or something)before they consider you for funding.

FYI, Better World Books and Book Depository do not charge for postage.

Your scope is so broad. The best place for you to start is to find scholars you admire and find out where they are teaching.

I will travel with a bank draft, but I would also like to take some US cash with me. How much money did you take? Perhaps this is a silly question, but do have to pay for trolleys and buses at US airports (I'm flying into Dallas before taking a connecting flight). Thanks!

Will it handle heavy graphics and video editing?

Should I buy a macbook air or pro?

I'd imagine that it is the percentage that counts as this changes over time?

Not to hijack OP's thread but what sort of utility costs are there in the States: gas? electricity? phone? water? Does sewage and garbage incur costs? Oh and how expensive is food and mobile. I have an unlocked iphone and intend to get a plan account over there.

Short answer: no. In your SOP demonstrate transferrable skills that could be relevant to your specialized field: (eg. any grant writing, report writing, any kind of writing etc). A while back a professor informed me that I was a desirable candidate because "you have real world experience." My source: personal experience. 13 years difference between BA to PhD applications. Success: heaps of acceptances.

Have you finished your MA Ken? I'm finishing my MA in June, starting in August my PhD in August but I won't officially graduate my MA in December and I'm wondering if that is going to be problem. ETA: I'm 35 and have various anxieties about my age.

I'm not sure why I was downvoted but I'm glad that you were not discouraged (which was my fear). My SOP was right for me but it was also a bit unusual because I had to demonstrate my transferrable skills. But as someone else suggested, you don't need to get on the latest bandwagon. If write your passion then that enthusiasm will inspire conversations - which is what academia is all about IMHO. Good luck!

If it is my SOP that has bothered you, you need to look at the big picture and not compare apples to oranges. You may be demonstrating what YOU will contribute to YOUR area which may very well be cutting edge in YOUR niche. But bear in mind, it will be at least a couple of years before you will start research in your area. Adcoms know this and you only need to demonstrate an awareness of where your interests lie.

I'm off to UPenn. I had several offers and a couple of waitlists. Only one rejection. So I must have done something right.

You've got better credential than me. To be honest, I have no idea how I got in.

If anyone wants a look at my CV format and SOP, PM me. Rules apply: no plagiarism.