iExcelAtMicrosoftPuns

You're in humanities for the money?!?!!?!? The harsh truth is - job options are going to be limited regardless of where you go. I'm not entirely sure there is any sort of data correlating reputation to salary. Certainly "better" programs will send their graduates off with more options so I'd advise you to offer up some more information about the programs you are looking into and what your research agenda is.

Why? I'm not trying to be a jerk: just curious as to why you want to be at a top-tier uni.

Nothing* is out of reach. *This statement has not been evaluated by anyone who knows anything. This advice is not meant to cure, diagnose, or treat anxiety But really. Your guess is as good as mine. They've certainly taken folks with lower numbers and they've likely turned folks away with higher numbers.

It doesn't. Still some places have to justify assistantship funds to the admins. These admins (as admins are prone to do) like to set arbitrary limits - it gives them something to talk about on the golf course. I have read that some places require a 310... but who knows maybe they can. Now I don't mean to pick on you... perhaps you get nervous around numbers. But 122?!?! I thought 130 was the lowest possible score.

I would not do that. 5 years is a LONG time and things change. On top of that you'd have to have waived access for years and years- you wouldn't keep the letters yourself would you? I haven't got a good solution.

Wow. Is it fair to say that Rhet/Comp people are the most friendly? Thank you, Proflorax and ComeBack(Zn). I'm at work right now but I'm making serious considerations thanks to your advice.

Yay! The schedule is posted. It always feels so special to see my name in (digital)print!

So is there any measurable benefit of going if I'm not presenting? Other than knowledge and curiosity. I'm a half day road-trip away from 4Cs this year and I'm weighing the pros and cons. I've got the option to carpool and perhaps some grant funds available for registration; however, an overnight stay would be difficult. I hope to have been accepted by March (early but hey - I can hope!) so I've considered reaching out to students and profs from any university I'm accepted at and meeting them to chat at 4Cs... is that feasible? _ New train of thought. (choo choo) I'm involved in a Rhetoric-ish campus group which has close ties to my major (also rhetoric-ish). We are looking at hosting a grad school info session for our juniors who may be interested in grad school but aren't sure where to start. My wonderful profs have volunteered their input and have volunteered to present/panel the event. Any advice y'all can lend to the current juniors? EDIT: Awww shucks I made it to page 2!

I'm a nice guy. So don't take this wrong: You have more than the two choices you present: "What MFA programs accept applicants like me who have not written" or "settle for a lower-tier". Option three: Start writing. Now. You've got time - get something that is as closed to perfect as you can. Make time to work on it. It's hard - I really wish I had worked on my application stuff more last year.

As an undergraduate I explored articles and books that were relevant to the courses I was taking. Psychology class? I'd explore philosophy of the mind stuff. Art/Creative Writing - I'd read some critical theory stuff plus Poetics. My advice: start making connections early. How does X relate to Y sort of stuff.

We're not so different you and I. I'd suggest forming relationships with your professors. Ask for book recommendations. Volunteer for special projects. I'm not sure campus visits are helpful as for getting in - but it couldn't hurt. You want to teach in an English department but you are pursuing a major in Communications. Undergrad major isn't as important as your Master's or P.h.D. degree but there are some differences between Rhetoric in a Comm department and Rhetoric in the English department. EDIT: And find time to have fun. Application season is far away. EDIT 2: Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Have you read it? I think it'd be up your alley.

What sort of program are you in? How specific do the books need to be? If you're already attending why not ask your advisor or check out the local bookshops.

Perhaps it should be "New Kidneys" now.

If you knew anything about my age you wouldn't call me kiddo, but thanks for trying. You're right I don't know much about the publishing industry - I don't want to be a publisher. I don't want to be bothered carefully designing margins, certainly someone else can take care of that. I don't know what the dimensions are for julienned veggies. I think they're supposed to be matchsticks, but I don't smoke and my parents always used a lighter! Woe is me. I can still whip up some delicious meals though.

I agree. What sort of school would ask for this?

;-) pardon the defacing.

n-to-zaki shan-gay

Garage sales. Sucks though because they hardly have the books you're looking for.

I'm down for trades.

Yeah it was rough. The Personal Statement was rough too - soooooo much to try and cram into a 2ish page essay. I see you applied to Austin - does your UTexas account show that your letters have been submitted yet? Mine doesn't :-/

HEY! Y'all - thanks for responding. I used all of your wonderful advice to submit my first few apps. I wadded up all my hopes and doubts and sent if off - and they charged my only 65 bucks to do it!

Save yourself 25 bucks. They're not terrible scores but they're not 90th percentile

YES! I use the term "top choice" very loosely. Obviously my top choice is anywhere and my bottom choice is nowhere.

Can we start a new thread on coping strategies? What do I do when my top choice rejects me? What do I do when my top choice accepts me?