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ishmael

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Posts posted by ishmael

    Texas A&M Department of English: Just Don't Go

    in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

    Posted · Edited by ishmael

    I hope this post hasn't dissuaded anyone from choosing A&M. While there are some departmental transitions going on, TAs are NOT simply glorified graders (though the department does have a few "grader" positions), nor are all available teaching opportunities "canned" classes. Overall, there is simply not a hostile environment for grad students-- and due to some recent developments within the politics of the department, I think things are on the upswing. To my knowledge, no one has been threatened with loss of stipend-- that is contractually illegal.

     

    All departments have issues and all departments have grad students who are unhappy with policy, professors, etc. Unfortunately, you all were privy to one of those unhappy grads. 

     

    EDIT: If it wasn't clear, I attend A&M as a PhD student.

    April 15th

    in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

    Posted

    Question: 

     

    I'm waiting on some waitlists to come through, and I have a feeling they might not convert UNTIL April 15th. When schools want an answer ON the 15th, is there a certain time-limit? Do they expect an answer early in the morning, or up until midnight? 

     

    Any thoughts or experiences to share?

     

    Thanks.

    Late Notifying Schools?!

    in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

    Posted

    I'm not talking JUST waitlists. I mean, this school sent out acceptances this week. First round. I have offers from higher-ranked schools-- I no longer have time to wait it out for my last-choice safety school. I'm not lamenting my waitlist, rather, regretting that I even applied at this school. It was a waste of money, essentially. Regardless of their decision, they won't factor in in MY decision. This isn't a "poor me" post, rather, a "how on earth are these schools winning anyone over when they send out first round acceptances the first week of April" post. I'm honestly curious. Although, perhaps this is the reason that they are so low on the rankings (which, of course, are meant to be taken with a grain of salt). 

    Importance of Teaching during MA--want to move on to PhD

    in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

    Posted

    So, I have a question. How important is teaching in an MA program? I want to move on to a PhD program post-MA, and I have one offer in which I would teach a 1/2 (or 2/1) load my second year, and one offer that only allows MAs to grade, rather than teach outright. I'm torn, because I would ASSUME that teaching would greatly strengthen a CV for PhD applications (and lack of teaching would greatly weaken a CV). But I have a few profs telling me that really, it isn't THAT important, as PhD programs will likely retrain you ANYWAY. What has been people's experiences? 

     

    If it's any help, the school that won't allow me to teach during my MA is ranked slightly higher in the sacred USNews rankings. 

     

    Thanks.

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