stillalivetui

That's pretty damn impressive, considering you only had two weeks to prepare. I'd say you're all set and needn't retake it.

I've emailed POIs to make sure they are taking on new students. I included my research interests, as well as my tentative project to get some feedback from them.Think of the email as an introduction. I wouldn't ask to meet unless the POI suggests it. In any case, reaching out is helpful for you as it can help prevent wasted money and effort. For instance, I discovered that one of my POIs is retiring, thus not taking on new students, while another notified me he is moving to Columbia from UT Austin, and invited me to apply there.

Finally finalized my list. Can't wait for December to roll around for this to be over.

Hey ashiepoo, what are some things that drew you to UC Davis? I'm planning on applying there and would be nice to hear what stood out to you during the process. Thanks!

I'm bummed, just found out a POI from one of my top choices is no longer accepting students due to retirement next year.

Reading in electronic form is a drag! Only do it in the case of emergency.

There is no cutoff age to enter a graduate program, and age is not a factor in terms of admissions and/or funding. Someone in my cohort was in their late 40's when they entered, just to serve an example.

Yeah you'll be fine. I took mine in early November 2012 and they were fine for my December deadlines.

Probably the hardest decision was leaving my dog with my mom while I was at IU, but we were both better for it. I was gone nearly all of the time with my GAship, classes, doing work at various locations, and generally hanging with my cohort. You really have to think what's best for you and your pup.

No one can finish ANY project in a span of four years. Even with an MA you have to take coursework for the first two years.

As it should be, always apply based on fit. And you have six B1G schools, you'll be taken great care of!

Agreed. Applying to nine schools is going to run me $1146. What makes it even worse is knowing that I could easily be rejected by all of them.

I disagree with your emphasis on the quantitative and the GRE in general. I got a 145 on the quant sectionand got into a top 20 program. The ways schools use it is a complete crapshoot and merely a formality for applying. Sure if you do horrid on it it will hurt you, but it also doesn't guarantee anything. Heck I know someone who got a 154 on the verbal and got into two amazing programs. As Ashiepoo noted, what matters most are your LORs, writing sample, and statement of purpose.

You'll register at orientation, which is the week before class begins. I assume your adivser is Dr. Meyers?

I was told GPA is irrelevant. As long as you don't receive anything below an A- then you're fine.

Not answering your question, but IU is surprisingly strong in Latin American history. I would look into working with Dr. Peter Guardino if I were you.

I would not limit yourself to geographical concerns. Of course, where you live plays a large part of your well-being, but you should not automatically cross a certain place of your list for that sole reason. Overall, Indiana's history program is strong, especially for your field of study and languages. Grad school is all about fit, so that's something to keep in mind. I remember when I applied at IU, I stared at Google Maps one night and could not fathom living in what seemed to be the middle of nowhere in Indiana (I lived in Seattle at the time). Yet, here I am in Bloomington and loving it.

In regards to funding, it depends if you mean by PhD or MA. With that being said, most, if not all doctorate programs provide funding. You should never ever ever ever go into a PhD program without funding. And getting funding for an MA is rare, but it does happen at some programs. I was fortunate enough to have been awarded funding for two years at my MA program.

I look forward to applying with you guys and whomever joins us.

Sure thing, I'd be happy to answer them. Catsandscarves can also provide additional insights you may have (yes, I volunteered your services ).

Congrats! IU is wonderful and Bloomington is an oasis in Indiana. I'm finishing up my MA in May, and have nothing but amazing things to say about the program, people, and faculty. I trust you'll enjoy your time here.

Whoa, sorry about that. Did they tell you out of the blue alongside your rejection, or did you follow up with them?

I was surprised at how social it turned out to be. We drink...a lot.

IU typically admits 10 PhD's for each cycle.

Supposedly the committee is still making decisions and should be done by the end of the month at IU.