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Is there a minimum page number for a conference paper? Does it affect the possibility of having it published by the conference later if it's too short or too long?

Are you guys with/against reapplying to one or two of the same list of schools for last year? What do programs think of those who apply once and twice and never takes the hint???

I don't know about that cuz I have a job here at the dept. of English lit. and I'm committed to get a PhD in something related of course. I'm not sure if a degree in NES will be relevant.

You actually read my mind when you said "disrupt your life". That's what I was thinking about. It will for a little bit, but I guess it's worth it.

I just did. Thanks again

Ooops, I don't really know how to PM you? Do I have to log in the chat room?

Hi ghijklmn, I have to ask you; would it bother you if I ask you to take a look at my PS and see if there is anything to make it better? I hope you have time and I hope you don't mind. Thanks

Fall 2014 applicants, I need some advice here. I was nominated today for a fully funded 6-months grant to the US. The grant is meant as a training for Egyptian researchers to improve their skills or conduct related research. I'm still not sure if I want to do it though. Do you think it'll be better for my next application cycle to be in the States right in the heart of the application process, and most likely in one of the schools I already have on my list? Do you think I should go for it?

Folks, I have something to ask you about conferences and publications; which of the following do you consider legal/appropriate/ acceptable: 1) Present a paper in a conference then submit the same paper for a journal? 2) Present a paper in a conference then submit the same paper but written in my native language to a journal or periodical? I also don't know if all conferences publish the presented papers or only a selection? If a conference states that they publish participating papers, should I consider this a conference presentation And a publication? I'm sorry for all these questions but I'm really confused about these stuff.

Folks, I have something to ask you about conferences and publications; which of the following do you consider legal/appropriate/ acceptable: 1) Present a paper in a conference then submit the same paper for a journal? 2) Present a paper in a conference then submit the same paper but written in my native language to a journal or periodical? I also don't know if all conferences publish the presented papers or only a selection? If a conference states that they publish participating papers, should I consider this a conference presentation And a publication? I'm sorry for all these questions but I'm really confused about these stuff.

Who determines whether a specific conference is "low level". I live in Egypt and I can only afford to participate in conferences here. Does this mean that my participation would not do me any good in my application, since we're a 3rd world country after all? I guess only Cairo University is known for some in the US.

Hi, I'm applying to comp lit too. I'll try to study basic German with a private tutor but I don't know what level will be safe to mention on my CV. I also don't know if there's a cluster of languages that are related to each other. I mean; If you're going to study English/Arabic, who decides which third language work well with those two? Should I study German or Persian?

Hi, I have a question about conference presentation: does anyone know if it's ok to use a modified/extract of your MA thesis as a paper to present at a conference? I got a very late notice of a conference that I'd love to participate in and I don't think I'll be able to come up with a completely new paper.

Do you know if it's ok to use a modified/extract of your MA thesis as a paper to present at a conference?

Do you feel that only the subject test that needed to be taken? I mean, is it the only thing that you made in the 2nd round to improve your application?

Since you were waitlisted at some places this year, you're half-way there. Good luck.

I really like your idea of doing a mini-round and I think it'll be very helpful for you and very enjoyable as well. I'm just wondering about the GRE subject test, is it required by your two top choice schools, or you're just gonna take it in case you need it for other schools? After seeing the reading lists that you posted I knew that there's no way I can finish all of this in a few months. That's why I've been eliminating schools that requires the subject test. Although, i really like the idea that studying for the test will expand my knowledge of literature A LOT. So, I might give it a try, nothing to lose.

I have another question about writing sample: how would one select a topic for writing? I don't have any previously written papers (i.e., for undergrad. classes for example). I do have my MA thesis, which I don't really like that much. Last year when I applied, I spent a lifetime trying to figure out what to write about and I ended up writing a summary or an extract of my thesis. It must have sucked since I didn't get in anywhere. I also have a very silly feeling that whatever I choose to write won't be interesting to anyone, and that many people have already written about it. So, how do you suggest I should select a topic that only requires a 10-20 pages?

I started writing words on cards too. I think it really helps when you write the word with your own hand, it makes it easier to remember.

Has anyone started working on the GRE? I'd like to know how many words I should learn for the test, and how much time could it take??? My last GRE text was in early 2011, I think right before they modified the test. It should be easier to test vocab within context, right?

I was just about sending a post about languages. So fortunate. Anyway, I'm planning to apply to comp. lit PhD and my native language is Arabic. I know that it's silly to count this as an "extra" language that I know other than English. I noticed that most programs require at least 2 languages other than English. I'll start learning Persian soon (private tutor) and I need to know how "good" they expect an applicant to be in a 3rd lang.? I mean, does it still count as an additional lang. on my Cv if I only learn the grammar and how to read a simple text?

Oh, thank you. Finally someone responded to my inquiry. I forgot I even posted it. You know what, I think I might do it, but I'll probably won't tell anyone that I will so that no one laugh at me. Thanks anyway.

Do you think they read all of it? It's almost a writing sample. And do you think it's appropriate to tell my rec. writers to write as long as they can? I didn't see my letters and I don't think they were so special.

I'm really impressed with how much LORs are important, but I have a question: Do you think it matters more what is written in the letters about you, or it's more about who wrote the letters (i.e, well-known professors, professors from highly ranked schools...)?

Hi, I always wondered about who can really make it to Harvard. Do you have some supernatural powers or something? When I checked their admissions website everything looked simple and I didn't feel they're so picky. I'd really love to take my chances and apply there next year, for Fall 2014, but I'm not sure if I should do it. What do you think?