TakeMyCoffeeBlack

I don't know anything about animation programs, but you might want to include some more specifics about the types of work you've already done and the type of technical training you hope to get from the graduate program. Also, name the university explicitly.

Why not just rearrange (and get rid of some colloquialisms) like so:

This is a tough one. If you expect your writing to set you apart, then there's definitely an advantage to submitting something. I'd lean toward your term paper personally (how long is too long?). Your SOP should already have some elements similar to what your research proposal would show, no? And you're trying to show as much of yourself as possible. Since you already go to the university, why don't you ask an adviser for her/his opinion?

I'm not too sure about the contacted POI. I don't think it can hurt. The only schools that wanted that from me also happened to be the ones I didn't reach out to POIs via e-mail. As for listing other schools, that's 1.) so they know with whom they compete and 2.) to increase their yield (i.e. so they know how many people also applying to better/worse universities they need to admit to get their ideal incoming class). It should have very little (if any) effect on your application.

Absolutely! You're NOT writing for the adcom, you're writing for the department as a whole!

I hear this. Still waiting on two letters, both professors with whom I'm very close. But they're both department chairs and it's the end of the semester... I don't know how many times I've answered when the deadlines are - but it's clear to me they're waiting until the first deadline to finally get around to it (this Friday).

Sorry to hear that. I believe that's also slowed down some LOR progress for me and, I can only assume, others as well.

How's the progress coming, folks?

I think the suggestion is simply: you need to make sure that every single sentence says exactly and very clearly what you want it to say, and that there are no distractions to the message. You have many convoluted sentences - that means that the structure isn't quite clear and we're not always sure exactly what you are trying to say. The missing articles are, for example, when you skip using the word "the" or "a."

Congrats, by the way!

I'm thankful that I have 2 (maybe 3) conferences during those months. Our classes in Germany end in early February and don't start up again until April, so you can be sure I'll be staring at my e-mail non stop until (if) I get at least one funded offer...

Is there any indication that it's "recommended"? There's a difference between a recommendation and a requirement. If it's simply recommended, and your 11 (13) page paper is really exceptional (in your opinion) and representative of your capabilities, then that's your best bet.

Maybe my gf's lack of desperation is why I wear suits to do things like grab a coffee or walk through the park?

"Visiting Day for graduate school applicant finalists will be held in early-February 2014 and we will post the date here once it has been selected. This all-day event, which is by invitation only, allows applicants who have been chosen as finalists to visit the Department, learn more about the program to which they have applied, and provide additional information about their interests and qualifications to program faculty. Applicants for whom our Department is a top choice may want to reserve this date on their calendars in case they are invited to attend." http://psychology.unc.edu/graduate-studies/admissions-process/ Sorry, not a Psych student, just curious.

Did you already apply?

Thanks for the insight!

Why do you say only two? The website has 5 listed specifically as IR, and another 2 (probably comp?) with IR specialties. http://www.vanderbilt.edu/political-science/people/?group=intlrel&who=faculty

But I think if you've really got so much internal doubt, anxiety, etc. it won't go away by September, it's probably something you're going to deal with your whole life (there's nothing wrong with that). That you say "I'm hoping...my life won't suck as much" is nothing more than a reflection of this insecurity. I mean, what actually sucks about your life? You don't have to post it online, but think long and hard about it. Do you have a supportive or at least loving family? Do you have hobbies you enjoy? Do you have friends? Or are you really narrowing your happiness down only to a romantic relationship (which, by your own account, is itself a cause of extreme anxiety because any indication a guy may leave you leads you to panic attacks)? Life is multi-faceted and amazing, and you're going to miss out on it if you don't open yourself to it!

Everything else aside, I truly hope that this is true for you, too. It's the only way you can be both a great mom and wife, and self-fulfilled individual. I've known too many amazing mother's and wives go into deep depressions - even try to take their own lives - because they never had the chance to discover who they were and to have their own successes in life. Again, you really should consider reading The Feminine Mystique. Just a first step on your journey of self-discovery.

Just a couple things: 1.) I don't think you actually read what I wrote. I think you're stuck in this alternative universe and you refuse to take a look out the window. 2.) It's extremely offensive for you to project your view of what constitutes happiness onto others (like saying you don't know why your aunt is happy, and that it's sad to you that her successful career is in itself fulfilling). We all have different paths and goals in our lives. A past boss made a great point (in response to some people teasing a gay friend about not yet having found "the one" in his mid thirties): "Some people just see one path for happiness and fulfillment and feel bad for anyone who hasn't taken their path. But the fact is that not everyone may need or want the same things." He's right, and it's extremely rude and ignorant to do that. 3.) First, you clearly DO have prospects for a relationship, otherwise you wouldn't be open to one. Simple as that. Second, why do you have to meet someone in the next year or two in order to be married by 30? That's silly and rather immature, because chances are you're going to need to find someone with a similar vision for the future as you, and that probably means a short relationship and a short engagement. Who knows, maybe when you're 29 you'll meet someone, fall in love, get engaged and get married within those 365 days. It's possible - and the very fact that you believe otherwise is itself a limitation of the chances for success in potential future relationships. You are choosing only to see one possible way for this all to work out the way you want it to, and short of that you've failed and are going to live a long, miserable life alone. The problem is, that's not at all how reality works. You really need to start looking to empower yourself. I truly believe that the people best suited for relationships, are the people who are comfortable with themselves outside of a relationship. You ought to consider reading The Feminine Mystique, or at least reading the synopsis on Wikipedia... In some ways, I'm hopeful that graduate school and living in a new city will provide you the opportunity to open your eyes and not see so narrowly.

Okay, I guess I'm compelled to up my contribution to $0.03... There is nothing wrong with wanting to start a family. Absolutely nothing. But I think you need to get a better idea about who you are independently. For all you know, you could meet and fall in love with the perfect future husband - but he may not be ready for marriage for years. That happens. It happened to my brother - he was dating a woman who was older than him and as each year passed she was getting more and more nervous (that internal baby clock, you know), and he didn't propose until they had been dating for five years. But, they're great together, and they will make a great husband and wife (and parents, when that time comes). But see, even though she really really wanted to be a wife and mother, she was (is!) also a strong, independent woman with a lot going for her otherwise. That's what made her 1.) worth dating and 2.) worth getting engaged with. Her first goal was not to give up all her goals and her personality in order to find a man who could take care of her and pay off the loans she insisted she needed to take out for a degree she really would rather not need to use if only she could find a rich guy. I think the problem here is that you're presenting us with a paradox: you really want to go to grad school and get into social work, but you're willing to give it all up for a man. Hey look, I hope you find what you're looking for, and I hope it's amazing. The problem is, I think you need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and really take the time to evaluate your priorities. The time between May and December is not very long, and I'm not surprised that after only seven interviews you don't have a job. That's the nature of the current market. On the other hand, it's not a bad thing that you're applying for grad school now - but you should continue looking for other opportunities in the mean time. Who knows, maybe you'll find a nice job where a lot of men work by this upcoming May and decide that you'd rather put off grad school for a while. If for you personally finding a husband is more important than beginning a grad program and career, then great! But that means you'll have to give yourself every opportunity to achieve that, and that means keeping an open mind right up until you start your grad program. On the other hand, I'm going to reiterate: I would personally be much more attracted to a woman who is well on her way to establishing herself professionally, has a solid, logical head on her shoulders, and knows what she wants in life (other than just me!). In fact, I have that, and it's amazing. Three years strong and we're looking to move in together when I start (hopefully) my own grad program this year (she will be done with hers). But if she had given off the same vibes that you seem to, I'd have run the other way and missed out on an amazing relationship.

As long as you calculate it correctly - a lot of apps want our major GPA.

Ha, I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing. I needed to get them off my hands or I'd keep fiddling. But now I'm powerless for the next two months or more.

There's no unspoken rule, except to submit the piece with the very best content, which will be most representative of your capabilities.

Breathe, brosis!