socialcomm

And I had one program that wasn't listed on the drop down list... so I had to send it separately afterwards after I guess wrong about where it might go. So if there's room for more numbers in your head, it might not hurt to at least have an idea of what you're looking for afterwards.

I received my score report with percentile scores for V, Q, and AWA but one application is asking for the percentile of my total GRE score. Anyone know where to find that?

Two of my apps are like this. I had to submit them early so the recommendation requests could go out to my writers. They were for UC schools.

One thing I think you have to distinguish between is a personal statement and a statement of purpose. Make sure you read exactly what the prompt is asking for. That may dictate what's included in your statement. It sounds like you're on the right track with connecting interests to schools. I'm not sure about the English field in particular, but with my programs, schools will only admit people whose interests are at least somewhat connected to what faculty are doing in the program. Again, this may not apply to English, but I think connecting your interests to those of the program would be beneficial, even if it is a bit of a stretch.

KieBelle -- to address 1, I think it's important to explain why/how you developed your interests. I think they will wonder. But perhaps instead of using a story, you can just explicitly state it? I'm struggling with a similar issue...

I'm excited! DM to you.

Congrats!

When you have professional work experience, typically asking your manager is ok. But the situation isn't an easy one. Letting your employer know that you may be leaving isn't ideal -- there's always a chance they'll take the opportunity to lay you off. Only you know what kind of relationship you have with them... good luck!

Yes! There's almost no chance of me getting IN there, but I'm going to go to the open house to learn more anyway...

Each program is probably a bit unique in terms of stipulations/funding. But from the research I've done I haven't seen anything that would prevent a person from doing that. I would never do it though.

I think someone on the forums also mentioned something about this question indicating how 'serious' you are about grad school -- making sure you're applying to other places.

Have questions prepared about him/her and their research. Don't ask questions that are more appropriate for the grad coordinator. Relax and enjoy the conversation -- like you said it's a good way to find out how you'll get along and how good a fit you are with the program. Good luck!

Definitely not the friendliest prof, but I agree with the others, don't be too concerned. I wouldn't let it stop you from contacting other people. I'd just remember to make it more about YOU researching them/the school, than really promoting yourself.

This exactly.

I'd imagine it depends on the application.

If you're worried about the quant, is that what you've been concentrating on with your studying? I hadn't had a math class in close to 15 years and still managed to do well (well for me) on the quant because I relearned all the material I had forgotten. I found the quant section MUCH easier to study for than the verbal -- and I am absolutely not a 'math person.' But to answer your question, I agree with the others, typically it won't make or break you, especially if you're going into a less quantitative field and the rest of your application is strong. However, it may depend based on the program and whether or not they have those pesky cut offs.

Completely agree with Colorless Green. Concentrate on other areas of your app.

What types of schools are you applying to? Do you know if they have GRE cutoffs? Will the rest of your application (SOP etc) be strong? I don't think your score would be competitive with a top school, but I don't think you're screwed necessarily. If you have the time and motivation to take it again you could... but know that there's a possibility your score could go down too... Good luck!

When did you decide you wanted to go to graduate school? Did you not know when applications were due? If you feel more comfortable waiting until you're more prepared -- you're still young, take the time to prepare over the next year! But, as other people have said, there's no harm in trying this year either. It's really up to you.

From what I've heard, they don't want the entire thing. Do you have a contact at the program you've been communicating with? I'd ask them how many pages they'd like.

I took "Curriculum and Instruction" to mean teaching experience? But I could be wrong!

Nope, my bad, found it under Art!

Here's a few schools for you to take a look at. Check out the descriptions, research areas, what faculty and students are working on, and where people end up afterwards. http://annenberg.usc.edu/ http://www.journalism.columbia.edu/cs/ContentServer/jrn/1165270052340/page/1165270091299/JRNSimplePage2.htm http://www.jou.ufl.edu/grad/phd.asp http://journalism.indiana.edu/graduate/phd-in-mass-communication/ http://crdm.chass.ncsu.edu/ Good luck!

I'd be interested -- I can look at others and would love to have mine reviewed! DM me with your email address and I'll send mine/you can send yours.

Are you going to request phone appointments via email? I'd start by thanking them for taking the time to speak with you. In general, I'd be sure that you're concentrating on questions about their research and not on topics that are better suited for the graduate coordinator -- you don't want to waste their time. Time limit -- it'll depend on how many questions you have and how verbose they are, but I'd say no longer than half an hour. This is just my opinion, but I'd wait to talk about me until they asked. Other people might be a bit more forward though. Good luck!