socialcomm

I've heard the same as acup. Don't worry too much if there's not room for all the schools you're applying to.

Perhaps something to address in your SOP? There's definitely a possibility it'll raise some questions.

I've heard this too.

Two years really isn't that long. Are you close to your undergrad school? Could you go in and talk to your old professors? Not everyone goes right from undergrad to grad, so profs are used to writing letters for old students. If you're not close enough, a phone call would probably be the next best thing.

Ditto PP -- they want you to send ALL your transcripts.

Wow - 8! With most online apps they only let me include three. Beyond that, they'd have to use the hard copy rec forms.

Does anyone else have applications that don't send the letter of rec writers the requests out until the application is submitted? I've given my letter of rec writers a heads up, but still want to give them plenty of time to do their part before the deadlines.

Doesn't hurt to apply. Have you met/spoke with people at all the schools you're applying to? Can you see yourself joining them?

Definitely show it to other people. And from what I've heard about length -- 2-3 pages is typically ok if a certain length isn't given.

No one has out and out said, 'no, don't apply here' to me, but I'm more in the neutral category for responses I've received so far. Most people are willing to expand upon their research when I ask about their future research areas, but very few inquire about more details about my research interests. I'm meeting with one prof in person tomorrow -- EEEK! We'll see how that goes. My background isn't exactly in line with the program (although my research interests are) and I don't feel I can speak their 'program language' fluently, so we'll see how that goes...

So jealous you have everything submitted! I'm meeting with profs from two schools in the next two weeks and am waiting to submit everything until after that time.

See this post: viewtopic.php?f=84&t=19393 Contacting the specific programs you're applying to is a good idea. Overall, I've heard if you have a good SOP and writing sample, the AWA score won't be as important to the schools.

Yes, I think it would be viewed as unprofessional. I wouldn't give the real reason why you left if you do decide to leave because of the reasons the previous poster stated above.

My answer probably won't help you -- I waited a year to retake. I did 130 points better, so it worked for me.

Personally, I'd go with the smallest envelope that fits your papers without folding them -- somehow it just seems more professional to me. All my recommendations will be electronic, but my CV and writing sample for a couple programs will be sent in a larger envelope.

Agree with previous posters -- a sentence or two should be adequate. Let your research ideas come to the forefront. And I'm so sorry you had to go through that experience!

I agree -- I'm in the same boat you are. We'll see what the schools we're applying to think.

I agree the letter might not be ideal, if you have other profs who've known you longer and can speak about your research, experiences etc... I think the keeping an eye on your app and talking to other profs might be more appropriate. Perhaps she'd read your SOP? Good luck!

Or just really busy with the start of the semester?

I would treat the samples more like a writing sample -- so separate from the SOP. However, the prof prob knows more about your specific field than I do and would know what would be appropriate....

I've also heard this is the reason why colleges do this...

It certainly may hurt you, but being open and honest about it, I would think, would be the best way to go.

It's great that the prof gave you the name of someone else to speak with. I'd definitely follow up with the director and thank the original prof for their help.

You can have scores sent the day you take the test, you don't need to receive the official score report. I'm not sure what the cut off is to ensure they're received by the schools by the deadlines though...

Depending on how up to date their website/webpage is, typically you can find out a little about what they're currently researching. With that, I typically say I'm interesting in their research on the topic of XYZ (what you can discern from the website) and then ask if that's the direction they're planning in the future, or what new topics they may be exploring. The one thing you don't want to do is ask questions that have answers you can already find on the website. Or that are more appropriate for a grad coordinator rather than a prof.