smellybug

A person in my program switched from a PhD in Comp Lit at Davis, so that's not a stellar recommendation. But it depends what you're doing. Their program is insanely small and there's no way my interests would fit. Maybe yours will. As with all UCs that are not Berkeley or Los Angeles, get a clear picture of funding. I've heard their funding is not guaranteed, which, if true, is definitely a reason to cross them off your list.

You should also know that almost all programs (at least I've never heard of one where this was not true) will allow you to take your language classes pass/fail, so you don't need to worry about the grade.

It depends on the school, so do your research. I had an "advanced" knowledge of one language (just three years coursework), was working on a second Slavic language, and got into plenty of programs. For some programs that wouldn't have been enough, but I didn't apply to those programs. One program actually told me that the WS was much more important because you can learn a language but you can't learn how to have passion and original ideas.

As someone who's learned three languages as an adult, I can't help but wonder why on earth a scholar and writer would want to avoid language requirements. In fact, I switched to Comparative Literature after kicking and screaming my way through an English program's language requirement. Only then did I realize how important second and third and fourth languages are. I understand that it takes a lot of time, but it will be useful in ways you probably can't imagine. Learning languages gives one a new relationship to language and culture and allows for better scholarship (i.e. access to original sources). No culture was created in a vacuum, especially not in the US! I'm an Americanist and find language acquisition crucial to this field. And, as folks have pointed out, reading knowledge is different and, arguably, easier to acquire than speaking. Plus, some programs are willing to send you overseas to do this work during the summer. Bottom line of your worst case scenario: You'd spend a year or two doing coursework and then be able to read Spanish folktales or German folktales or Native American folktales! How awesome is that? I'd urge everyone to reconsider the language requirements as a good opportunity to be paid to do something you might not be able to do at any other point in your life.

I just don't get it. What are they going to do, send you a postcard at your new school? Don't burn bridges. Be nice.

Our funding is guaranteed for at least five years. I would research this and not accept any offers without this guarantee.

We teach English comp, world literature, and a language if we are able/want to.

Dear GraduatingPhD, Is there a reason you've made this post in FOUR different places? I am starting to think that your intentions are not to warn anyone so much as they are something else. Confused, Smellybug

Dear GraduatingPhD, Is there a reason you've made this post in FOUR different places? I am starting to think that your intentions are not to warn anyone so much as they are something else. Confused, Smellybug

Uh. I know/hope this is sarcasm, but please don't buy into this. If grad school is such misery, don't do it. It's not like it's going to set up a solid future or anything.

I second the Culler introduction to lit. theory. I still refer back to it. It's waaaaay easier to start with a secondary source that contextualizes movements than to just crack open the Norton and read willy-nilly.

In my programs (English and Comp Lit) it's a lot, definitely well over a third. English might be even more so, since they are more selective and highly ranked. However, I've come to view this as more representitive of the kind of applicant that comes from those schools, rather than an inherent bias towards the schools per se (although this probably does play a role). I honestly think that few applicants who came out of my school could have put together the application that I did. Resources are few there and we didn't have many models.

GO. And be aware that you are selling yourself! Edit: Just realized you're already going. Assuming you are interesting, fun, and nice, be yourself. Otherwise, be someone else who is. Enthusiasm goes a long way. Be interested. Know that connections might help you, but be genuine.

(For the schools I was accepted to last year) What I had: publications, conference presentations, pretty good writing sample, connections with faculty members (visits or phone calls), interesting/ unusual project on minor literatures, great GRE scores, great recs, 4.0 in Master's program, individual research for project (I.e. dedication) What I didn't have: prestigious undergrad, prestigious MA, prominent rec writers, great undergrad GPA, traditional background Who knows what it was that got me into programs. In all likelihood, some of the things that kept me out of one program helped get me into another...

No!