barryblitt

While I've been told the GRE isn't important for admission into graduate programs, I'm still nervous. My math score will be, alas, abysmal. And, although I have practiced a bit (emphasis: a bit), my verbal score remains a stubborn 710-730. I'm fairly sure I will score over 650 for the GRE lit. test, however, since my undergrad education concentrated on obscure Haitian poets rather than, oh, say, Milton, I doubt that I will score anything spectacular. I am hoping to apply to top programs. I have confidence in my SOP, writing sample, recommendations, etc...I have some publications under my belt & a 4.0 from an ivy league school. Should I apply with mediocre GRE scores? Can I get decent funding with a verbal score in the low 700s? Also, is anyone worried about the Economy and how it will affect admission for fall 2010? I'm considering applying next year, in hope that Things Will Get Better, but I would prefer to be back in school as soon as possible. Do you suppose that universities will be admitting fewer students (but still giving full funding), or rather just reducing everyone's funding?

hey, no one is saying that academia is a meritocracy. But I think it's fair to assume that most people who are in (especially Ivy League) masters terminal programs are paying their way. Those in PhD programs are probably equally privileged, come from educated families etc. But, at the end of the day, if you're talented enough, the universities pay you...not the other way around. I think older students are great. This nothing to do with age. But when "Masters students" are taking taxis to class and referencing the Da Vinci Code....(sigh)....it's difficult to take them seriously.

Having attended columbia, I've found M.A terminal students to be some of the stupidest in my classes. A lot of wealthy older ladies who mistake literature classes for book clubs (by extension, mistaking lit professors for...Oprah). Professors don't give them the same attention they give to phd tracked students & there's a pervasive "cash cow" sentiment. But...hey! If you've got money to throw around, why not? If you can make an M.A terminal program happen financially, you can always use it as a stepping stone to a better PhD program.

it's a lot of fun to study for! although not in the same way that English classes are fun. no slow reading, no savouring. this is trivia dork game show fun. I feel like Vana White will give me a free trip to Hawaii if I can name Beowulf's sword. but anyway. a question for those of you who have taken the exam. How useful was the practice test which is sent to you when you register? Is it an accurate indication of what will be on the exam? In short...how should one tackle this beast?

...

p