Phoebecaulfield

I completed an M.A. in English Lit this past May. Though it was a Literature degree, I focused on film studies throughout my time in the program. During my two years there, I did well in my classes, put effort into building strong relationships with certain professors, and also threw myself heart and soul into a select few of the projects that I worked on. I think I made a positive impression, but because I always was working other jobs and because I saw myself going into an alt.ac career post Master's, I didn't really invest in the grad school culture very much or do things to add to an academic C.V. By that I mean I didn't really ever go to colloquium, other events, I didn't try to go to conferences or anything like that. I was just focusing on my classes and when I wasn't doing that, I was working on my freelance writing career. Despite that, I am really passionate about academia and the only reason I shied away from it is the knowledge of how thankless it can be. Well, now despite that, I think I want to apply to Ph.D programs. I just can't get enough of this stuff. Sorry, future self. One of my professors recommended a publication as a good way to get something solid on my C.V. This method is also cheaper than affording a conference. I have a film theory paper I wrote in an independent study with this professor that I think I would like to work with and submit to some publications; even if it's not good enough for a more prestigious pub, there are zillions of smaller online film journals where I might have a shot. Any advice? Do you think this is a worthwhile pursuit?

Got an email today asking for a financial aid component, saying they had reviewed my financial aid file... I haven't heard yet whether I've been accepted or rejected, however. Should I be excited?

I deferred last year. It was very easy. I just emailed and requested a year to gain work experience and also to try to find funding. It was for an unfunded MA, though. Now, a year later, I most likely am going to be telling them I won't go at all. Not sure how that will go over, but considering it's an unfunded MA... Don't think it will be a big deal.

Lol no worries whatsoever

No sarcasm!!! Somehow people think that in real life and in writing whenever I try to display enthusiasm, haha. Good luck to you and to Eternal Optimist with securing funding. :/

Great, the opportunity to talk about Nova is pretty much my dream come true.

Wooooooonderful. Can't wait to work with you. Yo, it's crazy how hard we work just to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars so that we can work more. It's a rat race. Also I noticed in your signature that you applied to Villanova. I went there for undergrad, and am well acquainted with many of the professors who teach in the graduate program. They are some of the best people I've met in my entire life. Please feel free to PM me if you get accepted and have questions about them, the school, the area, etc.

I'll put in a good word. Interns take care of most of the hiring process, so shouldn't be an issue. I can probably get you a kingship pretty fast.

Never go to school again!!!!!! But seriously, I have a pretty good internship at a publishing house in New York. I might just try to get a job there and say screw you, higher higher education.

To a million unfunded MA's Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Went to Villanova for undergrad... I took classes with a few of the professors who teach in the MA program and they are great. Extremely supportive people and great teachers/scholars. I would definitely recommend the program 100%. If you have any questions or anything please feel free to PM me.

This should be an easy question to answer... I hope... Otherwise we're all going to be screwed in grad school. I'm going to be sending stamped envelopes to a few of my recommendation writers. How should I format the address on these envelopes? As in... Just the address for the program? Or, c/o [My name]'s application one line above the address? Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for that info. I think I'm going to apply to the program you did at Pitt. I love Pittsburgh and have been looking for an excuse to move there for two years now.

I didn't read all of these responses yet, so I apologize if I'm repeating something. I was in the same position last year. Out of a bunch of PhD, I ended up with only one acceptance from NYU, for their unfunded master's. I ended up accepting the offer, but then deferring for a year. I am still not sure if I will end up going or not. Everyone tells you not to pay for a master's in English or any humanities discipline, and I can see why. I've spent the past two years reading Chronicle and Higher Education and all sorts of articles and talking to professors. I've heard all the reasons why you shouldn't attend unfunded. Still, even though that is the opinion that is in vogue, I'm not entirely convinced. If you're aware of all the setbacks you will face, and still want to do it, I say go for it. I most likely will end up doing so... And hey, if we both end up at NYU next year, that would be pretty sweet.

Fiz, you could always take a year off and next year apply to some programs that are closer to home. I know that technically you are supposed to pick schools based on fit, but you can't completely discount location. If being close to your significant other and your home will help you be happy, then I don't think you should force yourself to leave, if you can find a way to compromise.