fran12

Thanks for the tips. Looks like I'd better get cracking!

Hi all, I'm yet another comp lit hopeful looking for a bit of advice. I plan to apply to MA/PhD programs this fall. My primary region of interest is Latin America. I'm a native speaker of English and am fluent in Spanish, having majored in Spanish and lived in South America for several years. As an undergrad, I took (and received high grades in) four semesters of intensive classes in a non-European language that is not central to my research interests. My question is whether or not training in a second foreign language works to an applicant's advantage if he or she does not plan to focus on that language in the future. My hope is that the good folks on the admissions committees take such studies as an indication that the applicant is a good language learner; am I deluding myself? Is anyone out there in the same boat? Thanks!

Thanks for the tips!

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. I made a post introducing myself and asking for advice in the Cafe forum, but given my desired field of study, I think this is a better place to do it. I got a B.A. in Spanish in 2006 and am currently working on a continuing education diploma in gender studies at a South American university. I hope to apply to a complit PhD program (in the States) in December 2009. Is there anyone out there with experience in this field who would be willing to enlighten me a little? I'm in the preliminary stages of the research process, so I would very much appreciate tips on seeking out programs and drawing up an application list. Thus far, my primary interest and experience have been in Latin American literature and culture, but I'm interested in studying Slavic and Central Asian traditions as well. Therefore, I would love to find a program that would allow me to focus on the Spanish-speaking world while starting a new language (say, Russian) from scratch, but I don't know how realistic this is at the postgraduate level. Any thoughts? Also, is it advisable to simultaneously apply to M.A. programs in case the PhD programs don't work out? A little about my background, in case it helps: Languages: Spanish (fluent), four semesters of Arabic GPA: 4.0 in major, over 3.9 total GRE: I can't remember the exact scores, but I remember being satisfied. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum, so first of all, I'll introduce myself. I'm from the Midwest and got an B.A. in Spanish in 2006. I'm currently researching PhD and M.A. programs (both in the U.S. and abroad) and hope to apply in December 2009. Does anyone out there have any experience applying to/participating in programs in comparative literature or Latin American studies? Any tips about schools, writing samples, recommendations, and the process in general would be greatly appreciated! Thanks