C&C

American History R_Escobar (20th century, American Indian), crazedandinfused (antebellum, intellectual), hopin'-n-prayin' (southern, religious), stevemcn (transnational), Simple Twist of Fate (early American), zb642 (20th century, labor/working-class culture), BCEmory08 (19th-20th century Catholicism, labor), irvinchiva10 (20th century, immigration/immigration reform) natsteel (early American political culture and intellectual history) unforth (19th century US political and military history, US Civil War) hbeels (colonial, early national, 19th century, transappalachain west, historical memory of these eras/areas) thedig13 (20th century U.S., culture and protest, African-American) junotwest (19/20th century African-American, Cultural/Intellectual, Gender & Sexuality) calhoun&caffeine (19th cen. Southern [political]) European History Kelkel (Modern Germany, political), goldielocks (Britain), SapperDaddy (Eastern and Central Europe), kotov (Modern Romania, Holocaust, labor), RevolutionBlues (Modern Western Europe/France labor and leftist politics), theregalrenegade (18th/19th cent British Empire/environment), jrah822 (19th century Britain; emphasis on colonial relationship to India), grlu0701 (Intellectual & cultural history,fin de siecle Germany and Italy), naturalog (modern European [mostly German] intellectual and cultural/sexuality and gender/political radicalism), runaway (Eastern/Central, memorialization & visual culture), Sequi001 (Modern France, gender and sexuality, colonialism/imperialism) Abetheh (19th/early 20th century Germany and France, religious politics vs secularization) African History Oseirus (precolonial/early colonial West Africa), Singwaya18 (20th century East Africa), Safferz (20th century Horn/Northeast Africa), The People's Scholar (Spanish colonialim in Africa- i.e. middle/West Africa) Jogatoronto (Psychiatry in early colonial West Africa) ronwill06(Social and political radical movements) Latin American History CageFree (20th century, Southern Cone), BH-history, The People's Scholar (18th-19th century Colombia) StrangeLight (20th century Central America) East Asian History alleykat (Modern China) kyjin (Pre-Modern Japan) Near/Middle Eastern History uhohlemonster, (modern Israel, Iran, Palestine) oswic (modern Egypt, gender) Atlantic World sandyvanb crazedandinfused Global/World History cooperstreet (Cold War) melissarose8585 Jewish History uhohlemonster, (modern Israel) hopin'-n-'prayin, kotov (Holocaust), naturalog (sometimes modern European/Holocaust), runaway (memorialization & visual culture), ticklemepink (20th c. Germany/U.S) Science/Technology/Environment shaxmaty1848 (Cold War) StrangeLight (environmental history, ecological distribution conflicts) Social annieca (Cold War and Post-Cold War East and Central Europe) Classical and Medieval Hogs of War (Monastic Studies and Conflicts in Authority) Cultural StrangeLight (gender, race, ethnicity, and religion) hbeels (race/ethnicity, religious, masculinity/feminimity, print/literature) crazedandinfused (race, nationalism, performance, rhetoric) alleykat (religion, race/ethnicity, cultural relativism) Canadian History truthfinder (New France, religious)

John C. Calhoun: https://twitter.com/JohnCCalhoun It's always entertaining to read through tweets that mention Calhoun and Jackson.

I have the same problem! Standardized tests kill me. However, one of my best decisions for this application cycle was to re-take the GRE. (Thank you again to thegradcafe for helping me out with that call!) Re-taking will show programs that you care enough to take it twice, and that you didn't give up. If you still don't like your scores after the second exam then I'd quickly address it in your application. I'm willing to bet you'll improve since you know what to expect. Your GPA is stellar so don't let this get to you too much like I did. Good luck!

All of your posts helped me to draft what I think is a pretty strong email to a poi at my top master's program...so thank you! Oddly enough, I'm stumped on the most simple part....what do I title this email?! "Prospective MA Student for Fall 2014" "Graduate School Advising Question" "Prospective MA Student Inquiry" Those all sound awful to me. I don't know why this is so hard. Maybe I'm stressing too much and over-thinking this process.

Thanks again everyone! I have a thesis meeting today so I plan on asking my adviser what she thinks too.

Thanks everyone! I'm applying to both terminal Masters programs and dual Masters to PhD programs and they all offer funding. I might still consider leaving the boxes blank for the terminal programs since none of them are terribly expensive, and I would already qualify for the cheaper in-state tuition.

As I've been filling out applications, I've noticed that most programs ask: 1. Do you wish to be considered for financial aid. 2. Do you require financial assistance to study here? Since I've informed my professors that I'm applying for Fall 2014, most all of them have insisted that I not consider programs that don't offer aid at all, or ones that would accept my application but not offer aid. On my applications I've been checking both boxes saying that I want aid, and that I require it to attend a program...because it's true! However, does that mean my application has a higher chance of getting thrown out sooner because I need some sort of TA or research position to get through school? Or do most applicants fill out the form the same way? What it comes down to is that I want to do whatever I can to give myself a better chance of acceptance, and not come across as rude in my application. Thanks in advance! (^How I feel when filling out these apps.)

Thanks for the outline LeventeL! I actually just wrote that outline down so I can model my own emails off it. I think I'm going to start by emailing the MA programs and then work up the courage to email the MA-->PhD programs. I also have a lot more experience with my POIs' work for the MA programs as they've spoken at my school, and I've read their work for class. I need to start reading more people's work so I have something to talk about!

Thank you!

Is it common to email professors before applying to terminal MA programs? I know for the larger joint MA to PhD programs the protocol is to find professors who want to work with you, and their websites remind you multiple times how vital it is for admission. However, I haven't seen that anywhere on the websites for schools that only have the terminal MA programs. They just emphasize the LOR, SOP, etc. Maybe I just missed it? Obviously, I've been writing my SOP tailored to each program, who I would like to work with, and why...so would that cover the emailing for the MA programs since they don't ask for prospective students to email POI? I feel like emailing would show initiative for the MA programs, but if it's not the norm I don't want to come across as annoying. Thanks in advance!

Personally, I think your credentials are pretty impressive. If I had those scores I wouldn't be retaking the GRE! I would advise looking up the programs you're most interested in, seeing what they list as their past applicants' average scores, and how much they value the GRE. It also couldn't hurt to talk to some professors at your current institution and get some feedback from them. When it comes to applying, I think the general rule of including some "reach" and "safe" schools (as long as you have a genuine interest in the programs) on your list is a solid strategy to ensure that you get accepted somewhere. (Not that it looks like you have much to worry about.) Good luck!

Looks like we're applying to some of the same programs! I'm retaking my GRE next Friday, but I haven't changed my study methods too drastically. I've made sure to study daily, focus on my weaknesses, and go through math/vocab flashcards before bed. Magoosh online practice is very helpful and they have smart phone apps as well. Based on how you do, it gives you a score predictor which is fairly accurate. I also took a GRE course at a local college, and I found that to be very helpful. I've heard that reading articles from the NY Times, scholarly journals, etc are a good way to prep for the verbal section. In essence, my main advice is to not get overwhelmed or discouraged, and practice smarter--not necessarily harder. Good luck!

I've personally never had any issues with the vets that I've taken my pets to. However, I was also an animal & veterinary sciences major before switching to history, so I've worked with a vet in my area for a summer, and know how several local vets conduct themselves through that experience. Honestly, all the vets I know are good people who love what they do. Unless they live in a wealthy area and are a certain specialty, they really don't make a ton of money compared to other doctors. That was one of the first things our professors told us my freshman year---don't pick this profession if you want to make a killing. That being said, make sure you research your pet and what you believe its issues are before going to the vet to avoid unnecessary testing! It saves you money if you're a well-informed and vigilant pet owner.

It's not a bad score at all, so congrats! Retaking it certainly won't hurt either. It'll show the programs that you're applying to that you're a serious and dedicated applicant. I'm sure you'll do even better next time!

At the very basic level, I put a generous amount of salt and pepper on the meat (both sides) before it hits the pan. I noticed that if the veggies I'm using release a lot of water into the pan I'll usually have to re-season the meat towards the end of the cooking process. Since I'm half-Italian, I use tons of basil and garlic salt as well. I've found that to make the dish flavorful it helps to use one or two ingredients that pack a punch. I LOVE green peppers and they're wonderful at flavoring the meat and other veggies. Sliced potatoes are great because they'll hold onto any seasoning you put on them. Chopped fresh garlic is always good as well. We have a great organic garden here, and I've found that the fresher the food, the more flavor it will add to your finished dish. I never use frozen or canned ingredients! I think those processes can take out a ton of flavor, put in too much salt, and aren't necessarily the cheapest. Sometimes it also helps to cook the meat in veggies separately. You can even just partially cook the meat, then put them on a plate, cook the veggies most of the way, put the meat back into the pan, and finish cooking. Another way I like to season meat is I'll put steak in a glass pan with a bottle of cheap vinegar based salad dressing on top. (I usually go for Italian dressing.) Tenderize (AKA poke holes in the steak with a fork) and let the steak sit in the fridge for a few hours. (This is a great thing to prepare in the morning and then go to class and forget about it.) When you get back from class/work/whatever put the meat in the oven (still in the dressing) and cook it until it reaches medium rare, medium, well-done, etc. I think this is actually a Paula Deen recipe if that helps you locate it. Anything that she suggests is delicious. In all, I never use pre-made sauces since they're unhealthy (usually) and simple spices with fresh ingredients are all you need to make an amazing dish! As further help here are the ingredients I use the most (not necessarily all at once): chicken slices, pork chops, cheap/thin steak, green peppers (almost always), potatoes (scalloped, not from a can), tomatoes, kale, fresh garlic, fresh basil (so easy to grow!), onions, chick peas, whole wheat pasta, salt, pepper, garlic salt, ground basil, anything fresh that I find on sale. I really don't know anything about cooking. I just learned this summer by busting out the pans and giving it a go! Hope this helps! (Sorry that this post became a monstrosity...) EDIT: Sorry also that I have a gif addiction. I really can't help myself.

I'm so happy that this forum exists! I wish I had come across it sooner. I'm applying to a growing number of MA & MA-->PhD programs (see below) to hopefully study more on the History of the American South. As of yet I'm not entirely sure what my concentrations will be within the field, although I know I'd like to branch out from my political history background. The entire application process terrifies me (I'm already having a hard time sleeping), but I can't picture myself doing anything else, so I need to make it happen! Thankfully, taking it day by day and having started this process as soon as the summer started, I know I'll have everything done on time which helps me relax a little. Anyone else crazy about the South? Or is it just me...? Good luck everyone!

I'm obsessed with John C. Calhoun! (In case my username didn't already give that away.) I'm actually in the process of writing a thesis on nullification at the moment. All I can say is...what a character! I also enjoy Robert E. Lee, "Stonewall" Jackson, and John Adams.

My method of attack is: Search fridge for food that is close to going bad. Heat up large skillet on stove. Chop up the veggies / meat. Season meat. (salt/pepper/anything you like) Toss olive oil in pan. Cook meat most of the way. Toss in chopped veggies. Cook until done...then ENJOY! I'm the simplest cook around, but that dish never fails me and it has as many variations as you can think of!

Great idea! http://db.tt/uZ7vlE38 Thanks in advance!

The T431s series definitely looks like a sound machine. I can't help but prefer the Zenbook Prime to it though...mainly because it's a sexy looking machine. I'll give it to the T431 for packing a better punch on the inside, and not being overly pricey. I'm heading in to Best Buy later today to get a hands on feel of some of these brands to get a better idea of what I like. I'm actually pretty impressed with Vaio as well, but they seem to lag behind the Lenovo and Asus just a little.

Thanks everyone! I'm going to go check them out now.

I currently have a spawn of the devil, Dell Studio 15, laptop. Getting this laptop my freshman year of college was a huge mistake, and this device has caused me more stress than I care to go through. For grad school, I'm making the permanent switch away from Dells, and I had my eyes on a Mac. However, it's not compatible with the games I play (immature I know, but I can't help myself), and I'm not sure if getting bootcamp and all that mess is worth it. I don't plan on having free time in grad school (I've gathered that it doesn't exist), but after a really bad day, I like to unwind for a few minutes by gaming before getting back on track. That being said, what laptop brands out there are you all using? Do you recommend them? Lenovo and Asus are looking pretty good to me at the moment. I plan on going to school for history if that helps--lots of word processing and article reading I'm guessing. Thanks in advance!

Your GPA seems great, and your scores certainly aren't shabby! However, I'd go and check out what each of the programs you're applying to has listed as their average GRE scores. Knowing that information (and your AW score in a few weeks) will give you a better idea of what to do. In the end, go with your gut feeling.

I found that Magoosh was pretty accurate. I did quite a bit better on the verbal than it anticipated, but it was accurate for the quant. I wouldn't place too much value on the practice tests though, as I found the quant on the actual exam was harder than what I practiced. Guess it shows that no matter how much you do, you can only predict so much about the exam.