antigone56

Two questions: 1) What's the latest one can take the GRE and still feel pretty confident that scores will be ready in time for applications, assuming first application due Dec. 15th? I took the GRE last year in July, so I have a score in the bag already, but I'd like to re-take this year. Was thinking some time between October 15th and November 15th? I'd like it to be Nov 1st or so if that's reasonable. 2) If I score worse than I did in July 2012, (hopefully I won't, but if I do), can I still have my July 2012 scores apply instead of my October or November 2013 scores? Thanks in advance!

Another question: in one's Statement of Purpose, it is somewhat 'mandatory' that one reference one's writing sample and to a degree, explain it, particularly if it's very related to one's research interest(s) in general? I haven't completed my SOP yet, so I don't know if referencing and talking about my writing sample will be organic to it or not. I can say that my writing sample is, in fact, related to what I'm going to be describing as a research interest, but I don't think I absolutely have to reference it. That is, unless you all say it's supposed to be mentioned.

Do you all think that one *has* to mention one's writing sample (and sort of "explain" it) in one's statement of purpose? I am working on my statement of purpose right now, and I'm thinking of not mentioning the writing sample at all. I feel like it speaks for itself.

Thanks! (I should probably just stop trying to predict the future...) But I'll also check out that thread; should be interesting.

I wouldn't re-take with those scores, especially not for an English program.

In you all's experience, do people often get into just one program when they apply to 12-15 or so? I've noticed that people seem to get into either none or a few. The other day I was bugging my boyfriend about whether he thought I'd get into a PhD program or not, and he said that if he had to predict, he thought I'd get into one (he was sure to say this had nothing to do with me, but just about it being competitive). But I don't know. I just don't see that "just one" thing often, from lurking on these boards. Not to say I wouldn't be thrilled to get into just one. I'd take it, easily. Just wondering if you all agree that if, out of 15 schools, you're "good enough" for one, you tend to be "good enough" for at least two others, besides.