med latte

I'm combining Magoosh and Empower right now. The Empower focuses more on strategies for answering quant questions without solving each problem in the traditional way (good if you're running out of time or if you're rusty on math skills). The Empower verbal modules have given me some great insight into addressing the RC questions as well. In the two weeks wince I've added Empower, my quant practice score jumped 8 points and my verbal 3 points. I'm thrilled with it. I prefer Magoosh for vocab, though. I love the Magoosh vocabulary flashcards phone app. It makes it easy to review throughout the day no matter where I am. In short I would say that the programs complement each other well. You pay for Empower on a month-to-month basis, so you can always cancel if you don't think it's for you.

Are you planning to go into academia? If so, being a TA would be good experience. Essential, possibly. That workload and stipend is comparable to others I've seen in my field. Nobody ever said it would be easy. Avoid the debt. Really. If the stipend is low for your field or the work requirement is too high for you to manage, then I would suggest either getting some time management help or waiting and applying to more schools next year. Avoid the debt. Your future self will thank you.

I just signed up for it today, and will follow the three-month study plan. Feeling optimistic. Have you checked out the videos on the website, Thisisgaby? That will give you a feel for the program.

I have the Kaplan 5lb book with online account (that was the source of my first full practice test yesterday), and Magoosh apps on my phone. I just signed up for the online Empower course; it looks like the videos will cover the basic math skills I desperately need to review. I think a big part of my problem with the quant is that it's been 20 years since I looked at a math problem or took a standardized test. I had to guess at many of the quant questions. But at least I know my baseline, and it can only improve from here. I'm determined. When I applied for my MA, I applied to only one school, and for a program that did not require GRE scores. Overall I'll have a pretty strong application to the PhD programs I'm aiming for -- great GPA from my MA, work history, presentations, and letters of reference -- but I must get these GRE scores up. Anyone else have stories of increasing GRE scores?

I just took my first practice GRE, and my score was 9 points below my target for Q, and 2 points below my target for verbal. I have 5 months to raise those scores. I'm alarmed by how far I have to go on the Q. Let the studying begin! I'm curious -- how much were you able to raise your scores with studying and practice?

I am so glad I saw this thread! I'm in a similar boat -- I'll be presenting a paper this fall, the same time I am applying to PhD programs (I finished an MA about 10 years ago). I had intended to submit the proposal as a poster presentation, but later discovered that I had made an error on the application and submitted it as a paper. Now it's been accepted and I've confirmed my participation....and I've been second-guessing myself. Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in the same place as you, Beefgallo. Thanks for the input, Fuzzy. I found this short book to be helpful - How To Make A Scientific Research Poster by John Elder. I got the Kindle edition for free on Amazon. It can be annoying at times, as the author is promoting his own printing company, but overall I've found it helpful to think through content and design.

You might find this helpful http://theprofessorisin.com/2012/01/12/dr-karens-rules-of-the-academic-cv/

aeb123, any update on your situation? Did you approach your DGS? How did it go?

My BS-detector just went off. I'm guessing either 1) you are naive enough to think that the world functions in black and white, and that additional information or altered circumstances do not change prior agreements all the time with no moral fault or ill intention, 2) you have not realized that you are one of countless incoming masters students that will be forgotten about by the school within a day, 3) you have failed to see that fully-funded PhD students and post docs have wrestled with similar decisions and lived to tell the tale, 4) there is another piece of the story that you have failed to tell us, or 5) you have the need to find someone to tell you whatever it is you want to hear. There are people here still on waiting lists, and it annoys me that you would be selfish enough to stew in your own made-up drama for days instead of picking up the phone, declining the school you obviously want to decline, and perhaps making that spot at school A available for someone else.

You know what you need to do for yourself and your future. The longer you wait, the harder it will be on everyone. The nonfunded program might have time to offer the spot to a person on the waitlist. Let go of the idea of a school "badmouthing" a student because of a decision made in the wake of funding information. You assume they were "mad" that you got into another school...really, they know that most students apply to more than one school, and they know that funding availability affects decisions. If anyone at the school raised their voice at you it may be because they were having a hard day, they are often unprofessional, and/or they were annoyed by how often you were contacting them. I doubt it was because they were "mad" you got in elsewhere, especially for a masters program not tied to research with a specific PI. Accept the funded offer, get written confirmation, then decline the nonfunded offer. This situation happens often, and it certainly not worth the angst you seem to be feeling.

Do they PhD programs comes with tuition waivers? If not, I would go for the masters program. The time will go by quickly, and after that you may find that you have more PhD programs to choose from.

Depends on which school you are attending. UIC? UChicago? Different neighborhoods, different worlds.

At many schools the application system will hold your materials until every required piece of info has been submitted. It is only then that your application will be released and read. If three is "required," I would not read it as optional. Why do you say you can't get one from academia? A professor may remember you more than you realize. There are some great threads here with advice on approaching professors. You may have time to do a summer independent study project, or assist in a lab, etc.

Oh, and look for the book Newcomer's Handbook For Moving to and Living in Chicago. That will help, too.

I lived in Chicago for 10 years. Knowing neighborhoods is key, both in terms of safety and transportation options. It's a lot to learn by yourself, so I would suggest going through a service like http://apartmentpeople.com or http://www.chicagoapartmentfinders.com/

Hi Cactus Ed, You mentioned that you took a course in academic publishing. Can you tell us a bit more? Was this part of your Ph.D. program coursework, or a public workshop? It sounds like a great resource. Thanks!

My applications will be due between Dec .31 and Jan. 15th. When is the best time to approach potential LOR writers?

Officially saying hello to my "older" friends. I'm excited that it's 2015. After two years of thinking, debating, and planning, I'll apply to Ph.D. programs this fall -- the same time that I turn 39. It's been 10 years since I finished my masters, and 16 since I finished my bachelors. For the past year I've been taking a couple of online courses at the university I hope to get my PhD from. I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I've enjoyed the classes and homework! I'm now certain that I can commit the the PhD journey. What's giving me some anxiety is how much technology has changed how students work. I'm learning about Mendeley and Workflowy now. I can see that tools like this will be extremely helpful, but in the meantime I'm struggling to get caught up and learn what the 20-somethings in my classes seen to know intuitively. And the GRE.....whoa. I'm having to relearn so much of the math, which is humbling since I know a great deal of is it taught at the advanced high school or early undergrad levels. I can successfully run a nonprofit healthcare organization and lead 22 staff, but the rules of algebra? I'm lost. Thanks to all for keeping this thread alive -- it's been one of my favorites on GradCafe so far!

I wonder if the school may have purchased a mailing list from a professional organization or academic society.

If you are renting, your new landlord may require a deposit If you are already established with your credit union, you may not need to change it. I stayed with mine (and do banking online) Register your new address with the USPS online You may need to file taxes in both states - nothing to worry about now, just remind yourself to check into it later If you are moving with a pet, get his/her vet records, rabies tags, and see if you need to register him/her in your new town Note contact info for all your current doctors (eye, dentists, any specialists) Don't underestimate how expensive it is to move -- start saving now! Decide if you want to get a new local phone number Save all receipts related to moving

The PhD process will help you develop or refine skills required to do original research that contributes to the field. Flush out what those steps/skills are for your area.

I applied to one MA program and was rejected. I took a few classes there as a non-degree student, and gained another year of experience working in my field. When I applied again a year later, I was accepted and awarded a scholarship.

Just wanted to echo what Toyin said. Thanks for sharing your stories, everyone.