[Fall 2014 applicants??]

Anyone else applying to Georgetown's MA program? Their writing sample requirement is 8-10, which is shorter than all my other applications require. So I called the department to see if I could send a longer sample, and they told me that you can, but they can't guarantee that the committee will read past the 10th page.

 

Does anyone have any experience with this? Do you think it's likely that they'll really just stop reading? Obviously I know I could cut it down (and may attempt to), but I'm not sure I could take out that much without really compromising my argument.

[Fall 2014 applicants??]

Another questions about word limits: if a program says it wants 300-500 words for the sop, would having 600 words be too much?

 

I wondered about this too, but I ended up paying more attention to the page numbers. Some schools say things like 1-2 pages single spaced, 400-500 words. So I figured it was okay to be a bit over 500, as long as I wasn't over 2 pages. 

 

As long as you're in the general range, I would think you'd be fine! That's what I'm assuming, anyway.

[Fall 2014 applicants??]

What is the protocol on reminding people to write letters?! This professor said she was writing mine a week ago but it hasn't been submitted yet and the deadline is tomorrow :S

 

I would definitely remind her ASAP. Obviously you don't want to be annoying, but I wouldn't risk not getting in a letter in time for something like that. I'm sure she'll understand your concern!

[Fall 2014 applicants??]

So my recommendation letter writers aren't being helpful in terms of looking at my materials and offering advice. It's such an awkward situation because they're already writing me letters so it's not like I can beg them to look at my materials as well. I sent them my materials in order for them to write the letters and asked them help then and haven't received any. So, at this point I'm going to ask other professors that I had classes with but who aren't my letter writers. Is that a bad idea? How should I phrase the email (should I mention that the other people weren't able to help--I'm just afraid that they'll say something like "this is the job of your letter writers."). Grrr, this process is so frustrating. 

 

Wow that sounds terrible- sorry you're dealing with that! Have your letter writers actually said that they don't have the time to look over your materials, or are they just failing to respond? I know a few people whose letter writers fell under the "absent-minded professor" category, so they had to continue reminding them to stay on schedule with everything. But I can't imagine that professors who thought highly enough of you to write your letters would be unwilling to look over your application. If they are just scatter-brained, I would try reminding them again and expressing how much you'd appreciate their help.

 

If not, I would contact others, like you mentioned, but I wouldn't specifically mention the other professors unless they asked you outright why your letter writers aren't helping you. I would just phrase it like, "I'd appreciate another set of eyes on this," or "I'd value your insight," blah blah blah. That would probably make them more likely to want to help than seeming like you're tattling on the other professors (although obviously you have every right to be irritated at their lack of help). 

 

Just my opinion, but hope it helps!

[Fall 2014 applicants??]

Is it for their English and Comp. lit programs? I'm applying to their comp. lit but it's not mentioned on their admissions page, or I might have missed it??

 

I am not sure about Comp. Lit, but it's for English, at least. There is a section on the English Graduate website dedicated to the clusters (http://www.english.northwestern.edu/graduate/interdisciplinary_clusters.html), and then it gives you the option to apply to one in the online application and attach a "cluster statement" explaining why you'd like to join. But they also say that you can join a cluster at any point during the program, so I guess it's not totally necessary to apply from the beginning. Wasn't sure if it might increase the chances for admission or if that factors in at all.

[Fall 2014 applicants??]

For those of you who have applied/are applying to Northwestern, are you submitting a cluster statement? I'm torn...

[Northwestern University Cluster Statements?]

Hi everyone! I have the same question as Harmonielehre... Thoughts on whether it's a good idea to submit a cluster statement? 

 

And for those of you who are submitting cluster statements (or have in the past), what are you focusing on? I'm having a hard time writing a full page about why I want to join a group that I know next to nothing about.