RiverRunner

I know there is poll out on this, but I don't trust the results yet, since only 15 or so people have taken it. Also, I don't care about the median answer, I want the SMART one. So: When is it appropriate to ask profs if they would be willing to write a letter of rec? Is September too early? Also, how is it best to ask? My initial thought is that in person is the most respectful, forthright mode, BUT if the individual does not want to write one asking over email is a helluva lot less awkward. Thoughts?? Thanks!

It's so funny, I just felt my first pang this afternoon, and the minute I log in (first time in a couple of days), this thread is on the top of the forum. It's really nice to know I'm not alone, if only connected through cyber space. I'm dealing by belatedly returning phone calls, and getting in touch with those I said I would stay in touch with, but have been lousy at so far. It's only working a little. There is familiarity on the other side of this bleak moment.

So far so good with NJ transit. Have also been down to visit Princeton. Princeton is WAY nicer than New Brunswick. I also got the "well, you would have to live in New Jersey" response, but Rutgers had the best offer, so here I sit. Its not awful. I'm just broke, and the heat and humidity are making me cranky ; ) I am loving the pizza, its nice to have chinese delivery, and LOVE public transit, especially decent public transit, which NJ transit is compared to where I came from. So all is well.

It hasn't been quite six years since I took a math class, but none the less, my skills were rusty. I got one of my friends who is a math wiz to tutor me. This, along with rapt attention to the suggestions of the Kaplan guide, and use of the many free practice tools on the internet helped me to take my initial score (the Kaplan guide comes with three CAT practice exams which simulate the real thing nicely) from a 450 to a 610 in only a couple of weeks. The key is to get as familiar with the test as possible, so take as many practice exams as you can. As for the verbal portion, its mostly vocab. Again, pay close attention to the suggestions in the kaplan guide. Supplement that with playing word games. Check out Freerice.com, sign up to have a "word of the day" in your inbox every morning, and look up every single long word you aren't sure of as you come across them in your reading.

I applied to 12 programs, with a mix of MA and PhD, and got accepted to four. My advisor always said it was a crapshoot, and the more places you apply the better shot you have at a win. That said, unless your independently wealthy, I can't imagine having the time or the money for much more than that. i agree with the sentiment that you should only pick programs you would be happy to attend if indeed you got a suitable offer.

For those of you claiming you miss new Jersey, sell it to me, because I am still at "oh God, what have I done moving to New Jersey?!"

I refuse to go to DD for coffee on principle. I'm attempting to make due with Bagel Bazaar. I know, I'm a coffee snob. Also, in an effort to assimilate, I'm trying to replace my love for authentic Mexican food with a love of authentic Indian food, since that seems to be ubiquitous.

we west coasters are apparently spoiled. is coffee before noon and a variety of hot sauce choices too much to ask?!?!?

personal GRE anecdote: I got a late start on the application process. I initially intended to apply only to the MA program at my home institution, and so scheduled my GRE appointment according to their rather late deadline. Around the middle of November, I decided I wanted to apply to other programs. I lost out on that opportunity because they were unwilling to accept my scores after their application deadlines. I somehow doubt those programs would have been receptive to a request for a waiver.

If you have the resources to retake it, then do it. You still have plenty of time, and you want every piece of your application to scream "you NEED me."

GRE scores matter, and will continue to matter more and more over the next couple of years as applicant pools are flooded in response to the down economy. I had decent scores, 640V 610Q 5.5W, and I was rejected from every single PhD program I applied to (granted, this had more to do with my SOP than anything else, in hindsight). I was accepted to a couple of excellent MA programs, thankfully. Do not underestimate the importance of any single piece of your application. Strive to make every piece a high selling point.

Generally these schools look for 3.7 and above. If you scan their FAQ sections on the Admissions page, they will say things like "generally there is no required GPA. However, if you fall below a 3.6 we would look to other areas to strengthen your application."

I agree with Tidefan on this one. Checking out faculty you might like to work with, contacting them about the specifics of their research, and thinking deeply about your stated area of interest in an effort to narrow down the types of questions you might be interested in asking are very important first steps in deciding what kind of program your interested in and where to apply. The midwest has great schools. But so does the rest of the country. Think again about limiting yourself by geography, unless you are absolutely place bound. This was the best piece of advice I received while moving through the application process. Think broadly.

I went with the hand written thank-you note sent through the mail. Anything else seemed inappropriate. Maybe im cheap.

My husband and I moved 2800 miles, without a previous visit. I do not recommend getting an apartment you have not walked through. I was able to set up showings for apartments I had found online that met all my criteria (close to school, size, expense), but when we actually walked through, they were unlivable. You can do all the work you want from afar, but nothing beats getting on the ground and checking out the area and the apartments for yourself. Our approach paid off in that we found a great little apartment within our price range in a nice area that had a community feel. I had to give up my plans to walk to school, however. Some tips: If you are short on time and money and don't want to spend a lot of time in a hotel while you look for an apt, check out individual residences rather than apartment complexes. The renters of these places are less likely to have a lengthy application process you have to wait through. Think an apartment above a shop. When packing the UHAUL, ask yourself three times if you absolutely need what you intend to drag with you. Be willing to take a place that might need a fresh coat of paint, and then offer to do it in exchange for a speedy move-in arrangement. Good luck!