cultsoc

I would strongly caution against asking a fellow applicant to provide feedback on your SOP. It's one thing to proofread for spelling/grammar mistakes and a totally different thing to give feedback on what is arguably the most important piece of your application package. I say this for obvious reasons; if you're not a current student or have never gone through the application process, you're probably not the best person to give feedback. It probably doesn't help you that most graduate students are busy working on their final papers right now. I'd suggest politely asking your professors or the graduate students in your department (if there are any) to provide feedback on your SOP. You could also try sending a short and polite email to a graduate student in your programs of interest to see if they would volunteer to look over your SOP.

I think it definitely depends on the department culture. In my MA program, we addressed the professors as "Dr.______". In my current program, everybody is on first-name basis. My current program is also a zillion times better and friendlier than my previous one, so I think a lot of it has to do with departmental culture and how friendly the environment is.

Just a heads up to all new applicants, take care of yourselves. This is not the time to create extra stresses in your lives. While the application process itself is pretty taxing, the waiting period is worse. For those of you who are applying for the first time, my advice is to find something interesting and engaging to do in the meantime; do something you've always wanted to do, start learning a new language, pick up programming, hit the gym or pick up a camera and take some photos. Nothing will completely take away the anxiety and the thoughts but it is crucial that you find a healthy outlet during this time. Extreme anxiety typically leads to short and long term physical health problems as well so take extra care of your health. In my experience, this process takes its toll on every facet of your daily life, including your interpersonal relationships and mental state. Take care when dealing with those close to you and try to be aware of your emotional and mental state daily. Yes, most people around you won't know what you're going through or may not completely understand the stresses involved but it's on you to try and remain calm. The next 4-5 months of your lives will be stressful but think of it this way: how much will you be thinking about this whole process next year this time? in two years? five years? Fact is, most of you will get in some place, some won't. But no matter what happens, life goes on. So, try to remain present and take things one day at a time. I wish you all the best.