caputmundi

Yes, still an education. I think it's definitely worth keeping in mind that just because it's a Christian school doesn't mean there aren't plenty of other students who, like yourself, are interested in the school because of what it has to offer academically rather than spiritually. I say this without knowing what school you refer to, but overall I think this is generally true. Did the applicants who "seemed very religious" try to convert you or something? How exactly did they "seem religious"? Do you think they seemed this way because it was something you were worried about to begin with? Also, I've been friends with Christians before. They're not so bad, you know? But now I'll borrow a phrase from another avid poster on this forum; YMMV.* *Hope this isn't academically dishonest, I'm not sure who says this although I know I've run across it once or twice on this forum. If I knew who you were, I'd cite you I swear.

Hi. Our classics forum is dead. I'm hoping this topic will generate some more activity. Regardless, LateAntique, I would love your input. I'm wondering if anyone is particularly worried, like I am, about admissions numbers this year. I have a friend in a top PhD. program who has confided to me that her department will be admitting far fewer applicants this year. Has anyone heard or know of anything similar? Maybe I'm being paranoid, and I hate to project my fears on anyone else... but I just can't feel comfortable about my application and my chances. I am applying to top schools, and I feel almost convinced that I will not be admitted into a single program. And, at least according to the objective standards people discuss on this forum, my application is in pretty good shape. I just have this whole idea that programs will admit fewer students...and those students will all be coming with MPhils from Oxford or Cambridge or after having spent a year abroad on a Fullbright. Ease me fears. Confirm them. Just tell me what you think.

i'm applying there and my program requires the letters to be mailed to the department.

I, too, will blame ETS for all of my problems hereafter. All of them.

Does this mean you think you will hear back from some programs as early as January?

It's not so much an essay as a few sentences. They only allow 700 characters! Don't misread this as I did, as 700 words, and waste your time coming up with something other than a few straightforward sentences. I had the same questions about whether to even fill it out. But I guess I'd rather be safe than sorry. I would rather not appear apathetic.

i had tried to order score reports online using the new format, and everything was messed up. error reports everywhere. had to call to get my scores. what genius at ets thought it would be a good idea to make this grand change NOW in the middle of application madness? It was such a hassle and absolutely absurd.

WELL, this doesn't sound very Christian. I don't suppose you've tried that angle with the registrar already? Hmm... I think you are doing the right thing by contacting the DGS's to hear what they have to say. I think that's the only thing you can do. So now you play the waiting game. Sorry this isn't much help but I hope you hear good news from all of your schools. I feel for you...what a shitty situation.

hahahah sorry. no, i'm sure you're right. it's just the three of us, for SURE! See you guys at Princeton!!!!

Come on, guys. This is very wishful thinking. The fact that people aren't posting on an online forum is a clear indication that applicant numbers are down?! That's just ridiculously flawed logic. The economy still sucks, remember...?

I really would not recommend spending a large amount of money on GRE practice materials. The test is very "learnable" and all you should need is a book and a few online practice exams. I used a Kaplan Premier book, I think it was around $30 (not exactly sure on this) but it came with 4/5 full length online practice exams. Don't forget to also download the Testprep software from ETS... perfect simulation of actual test and it predicted my scores almost exactly. Good luck!

oh but hey, you should still be confident. i'm sure you are kick ass.

professors from two schools suggested i come visit and meet with them in person. that said, i have no idea how common it is. it's obviously not a bad sign, but i think you are right to be wary of reading too much into this... it might be fairly common to extend such offers. in my case, at least, it would be up to me to pay my way there. if they were paying for you to come down, then maybe you could go ahead and feel as confident as you damn well please.

Hi, LateAntique. I'm applying to Classics programs this year, and didn't want to leave you hanging on this thread. Either there aren't too many of us who have discovered/are interested in this forum... or those who have are being sneaky about it, I guess. I suppose I can gather from your name where your general interests lie. I'm not sure I want to be too specific about my interests/where I'm applying... but my plan is to apply to top programs, and I'm trying to narrow that list to around 10. I'm not even quite sure why I want to remain anonymous. Paranoia? Maybe. haha... but best of luck to you! I'll be commiserating every step of the way this tense application season. Hopefully we will both be happy classicists in the spring!

Responses to my queries have ranged from extremely enthusiastic to nonexistent. I am inclined to agree with the above posters who have warned against putting too much stock into these responses, but in general, being outright ignored can't be a good sign. It's especially disconcerting because I am actually trying to get an idea of where my somewhat unique approach to my discipline will be supported and well-received. I would much rather be directly informed that X Department would not be a fitting place to pursue my line of work than left wondering without a response. And, of course, I wouldn't mind saving myself the application fee. At the same time, I don't want to make an erroneous assumption based on an ignored email and not apply to a school that would have actually been a good fit! Sorry, not sure anyone can actually shed light on this issue... just really had to vent.

Maybe I'm missing the obvious... BUT I can't find a link to the results page via the Forums with this new format. Help? thanks!

i've decided i can no longer follow this thread. it's too overwhelming.

Where are all the neurotic classicists who I would expect to be venting all of their application anxieties via online forums by now?? I guess I'll get the ball rolling. I'm interested in hearing what you all think: Is it tacky or relatively standard to rattle off some of your basic academic stats (GPA, GRE scores, etc.) when contacting professors in prospective departments? Obviously, an email should include more than this (research interests, pertinent questions about the dept., etc.), but I'm wondering if it might also be appropriate to offer this kind of basic info as well. Thoughts?

You ask two questions: 1. What are your chances to get into a good post-bac? I think your chances are quite good. It seems you are hoping to make up for your "deficient" Greek preparation (I use this terminology in the least antagonistic way--from the viewpoint of a grad school AdComm you haven't had enough Greek). While I believe some post-bacs suggest strong intermediate backgrounds in both languages, it seems unlikely that your application would be rejected on this basis, especially since your many years of Latin may make up for your year and half (almost... 3/4 of a semester??) of Greek. It is not my sense that post-bac programs are extremely competitive in terms of admissions. Although I believe UCLA's program is smaller than the rest, so their admissions criteria might be somewhat higher. Bottom line: if you submit a thoughtful application, I would be willing to bet you will be admitted to a solid post-bac. I have heard the best things about UCLA and Penn, by the way, although I'm sure your professors would be able to advise you in that respect. 2. and then a good Ph.D program? Good luck with this one. It's a competitive process, and stats don't tell the whole story. But the good news is you will probably be well-advised during your time at a post-bac, and I think doing such a program speaks to your maturity as an applicant.