sankofa
-
Posts
73 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by sankofa
-
-
So I'm editing my writing sample, a seminar paper I wrote last semester on an understudied topic with fairly untouched primary sources (needless to say, it was an exciting term). I got an A and my professor raved about it, but I'm still finding so many weak spots, like vague language here and there, and even a few silly grammar mistakes. I'm cringing so hard! Definitely glad I didn't wait til the last minute to edit before submitting applications.
How is everyone else doing? Anyone stressing out yet?
Hey! I know what you mean, I waited until the last minute last year and it wasn't good. I am not stressing as bad this year. I have already submitted my first app this week (early, to get a few waiver) I feel much better this year! Is this your first year applying to programs ?
I am in awe that the board isn't as active this year (or maybe not to me--I could be wrong).
I do hope everyone's editing and writing is going well.
-
Hey, thanks! Yeah, I'm able to do that on a couple of the applications, but for at least half of the schools I'm applying to, I can't officially submit the recommenders until the entire application is completed.
Dang, I am sorry to hear that. Hopefully some of the board veterans can assist you with your question then
-
Hello, I'm no expert and have only been through one application round but in my experience (on all the applications I completed) you are able to send the email request to the recommenders before submitting. You only submit once you pay your application fee.and ready to go by November 15 (which is when I'm trying to submit the applications so that my recommenders have enough time to submit their letters !
For example, once you insert your recommenders emails into the system you are able to send them the prompt before completing the application if you choose.
Again, this is my personal experience. Sorry I was not able to offer advice on the writing sample inquiry but I hope this helps.
Good luck!
Cheers!
-
Oh, I didn't see your early reply! My mistake.
Another question -- are you expected to send GRE scores to the department as well as the actual university? Is that something I could call and ask about? I thought I had read somewhere that it wasn't necessary (I think at my current institution they forward scores to the department), but then I looked again at Indiana and found this: "For electronic scores, the codes are “1324” for Indiana University and “2799” for the Department of History."
Am I going to have to shell out another $27 (times 8 schools) to send the scores to the departments?
I am no expert, but I believe you only send them once and they put them in your file. No need to send twice. I have only been through one application round but do not see where this is necessary. Hope that helps
-
Glamdoll - I am in a similar situation as you (self-teaching Russian, taking a CC course in the language next term) and in my SOP I'm basically saying that, while I am "just beginning" to learn Russian, I plan on honing my skill in the language in a doctoral program. I think it's fine to say something along those lines, just don't exaggerate your competency.
Also, you might want to mention you're self-teaching the language to POIs. All the ones I spoke to were actually happy that I was doing so and happy to discuss how their programs could accommodate my desire to learn the language (which, in turn, helped me narrow down programs and further personalize my SOPs).
In the CV, I'd only include languages you actually are fair or good at reading. Some online apps also ask for you to list languages and level of competency, and I wouldn't include it there either. This is just my personal feeling, though.
Thanks so much for the advice ! Everything you said makes perfect sense ! I will be using these tips.
Be blessed!
-
Sorry, I also have a question pertaining to languages when applying to a phd program. (Although this has absolutely nothing to do with the op's post, I figured I would put it here instead of making a new thread) -- anyone can answer.
I want to learn an African language (specifically Afrikaans) and since most programs require a foreign language and relates to my topic this is a good thing. However, I do not believe that this would be a common language course that is taught or that I will have time by application deadline. However, I have begun looking up books to buy on this language.
My question is, in my sop for Fall 2015, do I just say that I've started learning this language or just express my desire to learn it? Technically, I probably will have very little knowledge of the language but do I even mention this or just express my desire ?
Sorry so lengthy, this application season has got me jittery as I've been preparing all year.
Thanks for any advice and help in advance.
Cheers!
-
Is it me or are these threads getting fewer and fewer posts these past few years?
I'm fairly new here but do you think that is because more people are getting in or just giving up?
-
I applied to the summer seminar and got rejected today. I have never heard of this and applied on a whim. It was a slight bummer but I think they are looking for people with certain views. Idk. Good luck !
-
Congrats ! Good things happen when you least expect
- DCguy and schlesinger1
-
2
-
I am part Choctaw, and from southern OK, and was working on a writing project about the Trail of Tears, when I ran across a book. I was curious, so I googled the author's name and discovered that she, too, is Choctaw, from OK, and just happened to teach at UNC. I found her email, sent her a message introducing myself and she ended up having Theda Perdue (UNC historian) help me with some research for the project. We have been emailing for two years now, and she is the one who made it happen.
Aww that's so good
I hope things work well for you ! Well I will be here for fall 15 as well. Welcome ! -
I'm here for round 2. This summer will be very interesting as I prep.
-
I am watching this thread with interest. I will be applying for the 2015 school year at UNC. They are going to fly me down to visit the graduate school this fall.
How did you manage that ? Just curious lol
-
Wherever I go this fall, I promise to remain a committed informant on the 2015 thread.
Thank you and catsandscarves ! We will need the help and optimism
I think the first cycle is learning experience. -
So who wants to start the 2015 thread
Ditto ! I see I'm not the only one gearing up
lol at least I won't be alone -
What a slow day.
Yes !
-
I hope all of your schools sent you the Valentine's Day card you really wanted today!
How sweet of you ! I haven't heard anything but I'm still holding on to hope
happy valentines ! -
It still just says "Submitted." My guess is you're waitlisted or rejected if you haven't been contacted because the admitted students weekend emails cc-ed all 22 admits.
Ok. Thanks a bunch
I didn't know they had a wait list. -
I have a quick question for Duke applicants. Once you were accepted/rejected, did your status on the online website change ? Or still say "submitted" ?
Thank you for your help.
-
Let's not talk about how much weight I've gained since the start of this process!
I second this ! Unfortunately. The waiting is turning me into a human garbage disposal lol haha jk
-
I'm interested in chapel hill news too
please share lol I guess I thought it would be later due to the weather in ga,sc and nc
-
I think you should take it as positive news. I applied to uncg and was rejected. So at least there is still hope IMO
-
-
-
Thanks! I hope people keep sending tips on cohort sizes.
To say it is "updated constantly" would unfortunately be an understatement.
Idk if this helps but I was told unc greensboro takes "4-5 new doctoral applicants" all US history, though.
Good luck everyone
Fall 2015 Applicants
in History
Posted