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klader

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Everything posted by klader

  1. I'm officially staying at Miami of Ohio to pursue my PhD in comp/rhet! ? I am soooo excitedddd, and I feel such a weight lifted off me now that I've decided. I feel seriously so much less stressed. This process stretched out for quite a long time because I just didn't know what I wanted... Until I did, and until I realized I already had it all along (*insert cliché feels*). I'm ready to start PhDing!!!!!
  2. Hey there! My heart goes out to you, as I am also struggling with my final decision (which also includes Purdue, and also includes a first-year fellowship, and also includes me feeling as though I'd be missing out on such a good opportunity). Here's what I've been doing, and it's been miserable: think about what you're most sad about giving up. For me, I'd be giving up a great support system at the school I'm currently at, as well as incredible administrative opportunities available to me right away since I'm already here and I've already proven myself. I'd also be giving up a future adviser I really want to work with. At Purdue (I'm in comp/rhet), I'd be giving up a (the?) leading program in my field with the resources, connections, coursework, and opportunities I might not be able to get anywhere else. What is most important to you? Is it the locale, is it being near your family, is it space with a fellowship to learn, is it a 1-1 teaching load at Purdue? It's impossible to really fully know, but think about it, and think about it, and then make a decision and sleep on it. See how you feel. I went to bed deciding on Purdue, and woke up feeling upset... At disappointing people where I'm currently at. And that tells me a lot. I know this is really hard. Hang in there! And I'm happy to PM and chat about the department at Purdue if you'd like, as I visited and met a lot of people and got a good sense of things (though I am in comp/rhet).
  3. Such excellent advice here! I'll add one more thing: to echo what someone else had mentioned, a lot of this really does depend on how applications are reviewed and selected. Some programs have everybody in the grad faculty read and rank the applicants and then they come together and discuss/decide; some programs have a certain committee of 3 or 4 people who decide; some programs have a committee of just 2; some programs may operate even differently where individual faculty pick who they want to work with and cohorts are formed that way. So, all this is to say, your odds of admission may be different depending on who you are planning on (or who they anticipate you) working with and how applicants are selected. A prof at my MA institution, for example, warned me that I might have faced stiffer competition because I was applying to work with a person EVERYONE applies to work with (it's okay; I still got in, but I was one of only two admits who were selected to potentially work with this person because they were trying to balance the cohort). So also be aware that some of this is just outside of your control! You don't know who else is applying, and with whom they're applying to work. And that definitely affects things and definitely varies. And unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it.
  4. Definitely a good sign!!! Congrats! I'm hoping you hear good news soon
  5. Congrats!! Sounds like a great fit for you. I'm glad you found a program that will work with your interests and that has a good financial package
  6. The wooorst hang in there! And take your time. Seriously. Everyone's got until April 15, and if you're still waiting on schools you'd really like to attend, then it's worth waiting. But I get it if you want to just make a decision and move on. And congrats, @Wabbajack !!! And I'm sorry, @katie64
  7. This is tough :/ I echo what others have said about being happy. Having money and being able to afford stuff makes you happy, and being stressed about loans and such can be a real burden/affect your work. So, there's really no chance for funding at Penn State? I'd take them off the table then, honestly. That's my outsider's perspective. You need to be supported by your institution, and finances is definitely included in that. But I totally get it because I over think everything, too!!!! I've officially reached analysis paralysis where any more thinking or talking with people would just get me nowhere. I'm choosing between Purdue and Miami. Both are excellent fits, and both have people I want to work with both can support me financially, etc., so it's really just a matter of which one is BETTER for me. So, I'd do well at both, but which one can give me more of what I want? (I think Purdue)
  8. Hey all! It's been quiet here. How's everyone doing? And has everyone decided? (I haven't... *sigh*)
  9. I don't know if this is true re: needing an MA -- my school had someone apply to the PhD without an MA and they bumped the person down to the MA pool, because the PhD program does require an MA. And I feel like a lot of comp/rhet PhDs are like this, though of course some allow you to get the MA along the way (I'm thinking of Penn State and Ohio State here). But I think earning an MA first is the norm/usually required at least for comp/rhet. Also, yes, I think WC work can be great preparation for teaching (it helped me basically learn how to teach, I'd say) and you can definitely market this on PhD apps. A lot of times, programs look for teaching potential, which could also be proven by extensive WC work.
  10. I'm at Miami Ohio now (rhet/comp), and I'm certain they've already made their decisions and *I think* sent out the rejections? So, if you haven't heard anything, you should email the grad secretary because you might be on the waitlist. And I know that both lit and rhet/comp typically admit from their waitlists every year. I've also been admitted to Purdue (their welcome weekend was back in February) and I think lit might operate the same way as R/C, where they keep all applications open until they fill their cohort. So it isn't over until it's over with Purdue! Hope that helps
  11. I went to Cs and had a good time! Everything was conveniently located close together, and I was able to meet a bunch of people and catch up with previous professors. And I learned a lot and got some great feedback on my research. It is *super* stressful to be trying to finish the MA and now fall behind bc of Cs, though, so meh.
  12. Just wanted to pop back on and say congrats to everyone who has heard good news, and good luck to those still waiting!
  13. @Daenerys I agree with what everyone else said. Since you are so close, I'd encourage you to go visit them. Talk to the faculty in person. Ask them when they might retire. Talk to current students in the program. Sit in on some classes (lit, too, to see if it could match your interests) to get a clearer picture. What my faculty have been telling me is that you need a solid number of people interested in what you are interested in to make a diss committee. So, you've got to feel it out. And I'm really sorry this is happening!
  14. Congrats!!!! I was waitlisted. You should feel proud because they only admit 4 people a year!!
  15. Yes, good advice for sure! I am just really intrigued for the rationale and such, ahah. I'm also new to interviews. Guess we'll see what happens!
  16. I feel like they have changed things lately. I know someone who was accepted without an interview, and this was just two years ago. Maybe they are trying something new this application season?
  17. I definitely feel like some places are more transparent than others -- one gave me a chart with all the information I needed/wanted for PhD graduates over the past five years; some don't even mention anything on their websites or are fussy when you ask. I feel like transparency is a strength for a PhD program, because they're not necessarily hiding anything from you. They'll say, "Yes, everyone has gotten a job, but not necessarily on the tenure track." And I respect that honesty. I'd contact them directly for this info, as they may tell you privately even if they don't have it listed publicly.
  18. Anyone going on campus visits soon?! Purdue's is Monday and Tuesday! So early, I feel like, but at least it doesn't conflict with some of my other ones lol
  19. I HAD A PROF WHO CORRECTED THIS TOO!!! He said "Professor X" implies that he was a full professor, which he was not, and that Dr. X more accurately reflects his position. ETA: Was gonna edit out the "Prof" in "I had a prof who," but I'm keeping it because the accidental irony amuses me.
  20. Had mine today too! I think it went well? They also said they'd decide by the end of the month. Good luck, @midwest-ford, if you haven't gone yet!
  21. Add me to the "GRE DOES NOT NECESSARILY MATTER" list: got a 151 verbal (50th percentile!!!!) and am 5 for 5 so far. All but one required the GRE, and a couple schools listed that "admitted applicants score in the 98th percentile." The GRE does not define you. I honestly am opposed to standardized testing, and I think most people in comp/rhet would agree, so there's that.
  22. Yikes, look at that gaping hole in comp/rhet. I will fill out the info I have!
  23. One of the people I've been communicating with keeps signing off "Prof. X," so I think it really just depends. Some are cool with first names, some not. I usually default with Dr. to err on the side of respectful.
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