engphiledu
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Posts posted by engphiledu
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7 minutes ago, Lovegood said:
Does anyone know about University of Stirling from UK? I applied by coincidence and got admitted in The Gothic Imagination MPhil, but...it's a MA program without funding, I don't know if it worth the money, or will help me with further Ph.D application, because Gothic Lit is kind of my reading interest, not one of my academic interest.
I'm not sure about the program, but my advisors, undergraduate professors...everyone has strongly guided me against accepting any non-funded or even partially funded offers. Their reasoning is that unlike doctors or veterinarians, funding for graduate school isn't impossible to find (though, as we all know, the application process makes it difficult to guarantee). However, we won't make enough money (on average) to be able to comfortably pay off any loans. Some of my colleagues and professors are still paying off their loans, and they're tenured.
I was told that it's always better to sit out a year, strengthen my application, and work than commit to that kind of financial burden. Again, I don't know about your program, but just some general advice I've received!
- lyonessrampant and Lovegood
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15 minutes ago, ChloeCriss said:
I got my first response/acceptance!! I'm officially accepted to University of Alabama's fully funded Masters program!! It comes with waived tuition, a $13,500 Graduate Assistant stipend and an $800 Loomis scholarship (per year). Hallelujah. One down, four more to go.
It's just such a relief that no matter what happens, I am moving forward.
Congrats!
We can't be friends anymore, though, unfortunately. War Eagle, Roll Tide, hoorah football and all that.
By the way, totally kidding. Though when I first came to Auburn for my Master's, I was very quickly educated on the rivalry and told where my allegiances needed to be. You can't beat the Alabama/Auburn football spirit.
I was like, "But, I'm only here to read books." Wrong.
Seriously, though, awesome news!! It only takes one!
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7 hours ago, Yanaka said:
Me again!
I didn't know where to post this, but I need as many honest answers possible. I am going to apply to a few MA programs whose deadlines have not passed yet and submitting my GRE scores is not mandatory for some of them. Would you consider that a ~155V ~140Q and 4.5 AWA can hurt my application? Since I'm doing my BA in a French university and will not have an English major, I am debating whether my GRE can help show that I'll be comfortable with studying English or if, on the contrary, they're not good enough to be submitted and might tank my file. What do you (very candidly) think?
Sending good vibes your way! I agree with everyone else. I avoided submitting any scores if they weren't required, though I do think that more schools (as @positivitize mentioned) are understanding of standardized testing B.S. So, even for those schools that require them, don't feel as though it will eliminate your chances either for an MA.
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Just wanted to express my gratitude to all the lovely people on these English forums.
I glanced over at the History forum (my husband applied to a few programs), and it's really tense over there. Some applicants are being downright rude and degrading, or on the other end of the spectrum, arrogant and close-minded.
I know there have been periods on this forum where some of us have disagreed. It's not always rainbows and sunshine, by an means. But, the outpouring of love both for fellow applicants who are struggling with rejections (or radio silence) as well as those who have received good news has reinforced my faith in what we do - the study and spread of humanity. Even as fellow competitors for a select few spots, we are able to build each other up and offer condolences/congratulations. By no means am I saying that the History folks (or any other boards) don't have this support network as well, and I think I've just happened upon a not-so-desirable, unfortunate argument. Overall, I think that's what GC is meant to be and primarily accomplishes.
But, I wanted you all to know that I am privileged to be counted among such a group of individuals. Even though you are all in many ways strangers, I think that's what makes your unhesitating desire to send virtual encouragements even more amazing.
- DankOcean, Yanaka, Dr. Old Bill and 9 others
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23 minutes ago, allywally said:
I've been lurking for a while, but this thread is so encouraging that I decided to post. I have yet to have any acceptances, but am still trying to keep the faith! Congrats to all those who've gotten in!
I'm out of upvotes, but I'll come back and make sure I give this a plus one later!
Routing for you!!
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3 minutes ago, ratanegra19 said:
So, I'm noticing a lot of folks on this thread who refer to being waitlisted, rejected, etc by Boston College in their signatures--does anyone have any info on when they sent out Lit acceptances this year? I haven't heard a word about acceptance, rejection, or waitlisting, and their online portal just tells me that my application is "complete". I don't want to bug the department, but I'm also a bit perplexed. Help?
@Caien shows an acceptance! (Sorry to invoke you, Caien!)
I received my waitlist on January 30 via email. Dr. Najarian called later that day to give me more details about waitlist. No status on my portal has changed.
Sorry I don't have additional information!
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13 minutes ago, Wyatt's Terps said:
HUZZAH!! You're starting to clean up!
So did they actually notify by postal mail? That's...that's...very 19th century transatlantic of them!
Ha! I know, right? What's better is that they included an "acceptance form" (when you decide to accept the offer) to be mailed back!
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Accepted to South Carolina! So happy to hear some good news this week.
Congratulations to all! And I hope for the best for all who are still waiting.
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I would say no, especially if you turned down the original offer in a professional way. I agree with @claritus - they probably won't remember - and most understand that we have to make tough decisions when it comes to which offer to accept. Many professors had to make similar tough decisions (whether it was choosing between grad schools or job offers). They won't hold it against you for making the best choice for your situation.
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Officially on the waitlist at Boston College! If anyone is still waiting to hear news:
Received an email notification first directly from director of the PhD program asking for the best times to call.
Received a phone call later from director, explaining the waitlist procedure (which is the same as a normal waitlist) as well as funding information if accepted off of the waitlist.
Immensely honored to be considered!
Good luck to everyone as we enter February! For all those who haven't heard news yet, don't lose hope! For those who have only received bad news so far, keep your head up! For those who have heard good news (acceptance/waitlist), congratulations, and I hope you continue to have excellent responses!
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12 hours ago, Warelin said:
I think my only concern here would be that determining a cut-off might be difficult unless all information was correct. Looking up "Cornell" English for example would bring up a minimum score of 135 that was accepted. A lot of programs don't list minimum scores but those who do list that they prefer seeing scores in the top quarter. A 135 would be in the 3rd percentile which just seems off to me.
I imagine that 135 must be a mistake. I know over the two application seasons I've been on GC, I have seen quite a few people accidentally switch their Verbal and Quantitative scores. Some people will also input a result twice to make a correction or addendum to an original post.
Really interesting, regardless! I think what it does highlight, as several have already mentioned, is that the numerical difference between all of us as applicants is minuscule.
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Yanaka is right mostly about funding. In order to find my programs, this is what I did (and what many of my advisors recommended):
Look at top journals in your field and who is publishing (or recent books). Who is publishing, and if they are a professor, where are they located? Are they tenured? You don't necessarily want to make a decision on a school simply because a single faculty member is there, but you can then look at that school more generally (who else is in your time period, doing research that works with your theory, etc.), and then you can look at funding availability. Generally, schools will try to fully fund all the PhDs they accept, and then whatever funding is left generally goes to MAs. There will be some programs who will accept without funding, but that is more common for MA than PhD.
You can also look at rankings, location, etc. to help you select schools. So, what I did after locating faculty members was to look at the graduate school US rankings to continue to expand my list of possible schools. I knew that there were places that were too far from home for me, but also that there were some schools I ultimately decided were too far of a "stretch" for me to apply (schools which get hundreds of applications and accept 2-3). So, I went through the schools individually which ranked higher than my current MA program and looked for my particular area in each faculty directory. Most schools have handy search features (like showing faculty in particular time periods or selecting certain theories).
These two steps helped me establish a long list of school options (30+). Then, I ultimately whittled that list down to the schools I thought were the best fit!
I hope this helps somewhat!
- Yanaka and Dr. Old Bill
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My thoughts (and I, by no means, am an expert on this, so feel free to ignore), would be to respond to the email, thanking them for the opportunity, your excitement at being considered, etc., and then assure them that if you decide to accept another offer, you'll be prompt with your notification. Generally, when it comes to the waiting list, they're still on the same deadline as everyone else (April 15). That means, they'll be waiting for people to accept/decline the wait list offer for several more months since some programs will notify much later.
However, I have also found that generally they don't expect a response, and that they assume you'll notify them if your status changes. During this busy season, sending an email won't hurt, but they also will be prioritizing emails. That means that although most people I am sure would be happy to answer any questions you may have, I wouldn't necessarily email them about their waitlist timeline/process.
I hope that makes some sense. Congrats, by the way, on your waitlist! I know it doesn't feel as good as an outright acceptance, but you should still feel very pleased at having been placed on a waitlist.
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12 minutes ago, Caien said:
Guys, I've just been accepted to BC
I'm completely in shock, I knew they only accept like 4-5 people so I applied assuming I'd be considered for the MA!
Email said I'm accepted to the PhD in English 'with a concentration in Irish studies', which I didn't know existed at the PhD level, but after looking at their website it looks likes its more to do with the fellowship than the program.
Many congrats!!!
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Just wanting to send some love everyone's way - acceptance, rejection, waitlist, or otherwise.
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55 minutes ago, Wyatt's Terps said:
I just checked OSU's website.
I GOT IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"Congratulations - you have been offered admission! Use the link on the main page of the Applicant Center to accept or decline. Please click the Application Requirements tab above to see what items, if any, are still needed. Items with a status of 'Incomplete' are still required, 'Received' are currently being processed, and 'Completed' have fulfilled the requirement."
I can't believe it. Utter shock and joy right now.
I keep worrying that I'm going to refresh and it's going to go away...
So many congratulations your way!
I checked my portal, and I received the same status update for OSU!
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2 hours ago, Irene9 said:
Hi
Does anyone receive the interview invitation from Emory University or University of Maryland-College Park?
I saw someone put the results---"interview via Email'' on the forum, but I haven't receive any notifications from these two programs.
No interview means little chance of acceptance, right?
There are several people from my cohort who applied. One received the email which said there were only 15 candidates being invited to two nights of interviews. Only five spots are available from those fifteen. So, unfortunately, I think Emory is out for me, too.
I applied to Maryland as well. I didn't receive any notification, so I'm not sure on that one.
I know typically acceptances/rejections go out in waves, but with interviews, I don't think they spread those out. Sorry I don't have better news!
- anxiousphd, hibiscus and Lovegood
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1 hour ago, Yanaka said:
@Caien My NYU app showed the submissions right away :/
@Caien Mine showed up immediately as well. I will say that I did have an issue with another school's application where my recommender said the letter was sent, but somehow the system hadn't accepted it. I'd contact NYU for sure.
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I always check the MLA International Bibliography, if you have that database available. It often links to full-text on other databases, or at the very least, shows abstracts.
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On 12/2/2016 at 8:52 AM, Yanaka said:
Okay well I can't resist lurking here, also I'm procrastinating cramming Rhetoric for an exam.
I've already opened a thread in the more general section, but I thought I'd give it a try over here. It might be more appropriate. Would anyone agree to reviewing my SoP? It's not as much out of anxiety for what I've already submitted, as it is to make sure I've done my best for upcoming Duke and Princeton apps. And Cornell. One friend has helped me from her PhD applicant point of view (and she has an MA), and another friend with an MA helped me with another point of view on the dynamic of my statement. But since a lot of you have already been through the process, I thought an ultimate review would be awesome.
I'm only going to graduate from a BA, and it's my first cycle so the odds are rather against me. I might as well try everything I can right now, even if it means asking for the boring services.
I don't mind taking a look. I have to give exams this week, but I should have some time between grading finals. I, by no means, am an expert, but I would be happy to give any pointers I might have.
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14 minutes ago, bhr said:
Some of you will have decisions in hand within the next two weeks. That's got to be a pretty good feeling, right? That all this planning/waiting is about to pay off.
Are there really schools that will decide that quickly? I don't think any of my previous decisions arrived any earlier than mid January (including rejections).
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2 hours ago, Yanaka said:
I'm freaking out. Now I'm thinking I have no back-up schools and should apply to fully-funded MA's, but that means bothering my profs for their reference letters again. What should I do!!
Also, the application process has had its toll on me already, and although I've only submitted Berkeley and UCLA applications and have 5 more to go, I don't feel like continuing. Reading publications, tailoring the SoPs... I'm tired! And I have exams coming up for my actual school. That I have ignored for the past two weeks.
How do you guys deal with the "I'm not gonna get into one of those schools/I hope this is not all going to be fruitless" feeling?
I thought I had MA applications in the bag (applied to 8), and then I received mostly rejection letters. I also didn't apply to top-tier schools by any means, so for me, that was also a big shot to the ego. But, it also taught me a few things.
1. There are no guarantees in graduate applications. I'm reapplying to the school where I just received my MA for PhD. In many ways, I can consider this my "safety school," but even then, you never know what may go through the heads of those who are reviewing applications. There were several schools I thought were "in the bag" during MA applications due to the connections my recommenders had and the rankings, and I was mistaken. It looks like you're applying to quite a few top-tier schools. What honestly may help is for you to reevaluate and perhaps add just one or two lower tier schools. There are a lot of solid programs out there, even if they aren't ranked in the top 30. Although being accepted to one of those top schools is great, you can make up a lot of the "prestige" just by being a solid student and prolific publisher (at least when it comes to the job market). I'm sure if you explain to your recommenders you'd like to apply to a few less competitive programs as somewhat of a safety net, they'd understand. Then again, there are those who really would rather sit out the application season after being rejected from top tiers and try again the following year rather than be in a less prestigious program. You have to evaluate what's best for you (and your academic objectives). But, it might take a bit of the stress off, honestly, if you can think to yourself that there are a few schools which might be more easily achievable.
2. Most schools fund PhDs before MAs. So, there are still a lot of programs out there who fully fund MAs. However, when applying to MAs, it's also common to be accepted with no funding (since they prioritize funding for their PhDs). From my experience, though, the medium/lower tier schools actually have solid MA programs. Some of my colleagues and I were actually discussing that our experience at our school is that we have really solid MA students who use the program as a way to get a "step up" in PhD applications. For me, I'd say that's true. My undergrad was a tiny school which I felt was a disadvantage. Now that I've completed an MA at a more research-oriented program, I feel better about my chances, not only in terms of qualifications and training, but also just name recognition. (Reviewers saying, "Oh, this person is from such-and-such," instead of "Where the hell is this school located?") Some fully-funded MA programs don't have deadlines until January, so you'd still have some time to focus on your exams while being able to complete a few additional program applications if you were interested. Will full-funded MAs, you'll generally have to teach to earn your stipend, but that also gives you an advantage in some cases for PhD, though generally teaching experience isn't necessarily as important. Just a bonus.
3. Always have a back-up plan. So, if you are not one of the people indicated above (who only wants to attend a top-tier and will continue to retry applications until acceptance), the lower tier schools or MAs might be a good option. Even if you are one of the people who wants a top-tier program (nothing wrong with that at all!), knowing what you'll do if the worst case scenario happens will take some of the pressure off. Also, don't obsess over the application. Take everything step-by-step. Fill in all the parts you can (like biographical info.), so that it's one less thing to worry about closer to the deadline. Work on the individual parts. Do the best you can. Be yourself, be honest, and don't sell yourself short. Most importantly, once you submit it, do not go back and look at it (with the exception of checking on GRE scores coming in, etc.). The best piece of advice I received was that you will inevitably find some mistake in your SOP, CV, etc. if you go back and look at the document preview. Don't do it. You'll freak yourself out even more, and it won't be helpful at that point. Although the application process is harsh, and especially with competitive programs, they often look for reasons to cut people (inadequate GRE scores, etc.), that missing comma isn't going to make or break you - but, under the amount of stress brought about by this process, that comma will take on the form of some monster ruining your one chance at happiness. Regardless of what happens this season, we pick ourselves up, we re-evaluate, we rejoice or grieve, but ultimately, we find our place and set our feet back on the path, wherever that path may lead.
4. Lastly, don't sacrifice any grades in your current classes for the applications. These apps. are important, but one mistake I have heard people making is spending too much time on apps., especially at this vital part of the school year, and they end up dropping a grade in a class. Find moments to work on the apps. in your quiet times, and manage your time the best you can. YOU CAN DO IT!
Ok. Super long response over, but
tldr; applications are hard, but encouragement and enthusiasm is good.
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I'm so sorry to hear of all the troubles, especially with LOR. It's a tough situation because you don't want to burn any bridges, but especially if you already have all your other parts of the application submitted, you almost want to go sit in their office and threaten to stay until they write your letter.
ejpril88, technology is an entirely different ballgame. I had some advisors from undergrad when I was applying to MA who still used transparencies in class (and refused to learn how to use the projectors attached to the conveniently placed computer). Good luck!
Anyone here applying after taking a year (or years) off? I missed out applying last year with my cohort, but have been working as an instructor this year. On one hand, I feel like I've had more time to prepare because of it, but on the other, I feel a bit disconnected. I have a few MA friends (who are in the cohort graduating this year), and I do not envy their stress levels right now with seminar papers, GTA responsibilities, etc. On the other, they're neck deep in their research and working with their advisors, which is actually a really good place to be in terms of writing samples, LOR, and applications in general.
I'm also just procrastinating since I have about 100 freshmen composition papers I'd like to have graded by tomorrow. So, there's that. . .
Good luck to all! December 1-15 is pretty heavy with application deadlines for many of us, so plunge ahead with confidence and grace!
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On 8/9/2016 at 11:33 AM, Wyatt's Terps said:
I just retook it, and scored a bit WORSE than the last time. My scores were already fine, and a strong argument could be made that I didn't need to retake it at all, but I thought that perhaps a couple of years of additional academic immersion might bump up my verbal to the loftier heights of the high-160s, rather than the more pedestrian low-mid 160s. Alas, it was not to be. So another $200 and multiple hours of studying down the drain. It's annoying, because I truly have an excellent vocabulary, but I suppose standardized testing just isn't my cup of
A.) Coffee
B.) Warm water
C.) Tea
D.) Ovaltine
E.) Hot cocoaI just did the same thing. I retook the Subject (only did slightly better), then retook the General, in the hopes I might raise it, and scored worse on everything except Analytical Writing. Made a perfect 6 on that, though, so that made my feelings of inadequacy subside just a bit.
I understand the necessity, especially with schools which have 200+ applications, but being in graduate school and still being forced to take standardized tests rubs me the wrong way.
2017 Acceptances
in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition
Posted
Out of upvotes, but I concur. I've been blessed to have acceptances this early this admission season, but for MA programs, I know I waited until at least late February to have received any good news at all. My husband waited until late March to hear anything for his MA applications.
I think someone else mentioned that there are many times we are asked to wait, especially in academia. I just waited six months to receive a rejection from a publication. Others have to wait even longer, and imagine if you are trying to get tenure.
By no means am I or @Wyatt's Terps trying to invalidate anyone's feelings or shut people down. It's frustrating and horrible to be left in this kind of purgatory. But, admissions committees are composed of the same type of people you admire - professors who have too many responsibilities as it is, but who take an investment in the future of their department.
It's only been since December for many of us that the first deadline was due (or late November). I promise, the majority of our programs will notify by late February or early March. But, if they receive calls and emails from applicants, it will just slow the process down.
Again, not trying to ruffle feathers, and I know some of you are just joking about making calls, but please just wait for the process to take the time it needs.
Much love --