ashiepoo72

You should probably post this under your discipline instead of the general GRE board. Everyone's discipline is different. As a history major, I have no clue what your stats mean in your field, nor how many people apply to those programs or what their averages are. I would feel comfortable betting that chancing anyone in any discipline is extremely difficult. Are you aware of the requirements and recommendations of programs in your field? Do you meet or exceed these? If so, then you had a chance as much as anyone else who also meets the certain key factors necessary for consideration. Have you spoken to POIs? Do they sound excited about your research? This should give you an indication of fit with a department, but there's not a qualitative way to determine your chance at getting in. I know how nerve wracking this process is, but try to relax and focus on the parts of the application you still have control over. Your first post is only a day old, and it's not in the most intuitive location to get your question answered, so don't take it personally when people don't respond. Breathe, focus on your SOP, and make your application as pristine as possible. You'll get through this.

Glamdoll - Congrats on finishing your first app! That must be a huge relief. I hope all the rest go smoothly now that the first is done. This is my first year applying to PhD programs. I know a bit about applying to grad school because I'm finishing up an MA, at least enough to get started early and have a bunch of people look at my written work. Even so, this year is way different. Way more work and stress, for sure! The board does seem dead this year! Not that I've gone through previous years multiple times or anything...

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?

What do you mean by including the email comments with the essay? For the writing sample, you should incorporate any corrections and/or suggestions the professor made and submit the polished essay in your applications. You shouldn't submit anything that has outside commentary or edits still included.

Yes, you should explicitly show your "fit," although I assume it's better to use tact rather than bludgeon the adcomm over the head with a sentence like "I fit because..."

You're correct that those aspects, according to most people, are the most important. Even so, lots of programs use an unspoken GRE score cutoff because of the sheer number of applications they receive. I don't know exactly what that cutoff is, like I said I've heard anywhere from 300-310. I've contacted a lot of departments and scholars, and some do value GRE scores more than others, but that doesn't seem to be the majority. Either way, it seems like you're posting because you're concerned about it to a certain degree, so I would contact programs and ask them directly. I was openly discouraged from applying to a school that viewed my quant score negatively based on the fact that it would hamper my ability to get university funding (I got 165v 151q). I'm not saying that to discourage you, but to ease your mind and save you money if any programs place more value in the GRE. This by no means reflects how I feel about the GRE (I think it's a poor indicator of ability, to be honest). Sounds like you have a good amount of research experience. I'd still recommend polishing the writing sample, but that's because I'm a perfectionist and always believe papers can be improved. At the end of the day, I don't think the GRE will prevent you from getting in as long as the rest of your application is strong. You could mention something about it in your SOP if you're really concerned, but I've read on this site not to bother because it wastes space better used discussing research experience and interests.

Well you don't have an option to retake at this point, so just focus on improving everything else in your application. Although it may be excellent, you should keep polishing your writing sample. Spend a lot of time focusing on your SOP, too. Make it pristine--triple check grammar, sentence structure, etc and have several people edit it. Do you have a good amount of research experience? That should be emphasized, as well as any language training. I'm applying to history programs, too, so I'm no expert on getting in. From what I understand, programs have a GRE cutoff around 300 (some people have suggested it's closer to 310), so if for whatever reason you don't get in this round, I'd definitely retake the test. Do you happen to know what percentiles your scores fall under? I think for most history programs 85th and above for the verbal is considered good, whereas the quant needs to just be "respectable" (whatever that may be) unless you wanna do quantitative history. Keep in mind public schools and underfunded programs might require a higher GRE in order for you to get university funding. If the department doesn't have a lot of funds, that's the only way for them to fund accepted students. This also varies program to program. One department I looked into said students should get above 85th percentile in verbal, another an average of 75th across all 3 GRE scores. You could also contact the programs and ask if it's going to be a problem straight out. That'll ease your mind. Best of luck!

You should be able to show where your interests intersect with the department and scholars at the programs you apply to. For example, if scholar X is studying Y and Z, the department is especially strong in Y and Z, you should ideally be interested in research that involves Y and/or Z. You need to show that you've thoughtfully approached the application process, know the strengths of certain departments and scholars and have a keen understanding of what you want to study. It wouldn't hurt for you to look at the university as a whole--as in, what sorts of centers/libraries/opportunities/etc does the university have that can be used in your research? Even the city can be a boon. One program I'm applying to is in close proximity to the mother lode of archives for someone with my research interests. Try thinking about every way each program fits your interests and what you have to bring to the department as a whole. If you fit, you fit, and where and how you fit should be pretty obvious to you and the adcomms.

Scantronphobia - I'm finishing up an MA at a local university, but really hopeful I get into my top choice PhD program far, far away from here! I'm with you on being a family person--I love my relatives and am very loyal, but even family takes advantage sometimes. I'm glad you don't have to deal with those last minute calls anymore!

It's one thing when I get sick during the semester--research does not stop because I'm feeling gross. It's a completely different thing when my kid gets sick. I spent the morning making homemade chicken soup, forcing fluids and medicine into her, delivering snacks to her school (because of course today was our turn to supply snacks for the class) and begging my old-timey grandmother NOT to swaddle a feverish child. In between that chaos, I'm looking up sources for three different projects and trying to read a book for a seminar tonight. None of this is even worth venting over, it's just normal life for a mom in grad school. What pisses me off is when my adult family members who are more like extremely overgrown children complain about having a tickle in their throat and hey, ashiepoo, can you PLEASE pick up our kids for us before you rush to school after caring for your puking child all day, kthanks?

Are you looking for MFA programs or PhD? I found a few websites just by googling "MFA programs" http://www.pw.org/content/mfa_programs?cmnt_all=1 general info on MFAs http://www.pw.org/mfa List of MFA programs http://www.pw.org/content/2012_mfa_rankings_the_top_fifty?cmnt_all=1 2012 MFA rankings U.S. News ranking of Fine Arts programs: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-fine-arts-schools/fine-arts-rankings Basically, start with google. You need to figure out exactly what kind of program you're looking for, what you're interested in focusing on (like a master's thesis/dissertation proposal, etc) and start looking at programs in areas you're willing to live (it's easier if you're open to moving anywhere, but reality is most people have places they wouldn't ever want to move to and that's ok). Are you thinking local? Do any scholars excite/interest you? Start with their programs and see if you can find other interesting scholars. You have to put in the legwork and figure out exactly what you want in a graduate program. Everyone's application process is different. Good luck!

You need to figure out what works best for you. Some people do better when they read the questions first, but I don't like that method because I tend to only look for the answer instead of trying to understand the passage. I personally read the entire passage (though try to do it quickly if possible) then look at the questions and answer choices. For each question, make sure your answer choice has something in the passage to back it up. If any part of an answer choice doesn't have back-up in the text (and GRE tries to trick you sometimes by making part of an answer valid but another part ambiguous or wrong), it's 99% of the time wrong. You can also mark questions you're struggling with and come back to them at the end. Don't get mired down by a single question. Like you said, you have 25 to answer in a short period of time. If you dedicate 1 minute per text completion/vocab question, that's about 20 minutes. Then you have nearly 15 minutes to finish the reading comprehension. Just try to answer questions at a steady pace, don't let a difficult question take up too much of your time (mark it and come back to it at the end) and you'll get through the test just fine.

I highly recommend Manhattan Prep for studying the verbal section. I ended up getting a 165. I used this book for reading comprehension...it's so good at breaking down where the test is trying to trick you and gives strategies for dissecting reading passages: http://www.amazon.com/Reading-Comprehension-Essays-Strategy-Manhattan/dp/1935707957/ref=la_B0053GJ06G_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414260910&sr=1-11 Also highly recommend the text completion book. There's also a 5lb book of practice questions but that includes quant. I bought it but didn't end up using it because I found the smaller books covering reading comp and text completion sufficient. If you're someone who likes a ton of practice questions, that book is ideal though. My method was study vocab like crazy. I particularly liked the vocab list in the back of the Manhattan Prep books because it splits the list into easier and harder sections, and an iPhone app by Dictionary.com (I think it's just called GRE), but that cost like $5. Both cover what they deem the 1000 most commonly used vocab words on the GRE, so it's more manageable than a comprehensive list. If you only have a few weeks, you need to prioritize what you're studying anyway, so smaller lists are easier. Also, take practice tests! As many as you can get your hands on! Do the ETS ones, too. Practice tests are crucial, IMO, because they teach you how to take the test. EDIT: Oh! Something that really helped me: after culling the vocab lists to separate out words I didn't know or struggled with, I wrote each word's definition then wrote the word in a sentence in a notebook. This helped me master the definitions by putting the words in context. I recommend writing it all by hand--although tedious, studies show hand-written notes stimulate learning more than typed. God, I'm such a nerd haha If you have at least a month before the GRE, I'd also take up reading magazines with high-quality writers. I like the New Yorker, the Economist (but it's way expensive) and scholarly journals in my field.

Just thought I'd try here before bothering them, but I will if I can't figure it out in the next week or so.

So I'm at a total loss, also feel like I'm losing my freaking mind. I'm entering basic info and uploading stuff like my CV and transcripts to applications so when I finish editing SOPs and writing sample I can just submit em all at once. For whatever reason, UW-Madison wants two official transcripts per institution and unofficial copies uploaded to the application. For the life of me I cannot figure out where to upload the unofficial transcripts in the application! The worst part is (and here is where I'm losing my mind) I wrote on my notes for UW that I already uploaded the transcripts!! I don't want to just hope I uploaded them and trust that everything is there even though I can't see it. I NEED to confirm because I'm compulsive like that Does anyone know where the uploads go? (I need a vacation)

girlscoutcookies - I'm having the same problem. The solution I worked out was to put together a spreadsheet of the schools I'm applying to, including application due dates, and send it to my rec writers along with a draft of my statement of purpose well ahead of time (I gave one writer everything last week, the other two I will give this coming week). I explained to them that most programs won't send them a link to submit a rec until I complete my application, which I will do in mid-November. This way they have time to work on the recs even if they can't submit them until next month. Profs have gone through all this before so I wouldn't worry about it. As for the writing sample, I'm under the impression that the most important thing is it be the best piece of work you've written. Length isn't as significant as quality. Some programs want only 10 pages, others go up to 35. If your 17 pager is representative of your writing and research abilities, I would worry more about polishing than adding at this point. Maybe others will have different advice. Also, I'm in the middle of my applications so I'm no expert--take my advice with a grain of salt. Best of luck!

I second bsharpe269's advice. I didn't end up studying much for quant as the programs I'm applying to don't emphasize it, but I got a 165 on the verbal and I recommend taking as many practice tests as you can, including the ones on the ETS website. It helps you figure out how the test works, how the questions are structured, and how ETS is trying to trick you. You're basically teaching yourself how to take the test, not the actual content of the test -- at least for verbal. If you think you can manage, I also recommend brushing up on some vocabulary. There are apps that help you memorize the most popular 1000 GRE words, which is helpful in all parts of the verbal including reading comprehension. Also, Manhattan prep has a great book dedicated entirely to reading comp, which includes lists of basic and advanced vocabulary. It's short, to the point, and really helped me. For math, ETS has study guides posted right on the website. You should check those out to see exactly what concepts they want you to know. Good luck!

I think it's a combination of what field and what school, to be honest. My classmate was applying to a small subfield of history with relatively few scholars and applicants, so the expectation was that he contact them. Then again, my professors advised me to contact POIs, as did many department websites and graduate coordinators at programs of interest, and I'm a modern Americanist. Obviously there are a ton of other modern Americanists applying, but not all programs get 400+ applicants. Somewhere like Berkeley gets so many applicants that it's completely understandable when the department would rather people not contact scholars there. I think if the OP is posting here they are concerned about not contacting POIs and this is perhaps indicating a lack of confidence in their advisor's advice. If you feel that way, OP, you should really look at department websites and maybe contact the graduate program coordinator or admin and ask for their particular department's recommendation. You can also ask them nuts and bolts questions that are not on the website (don't email anyone and ask about things you can easily find yourself).

I have personally dated guys who were 8-10 years older than me after having terrible relationships with guys closer to my age, including my child's father. As a young, single mom I found I could not relate to guys my age who were going out, partying and living off their parents when I was raising a kid by myself while working and putting myself through school. So you really can't judge someone based on age--it is just one of MANY factors that goes into choosing a mate. Maturity is much more significant when it comes to BOTH people in a relationship. I find that people who have life experience, have suffered or struggled or had responsibilities atypical for someone in their age group tend to feel removed from that age group. It's not like each new crop of 18-19 year olds is going to experience life in exactly the same way. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and, yes, their own judgment. But having such a narrow view of what factors should be taken into account when forming relationships suggests a level of immaturity, or at the very least a very surface understanding of human interactions. OP -- it sounds like this guy either had a brief flirtation with you and has moved on, or maybe he's just a flirty dude and you misread his messages in some way. I'm not saying give up, as I cannot accurately judge the situation from in front of a computer screen, but based on my personal experience I would move on. Or, at the very least, not close the door to other potential guys that come your way. At the end of the day, every little or big relationship is an experience for you--you enjoyed your flirtation with this guy, and that's awesome! Try to maintain a positive/healthy/open attitude toward dating and relationships and I am sure an awesome guy will be drawn to your mature and upbeat demeanor.

I kind of figured the economy had something to do with it, but the hard data aspect makes complete sense. At least at my program, professors are brutally honest about the state of the profession because they feel it is a moral obligation to their students--although this does not discourage everyone, I know several people who have chosen not to apply to doctoral programs in part because of this honesty (which isn't a bad thing...I believe there should be transparency so people can make educated decisions). And even if applications are dropping, that by no means indicates that the quality of applicants is as well, so of course it's still incredibly competitive even if programs haven't severely slashed acceptances--which, as you point out, many have. Anyway, thank you for your insight, TMP.

I don't disagree with the above posters, but I'd recommend you list multiple POIs in your SOPs if you aren't contacting them to see if they are actually accepting students. If you hedge all your bets on one scholar and they are near retirement or have too many students already, then you risk not getting admitted. I have a friend who called one program after being rejected and asked why, and they told him his POI was retiring. Keep in mind, some history programs admit as a department but most programs admit students directly to advisors. Many require some form of sponsorship (if not an advisor, someone who indicates they'd be willing to advise the admit). Like I said before, people do get admitted without contacting anyone but I really think you should read through department websites and see if they suggest you contact faculty members. Some programs I've seen are pretty explicit about it.

I'm sure some professors don't like getting emails from prospective students, but you need to figure out if your POIs are actually accepting students. I've heard on this forum that some programs say not to contact faculty, so in that case you wouldn't. Nearly all the programs I'm applying to explicitly stated on the department webpage that applicants should contact faculty of interest. Honestly, I'm shocked at how kind and generous nearly every person I emailed has been--and I emailed A LOT of scholars. Doing so helped me narrow down my list of potential schools--if none of the POIs were accepting students I knew my application would be a waste of money. Also, I received informative responses from scholars who told me things like their department was retiring all the people in my field within the next few years or had poor funding/placement prospects. Even more importantly, some programs I felt were out of reach had POIs really interested in my research, so I decided to take a chance and apply. Not saying these conversations will help me get in, but I feel that having them added to my knowledge about the programs. The list I started with looks completely different now. I know many people get in without contacting a single POI, so don't look at it like you will secure a spot because of an email. I just don't think it hurts to get in contact with people you could potentially be working with for the next 6-7 years.

Not that I stalk the old threads or anything (hah!), but does this topic seem to be getting less traffic this year? Seems like in other years it picked up by now. I spoke with the graduate advisor at a highly respected program and was told that in less than five years they have seen the number of applicants drop by nearly half. I'm sure some programs continue to get incredibly high numbers each year no matter what, but I wonder if, in general, less people are applying. Anywho, I just scanned all my transcripts for programs that don't want official copies...it's amazing how accomplished I feel with each piece of the application I complete. I'm sending the first draft of my SOP (written for my top choice program) to one of my old professors. Even though she's read my work many times, I'm nervous! I feel like the SOP is totally me and represents my interests but I have an irrational fear that she's going to tell me I'm terrible haha How is everyone else doing?

First things first--calm down and don't psych yourself out. GRE scores are one of many aspects of an application and the value of the test depends on many factors: are you applying to MA, MS or PhDs? What major are you applying to? An engineering program will view the math more highly than most humanities programs (unless you want to use quantitative methods in your research). Also, why not take an extra month or two and do an intensive study of the math portion instead of predetermining your score? The ETS website has math reviews tailored to the test, so you won't have to relearn everything. If your program cares more about verbal, why not focus on that and get a really high score? I've been told by some schools I'm applying to that quant is barely looked at unless you get, like, 20th percentile but even then other aspects of your application can smooth things over (I study history). Depending on the program, the GRE is usually used as a cutoff (like at some programs you need a combined verbal and quant of 310 to even have your app looked at) or for funding. It's not as important as your SOP or writing sample. Take the test, aim for above 310, then focus on the aspects of your application that are weighted more. Best of luck!

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.