Garyon

Hi everyone!
For me, classes start tomorrow. I am super excited.
The last two weeks have been kinda tough between moving to the US, finding an house (Long Island is terrible for that regard!!) and getting adjusted to this place they call "suburbs"
Now that I have  a place to sleep, I cannot wait for tomorrow. I'm taking 3 classes plus auditing 2 seminars and I was a bit cocnernet about the workload. But I talked to the Grad Director and he thinks I'll have a tough semester but worth of it. Also,I met all my cohort a couple of days ago at the Department orientation and I think we are an interesting group. Plus, I got to TA for the Prof. I'll probably choose as my advisor so... Things look good.
Let's keep each other posted and see how this first semester goes.

I beg to differ. Do NOT accept an unfunded offer in linguistics EVER. It's not worth it. Living expenses are high, tuition is expensive, you'll end up with a ridiculous amount of debt and/or you'll spend your time working a second job and won't be able to concentrate on your studies. Your first job(s) are unlikely to pay you well enough to justify the debt. What's more, even students from top schools who are fully funded and well supported and do nothing other than brilliant linguistics for 5-6 full years often have trouble finding a job these days, so coming from a school that didn't even like you enough to fund you isn't going to look good. This is not to say it is impossible, but assuming that you will be the exception that beats the odds is never a good idea when we are talking about a significant amount of debt and years of your life that may not lead to a (good) job.
If you are set on applying to grad school and didn't receive the offers you were hoping for this year, you will be better served taking a break, improving your application, and reapplying again in a year or two. 
OP, you have nothing to lose by following up, reiterating your interest in the program, and asking again if there is any update to their funding decisions timeline. I would suggest doing that and then waiting it out. Please do NOT accept an unfunded offer, it will not be good for you and it will not make you more attractive to the program or more likely to receive funding. 

As a first pass, I wonder if you applied to the linguistics programs at all the schools you mention. Because at least for the few that I am more closely familiar with (NYU, McGill, Brown, and to a lesser extent JHU and Berkeley; I don't know much about Georgetown -- and those are 6 schools, btw, not 5), those are not programs that would be fit to support research in cognitive linguistics. So I would wonder if the problem is your SOP and the fit with the programs you are applying to more generally, beyond any particular quirks of your GRE and other things, which we can also discuss. 

Kai von Fintel just posted this link on Facebook: he got into UMass off the waitlist, notified by telegram on April 12. So, there is always hope!  
http://kaivonfintel.org/2014/04/28/telegram/

If you have the time and you can afford it (or you're getting sufficiently reimbursed), you should visit every school that invites you. Even if you don't end up going there, you'll get a chance to meet your POIs in person, as well as students, and those are important connections for the future. Those already attending tend to remember everyone who visits, including students who went to other schools; you'll later see those people again at conferences, and it's always nice to have familiar faces around. It's how you begin to build your network. If you can't go to all the schools (too expensive, too much time off work, etc), then you should make an effort to visit every school that you are seriously considering. Visits can have a serious impact on final decisions; you might discover you actually don't really get along with a POI or a school gives off a bad vibe, or that it turns out you really like the town/environment of a school you weren't seriously considering before (some of those things happened to me, for example). The important thing is to treat each visit seriously, even if you think you've already made up your mind. As long as you are open-minded and excited about your visit, no one will be offended later if you choose to accept another offer.  

Ciao!
 
I just want to start this post by saying that, as far as my experience goes, I don't think anyone up here can really tell you how "a valid candidate" you could be for a PhD anywhere.
Sure, you can get an idea about how good your "numbers" are compared to others but in the end what really matters is: Do you really want to get a PhD in Linguistics in the USA? Then apply!
 
The point, maybe, is to understand if you really want it and why. This, I think people here can help you, a lot (they helped me!).
What this forum has helped me realize though (and I think Fuzzy posts are a very good example of this) is what you can/should focus on in the long and tiresome (but also, so exciting!) task that is writing your application. Also, people here can really help you  be realistic  and - even by asking you simple questions - can help you understand if you are ready for a PhD, or if it would be better for you to think about it a bit more.
 
Back to your post! I get you are currently at an Italian University? Can I ask which one? (this one just because I'm curious)
Are you getting your MA in Lingue or in Linguistics? And are you sure about the conversion from italian media to US GPA? It could be tricky. I'd suggest to report your italian grade and leave the conversion to them unless they ask you to convert it yourself (I think NYU does, not sure about stony brook and Amherst).
 
The list of programs you plan to apply to seems pretty specific but, from what you said till now, your research interests seem a bit unfocused: why do you want to get into these programs in particular? Do you have any particular Professor in mind?
I'm asking this because -again, as fuzzy said- writing a good SOP would be a crucial part in your application, and a good SOP has to express clearly what your reserarch interests are/will be and why you want to study in the program you are applying to. My "fit" with the some of the faculty's current research interests was essential to get in the places I wanted, even if my profile was a bit un-orthodox.
 
As for your teaching background, I think it could be of some use if you where applying to TESOL programs  but I'm not sure for a socioling application, unless you can find a way to tie your background/language skills to the topics you are interested into (otherwise, they will know you can speak other languages from other parts of you application - i.e. cv, language certification etc).
 
Finally, what do you mean by the MA+PhD thing?
As far as I know the few programs offering both a MA and a Phd offer them as two separate things (i.e. Stony Brook): so you can apply to a MA (usually unfunded) but when you finish you'd have to apply for the PhD all the same.
 
 
That said, I'm italian and I'm starting my PhD at Stony Brook in about a month (!!) so if you need more info about applying from italy and/or about Stony Brook Program feel free to ask (or to PM me).

I think I got my prepaid SIM my first day in the US at a Radioshack. I'm sure Target and similar would also be good places to try. 

I would find a company to buy it from online and then their websites usually tell you how to get it. Some sell them online, but many big companies also sell them in convenience stores, gas stations etc. 
 
You can also get some of them from machines or shops or kiosks at the airport. It will probably cost more though but it might save you time.

Just catching up with the last season of Orphan Black... it's an amazing show.

Not all three have to be from academia! It is, however, strongly recommended that two ARE. In your case, I would get in contact with any undergrad/masters professors you had relationships with and meet up with them for coffee or an official in-office meeting to talk about you and your academic and career path. I recently received my undergraduate degree and cannot emphasize enough how helpful my professors were in helping me figure out my options. By seeking their help and advice (along with their understanding of my desired academic and career path), they all agreed without hesitation to write my letters.
Although it has been a few years since you graduated (I assume), I can't imagine a professor refusing to meet with you. If you did not develop any relationships with professors during undergrad, I would suggest working under a professor or two doing research. The better the professor knows you, the better!
 
Hope this helps!
 
Julia

Definitely, what you stand to lose is not worth being shy about money issues.
 
Maybe it is a cultural thing. However, I come from a place where this should be more acceptable, culturally, this is just a personal issue for me. 
 
Also, the kind of relationship you have with your advisor plays a major role in this, if it's a person i'm in a great relationship with - I will be relatively comfortable talking about these issues. Otherwise, I would be rather afraid I would express myself awkwardly and that I might be perceived as rude/greedy/pushy and overthink the whole thing.
 
Well. I think it will be ok and that it's good gradcafe exists to discuss such issues.

The good thing about funding being a sensitive topic is that everyone feels this way, not just you. We would all love to pretend funding doesn't matter and that we just want to do great research, but everyone knows that we don't live in a pretend world. So, even if it comes out a little awkwardly, your professors will understand because they have been and are currently in similar situations too.
 
If you read blogs online by professors, you'll see that they also encounter similar uncomfortable-ness when discussing things like salary, promotions, lab space negotiation, making arrangements on how to split the pay of a group/lab member etc.
 
I feel very comfortable talking to my supervisor about things but it is still a tiny bit awkward to ask about getting money to attend a conference for example. In many cases, I know the money is there and I know they will agree to pay for it, but I still need to ask because I don't want to develop an attitude where I just assume I'll get all the money I need. But talking about money is a critical part of this job as well as many other jobs outside of academia.
 
Also, it might be a touchy topic or make you a little uncomfortable to talk about, but the way I see it, the consequences of not talking about it and then missing an opportunity or getting screwed is way too high. I'd much rather endure a slightly awkward conversation than suddenly find myself with way less funding than I expected.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/pals/research/linguistics
 
http://www.lel.ed.ac.uk/lel_students/postgraduate/index.php
 
https://www.tcd.ie/slscs/postgraduate/taught-courses/linguistics/
 
http://www.ling-phil.ox.ac.uk/pros_graduates
 
http://www.mml.cam.ac.uk/dtal/postgraduates
 
These are just universities whose names came to mind, I imagine there's more.

Hey guys! One more question on this topic: when do you think would be a good time to start asking around for this kind of summer financial opportunities?
I've asked a bit about it during before accepting my offer of coursea dn I've been told that usually some kind of TA/RA is available but in the end I am in the same situation of beefgallo, with nothing assured. I'll definitely try to put something away each month (I'm counting my stipend on 12 months instead of 9) but I'm not sure I'll be able to do that steadily and extra money are always welcome
Would the start of the second semester (around december/january) be a good time? I would feel a bit unconfortable starting my year asking about money...

I'm so excited to start in the fall. I'm definitely enjoying the free time right now, although I also have some research work to keep me feeling productive.
 
The whole application feels so far away now, but I can still remember I was feeling throughout those months. I hope I'll be able to be helpful to those applying this fall.

Hi guys,
 
it's been a while but now that we are approaching the Beginning (I just received my TA assignment for next Fall! ) I just wanted to Thank you all for the support and company you all provided during the crazy months known as "application season".
 
Seriously, my mental health owes you big time!

You don't really need to justify your decision to apply to PhD programs in the US. Everyone from all over the world does that, because they are recognized as the best, and also (not coincidentally) the ones that have the most resources. It's important to keep this in mind when you write this section of your SOP. There is no need to explain how you are tired of Israel or how there isn't enough socio for you. You should stay completely positive and simply explain why the schools you are applying to are the best choices for you to pursue your education and do the kind of research you are interested in.  Putting another school/country down won't earn you any points.
 
 
 
Yes, research experience -- as well as initiative and drive -- are taken into account. Definitely mention it on your CV, under research experience. There are ways to build this into your SOP,  but you should find a way to say you learn something new and grew as a linguist. If you can't say that with a straight face, maybe it's better to concentrate on other aspects of your application, like what drew you to sociolinguistics, what your research interests are, and details about your seminar paper research,. 
 
 
 
I'm sure there is a way to work it out. I think there is a way to get a letter saying that you have fulfilled all the requirements for the degree, and it will be officially conferred on date X. I had a similar issue after I finished my PhD and got such a letter, which worked for basically everything important (there were some minor hassles but not necessarily relevant for you). This is the kind of thing that it would be good to contact specific schools about, to ask for their policies. Some schools may be more flexible about finding ways to make it work than others. 
 
 
 
The admissions office is experienced at dealing with students from different countries and understanding their grading systems. If your transcript doesn't provide some kind of explanation of the grades, you might consider submitting one as a supplementary document. In your case, though, I don't think this will be necessary. Tel-Aviv University is actually quite well known for producing strong PhD candidates, so people will recognize both the school and the meaning of the grades. As for explaining low grades, it's always hard to answer. I would be inclined not to explain anything in this case, for three reasons. First, your grades don't sound that low to me. We're talking about just one semester in your first year, so we also don't have a problem of a trend. Second, you don't want to sound like you're making excuses. Third, you don't know how the 'reserve service' explanation will be understood by people; it's unusual and it exposes you to potential bad treatment because of political reasons (of course, unbeknownst to you). I wouldn't do it. 
 
 
  Yep, I agree that these could be great assets for your application.     
  So we're agreed that the two famous people who know you well should write you letters. Who will grade your seminar paper/writing sample? If possible, the person who reads it should write you a LOR, it will help showcase your strength and background with socio.    Out of the socio prof vs. phonetics prof, I have a couple of questions. Is the phonetics prof well-known internationally? Is the socio prof's PhD from a well-known school, and does he seem to be doing well now that he has graduated? I would be inclined to have the socio prof write you the third letter, since you already have two from more famous people and I think it will help to have one from someone in your subfield. However, if the socio prof doesn't know you well and therefore can't really say much about your potential to become a sociolinguist, and on the other hand the phonetics prof does know you well, then I think you need to go with the phonetics prof. We're still talking about people within linguistics, it's not like you are asking for letters from unknown people from other fields.      
If you are an American citizen, you apply as an American. There will be places to indicate that you did your BA abroad. Since you went to high school in the US, you shouldn't be required to do the TOEFL. 
 
 
  My guess is that for most things, your situation is no different than MA students' situation, with the exception of being less experienced. That's why many students with 3-year degrees do MAs in the first place. If you don't get admitted to a good program with funding next year, I would suggest considering starting an MA in Israel. You can apply during your first year and leave the MA mid-way through if you get into a good PhD program (they won't like it, but you can do it). This will solve some technical issues with your transcript/degree and also help with the issue of experience. 
 
Good luck!

Hi guys,
 
it's been a while but now that we are approaching the Beginning (I just received my TA assignment for next Fall! ) I just wanted to Thank you all for the support and company you all provided during the crazy months known as "application season".
 
Seriously, my mental health owes you big time!

Hi guys,
 
it's been a while but now that we are approaching the Beginning (I just received my TA assignment for next Fall! ) I just wanted to Thank you all for the support and company you all provided during the crazy months known as "application season".
 
Seriously, my mental health owes you big time!

Hi guys,
 
it's been a while but now that we are approaching the Beginning (I just received my TA assignment for next Fall! ) I just wanted to Thank you all for the support and company you all provided during the crazy months known as "application season".
 
Seriously, my mental health owes you big time!

After 4 rejections and a countless number of sleepless nights with my name on a waitlist, now at the dawn of the week of April 15th,
 
I must have been on the edge because I was still accessible to admissions operations – and I'm accepted to and will be attending UCLA.

Yep, just about.

I think vulpes i stalking about this: http://och.cc.sunysb.edu

Finally, even maryland decided to send out rejection!
 
It was expected of course, but it was about time!!! And it was pretty cold hearted: "based on our requirement for graduate admission", like saying "yeah you know, you are not good enough"
 
Luckily, I'm pass the time when a rejection hit hard so life goes on

I just got mine too, Garyon! But I'm already committed somewhere else so it's nice to finally have the application season wrapped up totally now