[Study abroad...couple...how to make it happen???]

You don't say whether or not your boyfriend or you are EU citizens.  That might make a difference.  You might also consider Spain for your boyfriend.  I assume he does not speak Spanish, but if he does, then he is in like Flint.  Spain has English programs and the socialistic way of life might be responsible for 50% unemployment among youth but it also makes for dirt cheap universities.  They are very welcoming to foreigners and if he is native in English he might find that he is quite in demand.  Right now France and Spain are not connected by good rail service but Ryanair and SqueezeeJet are cheap.  If you're going to be in southern France you can drive into northern Spain, and there are no border controls, the signs just change languages.

[2nd bachelors vs Masters for a non-CS major looking to break into industry]

I don't agree that BSCS is better than MSCS.  An MSCS sounds better than a BSCS.  I would simply tell the truth " but my love for computing was too strong, I had to go back to get a serious education ''  Engineering is a very hands-on business activity and your ability to get things done trumps most everything else.  The theoretical in CS, as in most engineering disciplines, won't be seen much on the job, or at least not the cutting edge of research.  In other words, if you have an MSCS you have all the qualifications you need to enter the labor market. 

[Age Issues]

I'm a hell of a lot older than mid 30s and I'm planning on going for a PhD.  If you think about it, universities are public, government funded institutions and are the land of the functionary (if that is the right word in English).  They have no real reason to discriminate against anyone for any reason, including age.  And they certainly can't openly express any prejudices, at least not in the USA.  I would be more concerned with the person with the personal viewpoint that is coloring their thoughts and actions.  Of course, you have to explain your future plans in your SOP and interview, right?  That is obviously going to need to be dealt with. 

[Are PhDs in Languages just for future professors?]

While chatting with a graduate advisor at a major university, she commented that their Spanish program was just for future professors of Spanish.  I questioned her on that and she back tracked and made some comment about there must be other uses for the PhD because there's a lot of people in the world etc. etc. So, is this really true?  PhD in Spanish (or French, or any language) is just to train teaching professors?  What are all you PhD students of languages planning on doing after you graduate?

[Best way to learn vocabulary?]

OMG, this is a boring activity.  If you are committed to the language then you are committed to its culture.  If you really want to acquire educated speech, then you must read voluminously in the language.   Learning it in-country is a great way to develop a native feel for the language, but you will be learning colloquial speech.  (nothing wrong with that, either).  When I was studying to become a court interpreter I really developed a pretty good legal vocabulary, in which beforehand I wasn't really good in any language.  So there are vocational areas you can study.  

[Advice on Career in Languages]

I would say don't give up on your dream.  Having said that, of course, dreams can and do change.  The university where I went back to school, 30-40% of the Spanish professors are not native speakers.  The department chair is a non-native but, man, does he know his stuff and he is a demon when grading, but you do learn a lot.    So I would say this question is a factor, but should not rule your decision.  Oddly, the prof who really motivated me for grad school is a native speaker.  My mentor says when she goes to speak English she has fewer resources, so I guess this is always at the back of the mind. 

[LORs and applying to different departments]

great thread.  vicky25, I'm not sure about that.  I've been wondering about that too.  In my case, I love my chosen field, so having been out in the workforce for years, I went back and racked up a couple years of part time relevant courses.  I don't know if that idea will help you are not, whether you can do that.  For me, it has also allowed me the wonderful opportunity to know current professors in the field and I will be asking them for LOR.  One in particular really warmed to my academic work and I think she will give be a good LOR.

[Another Question about Emailing Professors]

I think I have decided to not contact any profs in my upcoming cycle. If I was in a more science/lab related discipline, that might be different.

 

I have contacted random profs before for data and potential indicators and both times I received great data sets that weren't public and very nice responses. So yeah I agree, it can be done, but I am the same way where I won't just send them random messages for admission purposes only tangible reasons. 

 

One time I did email a very recognized prof that is on the verge of retirement to ask if they are still chairing dissertations, they kindly replied and said they weren't sole chairing anymore (as well as her husband), so I can see that as being a somewhat simple way of contacting professors beforehand.

 

But to ask "blah blah I am interested in your work, and am I a good fit, would you like to be my adviser?" That just makes me feel awkward and a waste of time.

 

This is my feeling exactly.   Very well put.

[Don't study too hard (GRE) My Study Plan]

eyepod, Amusing, how so?

I think the responses to your posts will now decrease.  And it seems you have been studying too much for the GRE.

[Don't study too hard (GRE) My Study Plan]

 Dang! I need a TA position too.  It sounds like you should do fine, seeing as you have the math background. Your photo is really amusing. 

[Experience with Magoosh for GRE]

I used Magoosh but only a couple of days so I would understand the test format.  Didn't really use it much beyond that, but it was good to know what to expect as far as exam format.  Magoosh estimated 163-168V and 156-161Q [that was from the pretty pie charts with 50 answers logged, I didn't take any of the practice exams, that was too boring to contemplate!].  My actual scores were 163V and 156Q.  I guess I did OK, halfway through the exam the frigging test proctor started noisily cleaning the room and using some kind of stinky cleaner fluid - very distracting!!!

[Don't study too hard (GRE) My Study Plan]

I do think you can study for the GRE, especially math, as the GRE is partial to certain mathematics.  I didn't bother studying, thinking the GRE is more a 'keep out' number than a 'you're in' number.  I got 163V, 156Q which I think is decent for my field, a foreign language, and will enable me to make my case for admission based on my charming wit, pithy writing, and gracious interviewing. 

[Can you please review my SOP - Spanish]

Hi,  If someone is willing to review my SOP please PM me.  I can also review your SOP if you like.  I just spent a TON of time on this task and think I can be a good reviewer.  I'm trying to get into a funded PhD program in Spanish or Latin American studies.

[Is it weird that I'm excited to write my personal statements/SOPs?]

At first it seemed impossible to fill up the page, then I started to really get into the writing.  That is a good word to describe the emotion behind a SOP, "excitement".  It is so exciting to realize you have something to say that is interesting and unique!  And I really believe this is true of everyone who has the interest and drive for their field of study.