
PastHistory
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Everything posted by PastHistory
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Write Somebody Else's "Writing Sample"?
PastHistory replied to DrFaustus666's topic in Writing Samples
Writing someone else's SOP and writing sample seems unethical at best. They should be an accurate reflection of the individual student's work, not the work of their friends. I see nothing wrong in helping proof or edit the SOP or writing sample, though. I had my family proof my papers to ensure I was being clear because, honestly, I wrote and rewrote so much that I wasn't even sure it made sense when I was through with it! If it requires substantial editing and proofing, charging a nominal fee wouldn't be out of the question, but I wouldn't charge my friends just to read it and provide feedback. -
Due to a mix up on the program website, my friend did not get all of her required materials into the program in time to be fully admitted to the program (English Lit). The program director likes my friend and recognized that the error was his department's fault to an extent. Anyway, to make a long story short, my friend is allowed to take classes as an "unofficial" student in the program and she will be switched over to "official" status after this upcoming term. As she isn't in the program officially, she didn't qualify for financial aid. Is there any way she can renew or update her FAFSA to get aid for the next term (when she is officially enrolled in the program) or is she out of luck until next fall in terms of aid? Thanks!
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I won't miss the cell phone people. (I've had professors answer ringing cell phones in class just to humiliate the student. Made sure I turned mine off before those classes! I've also been in classes where people have actually answered their phones during lecture! ) I won't miss the Facebook/Twitter/My Space surfers pretending to take notes while the teacher is talking. (Hard to pretend you're still taking notes when the Black Eyed Peas starts blaring from your laptop ) I won't miss the nappers. Those people who show up, put their feet up on the chair in front of them, slump down in their seats and go to sleep. Why even show up? I won't miss having to do group projects with students who believe the only reason to come to college is to party. Waste your own time and ruin your own grade, not mine.
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car door
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I am helping a friend prep for the GRE. We have the verbal and written sections covered, I think (although any suggestions are appreciated!). Math is her big worry. It's been quite awhile since she actually took a math class, so we are trying to find a good prep book or website for her to brush up on things. (I really didn't study much for the math section when I took my GRE because I had just finished taking my two required math classes and all of that stuff was still "fresh" for me. Now, a year later, I can't remember most of it! ) Most of the math books we've seen are either too basic or too advanced. If anyone can recommend a book or website that might be helpful, we'd appreciate it! Thanks!
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I used a Swiss Gear Backpack for most of my undergrad. It has a laptop compartment and great pocket space. The straps are padded and so is the back. There are channels in the padding to allow airflow. It held up really well throughout all of my classes. I really like to keep my books neat and organized, too...never had any damage as a result of this bag!
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Well, I just "amazon-ed" the books that have been assigned *so far* for my three history grad classes and the total came to around $600. That takes into account the fact that I already own several of the books that have been assigned (thank goodness!). I'm looking at about 13 or 14 books assigned per class. What did I get myself into? I guess this is where the panic and impostor syndrome sets in!
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Appropriate Course Load
PastHistory replied to bzrunner2009's topic in Coursework, Advising, and Exams
Don't try to take the language course with 3 grad seminars. I had to take 2 semesters of language for my undergrad degree. Although the courses were just the basics (learn to speak, read and write), they were the most time consuming classes I took those two semesters. It's not that the work is terribly difficult, it's just requires much more time than you think it will. Our classes had grad students who were trying to take the language requirements alongside their regular grad courses and were struggling to keep up. For your first semester, test the water - see how much work you can handle. It's better to err on the side of caution and take fewer classes than to overload your schedule and get burned out on school by October. -
My friend and I were debating what looked more professional for a grad student to carry...or does it even matter what they carry their notebooks in? What are your thoughts?
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Graduating from undergrad in May and just got the lovely forms regarding loan repayment beginning this fall on my Federal loans. I will be in grad school when the loans are scheduled for repayment. Will the school automatically submit some sort of deferment for me or do I need to fill out some sort of form? I didn't see anything about deferment on the paperwork. Also, this looks like it might just be for the Stafford loans...does anyone know if Stafford and Perkins loans are included on the same repayment form/schedule? Any help would be appreciated...my school's aid office is closed for the break.
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Crazy 8
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I got accepted into my first choice MA program Field is US History
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I have Macs, so my opinion is biased in that direction. My recommendation would be to check with your program to see if they have a preference/requirement for a certain OS. Additionally, I would not recommend a netbook. Two of my friends had their netbooks (different brands) crash numerous times this past semester (blue screen) and lost so much research/classwork. It took them forever to recreate it (as best they could).
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Admission Decisions Packets in the Mail
PastHistory replied to whereiscarmen's topic in Waiting it Out
I haven't heard back from my programs yet, but the acceptances I've received from the various Graduate Schools have been a couple of pages in a regular envelope. I've heard the "fat envelope = acceptance, thin envelope = rejection" theory for undergraduate applications, but my undergrad acceptances came in regular envelopes in the regular mail. -
Sorry if this is a stupid question... Several of the programs I applied to offer stipends for assistantships, etc. Are these funds normally dispersed in one lump sum at the beginning of the semester like financial aid or is it on a monthly basis? Thanks
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I doubt I would post anything to Facebook. I don't post any real personal information on it and my "friends" are just relatives who would already know if I got into a program.
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I don't know if I'll celebrate or be filled with an enormous sense of dread. My applications are not widespread and while I think I have a shot, I also recognize that there are people just as qualified as me out there. If I do get in (fingers crossed), I'll celebrate with my family and then get on to Amazon and order a bunch of books so that I am well prepared come fall!