goldielocks

Crazed, congrats on the scores. I also suck at math, and just started guessing part way through the exam... Because I was convinced it was going that poorly. Luckily I was wrong, but wow, am I glad I never have to do that again.

Alright. At long last, the GRE is done. I took it today. It went better than I expected, though I suppose I won't know the official scores until next month. But much better than I'd hoped, which is more than I can ask for. And even more importantly... it's finally done and out of the way. And I can just forget about it now. Whew. Like a giant weight off of my shoulders. Breathing easier. I hope everyone who is sitting for the exam this month gets this feeling soon! What's everyone else doing this weekend? Revising the SOP? Writing sample? Conference paper? All three? Yeah, me too.

Sigaba, Thank you so very much for your detailed and thoughtful response. So, so, so helpful. I will attempt one of these methods tomorrow, when my brain is not so exhausted. But seriously, thanks.

Sigaba, yes, these are very good questions. Sorry that I was so unclear. Basically, I photographed many (many, many) documents: primarily scrapbooks with press clippings, and some correspondence. I did this so that I didn't have to pause to read during my limited time in the collection, so I could just bring it home with me and sort through it. I've been transcribing the clippings and such, putting them into PDF form, and then loading them onto my Kindle. I like working from it and having all of my docs in one place when I'm working away from home. But, I'm trying to figure out the best way to create a searchable database/generate citations when I'm writing, with these sources. Does that make sense? I'm not the most tech-savvy gal around. So far, the best solution I've found is to use Zotero to "add parent file" and then add the bibliographic info myself. It's working, I guess, just tedious. But I'm able to use tags, which is a plus. Thanks for asking! (And thanks also, iaich-h!)

Hey there, wise historians. As I've mentioned on here before, I'm working on a big research project which will eventually turn into my dissertation. I have a problem and maybe someone here has a suggestion. I'm trying to figure out a way to manage many (many, many, many) PDFs — they're all transcriptions, which I created, of newspaper articles. I photographed the articles in scrapbooks, and I'm now looking for the best way to manage them as I transcribe them. I thought of using Zotero, and just adding the bibliographic data to each one so that I can compile bibliographies/references easily. This is quite tedious, but I'm willing to do it if it's the best route. Any suggestions? (Thank you!)

Crater, I've had a couple of those brief ones as well. I usually just say thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, and I am happy that they think my project is interesting, whatever. I keep it short and gracious (and sincere, of course). It seems to go over well.

AHHHHHH. Conference paper #1 is DONE. Done. Done. Done. I just want to keep saying it because it feels so good. Everyone join me in a virtual glass of wine. Or whatever your poison is. Deliriously happy right now.

Is everyone staying sane? Calm? Not overwhelmed? I am trying, but polishing two conference papers on top of applications and coursework is MAKING ME A LITTLE CRAZY. How's everyone else holding up?

Rats. Just received my third "this-project-sounds-fantastic-and-I-am-excited-to-hear-where-it-takes-you-but-I'm-on-leave-and/or-not-taking-on-new-students-because-of-the-dismal-job-market-in-our-speciality-but-please-don't-let-this-discourage-you-because-this-project-sounds-great" e-mail. Better to know now than later, yes, I know. But... just... BLAH. I appreciate the honesty. I just hate the dismal market right now. My list of programs is gradually being whittled away for me. At least I don't have to do the selecting where I apply.

Hi there. Just wanted to suggest that you check out the AHA directory. http://www.historians.org/projects/cge/PhD/intro.cfm It's great for searching by specialization, if you're just beginning to look into programs. Good luck.

Just out of curiosity, how many programs are we all applying to? I'm applying 10 domestically, and 3 abroad. I know that's high, but my area is VERY small.

I've written an individual email for each person, tailored to how I've connected with their research, scholarship, etc. I briefly tell them about my current research and my proposed doctoral project, and ask if they plan to take on any new PhD students in the upcoming application cycle. I've been emailing one at a time for the past week or so, so that I don't get mixed up or overwhelmed. It seems to be working pretty well so far. I've also been told that it's important to be efficient (read: concise), so try to not to write anything too lengthy. Overall, it's been a good experience so far; even the people who aren't taking on students have been very responsive and kind. It makes it less scary as time goes on. I hope this helps! Good luck!

Oh cool... woke up with a blinding migraine (Literally. I have hemiplegic migraines). So I called and cancelled my test for today, then rescheduled for mid October. That's one way to get out of taking the GRE today, I suppose. Going to pass out, since I'm typing out of my one good eye right now. BLAH.

I have some conference presentations, but no publications. I think I'm going to submit at the end of this semester/beginning of next. If you have one, great! If not, it is not expected (as someone already said). Don't stress.

Haha, Safferz. That is where my mind is, exactly. So I'm glad to hear it helped you. I just have bigger fish to fry right now. I've been working diligently at contacting those potential advisors still left on my list. Sadly, one huge name in my field responded yesterday to let me know that my research sounds "fascinating," but she'll be on leave next year. BOO. Better to know now than later. Glad to hear everyone's updates as the application season looms closer. Good luck to fellow GRE takers this week. I was sad to learn that you can only take this exam once every 60 days... so this my one and only shot with the new exam. Oh well.

Safferz, I just noticed that on the website today. I wasn't really interested in the program there (not a great fit for me), but I was on their campus a few times recently, doing some research in one of their collections. And I have to say, I thought Ann Arbor was adorable. I loved the campus and the neighborhood. It'd be a nice place to study, I think. Well, folks... I take the GRE Monday. I have to say: I feel grossly under-prepared. But between a myriad of health problems, two conferences, coursework, the thesis, and the rest of the application business... I just want to get it over with. Anyone else taking the exam soon?

Sigh. Ticklemepink, that is so sad but so true. I shudder at the thought of doing another round... especially after doing this MA to increase my shots at getting into a PhD (I didn't apply to PhD programs last time). It is difficult to remember that there are other options. But I really, really, REALLY hope it doesn't come to that. At least not this year.

StrangeLight, those are all good points. Ranking/reputation/placement/prestige are all issues I've been grappling with as I narrow down my list.

Just popping in to say hello, and I am excited to get back to the boards once my schedule calms down. Sounds like everyone is doing really well, though I'm sensing some rising app/GRE anxieties. I'm with ya. But right now, I'm wrapping up a research trip so that I can finish my MA thesis, and hopefully submit a stellar writing sample. Happy weekend!

Crater, uh oh! That sounds about right. I've had maybe 2 or 3 dreams this summer about it, and expect them to increase as deadlines draw nearer.

In my experience, this is pretty common among historians. I wouldn't sweat it if I were you. Romania, eh? How are your languages? Sounds like you've got a good start on everything.

welcome, bean!

Thanks for the replies! I'm a big fan of Zotero and iPhoto as well; I guess many of us photograph documents and then just file them away for ourselves. Good to hear what works for other people. I'm finally splurging on a Kindle DX. Mostly, I'm just planning to use it for all of my documents; I am so sick of carring around binder upon binder of articles and drafts, or having them lay around my apartment. Plus, I figure that any book available in that format is just an added bonus for me. For my upcoming trip, I think I'll stick with my tried and true method of photographing. Then I'll convert it all to PDF form and add it to my Kindle. Now to just figure out how to compress files so they don't take up too much space... I am not so great with technology.

Hey gang. I have done quite a bit of archival research, but nothing on the scale of the trip I'm about to take. Normally, I just photograph documents with my iPhone to cut down on costs (it is much cheaper than photocopying everything) and time (it is much more efficient). I always obtain permission from the archivist/curator first, of course. Then I just load them onto my laptop and organize them. But for the trip I'm about to embark on, I've been toying around with an app that converts images to PDF files. This made me wonder: what do you guys use? Since this is pretty much the most intensive research trip I've ever taken, I'd like to be as efficient as possible. I work with a lot of primary source documents that I need to photograph/reproduce so that I can take them with me (photographs, correspondence, etc.) Any tips, tricks, or suggestions? I figured this discussion would be helpful for pretty much all of us.

Crater, I'm with ya. I'm kicking myself for not taking it this summer, and deciding to just wait until September and give myself more time to study. Not sure that it's worth it, but at this point, I guess all we can do is study hard and cross our fingers!