angel_kaye13
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Posts posted by angel_kaye13
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Battle Tactics
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34 minutes ago, Wyatt's Terps said:
Aww. Thanks. I didn't mean it in a self-deprecating sense, however -- just a broad, realistic sense. I went through the cycle two years ago and was very fortunate to get a M.A. offer (that turned out to be a great option)...but that was one offer out of seventeen Ph.D. applications. In retrospect, I can think of a hundred things I did poorly during the last cycle (this despite being a regular on GC...hint hint), but the fact remains that even if I've learned a lot more in the past two years, if my writing sample isn't wowing adcomms, and my statement of purpose isn't really selling me as a scholar, then it's hard to see a future path to Ph.D. study and an academic life.
All of this needs to be underscored by the fact that I feel very strongly about my application. Enough knowledgeable people have read my writing sample for me to know it's both good and unique, and enough people have seen my statement of purpose for me to know that it paints a strong picture of me as a scholar (and it works with my WS). My GRE scores are a bit lower than the most competitive applicants, though my GPA for both my B.A. and M.A. are quite high. I'm older than average, but some will likely see that as an advantage, just as some will see it as a detriment. In other words, I'm a strong enough candidate that I feel there's a good chance that I'll get in somewhere. But if I don't? After all of my learning and all of the preparation that has gone into these applications, I'm not sure trying again and again year after year is prudent. It's really not a self-value judgment, but a question of whether I'm the right kind of potential scholar these programs are looking for.
Fortunately, however, I won't have to make that pronouncement for a few months, if I have to make it at all!Oh yes! I hope I didn't sound like I was coming down hard on you! I meant it encouragingly. We're "year-mates," so I know your mettle (at least here on GradCafe), and you have what it takes. Obviously, since you got accepted into a program!^^ I worry that so many will forget their worth, so...I have to be the "happy fairy" and make sure to remind people incessantly, I think.^^ For all my odd ramblings, I did mean it well, and encouragingly.
I feel better this time around, too, but...the feelings assail me, too, sometimes. But! Life will be.
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2 minutes ago, Wyatt's Terps said:
"...if I'm not cutout for the thirteen places I applied to, I'm probably not Ph.D. material..."
Or maybe there's something better/more right out there that you couldn't conceive?? I have no doubt you're the proper material, what little I know of you on here. Just like with so many of us, there are choices made, timing, numbers...a MILLION reasons why PhDs don't happen. But I doubt that comments on yours or anyone else's self-worth! (Sorry if I'm Little Miss Daisies this year - I just...after year one of grad school, I realized how much we all stake our self-worth on these things...and we obviously REALLY want them. But there are a million other wonderful things, if we get redirected. So I try to keep in mind.^^)
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Cyber sex! {90s throwback!}
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@Cotton Joe: I can't speak to any of these schools, so I hope you won't think me too forward, but - since you're looking in the South - I would DEFINITELY check out Dr. Robert Brinkmeyer, over at the University of South Carolina. I know his work, and he's bloody-brilliant, and I believe USC has a history of a.) offering decent stipends, and b.) having a very healthy, collegial English department.
Sorry if this is a detour from the info you want, I just wanted to put in a good word where I've heard good things happening!
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Location is definitely important, but, for me, the biggest concern was my field: what schools have the strongest programs for my field? Granted, I know that means that ups the chances of rejection. But, if I can get into a stronger program, that also ups my job prospects, from national/international to regional options. I may get rejected, but dang it if I'm not going to try for the best! *^^* (I applied to 10, a mix of regional and international reputations, according to my aforementioned concerns.)
I think...I'm not sure it always matters the quantity of applications as the quality and how much thought you put into it. Last year, one of my friends told me she applied to 7, and she regretted not doing more, or applying to programs she thought she wouldn't have a chance at. But some have gotten in by only apply to 3 or less, and several of my applying colleagues are doing just one. I'm an "odds" kind of person, so I went a higher number this time around, which I think is the old standard, at least: apply to more for PhD, less for M.A. (I only applied to 3 my first cycle.) If I can do as well, odds-wise, as I did last time, I'd be very pleased.
All this to say: if you've thought hard about your choices and done your research? Your numbers will make sense to you, and comparison doesn't matter.
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space jam
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I've found that the first semester (first year??), there IS a lot of that anxiety, that "I'm not REALLY smart enough/am I putting forth quality-enough work" feeling.
My advice? Talk to your professors. Grading isn't like it is in Undergrad. Your professors are aware that good grades are necessary, and...if you're getting an A now, you'll likely get an A at the end, whatever marks you've gotten to date. (I can't guarantee this, because every program is different, but...Hence why I suggest talking to your profs, or to other students who have been in the program a year or more.) That doesn't mean that your professors won't mark hard on you - that's their job: to make you better, and show you where you can improve. (Because we're never as smart as our egos sometimes like to make us.)
Other than that, just power through. These last couple weeks are the crappiest ones in grad school, and your professors are ALSO aware of this. With a lot of the responsibilities thrown on us, as grad students, they understand, and some will even allow extensions, for that purpose. Just research, write your brains out, and take a break, like Wyatt's suggested. You can only ever do so much, and, if you are working as hard as you say? You'll do fine, I'd almost guarantee an A, without knowing your school personally.
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I know, that's the worst: realizing "oh my gosh, did I do THAT!?!" After submission, of course, always. ;-) That's where I am: I somehow got in my apps fairly early this cycle, so...nothing to do but wait. I'm doing a lot better than my last application cycle, where I was checking the results page constantly!*^^* Lessons learned and wiser?? Or just too bored to stress.
At least your programs should come in before the English ones! I'm always slightly jealous of the Sciences and Mathematical branches, for this!
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This is only personal opinion, but I don't think it's automatic rejection. Definitely contact the office, if you're worried or want to check, but there's probably only so much you can do, before deadline. I think most MA/PhD programs are looking at the quality of your research, and they're likely aware that 15-20 is the typical requirements. I'd shoot for as close to 20 as possible, personally, but...my writing sample was only 16, so...{shrug} (My programs were weird: most wanted the 15-20, but one wanted 20-25, and ONE wanted no MORE than 15...so that was weird.
;-) ) You just do your best, as lame as that sounds. I'm aware of how incredibly zen/"Comme ci, comme ça" I am this application cycle, compared to my last cycle. But...{shrug} it'll be what it'll be.
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On 11/26/2016 at 3:15 PM, Monody said:
Well, I just submitted a safety application to the MACIS program at the ETH Zurich which probably doesn't improve the whole situation as I am now also worrying about the possible failure of an additional application. February/March really can't come soon enough.
Try not to worry too much. This is the most stressful thing, I know, but...in retrospect, you'll do well, or you'll find something better. I am sure you are doing your best, and what more could you do? Best wishes for your success!!
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8 hours ago, Neist said:
Religious incunabula (don't get to use that word often....)
Right?!?!
I always hope for words like this... Mission accomplished!
Incunabula Priests -
Religious sect
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Cabinet Member
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On 11/25/2016 at 8:13 AM, Wyatt's Terps said:
The feeling immediately after submitting the last of your thirteen (!) applications:
The feeling from approximately thirty seconds later for the next three months:
Stay strong, friends. It's a long and emotional ride.
Congrats, Wyatt! Without [hopefully] sounded TOO terribly weird, I THINK you and I were in the same application cycle last time I was on here (I haven't been on since master's apps, 2 cycles ago!). I like seeing familiar faces, AND I just finished up my own apps for this cycle. So good luck, all around? I'll definitely be cheering everyone on, but wanted to congratulate for the success of the past years!
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Tacos locos!!!!*^^*
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blue fish ;-)
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I have something like this and it has lasted me many years now: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/targus-tanc-laptop-backpack-black/8848527.p?id=1219371611317&skuId=8848527
The exact model I have is no longer available though.
The factors that I care about for these bags are:
1. Padded laptop compartment
2. Padded shoulder straps
3. Extra clasp that goes around your waist (like a hiking backpack) that you can use when it's really heavy
4. Side pockets for water bottles that are zippered (ideally, like my current bag, you can use them both as a zippered pocket or not
Extra bonus for my current bag is that there is one pocket for your lunch--it's lined with the lunchbag material to help maintain temperature. But also nice that it's waterproof so I don't have to worry about my lunch spilling into my books or laptop!
Ultimately though, I rarely use my backpack since I don't take my computer to work and all of my books are stored in my office. I mostly use it to carry lunch, a few papers, etc.
I'm toting an old-school Targus!! (7-ish years old, but still modernish, I think! It has room for my laptop and books and pens, anyway!!!*^^* Woohoo, solidarity!!!*^^* ;-)
I've been very happy thus far, it seems to handle the weight evenly, which back-support is becoming more important for me, as I consider more of wholistic health. But I'll have to let you know, as the year progresses. So far, so good, though!
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Two Fish
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Thing One
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Beginning things.
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Run Through
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morning song
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good evening
Critique of and Advice on this MA School List?
in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition
Posted
My "likes" were all out for today, but YES to all of this. I know, too, for a fact that South Carolina tries to give Teaching Assistantships to as many people as possible, which remits half of your tuition for the first semester (as an MA student), and remits full tuition for the second semester.