CarolineNC

I'd go with Dartmouth. It'll open up more opportunities.

Uhhh ditto what Staggerlee said. I emailed them yesterday and apparently I'm "very high on the waitlist" whatever that means. They also asked for a list of schools I've been accepted to, and I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. Also, I just got accepted to the University of Oregon's PhD program. Tempting, since one of my best friends lives in Eugene, but I doubt I'll accept.

I teach a 2/2 now. (In fact, they have me teaching 2 different courses [102 and an intro to fiction] with 2 different preps. grrrr) It's not that bad, but we only take two grad classes per semester. I think it'd be way more challenging to teach two and take three.

Well, yeah, retake it, but don't stress about it because it's far from the most important part of the application in my experience. But my GRE scores kinda suck... but I think it's more likely my school that's keeping me out of programs like UVa.

Well, I'm saying this partly because I know he tried to get into a comparative lit phd program with a writing sample on apartheid

I seriously doubt your GRE scores are what's keeping you out of schools. Focus on your writing sample and your statement of purpose.

I'm coming to UNC's weekend. I think I'll opt to stay at an Air B&B or something. Thanks for the info!

BAM. You said this so well.

Is that customary for schools to do that? I mean, I feel like implicit in applying is a level of seriousness, no? Anyway, the fact that she said that about your application is great. I kinda feel like they're definitely making you an offer, from what you've said.

OMG I just want Chapel Hill to accept or reject me. I feel like throwing up when I think about it.

I've never heard anything about schools looking down on those who get their MAs and BAs from the same institution. If you get your BA, MA, AND PhD from the same school, that's a different story. I haven't read the age thread comments because I know they'll upset me. I'm 30 and just starting a PhD if it's any consolation.

you're right. sorry for offense.

Totally agree. But I also don't think it's helpful to believe the "no one from non-Ivys can get jobs" line, either. I guess the only thing we can do is go to school and do our best. I just *hate* that we are being forced to think about our careers as if we're working for some cut-throat corporation. I kind of want to say, no I refuse to be like that. It goes against my values. It goes against what I argue for in my work. If I end up on welfare at least I'll have my values. But I realize that's naive. And really, the main reason I'm taking issue with these discussions is because I'm imagining people reading them and getting their feelings really, really hurt because their schools aren't "good enough," when really they're just as brilliant as anyone else here. (cause we're all brilliant. yes!) Yes, I definitely am naive. And too soft for academia.

Meh, I didn't read the conversation as "this kind of thing as ridiculous" as much as "how can I get myself to a job at a non-podunk school," but I can't read intent.

There are PLENTY more where that came from. Most of my professors, undergrad and grad, didn't come from Ivy league schools. I went to U. SC and KU. Getting TT jobs at these schools is difficult.

Yikes. I hate to say it, but I find this talk of "dinky" or "podunk" colleges really elitist and unproductive, even if you're trying to frame it as a rags to riches story. It's still kind of gross. I don't think these are the kinds of conversations we need to be having if we are the generation that's going to remedy the crisis in the humanities. We need to work against the system, not let it control us.

Ah, I read that as implied in your original post but I guess you didn't say it. I heard this "discriminating against MAs" discussion on grad cafe three years ago when I was applying for master's programs. It might not have any merit. Grad Cafe was a horrible place three years ago. It's much nicer now.

Well, I came from a large, not prestigious state school and I did very well. I still got my MA (at another large, not very prestigious state school). I see from the list of schools you have applied to that you were expecting to get into a top school right away. My experience has been very different. I would never apply to an Ivy. I feel I have no right to be at an Ivy. But also, I don't want to be at an Ivy for various reasons, tied to my beliefs about privilege, the beliefs I tie into my scholarship. I'm very happy with my choices for a PhD. If you want to go to a school that discriminates against people with MAs (whether they came from "shitty" schools or not), well, maybe you should hold off, work hard, and apply again next year. But my suspicion is that you'll have your pick with an MA from NYU, that is if everything goes as it should. My advice is to soak up everything you can and make yourself a badass PhD applicant in a couple years.

Funded MA programs are not small news in any universe. Congrats!

My reply is going to practical, since everyone else has emphasized that this process is hard and that it must not be taken personally. 1) What was your writing sample? Was it part of your thesis on Apartheid? Because if it was, this could be part of the problem. If you're applying for a comparative literature PhD, you need a writing sample on literature. If you want to get into a top program, you need a REALLY strong writing sample on literature. I spent a year on mine. 2) Did you state clearly exactly what you're interested in doing and exactly what your research interests are? Are you research interests sophisticated enough to garner interest from experts in your field? For instance, in my field (19th C American lit), if I were to say, I'm interested in racial passing and the trope of the tragic mulatto, adcoms would probably move on, because this is old news and is also kind of basic. My advice is to read about what's hot in your field that you are interested in, find an angle, craft an original, sophisticated writing sample, and revise it at least 5 times. Mix methods in your writing sample also - I don't know about comparative literature, but an English writing sample should probably be more than close reading. Show that you can work with theory. Show that you know how to use critics effectively to make your argument. Show that you understand the critical conversation surrounding your area. 3) Consider getting an MA in the subject you want to get a PhD in, if you're having trouble getting into PhD programs. I have a BA and an MA in English. When I applied to English PhDs without an MA in English, I didn't get a single acceptance. I hope this is somewhat heartening, to think of getting into schools as achievable. It's hard work, but committees are looking for grad students who are already thinking like professors, so thinking about your contribution to the field is SUPER important even at this early stage.

I've turned down KU, UMass and Pitt (library). My letters were short, pleasant, appreciative, and to the point. However, now they want to know why I've turned them down, which is kinda awktown.

I've been admitted for 19th-C American lit. I will probably accept the offer. Good luck!

That's a relief! I snore (must have tonsils out when I become rich in academia haha) and always worry so much about bothering people.

Question: do most schools that pay for hotels make you double up with someone you don't know? Because I am deeply uncomfortable with this but maybe I'm being a princess.

lo.lee.ta, where are you thinking about going?