Str2T

I just found out USD is perfect for anyone with a creative writing background, whether they want to continue on in CW, switch to lit. crit., or create a hybrid focus. Errr.

Did anyone else find a program that would have been a perfect fit after the application deadline. I've found one that would have been perfect (if a bit obscure in rankings) and another program that wouldn't have been a perfect fit but really close. Shoulda coulda woulda... If nothing turns up this year I'll definitely be applying to those programs next year, though I really don't want to have to go through this process twice+.

I've heard that completing undergraduate theses doesn't matter as much as other indicators: writing sample, LoRs, SoP, etc. Because the quality of UG theses depends so much on the dedication of the student and availability/dedication of the advisor, I've heard that it just demonstrates the student's ability to do in depth research and write an extended paper (20 to 60 pages depending on departments' requirements). These are REALLY GOOD things to demonstrate, but unless you send part of your thesis in as your writing sample, PhD entrance committees will have no indication of the ability achieved in the thesis (unless you mention it in your SoP and your advisor/instructor mentions it in your LoR, both of which are secondhand). Instead, they will focus on the writing sample they have in hand. Also, it depends on the school, but I believe UG theses are fairly common. Both my undergrad and the school I'm attending for graduate study require UG theses be completed before graduation.

Since I've been trying to finish up my thesis (collection of essays) and prep for my comprehensive exam, I haven't had a lot of time to read. I'm looking forward to the summer!: Uncommon Carriers by McPhee Chimera by Barth The Complete Book of Kong by Trowbridge Play it as it Lays by Didion The Language Instinct by Pinker Field Guide to Getting Lost by Solnit (all sitting on my shelf ready to go) And anything SF that strikes my fancy...

Okay, I need some confidence: 3.5 GPA private liberal arts college 3.92 GPA Masters MFA candidate (nonfiction thesis/comprehensive exam) Instructor of record for First-year Composition and Intro to Creative Writing (3 years) Teaching Assistant Mentor - assist teaching 600-level TA workshops 1 publication in peer-reviewed journal with director of composition 4 regional and national conferences Member of multiple pedagogy/curriculum development committees Outstanding graduate student nomination

Actually it's Ames and ND. I love OSU (plus, that's where one of my professors completed her PhD, so she knows the hook ups and hot spots)

I "seriously" applied to only two schools. The others would have to give nice TA packages to get me down there (but they are not backup schools--I'm just not very enthused about the location. Location! Location! Location!). Right now, I'm waitlisted by my top school who only offered five acceptances. The waiting is like being in purgatory, like being in an airplane "on the runway for nine hours without being able to go to the bathroom." The "will they" or "won't they" is a better feeling than a straight rejection, but doesn't seem worth the torture if they end up denying entrance on April 16th. My other top pick sends out in March... They usually get over 300 hundred applications for limited spots, however, so I'm not holding my breath. Only having a limited number of applications make each response that much more important...

Now I'm worried my MFA will be a hinderance because it is most definitely a "terminal" degree (at least at this point, since competitive universities are determined to create Creative Writing PhDs *rolls eyes*). I know twenty years ago you had to be steadfastly devoted to a single field and one to two subfields at most at the risk of seeming less than dedicated or flighty. Things are much different these days, when schools love professors' abilities to multitask (teach literature and film or composition-rhetoric and journalism). I'm hoping MAs and MFAs are positively viewed in the application process, a reflection of a student's ability to complete a graduate program, do independent research and/or publish. I know the schools I applied to say they admit at least 1/4 masters students to the PhD programs (not their own MAs, however). I wish all worried masters holders good luck! (And young'ns -- I just turned 24). *fingers crossed*

Late twentieth century Indo-Anglian Literature, diaspora studies, postcolonial anything...

Sometimes the prospect of what is needed to succeed in the field seems daunting. But I loved every single minute of teaching, writing articles, and presenting my ideas at conferences. This is what you do when you are no longer taking courses (and it is often your only way to earn "praise"). In all fairness, it has taken me three years of graduate study to accomplish these things, as well as finding a balance between "competitive student" and "humble peer" to get these opportunities. That's seven years in academia all ready! Almost a third of my life. Most of the hoops the field makes you jump through are merely in place to weed out less motivated people, but you'll find upon entrance that there is a rhyme and a reason for most requirements. Presenting and attending conferences, which seems to be one of your bigger issues, has made me a better teacher and student of literature. (And teaching a bunch of under-motivated Gen. Ed. credit students Beloved or Geek Love in a literature survey course is trying at times to say the least). Not that I don't love Socrates, but what good is learning unless you have a method of sharing or utilizing that information?

I think it also depends on where you feel you are at as a student. There are plenty of MA programs that are not "terminal" (focused on community college teaching and publishing industry) and are intended to prepare you for entrance into a PhD program. Personally, I did not feel ready or competitive enough to apply for PhD programs after graduating with a BA in English from a private liberal arts college. Instead, I followed my interests into an MFA program in Creative Writing at a state school (well known, however, do to the limited options for graduate study in the state). While earning my MFA, I have had the opportunity to take a couple graduate-level English seminar courses in addition to my CW coursework, teach freshman Composition and Intro to Creative Writing as instructor of record and intern in 100-level lit survey courses, publish an article with a faculty member in a peer-reviewed journal, present at multiple conferences (at no cost to me), and mentor new teaching assistants. I feel these opportunities have made me a more competitive PhD candidate, but time will tell as the acceptances and rejections roll in.

This info might be old news, but I agree. After teaching composition for the past three years, I can tell you exactly how one altered paper stands out from the rest in the pile (and gets on your nerves). You should follow MLA, APA, or CMS style for your submissions (depending on the program) -- all of which use double-spacing. Format your paper like you would if submitting it to a peer reviewed journal: double-spaced, 1 inch margins, style formatting requirements, etc.