DaisyAdair

The schools I applied to don't send out notifications until the end - some very close to April 15. I am not stressed right now because I know it is way too early. A few schools don't have deadline until Jan. 15, including my dream school, so it will be a while. Good luck to the science folks and others who should be hearing back soon!!!

No, I don't think there is a specific font for MLA. I think as long as it is not a crazy font, you are fine. I just used TNR as the example because it is the most common used. Every journal has specific requirements. I figure if the schools wanted something specific, they would let us know.

Excellent!! I submitted my last app yesterday. I am so happy to be done. I am actually a little less nervous now. I am sure it will change. I think I have a while before I will hear so I have plenty of time to worry.

I would follow MLA format (or whatever your program uses). I know that when I am grading papers, I quickly notice when a student has changed the font and/or margins, even if it is a minor change. If I am looking at a stack of papers that are all 12-point TNR with 1" margins, those with something different really do stick out. I would be afraid that submitting something that doesn't follow the academic standards could be a quick reason for not accepting your application.

Interesting. Do you need it for the application or only after admission?

ETA: That is just mean. I don't know why my original post isn't working. Sigh.

Did anyone notice this statement on the ETS website: Effective December 2012, you can also send your GRE scores to your prospective employers (https://www.ets.org/...ral/scores/send). It sounds to me like ETS is looking for one more way to make money. It would be dreadful if employers started requiring the GRE. Can you imagine losing your job and then having to take the GRE before you could start looking for a new one? OK, I don't think it would come to that, but still...

No offense here. I know I have weaknesses in my apps, and I am just hoping that the strengths will override the weaknesses.

I am glad to hear that, bfat. I hate to think that your application would be disregarded because of something you have no control over. It seems so counterintuitive. The schools want the best grad students, but then they punish the students for things that the students have absolutely no control over. Even if you tell your profs an earlier deadline for apps, it doesn't mean it will work, especially if the online notification system provides the actual due date.

Oh, I know my GRE is low. My verbal is OK, but the math is very low. I didn't study for the math. It is all on me. I also have a couple of semesters with very low GPAs. I had to own up to them, and I was frank. I messed around and my grades reflect it. But then I worked my @ss off to get my degree and then went to a good master's program and did fine.

Oh definitely. I keep waking up in the morning and telling myself I won't check on the status of my apps, but I do. Every.single.day. And yet, I know there is no way that anything has changed. It is going to be a very long few months.

I do not have a BA in English (it is in a related field), but I got into an English program for my MA. Just FYI, though, I did have to take some deficiency courses that did not count towards my MA. So if you have a strong application and can explain your switch from speech communications to English, you should have a fighting chance.

I like the status page as well, but I also find that I want to check it too often. I need to pace myself or I will not make it to April.

I haven't told many people that I am applying. I have told my spouse, and letter writers, but I haven't told more than 4 others, if that many. Honestly, I have told only people who I knew would be very supportive and understand the process. I have been tempted to share with others a few times, but the comments from this thread help me keep my mouth shut. I am sure it will come up when I see people over the holiday and then I will tell. But right now I am enjoying not having to explain the logic behind my decision.

I don't want to tell my letter writers that I didn't get in anywhere. That is the scariest thought for me.

This entire process is exhausting. I have one more application to muddle through and then I am done. OK, not done. Then I move to the waiting stage. At least with the application stage, I feel like I am doing something. I am afraid the waiting stage will be even more difficult because there is nothing I can do but wait.

I think I have everything uploaded for Buffalo. Good grief. I need a drink right about now.

Yes.

I had lunch with the a group of people including the DGS earlier this semester, and this question came up. His answer was that they don't get too worried if an undergrad has something like that on his/her record. If it happens once, they assume the student was adjusting to college life. If it happened a couple of times but was a while ago (time has passed between the probation and the graduate application), they really don't worry about it. As long as it is in the past and more current records show it is not likely to happen again, they look at the rest of your application. It is if it is recent, I would be concerned, but if it was your first year, I wouldn't stress about it. I would, however, answer yes. I would not feel comfortable answering no, especially since it is on your transcript.

I agree. Having an improved score is a good thing - it shows that you are determined and hard working.

Thank you! That is very helpful. I am making a few changes with the last applications, and now I am second-guessing myself. I appreciate your response.

Interesting, Bearcat. I have not come across the question about student loan debt. I don't have any debt, but I am still not sure I would be comfortable with the question.

Two more to finish up and submit. I don't know if I am ready to be done with the applications since it means there is nothing left for me to do but wait.

I have three LOR writers, and two know me in the same context. They have both asked for copies of my CVs and goals and all that jazz. Do you give them the same information (obviously the CV and goals are the same) or do you highlight different things so they will highlight those things in the letters? If I give them the same information, it may result in very similar letters where they discuss the same things I have done in the past. Will that matter?

I applied for Spring admission. I am waiting to hear. The school I am interested in offers Spring admissions, so I applied and if I don't get in, I will look at other schools for the Fall. So you are not alone. I am waiting with you!