coffeecoffeebuzzbuzz

This the total rejection poll, for those of us who were just not meant to go to grad school this time around.

FYI - I opted for taking pre-calc (math 111), with the plan to take the second pre-calc class in the summer, followed by a year of calc and maybe linear algebra if time permits. Sitting in the class I found it to be much easier than I expected, I am used to teaching myself without the guidance of a structured class or someone that I can ask questions from. I think my ongoing problem has more to do with my difficulty with standardized testing (especially CAT style or the kind with a specific "strategy") than my quantitative skills.

Ok, so math is important. Got it. I was rejected and received the stern finger wagging from the universe to get my act together. I spent the past couple of months working my way through various old text books trying to fill in the gaps but somehow that was not enough. I could make all sorts of excuses for this, but really it doesn't change my bad score or the grad school paradigm that makes the GRE a requirement. My reoccurring challenge has more to do with difficulty with the GRE test style. My knee jerk reaction was always to solve the problem, rather than to take a best guess. Part of me just feels dirty doing math in such a sloppy way, the entire test seems so pointless. I curse ever time I look at one of their disproportionately drawn diagrams or graphs with errors and poorly represented legends. With a groan I know that I should study for the GRE; with a much more driven focus I accept that I need to take more math classes up through calculus and linear algebra. So let me rephrase the question... I know that I need to do the GRE I know that also need to move towards fullfilling my math class pre-req's I have limited time to do both Do I - A- take a less challenging math class (intro algbra) and study the GRE more? or B- take a more challenging math class (precalc) and study the GRE less? Now, what would be the most useful class to take to fulfill both of my goals? Is this even possible? What matters more in the grad school application process?

Quick question: what college math class to take that is also the most helpful GRE review opportunity? Short background story... this year my ass was officially whipped by unanimous grad school rejection. The common reason after a bit of feedback (and a healthy dose of honest self reflection) is that my low quantitative GRE score combined with a very unusual interdisciplinary undergrad degree is what tipped my "maybe yes" to a "hell no." I recently also came the stubborn conclusion that I should take some regular math classes to balance out my knowledge foundation. With my funky degree I somehow managed to avoid taking any regular math class, and instead somehow talked my way into taking lots of statistics courses (20+ credits worth) up through grad level classes. The combo of weird academic history, and being out of school for a while, has left me scratching my head wondering what class would fill some of my knowledge gaps AND help with general GRE review. Where to begin? What class would be the most beneficial math review and useful for GRE studying? Would you recommend math 70 (introductory algebra), math 90 (intermediate algebra), or math 111 (precalc with college algebra)? For the math placement test I could take any of them, but what would be the most useful?

As far as the poll I am going to be doing a little bit of all three - For my first choice prof/schools I am going to send a thank you note (to open up dialog if I apply for next year) after I have had a bit of time to grieve not being accepted/get my bruised ego in check. I actually just finished writing a card to a prof that I really want to work with in the future. I am not sure how he will respond but I'll post something if anything interesting happens. I think of this as the "lets be friends" style that you have with an ex when you actually mean it. For all others schools that are lower on my list I am going to avoid further contact. This approach kind of reminds me of the "mutually ignore each other" style after an awkward breakup or fling. Potentially if the inclination strikes me I will go with the second choice also (give them a call). I have found that it actually doesn't hurt, at least with my experience with internships/research assistant positions. Two out of three times when I gave a follow up call after being rejected I was then serendipitously accepted because of last minute changes and shuffling of available positions.

Ok, lets say you just received a rejection letter... Do you follow up in any way, or do you avoid any further contact?

I was wondering about how people thank the folks who wrote them a LOR, and if so how they went about it.

Has anyone requested disability accommodation when taking the GRE? If so, what was it like (as in your request, their response, type of accommodation, etc...)? Did the accommodation help your score at all? I have a few neurological quirks so I am seeking a testing center without florescent lights, paper based, and with extra time for breaks/testing. Has anyone requested anything similar?