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I am DYING waiting for CU Boulder announcements. Have a couple of rejections already and haven't heard from any of my other programs. Boulder is my #1 so really hoping for it.

I've had similar concerns about "discipline hopping". My undergrad was related to cultural studies with a minor in global media. My MA is in media/comm. I've applied to some PhD programs in media/comm, some in global studies, and some that are more interdisciplinary, as my research interests sort of tie all of my previous work together.

I have not heard from UCSB yet, so I am assuming rejection... but still hoping for wait list. It was not as good of a fit as some of my other schools, but I think it still would be a great place for me.

I applied to CU Boulder (Media Studies), University of Arizona, UCSB, and a couple of other interdisciplinary programs.

I get most of my dress clothes from thredup.com. Shipping is slow, though, so don’t wait til the last minute.

I get most of my dress clothes from thredup.com. Shipping is slow, though, so don’t wait til the last minute.

I am doing my Master's right now and my school offers graduate housing. My husband works full-time and I work part-time in addition to my studies. We live off campus in a one-bedroom apartment. It is a bit tight financially (we are in the NYC area) but we love our apartment and have a good quality of life.

UC Santa Barbara (PhD Communication) has an open house type weekend for shortlisted applicants (I hear they typically invite 15 applicants and extend offers to 10-12). CU Boulder (PhD Media Studies) told me that they do not do interviews.

I am completing a PhD application that doesn't allow me to upload a CV—I have to type my employment history, etc., into text boxes. I currently have a paid research assistantship at my grad school and was wondering if this should be listed under "graduate activities" or "occupational experience". Thanks in advance!

Whether we like it or not, our relationship with our letter-writers is one-sided: We are completely dependent on their generosity. I think the best option here is for you to find strategies to manage your own worries, as well as the logistics of your applications. I'm assuming (perhaps incorrectly) that this prof is writing the same letter for all of your programs and just changing out the program info for each one. If this is the case, can all of the letters just be submitted now rather than doing each program by their individual deadlines? Maybe you could have a conversation with the prof and say something like, "I've decided I'd like to have everything submitted by November 30th. Will that work for you?" Give yourself a little breathing room (don't put her deadline at the actual application deadline). Then you can leave her alone, assuming she'll submit by the deadline you give her, and just follow up after that date if there are any issues.

It is pretty common for referees to ask students to draft LORs themselves, and admissions committees almost surely know that, so I wouldn't be too worried. That said, I sympathize with your having to do all three yourself-- I am having to draft one on my own and worry that it will be too similar to my SOP and writing sample, as I feel that I have a somewhat distinct writing style (at least, when multiple pieces are laid out next to each other). I would recommend a few things. Firstly, look up LOR samples. Donald Asher's book, Graduate Admissions Essays, has some samples; and I'm sure there are others online. Try using samples to draft letters that have different formats from each other. Secondly, be aware of elements you fall back on in your own writing. Are there words you use often? Sentence structures you lean towards? Be aware of these and avoid them as much as possible. You don't have to pretend to be a totally different person -- I think pretending that you didn't write something when you did would be the worst option here (dishonesty is never a good look on an applicant) -- but you can make the LORs less obviously written by yourself.

Hi! Dual Canadian-American here, have done the immigration process for both countries (spouse to Canada, me to U.S.). You will need a visa to work and live in Canada. Unless you have an immediate family member living legally in Canada, your best option would be to see if you qualify for this program: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html Note that medical fields (including SLP) are regulated provincially in Canada; so, in addition to getting a federal immigration visa, you will need to register with the regulatory body in whichever province you end up in. In most provinces, you will be OK with just English. In Quebec, New Brunswick, and parts of Ontario (Ottawa Valley), most competitive job applicants are able to communicate in both French and English. Other foreign language skills are also beneficial throughout different areas of the country. From the Canadian side of things: Most countries, including Canada, only issue permanent residency to immigrants looking to settle permanently. So, if you apply for immigration stating that you are just looking to work there for a few years, you are likely to be denied. That said, you will not be penalized for relinquishing your permanent residency at any time after it is issued. But do be aware that moving back to the U.S. would result in you losing your status in Canada. If you spend enough time in Canada before moving back (five years, I think), you can apply for citizenship which would allow you to move back to the U.S. without losing your Canadian status. In lieu of permanent residency, an employer could sponsor you for a temporary work visa. But that is very costly for the employer and therefore very difficult to obtain. From the American side of things: If you are an American citizen, you will always have the right to return to America. As a citizen, you must continue paying U.S. taxes even when living abroad. If you are an American permanent resident but not a citizen, you would risk losing your immigration status by moving to Canada. One last thing: All official Government of Canada websites have the same "Government of Canada" heading that you can see in the link above. Be weary of unofficial immigration sites that may give inaccurate information.

I had a similar issue when applying for my Masters. I opted to accept one and defer the other-- it gave me the freedom of trying one out while knowing the other was still an option.

Your score is very competitive, but of course even a perfect GRE score doesn't guarantee admission. It can be a good idea to look up the specific GRE cutoffs or averages for your target programs to see how you compare.

I didn't have much time to study. I took my first practice test before I started studying to get a baseline. Used a Manhattan Prep Math Refresher book for one week and then Magoosh for four weeks, focusing almost exclusively on math. I studied for about 30-60 minutes 3-5 times weekly for four weeks, and studied very little in the week leading up to the real test. ETS Practice Test 1 (5 weeks before real test): 148Q, 151V Magoosh Practice Test (3 weeks before real test): 151Q, 156V ETS Practice Test 2 (1 week before real test): 154Q, 160V Real Test: 156Q, 162V