storia

Definitely take graduate courses as a non-degree student if you have to fork out a bunch of money for the MA. In fact, I would recommend taking only one or two courses a semester so that you can really concentrate on producing an outstanding writing sample. If you have all semester to write one or two papers you will be amazed at what you can produce. I think an outstanding writing sample might be worth more than all the MA coursework. I also second the idea that you might also want to invest some time in studying for the GRE. Finally, taking a year off will give you time to work up great statements of purpose/personal statements aimed at each of the schools you plan to apply to. Really spend a lot of time on those and show them to the professors whose classes you are auditing.

Now I am curious since I am considering some of these schools. Do you mind sharing what you found stunning?

Interesting. Thanks in any case.

Sure. Normally you will see at least one person post something. But you are right. 15 ppl is particularly small.

Wonder why no one has posted on the results page yet? You think POIs have not got around to contacting ppl yet?