mk-8

This topic might be helpful to you. Not exactly the same, but similar questions.

I think your reasoning is sound. Almost all of the PhD programs I was interested in applying to as an undegrad required an MA. Some were MA/PhD, but not many. I ended up only applying to MA programs. I definitely advocate for a lot of the reasons you mentioned. Personally, I really can't begin to describe how much my research interests have changed since starting my MA. I mostly applied to schools that had PhD programs that I was also interested in; that helped me get a feel for the area and help decide if I wanted to dedicate much more time in the same place.

This may (or may not) work for some of you, but you could also suggest to your letter writers to include some of these things (if you have that kind of relationship). I asked one of my letter writers to talk about a class of mine she observed, and she also explained some of the stuff on my CV (without me even asking). It was nice because I didn't have to, but I realize not everyone has this relationship with their letter writers.

I got a 157 and was accepted to all but 1 of the MAs I applied to. It's only one part of your application, and it's certainly not the most important part.

I thought it would get better after submitting my first app, but now I'm like "Now I can make the second app perfect!" which I also need to let go of.

I'm good with either of these, but I think gmail messaging might be the simpler of the two.

To everyone wanting to join the thread, it seems there's a max limit of 5 per thread, I think. The add option seems to have disappeared completely. I don't know of any other group messaging services we could move to, but I'd be willing to move elsewhere

I too would be very interested in that!

Reading the posts in this thread have made me feel incredibly behind. I've done a little bit of studying for GRE round 2, reading for my thesis, and looking up some information on programs. My list of programs is massive right now, and I'm having a hard time narrowing it down because there are tons of programs I certain aspects of, but not really others. Thesis research is also just not going anywhere because I'm not entirely sure what I want to do for that. So I'm just kind of out here floating in "IDK" land (while working part time at a summer camp), so any words of encouragement are appreciated.

sarabethke made a great point in that you're only behind as you can't manage. I, like everyone else, was going to finish all my application materials before the semester started (sans writing sample) so I could REALLY be ahead. I contacted letter writers in September, because all my applications were due in December. I talked to them frequently about it, too (because one was my boss and one was my senior seminar advisor). I didn't finish my SOP until like, November. I was super unmotivated and intimidated by it. Once I did have a draft, though, I sent it to EVERYBODY (professors, friends, family, anyone who would look at it). I never quite felt like I was finished with it, to be honest. I was tweaking it up until I submitted applications, but at some point you just have to stop thinking about it. I contacted departments and such throughout the process. I wouldn't necessarily say POI, but department chairs and heads, as I had questions about their programs and the application. I found a mistake on one programs website and felt pretty cool for pointing it out ☺️ I finished my writing sample the day I submitted most of my applications. I submitted a week or so before the deadline, but still. I was writing my sample that semester as my senior seminar paper, so I knew it would be close. I made final edits and sent that sucker away. It's a stressful process. It shouldn't be, because you're just collecting materials and sending them away, but it is. Don't let it consume every second of your day, though.

I was a double major who eventually dropped the second major to graduate early. The best advice I received in regards to my decision to ultimately drop the second major was "you only need one major to graduate." I still had two minors, which I would really encourage. The minors allowed me to explore my interests without a huge time commitment. I'm no expert, but I don't think having a dual degree/double major will make or break your application. It can be a nice extra, but what's going to really count is your SOP and writing sample. If you think either of those could benefit from a double major, go for it. You could probably get the same from just the minors. For me, the time (and money) saved meant more than the second major. One thing I would make sure of is that your scholarships will cover the additional year. Most of my undergrad scholarships only covered a certain number of years or credit hours.

Congrats! My sister goes there for undergrad and is an applied discrete mathematics major. She really likes it and it's a great school!

I can't speak on this topic myself, but my boyfriend (communications major) had a less than stellar GPA (above 3.0, but still not great) and got into all the schools he applied to AND received funding at one of the schools. He had a really great writing sample and conference experience, so what I've come to believe is that as long as you can meet the minimum GPA (usually set by the graduate school), you should be fine. Obviously a super amazing GPA is preferable, but you can get by without it.

Congrats! Great news!

I haven't seen a lot of people talk about these schools, but if anybody was waitlisted at USF or UNCW, another spot will be opening up as I have accepted my offer at Clemson!

OMG- congrats! I know I haven't talked to you at all, but I've been following your posts and was really hoping you'd get in! Congratulations again!!

Bumping this because I'm wondering if anybody has had experience with any particular apartments and if they could recommend any. Thanks!

Probably

When I visited programs, I saw plenty of (graduate) students in leggings. I'm no expert, just an observation.

I'm gonna PM you!

After visiting the school this weekend, talking to some current students, a lot of introspection and thought, I'm 99.9% sure I'll be joining both of you at Clemson this fall! @mis-dreavus @rhizomes

What a beautifully worded post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts; I really appreciate them.

I visited UNCG with my boyfriend this weekend (he's looking at their comm program). It was absolutely beautiful! I've "visited" my top two programs, although at one I had the opportunity to talk to faculty and the other I didn't (I visited on the Saturday of spring break because it was the only time I had unfortunately). I enjoyed both visits, and I think the decision I need to make is clear, but I'm struggling with the fact that one of the schools is definitely a better research fit and has the prestige while I really enjoyed the people and location of the other school.

Got my rejection. Pretty relieved about it, to be honest. Good luck to everyone waiting!

Don't worry- that's not your job! I'm trying to see if I can visit this weekend. It won't be ideal, but at least I'll have a feel for the campus.