I'd definitely suggest really scoping out the rental markets in the areas around all of the schools you're considering. Before applying I made my list of schools based in part on areas I liked and could imagine myself (and my partner) living in for 5-6 years, but I (stupidly) didn't crosscheck my assumptions about the cost of living in certain cities with actual rent prices. This mostly applies to Boston- I had visited before and really loved the area, and just, for some reason, assumed that since it wasn't NYC or DC, rent would be moderately reasonable. I ended up applying to four PhD programs in the area, and not until after I started getting acceptances did I really begin to understand just how much it would cost me to keep up the standard of living to which I'm accustomed. So, definitely be realistic with yourself about how much you (and, if you're planning to move with a partner, your partner) are comfortable spending on living expenses each month. I had more or less assumed I wouldn't really be getting into any PhD programs straight out of undergrad, so I guess all of the details just didn't seem real to me? Since I saw being accepted anywhere as such a long shot, I think I had a sort of "I doubt I'll get in but if I do I'll figure out the details later (as if getting in would even happen, lol)" attitude. So, I'd say that while yes, you need to be prepared for the worst, you also need to be prepared for the best. Oh, and another aspect of preparing for the best- if you're applying as a senior in undergrad, even if you doubt, like I did, that you'll come out of your first cycle with any acceptances, make sure you figure out beforehand how you'll handle missing class to visit programs. I had been so stressed about completing my applications and hearing back that I never really gave much thought to the logistics of campus visits while still a full-time undergraduate student. So I guess that while yes, there's always a very real possibility of not getting any acceptances, there's also a very real possibility of getting acceptances, so make sure you're ready for both outcomes and all that those outcomes entail.
Hello English folks!
I plan to apply to programs in French literature, and I was wondering what a good GRE score looks like for you all. I got mine today -- 163 in Verbal -- and I'm concerned that it isn't good enough for "good" programs in French literature. Should I retake it? It is an expensive test so idk but let me know what you all think.
I think that it's a good score. That's what mine was and I was accepted by a program of my choice. It's the 93rd percentile. Copy the following link into your browser because my links never seem to work. Magoosh shows a breakdown of scores at various ranked schools. The top 10 schools in Foreign Languages/Literature had scores from 161-166. Your score of 163 is right in the middle. I would not take it over for a couple of points when you are definitely within the parameters. You don't have time to study for any kind of increase other than 2-3 points max and, as you point out, it's an expensive test.
https://magoosh.com/gre/2013/gre-scores-for-arts-and-humanities-programs/
Here is a chart that Magoosh prepared regarding whether to retake the GRE. Copy into browser.
http://2aih25gkk2pi65s8wfa8kzvi-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/gre/files/2013/12/Retaking-the-GRE.pdf
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