TheDude

Maybe it's preliminary, but I'm considering the pros and cons of living in different areas for grad school. I'm somewhat used to traveling Boston/Cambridge. My question is this how far away from Cambridge/Medford do you have to live to find a place of your own at a reasonable price? One thing I know I won't want to deal with in grad school is roommates. What are surrounding towns you'd consider with travel to campuses in a car?

This helps so much! I have tried to find the interviewer's CV, but the website just lists what I guess is their view of studies that meant the most to them or something. No official CV so I couldn't read about past research. I don't think it matters anyways because person switched research gears completely and hasn't published the new material yet. I conducted my study and wrote half the manuscript so I should be fine on any questions. There is just more uncertainty than I'm happy with. I would have liked to read more of their past work. Thanks so much!!

I had some good research overlaps with a couple programs and was invited to meet in the office of advisors of interest and visit the program before applying. This is a little weird but I think a good sign. The one problem is I don't really know how to handle it. I don't want to ask about funding situations if I haven't applied, even though I know how the school issues that stuff. There are a slew of things I plan on asking interviews in February, but it all seems very preliminary to do that now. I figured just talk about the advisors new research. Come with some general ideas within their domains of research and talk about my research. I have 1 hour to 45 minutes in both programs. Does this sound okay? If you have more advice please let me know. Lastly, I don't know if I should bring a copy of my CV being that I haven't applied yet. I'd like to as it outlines what I've accomplished thus far really nicely. I also have a paper under-review I don't know if I should bring? I'd have to get the "okay" from an advisor. Would these be pretentious moves? I wouldn't throw them out in the meeting, but maybe at the end or something? I also don't want to collude for potential applicants. Basically, I don't want to suck!!!! These people don't know me and I guess based off my initial email to them outlining my research and interest in the program they are willing to give me 1 hour in the busiest time of the year for them.

Thanks so much. I will definitely try to do that. Also, can't believe I wrote "figurative." It was way to late when I posted last night.

Is it acceptable to go figurative in the intro? I want to continue to study the cognitive processes that children use to monitor their own learning. I came to this realization, in large part, after I started teaching kids music. I have a funny/decent story of what I went through over 3 days in my quest to help myself become a good teacher. Should I use it as an intro or skip to the boring? It would be about a paragraph of straight narrative. thoughts???

Awesome. I will probably just put the school I graduated from. The only thing that remotely makes me want to list the others is that the degree programs do relate to some of my research interests and my first school was the most prominent music school in the US. I've found even in conversations with people many have heard of it. But if more damage is done by having them there I'll remove them and it might look snooty to include it if that is my purpose.

Hi everyone, I attended 3 schools as an undergrad. It looks terrible but my reason if very legit and logical and not due to illness, etc. I was a major in the arts and went to a very prestigious school for that degree with the goal of getting more than 1/2 tuition scholarship after a year. I promised myself if that goal didn't occur I'd leave the school because when I finally started working in the field there was no way I was paying my college debt off. I transfered to an instate school for the same degree (cheaper). I began to philosophically oppose studying art in an institution, especially art forms that were antithetical to that idea. Disgruntled and bored I left that school and switched majors. I know I have to send transcripts of all schools but do I need to list the others on the CV? I don't want to look like I majored in 12 different things and got kicked out of a bunch of schools. The story above clearly shows that not is the case.

I'm asking tomorrow in person. Two of the three know I am asking them and I am on really great grounds with both so not really nervous. The third might be a bit surprised. I am going to bring a copy of my CV to everyone tomorrow if they want to write the letter. Then when sites update their application deadlines and addresses for the winter, probably all will have by next week, I am going to print off any papers and materials needed and put them in an envelope with deadline dates/addresses. If things need to be done online I'll mark it. I figure that way it is all there. In December, once deadlines have arrived, I'll bring in some kind of nice gesture for each of them.

I think that it looks presumptuous and a bit pesky to "drop a few lines" as the application deadlines unfold. Isn't the whole point of the quick initial email to see if they are taking students with the veiled intention of making a slightly good enough impression upon them that they'd remember you when applications arrive? I got more detailed responses than short ones. Even the shorter ones were mostly polite, "yes, taking new students and look forward to seeing your application materials!" If they took the time to write more than one sentence to you they will remember you. One professor seemed generally pumped about our matched interests and my experience and then sent me a new paper that person had written. I didn't want to respond to that email for suspicion that I'd be lumped into the annoying applicant category. So I responded quickly with an acknowledgement that I read it and a possible ramification. It's seriously just like a high school dance. Maybe...Maybe.... a quick email once you submit your application: "Just wanted to thank you for your response in the summer and to let you know I did end up applying to your program and listing you as a potential advisor." You'd have to have the content of the old emails present, which is why I have been saving these. But even then I still think it seems a bit trying.

I am thinking of doing 8. In line with your thinking, the expenses would just be ridiculous. At some point I started to wonder is applying to that extra school something I am doing because I want to go there or am I funding an urge to be way over prepared and considering too many "what ifs."

I kept it very short and to the point, at the most I wrote two paragraphs. I also kept the format for emails the same too, but tailored research interests and other small things to the person I was writing to because like them...I am busy too. They get a bunch of these things every year and while some here have advised detailed questions I would recommend straying far away from that. First, it isn't in their interests to be answering questions about their advising style right off, etc because you might not even apply of be a good applicant. Yes, they love talking about their research but in between preparing for classes, writing papers, reviewing for journals and looking for grants detailed emails back on their part aren't at the top of the list. Format: Name Academic credentials (graduated from X with a degree in X) no one cares about all the awards you got right now and it looks pretentious to go listing them.What kind of research have you been doing? If you have published or presented just mention it in a sentence. Maybe something like: "I've been working in Dr. X's lab for 2 years doing research in the field of X." Again, keep it succinct. If the person you are writing to is doing research on toxicity levels of osteoblasts on the backs of whales and you did work on the same thing or with whales or whatever you can get a bit more specific. But if they are doing work with marine animals in some other realm you might just want to keep it broad enough to potentially have your work relate to what they are doing.If you read their work just mention it right after this and that it gave you ideas for some studies or help in interpreting your results or whatever. if you didn't read their work be straight about. I wrote an advisor asking about a program and said I like what your recent project is and I have unique skill sets that would fit with that kind of work. Don't make something up because if you do and you don't remember in a potential interview you look like a fool.Next paragraph: Anyways....I am applying to programs in the realm of X in the application of season X and was wondering if you were considering taking on new graduate students? Boom, you are done and out of there. I wrote all my top prospective programs 3 weeks ago and got an invitation to visit and meet, encouraging "yes, apply here look forward to reading you application and read this recent work," Yes, taking students, No, don't have the funds or time to take on new students and unsure of what the funding situation will be. I was surprised by the detailed emails but I frankly just expected a yes or a no. Get into advising styles later in the process. I know it sucks to spend money applying to a school where your potential POI might end up being a jerk, but that is the cost of doing business. I think if you go emailing their grad students at the same time you email them it just looks bad. That is my opinion. Once they have your application in hand and told you they are interested in you then start asking their grad students questions. Try to get it done before fall. I still have to email back up programs...but it takes time to find the right programs. Peace

I used the Barron's book for review and at a moderate pace got my score to 700 in about 7 weeks. I'm now using the NOVA GRE math review book. It is more comprehensive than Barron's and a definite step up.

So I want to take this test the end of September but I'm starting to wonder what the rush is. I've been studying, and will continue to through the early fall, have a job that allows me to work 15 hours a week and make enough to keep a roof over my head and pay my bills. Is it a travesty to wait until October? More time couldn't hurt if I have it. I don't have any programs that have a deadline of November, the earliest is mid December. Thanks.

I'd second that. I have my quant score in the low 700's to high 600's and I think it will be in the 700's for the test, but my verbal score won't move from low 500's to high 500's. I thought I'd be able to brush up on math all summer and just pull a 600 in the verbal section without thinking about it.....Wow I was wrong! Now trying to just master the barron's high frequency word list should be enough until the end of September.

Straight up: it is going to be a steeper climb for you than others. Great news though, I think it is totally manageable. The key is going to be your last 2 years of work and you have research experience in multiple labs. I would apply this year with the caveat of making sure you apply to a real diverse set of programs to maximize admission possibilities. In other words don't just apply to top labs. Also, really be able to articulate you goals for the future so that when people meet you and you tell them why your GPA was lower and then show them your renewed focus you will be a homerun. Go for it!

Finally took my first practice test with ETS. Again, my thoughts were to brush up on math because I needed so much review. I ended up with 1270. Not great at all for someone who is an over achiever. The good news is I want to take the test the last week of September if this isn't to late. I think I can raise the score into the 1300's, which would leave me some wiggle room for nerves. Really got to work on verbal. In the high 500s to 500 with big book tests and no practice. Math seems the best bet to get me past the 1300 mark. Quick question: Do you think with 4 first author conference presentations (first author) and a publication in a reputable peer reviewed journal will lessen the blow if I end up with a 1200 flat? I reviewed so much of the basics for weeks and weeks that I'd like to have a bit of a life the next few weeks!!!! I freak with these standardized tests, always have.

Naw, I get more upset when people ask what I am doing with my life and I have to phrase it in some way other than pursuing more school. "When will you finally get a real job....?" I hear that from the most intellectually stiffened! That is what makes me get angry about the lost wages for what I want to pursue. I am certainly not expecting to get rich with a Ph.D, rather just be comfortable. My family didn't have a lot when I was younger, and I've seen minimal wages raise a small family.., so I don't want for much. 1) Be able to pay off my college debt 2) buy a small house 3) feed my kids 4) do work that matters to a degree and that allows me to be somewhat creative in starting new projects, etc. Can someone here explain tenure track (teaching)? I understand the conventional route but someone mentioned a differentiation of the two above.

Are 7 year contracts viable means of securitizing one's future? It seems like universities can just roll these new policies into place and if people don't like it they will find someone else. As some one looking to get a Ph.D, and applying this year, I've thought damn hard about the lost wages that will count for something while I am amidst that schooling or what else I could do now in private sector work, etc. I'm mad.

I couldn't agree with all these points from both of you more. I don't think you'd see Universities function the same if professors couldn't find job security. I also agree there is an adjunct problem, but like you mentioned I fail to see how scrapping tenure would solve that problem. The article is pretty insulting at points- like I said it had been articulated better in other sources in recent months.

http://www.slate.com/id/2263348/ I have heard the case articulated much more clearly in other articles, but there seems to be an increasing wave of this kind of article arising in popular periodicals/newspapers of late. What do you think? Would you take a 35% pay increase and a 7- 10 year contract? Do you want the system to remain the same? I personally don't think think a 7 year contract does much for the number of adjuncts hoping to find a more stable job position within the academy, which is probably a result of the market (supply & demand) in terms of the number of Ph.Ds there are. Perhaps this new crop of grad students will be the first to have to deal with this prospect?

I might be an outlier here. The only math that came to mind easily for me was statistics because I had been immersed in it for a couple years. The math on the GRE isn't hard, but it is a lot or stuff I haven't used for 7-8 years. Naturally, I wanted a full scope review of things- as a result I started studying in June w/regularity. I think it really depends on what your strengths are. You won't know how much you should do unless you try some practice tests.

I honestly feel like thinking about where to work before even being in grad school is just a little bit too far ahead. Further, I think it's easier to get the job being overqualified than underqualified and, finally, not to be terribly cynical, but very few people's theses make even the slightest difference in anyone's life and most of the time just sit on a dusty shelf. Really? Every professor I have talked to has told me that before you apply to a Ph.D. program you want to see yourself down the road 10 years from now. I'd imagine that thought shapes a lot about the decision I am going to make, and am making right now, about where I want to go, etc. You also are characterizing it like I am some wide-eyed youngster who wants to change the world with my thesis. I know where most publications end up...I know the game. However, a slow movement of work in one direction does affect people, at least in the field I am going in. There are lots of researchers who might not be nationally known but are finding ways to apply their work to issues in their community and make differences. It can matter. I think I stirred up something unintended here. My words above where not stated correctly and because I can't edit things I cannot change them, so I tried to demystify them after the fact. All I was trying to say is the prospect of teaching at a state university, that isn't considered a "state ivy," and having a distribution of work that made you teach more is not a terrible idea to me. I think stating elite vs. anything puts people on either end of the continuum on the defensive. When I said under served population I didn't mean what some are taking it as. I came from one of those Universities. I sat next to a brilliant student who couldn't afford private school because no one in his family had ever attended college and thusly had no savings to make it happen, a mother of 3 who was fulfilling her life dream by finally finishing up her degree, a veteran back from war happy to be using the GI Bill to better his life, kids who are ready for ivies and kids who struggle to put together a coherent thesis. I've always found how that environment shapes pedagogy and the discourse that arises from truly effective teaching to be completely intoxicating. That is what I meant. And yes, I will argue with anyone here-- that is a population that tends to be intellectually stiffed. In my eyes that is a second world of academia. I have my answers so thanks a bunch- and no bad vibes intended.

Y'all rock~

I like teaching and researching...and most of the research I have been doing and am interested in, broadly speaking, is in designing interventions that target learning and language deficits in preschool children. So I want to have my cake and eat it too. I also didn't mean to directly imply small state schools were undeserved, but the struggle of people in some of those schools is real: Working 2 jobs, raising kids, etc. So while not a destitute population, compared to elite schools I'd argue there is a paucity of intellectual fervor and access. I appreciate all the info.

Thanks everyone. A couple points: 1) In regards to the quality of students you will have: A consistent theme I've wanted to satiate in my mind was actually being able to teach in areas where the population is under-served. So the prospect of empowering people who don't think they can to like learning and realize it's importance and has the supreme utility in their life is perhaps more appealing to me than most. I've been in situations where I could do this and it pays in dividends down the line. However, being pushed by really smart students can't have too many negatives. 2) I am not saying I want to go to a lab no one has heard of. In fact, the schools I am applying to do have active labs that are funded well just not like labs I've looked at in, for instance, Columbia. There is in no way I am applying to schools where there is no funding. Still within the realm of funded schools there seems to exist 2 realms of researchers. I'm probably over-thinking this? 3) Yes, TT track positions are very hard to obtain. You can bet I realize that the first 7-10 years I am with a University, should I be so lucky, I will be researching at a pace that is perhaps going to force me to make sacrifices with how much I'd like to teach and get better at it. I will check out a couple of the schools I excluded now thanks to the input here. If for anything, like you've said, perceptions could be changed. The one thing I take some comfort in is depending on what program I end up in, focus-wise, I will be able to work in the dreaded applied fields. This is something that I thought I'd detest but after meeting a few people who work in that area I feel much better about it. Thanks for the input all. I can bring up some of these things to people who I am close with in the academy, but certainly not all of it without feeling odd. To have a degree of anonymity here and have really smart people give me really smart answers is fantastic. Addendum: I should add that I think I am just naturally suspicious of the whole process as much as I try not to be. Graduate school is VERY intimidating to me. No one in my family that I know/was raised by has ever finished college. So carrying undergrad debt....going for more school...and having no one to really talk about it with probably just leads to a lot of paranoia.