Brown_Bear
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Posts posted by Brown_Bear
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I second the request for more advice regarding statement of purposes.
How informal/formal should they be? How focused or unfocused should they be? How individualized / unique should they be per program basis?
Any final tips for those who are in a program, looking back? It seems like such a crucial part of the application.
I know another poster just asked, but I wanted to reiterate the question.
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Hey all,
This is something I am thinking deeply about. When I go to write my SoP / Personal Statement / document requiring me to specify my graduate school plans, I am having a semi-rough time putting into words what my research plan is. First off, I don't think I have a one-hundred percent idea of how my interests will evolve, but I have a base of different points to choose from. For application purposes, and to be a good candidate, how broad or narrow should I make my proposal?
Is it simply enough to indicate in my sample that I want to work in a certain area, and have a few goals to achieve through its study? Or should I have a focused, specific, and very direct choice of century and style? I would like to study Literature, for instance, that spans both the 19th, 20th, and 21st century of America and is more based upon theme, rather than time-period. Is this just as acceptable? Or am I lowering my overall application quality by lacking in specificity? Did some people "wing-it," or propose something that they knew they may not stick with if admitted? What is the resolution to this conundrum--should I just put out there what I want to do, even if it is very broad?
Im an English PhD applicant by the way.
Thank you.
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I'm an applicant for this cycle, and I am trying very carefully not to mess up any information on the online applications. It seems quite easy to mistype or say something. Also, I noticed UMass Amherst has a policy to apply for the TAship with an application. Is this normal? Or do other programs, if you are accepted, just give you funding of some kind?
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Hey all,
I am about to start drafting some of these, and have a sense of what to include in them. Namely, my academic background, research interests, department fit, classes and experience, and so forth.
When it comes to writing the Statement of Purpose, and also the Personal Statement, is it best to write unique ones for each program to which a person applies? Is it possible to reuse some paragraphs and then just adjust the portion of the SoP that deals with program fit?
What did you do if you are a former applicant with these documents? Did they come from scratch to each school? Or was one just adapted per program? And ideas, thoughts, advice or opinions?
Thank you
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On 10/2/2019 at 6:21 PM, ArcaMajora said:
I've thought over the role of the SoP and here's my thoughts now after having settled into my graduate program and the general expectations for first years at least from what I have seen in Irvine so far.
I want to stress that the statement of purpose is by no means a contract. You are absolutely not beholden to it once you are in the program. I've talked with my advisor about how my fields could well shift in the duration of my fellowship year and that the questions I raised in my SoP would instead be much different ones depending on where my lines of thinking go. That being said, it is productive to be as specific as you feasibly can without appearing like you're completely calcified in your field/period. When I was writing the basis for what became my statement of purpose, I thought of it as a sort of 'prospectus.' I wrote a vision of myself as a scholar at that moment then; and accordingly then had a tentative dissertation topic/larger lines of thinking that could form the seed of the eventual dissertation prospectus or master's thesis if I sustain that project beyond just applying to graduate school. Being specific enough without appearing like you're too set (to the point where you may not benefit from graduate education) is a balancing act. If you are a restoration scholar, then it is very much okay to write yourself as such in your SoP, as that will ensure a higher (but not guaranteed) chance that your SoP will be read by a faculty specialist that is within or adjacent to your time period. If you know what kinds of texts, authors, theorists, etc. you're working on, make that apparent in your SoP.
The flexibility (ie. being molded by the program) comes if you make it clear with confidence that you know your project can benefit from having the influence of discourse with faculty within the program either due to its general strengths or if there's a particular faculty member you're looking to work with. For example, this might mean writing in your statement with strategic moments of 'While so-and-so project represents the current inquiry I have into this specific time period/issue/question, this is by no means a closing off of my wider scholarly interests. Indeed, OMG University's strengths could complement my project by way of so-and-so-and-so and possibly even expand my research into these ways/areas.' It becomes an exercise in showing how you and your project/lines of thinking could be molded by the program that you are applying for, and it's one of the many ways in which you can demonstrate your potential fit to an admissions committee. Thus, don't sacrifice your specificity (the adcom will want to know what you're studying) but make sure to appear as such that your interests can change, expand, and of course be complicated.
The SoP is a barometer of fit just as much as it is the adcom's way to hold a litmus test in how well you can present yourself as a scholar in an academic and professional context and also as a way to see if you can start proposing the kinds of projects that are expected of graduate students to produce. The best way I can phrase it is that you do need to be specific enough in order for a program to identify not just your field, but the methodologies you favor (you like queer theory? are you more into ecocrit? continental philosophy?), the texts that you gravitate toward, etc, but the possibility of change (either the refinement of interests or even an outward expansion) by either faculty discourse, the program's strength, seminar, etc. will definitely need to be there.
Should this include referencing specific faculty by name? If there are faculty whose research is interesting to the applicant? Or is it enough you think to just reference the research being done, without name-dropping?
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14 hours ago, snorkles said:
Programs will send an email to your letter writers with a link for them to upload the document once you input their contact information in the reference section of the application. This process can be done ahead of time, if you want to give your writers plenty of time to upload the documents. Some programs will only send letter requests after you submit your application.
I wouldn't limit your applications. One of my letter writers mentioned how unreasonable the process has become for faculty, but that's just the way it is these days. You can make it easier for them to keep track of the uploads by sending them a document with each institution name and deadline.
A few tips: you will receive emails once letters are submitted, and you can look at each program portal to see which letters are still missing. It's helpful for your sanity to keep track of this information in a separate document. Also, give your letter writers plenty of notice--at least a few weeks. Some of them are writing multiple letters each cycle in addition to their already packed schedule. Occasional reminders may be necessary to get all of your letters on time, and I've read that there's an unspoken grace period for late letters for many (most?) programs. I tried to submit all of my applications about a week before the deadline, with many of my letter requests sent well in advance of this. Finally, ask if there's any way to make the process easier for them.
Thank for for this. It sounds like it should not be too much to ask of them, so long as I give them sufficient time and organize it the best I can.
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Hello all, important question.
I have three letter writers for my recommendation letters this cycle, English PhD programs with deadlines this December, and I want to know what the process is like for them to submit the letters?
How do they submit them, and how much time does it take for them to do so? Do you send them a URL from a program's online application, and they upload the letter online?
I am wondering about this because, if I apply to 10-15 programs, I don't want it to be too much to ask for them to submit a letter to each program. Can somebody give me specifics on this process, based on when you yourself was going through the application cycle? Is it dumb to limit applications in order to appease a letter writer, or is it a quick process?
Thank you.
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5 hours ago, snorkles said:
I considered how many scholars were working/had worked in my period and how they're current interests aligned with mine. I went with programs that had at least two faculty who worked directly in my period and a few others who fit my critical interests. Mind you, this was less about me being particular and rather about making sure I had a chance at getting in somewhere. Really, though, I don' know how much (if at all) this approach affected the outcome. After admissions, I went with the program that made me the most academically uncomfortable/intimidated. That's not the only factor of course: logistics play a role, but it was nonetheless important.
How many programs do you anticipate applying to? It might be a good move to apply to them all, if you have the means.
I think I will apply to like 7-15, depending on how many I feel would be potential fits, and the cost of course. There are some fringe ones that I feel less strongly about, but I hear your point about sending them when possible, just to see. I also like your idea about choosing the one that'd intimidate you least. I get some vibes from program websites and some certainly do feel more intense. I'll keep that in mind.
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Hello everyone,
I am trying to finalize a list of English Ph.D programs I'd like to apply to for this year's cycle, and my question now concerns a topic much discussed already, fit.
Namely, the act of trying to find a department that could support one's own interests.
My question is aimed at those already in a grad program; what did "fit" as an entity mean to you? Of the program you are attending, what specifically appealed to you about it? How many faculty worked within your "area," and what other things did you consider? (coursework, other students there, resources, ect).
It is becoming harder to discriminate between programs, as the ones in my final lists all look equally good. Is there an "x" factor, or something that would force one into preference over another? Did anyone apply to a place with little "fit," just because?
Any input, even from those also applying, will help me tremendously.
Thank you.
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Hello all,
I am going to be applying to PhD programs at the end of this year, and have a list of schools that interest me.
In trying to think about which unique programs appeal to me, I've noticed a few schools offer specializations or different tracks in either Literature/Literary Studies or in Rhetoric and Composition. I understand that these are different routes, and have traditionally felt like I want to apply to Literature-based offerings first, but this is why my question comes from;
Are students in Rhetoric/Composition tracks of some of these programs funded in the same manner and extent as their Literature counterparts? Anyone here in a Rhetoric specialized program whose school also offers a Literature-track, be able to give personal accounts of this? I am unsure of how to view these different PhD offers exist in light of one another, as Literature seems to be the dominant course of study. I'm referring to schools in the T20 of rankings lists and some outside.
Thank you, and again, I'm looking to understand if the funding a school's website lists also applies to studies of Rhetoric or a non-Literature PhD focus.
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Hello all,
I will be applying to Ph.D in English programs later this year and am trying to field out programs. I have like twenty to thirty left, and need to continue to define what I'm looking for.
In terms of the actual application, what should the distribution of school rankings be that I apply to? If I apply to 10-15, say, what kind of variety should I have in the ranking or perceived standing of the program? I don't want to get shutout, but also want to go to the best place possible. Any thoughts or suggestions? Does fit > ranking? And if so, to what degree?
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19 hours ago, illcounsel said:
From what I have gathered from the English forum on here, I would say about 10-12 is an average amount.
It is also important to note that there is no such thing as a "safety" school like there is in undergrad schools. ANY English PhD program is hard to get into, so you want to have a variety of schools that fit your research interests. Fit is one of the most important things that an admissions committee looks at. If you have the most stellar grades and GRE scores, but don't mesh well will the department (I.E. you study Early Modern literature and they have few faculty in the field), they will pass on you. I have seen many friends get rejected from schools in the 10-50 range, but get into a few top 10 programs because their interests overlapped nicely with faculty in that school's department.
It is also worth noting you may want to add a few MA programs into your mix. There are a handful of fully-funded English MA programs around the country at great institutions. I chose to apply to 5 MA programs and 4 PhD programs. This is because I want to go to a top 10 school in my field. While I did not get into the PhD programs (all at top schools), I did get into all 5 MA programs. This will give me a chance to strengthen my profile, refine my research interests, get published/present at conferences. My MA program has placed students into PhD programs in all the schools that I applied to.
Hope this helps!
Excellent advice; just what I was looking for. You seem to be right. I need to think widely and specifically. Thank you.
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AP:
Yes, I guess I mean that I may be free to work around different English Literature time periods or approaches a program offers; for instance, moving from Medieval to say Renaissance or so forth.
Madandmoonly:
Thank you very much, I think that is something to keep in mind; programs that can serve different interests of mine should they change.
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Hello all,
If I get into a Ph.D in English Literature program, how important is it for me to keep my original research topic or field of study that I indicate during my applications? Does anyone have experience changing their topics during their program? I feel like I am unsure of myself and worried that changing my research plan will hinder me. Any advice or suggestions? Should I make sure the school in question has other areas of English that might interest me? Is it possible to change interests while doing coursework as well?
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Hello all,
I am in the middle of compiling a list of prospective programs, most of which are Ph.D in English. I am going to be applying in the near future.
That said, how many schools should I apply to?; also, what range of program rankings or distribution of schools should I send applications to?
I know some people've talked about this, but I want to both maximize my chances of admissions but also get into the best program I can. I can only imagine some people only apply to top-20 schools, whereas others disregard ranking. Can someone shed some light on a good ratio, or does such a thing not exist? What went through your mind when you applied to grad programs?
Thank you for any help.
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Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is a great response. Much appreciated.
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Hey all,
I am an English major and I will be applying to English Ph.D programs within the next year.
Aside from considering the location of the university, and funding opportunities, I haven't much clue where to begin in compiling a list of those that I want to apply to.
I hear a lot of people talking about "fit" with programs, and have read somewhat on the issue. Are there special approaches that current students in their field took to ensure that a graduate program had what you in particular found important? As well, for English Ph.D programs, they often have foreign language requirements. For those in a program with this requirement, how did you satisfy it and can you describe if it is an element worth worrying about?
Thank you, and please feel free to contribute any advice what so ever.
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I see, and I also agree. Thank you for the response.
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Hello all,
I am approaching my final year of Undergraduate studies, where I will be applying to grad school later this year. My question is in regards to the future; what do grad school aspirants do about transportation, namely if they do not have a vehicle, but want to travel outside of their current city?
For those in grad school, how did this all work out? This seems like a fundamental feature of moving away, or transitioning into further academic studies, yet it seems difficult to approach. I understand that everyone gets a vehicle in many different ways, whether by working, leasing, or family help, et cetera.
With this in mind, what would be the suggestion for an undergrad student who may need a car in a year or two? Is it better to try to manage if you don't need one in grad school? Or should I try to save money to lease or purchase? Wait for funding to come through if it does at a program?
Basically, any sort of advice or input would be highly appreciated.
Thank you everyone!
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14 hours ago, apex45 said:
I regret not having the foresight to build relationships with professors during undergrad for the purpose of recommendation letters. Thankfully, I'm an older grad school applicant now so it doesn't totally matter, but it would have made my job searches easier.
I would definitely take the class if you feel this person has the potential to eventually write you a strong letter. Go beyond just doing well in the class, though-- demonstrate leadership, go to office hours, establish a connection with the professor, etc. You want your letter to be more than "Hasspurple earned a [grade] in [class 1] and [grade] in [class 2], which is in the [X percentile] of students."
Thank you for your response. I see that it is important to establish connections with professors. I will keep in mind these possible relationships as I move forward in both undergrad, and eventually to grad school applications. My mind is beginning to consider who I may ask for LOR's.
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Hey,
I am in undergraduate, where I am almost a senior. I have to decide which classes to take, and am thinking about who my LOR writers will be, when I apply to graduate school. Having extra credits, electives to take, I am not sure of one thing: would it be wise for me to take a class with a teacher, just because I would like them to write a LOR for me later in the future? In other words, some LOR writer's I am thinking about, I've only taken one class with them. Is this enough for them to write me one for grad school? Or is this not a good way to make a schedule?
Thank you for trying to help me out.
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1 hour ago, CN0rd said:
Definitely make sure you sure you select a field you're passionate about, graduate work is an intense experience and PhDs in particular take a lot of time to complete. I would recommend you start thinking about a career/s you can see yourself in for the rest of your life and then decide if that career requires a graduate degree. The decision to pursue a PhD isn't one that should be taken lightly and if you don't love your field it probably isn't worth it.
Have you looked into Master's degrees? This might be a strong option for you especially if you're looking to change fields. You would get experience in the field, see what graduate study is like and not have to commit to 4-5 years of a field/program that doesn't turn out to be the right fit for you. If you decide you want a PhD after this there are many programs that would grant you advanced standing due to the work you have already completed.
Thank you, for your response. I have long heard that you must have some passion for the field you choose. Additionally, I've looked not much into Master's degrees, but can certainly take the notion seriously. It does seem advantageous, in some respects, to get a Master's before a Ph.D.
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1 hour ago, Hk328 said:
You can absolutely transition into a different field if you want. The writing and critical thinking skills you develop as an English major will carry over. A lot of times, they just want to see that you've taken some core classes. And if you're still attending, you can make sure you get those done before you graduate.
As far as what to study, it all depends on what you're passionate about. A. What do you want to do as a career? A PhD is still a stepping stone to a career. So make sure you actually need a PhD for whatever it is you want to do. B. What do you find interesting enough to study in depth for 5-7 years?
I agree. I think that these are important questions to consider, especially your B. one regarding what I want to study in depth. I do have some classes left, and am trying to coordinate it so that I have the chance to take things in other fields, maybe sparking interest for me.
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1 hour ago, placeinspace said:
Most PhDs require that you have taken a certain number of credits in that field before you can apply, so unless you've taken a lot of history or anthropology courses as an English major, you might have a hard time finding a program outside of English that would consider you.
Indeed, this is something that I am trying to keep in mind. As well, I would like to be careful not to apply to something that I wind up unqualified for.
For English Literature Applicants: How to define your research interests?
in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition
Posted
I'm doing applications now, and have decided to pick a topic that interests me and is definable within my designated field of English. I agree with you, and quite frankly I am open to all sorts of ideas in the long run if I become a grad student.
But, I am deciding to take a more definitive stand within my SOPs, and this includes specifying to the extent that admissions can see that I have a focus. I am trying to do it the best I can. I am not qualified in particular, but would say to you that open-ended questions can be just as good as anything else in my own opinion. I personally figure that all applicants have to compete and so forth, and who truly knows what a program is looking for. Go with what you think is right for you.