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snorkles

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  1. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from Emailchecker in 2020 Applicants   
    Program of a year overall. Per period/field you can expect 1-2 on average a year, I imagine. 
  2. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from spikeseagulls in 2020 Applicants   
    Yes, yes it is. If you have been accepted, then you don't need to prove yourself. I imagine the conversations are to illustrate interests and not competency. 
  3. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from MichelleObama in What we learned from this Application Season   
    I definitely think prestige plays a role. I don't agree with the mentality that it's a singular barrier to entry, nor do I think that it's worthwhile to dwell on the question of whether it is or isn't. So much of academia is learning to speak the language. When I was shut out my first cycle, I was caught up in similar patterns of thought (ageism, first half of undergrad in community college, first generation student, and the list goes on), but I settled on the more productive notion that maybe I didn't speak the language as well as others and that had I presented my materials differently then maybe I would have had more success. 
    Biases, patterns of selection, etc. all factor into this system, absolutely, but I just don't think writing off one's failures to them is worthwhile in the long run. 
  4. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from EM51413 in What we learned from this Application Season   
    I definitely think prestige plays a role. I don't agree with the mentality that it's a singular barrier to entry, nor do I think that it's worthwhile to dwell on the question of whether it is or isn't. So much of academia is learning to speak the language. When I was shut out my first cycle, I was caught up in similar patterns of thought (ageism, first half of undergrad in community college, first generation student, and the list goes on), but I settled on the more productive notion that maybe I didn't speak the language as well as others and that had I presented my materials differently then maybe I would have had more success. 
    Biases, patterns of selection, etc. all factor into this system, absolutely, but I just don't think writing off one's failures to them is worthwhile in the long run. 
  5. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from Cryss in 2020 Applicants   
    Stipends are taxed. Also, to those going on visits: ASK ABOUT EXTRA CAMPUS/SERVICE FEES! It's rough, y'all. 
  6. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from MundaneSoul in 2020 Applicants   
    Stipends are taxed. Also, to those going on visits: ASK ABOUT EXTRA CAMPUS/SERVICE FEES! It's rough, y'all. 
  7. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from Rrandle101 in 2020 Applicants   
    Stipends are taxed. Also, to those going on visits: ASK ABOUT EXTRA CAMPUS/SERVICE FEES! It's rough, y'all. 
  8. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from Hard times! in What we learned from this Application Season   
    I definitely think prestige plays a role. I don't agree with the mentality that it's a singular barrier to entry, nor do I think that it's worthwhile to dwell on the question of whether it is or isn't. So much of academia is learning to speak the language. When I was shut out my first cycle, I was caught up in similar patterns of thought (ageism, first half of undergrad in community college, first generation student, and the list goes on), but I settled on the more productive notion that maybe I didn't speak the language as well as others and that had I presented my materials differently then maybe I would have had more success. 
    Biases, patterns of selection, etc. all factor into this system, absolutely, but I just don't think writing off one's failures to them is worthwhile in the long run. 
  9. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from Rani13 in Emailing professors: the f*&#?   
    So this is the recruiting stage. This is a part of their job, and it doesn't necessarily reflect an immediate desire to develop a close relationship with you. It also doesn't not mean that, but I say this for others who may get caught up in the wonderful attention you'll be getting: Don't be surprised if you're left to your own devices once you actually begin the program. 
    In terms of the emails, respond like a human is the easiest bit of advice. I preferred phone conversations, had they offered that option in the email. Ask about their mentoring style and department culture around that topic. Or ask about how they like living in whatever city. My conversations varied from talking about my work or their work to the structure of the program to general life things. You can pretty much ask whatever you like, but keep in mind that it's hard to read those conversations as more than exchanging niceties during the recruitment process. That said, I did vibe with the faculty at the program I chose more than others. It was an important factor for me, too. 
     
  10. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from olivetree in Emailing professors: the f*&#?   
    So this is the recruiting stage. This is a part of their job, and it doesn't necessarily reflect an immediate desire to develop a close relationship with you. It also doesn't not mean that, but I say this for others who may get caught up in the wonderful attention you'll be getting: Don't be surprised if you're left to your own devices once you actually begin the program. 
    In terms of the emails, respond like a human is the easiest bit of advice. I preferred phone conversations, had they offered that option in the email. Ask about their mentoring style and department culture around that topic. Or ask about how they like living in whatever city. My conversations varied from talking about my work or their work to the structure of the program to general life things. You can pretty much ask whatever you like, but keep in mind that it's hard to read those conversations as more than exchanging niceties during the recruitment process. That said, I did vibe with the faculty at the program I chose more than others. It was an important factor for me, too. 
     
  11. Like
    snorkles reacted to Glasperlenspieler in Emailing professors: the f*&#?   
    I'd echo @snorkles but also add that you should remember that at this stage of the game, you are evaluating them. They've already accepted you and decided they want you to come (barring some unlikely horror story). So you're job now is to figure out if you like them. So, be yourself, ask questions, and keep your eyes open for signs (good and bad).
  12. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from Narrative Nancy in Between now and August   
    Play video games. Watch Netflix. Enjoy your last months of true freedom. 
  13. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from meghan_sparkle in Emailing professors: the f*&#?   
    So this is the recruiting stage. This is a part of their job, and it doesn't necessarily reflect an immediate desire to develop a close relationship with you. It also doesn't not mean that, but I say this for others who may get caught up in the wonderful attention you'll be getting: Don't be surprised if you're left to your own devices once you actually begin the program. 
    In terms of the emails, respond like a human is the easiest bit of advice. I preferred phone conversations, had they offered that option in the email. Ask about their mentoring style and department culture around that topic. Or ask about how they like living in whatever city. My conversations varied from talking about my work or their work to the structure of the program to general life things. You can pretty much ask whatever you like, but keep in mind that it's hard to read those conversations as more than exchanging niceties during the recruitment process. That said, I did vibe with the faculty at the program I chose more than others. It was an important factor for me, too. 
     
  14. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from asdf1123 in Emailing professors: the f*&#?   
    So this is the recruiting stage. This is a part of their job, and it doesn't necessarily reflect an immediate desire to develop a close relationship with you. It also doesn't not mean that, but I say this for others who may get caught up in the wonderful attention you'll be getting: Don't be surprised if you're left to your own devices once you actually begin the program. 
    In terms of the emails, respond like a human is the easiest bit of advice. I preferred phone conversations, had they offered that option in the email. Ask about their mentoring style and department culture around that topic. Or ask about how they like living in whatever city. My conversations varied from talking about my work or their work to the structure of the program to general life things. You can pretty much ask whatever you like, but keep in mind that it's hard to read those conversations as more than exchanging niceties during the recruitment process. That said, I did vibe with the faculty at the program I chose more than others. It was an important factor for me, too. 
     
  15. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from S_C_789 in Between now and August   
    Play video games. Watch Netflix. Enjoy your last months of true freedom. 
  16. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from MundaneSoul in Between now and August   
    Play video games. Watch Netflix. Enjoy your last months of true freedom. 
  17. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from urbanfarmer in Between now and August   
    Play video games. Watch Netflix. Enjoy your last months of true freedom. 
  18. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from meghan_sparkle in Between now and August   
    Play video games. Watch Netflix. Enjoy your last months of true freedom. 
  19. Upvote
    snorkles got a reaction from literarily_erin in Between now and August   
    Play video games. Watch Netflix. Enjoy your last months of true freedom. 
  20. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from AnachronisticPoet in Between now and August   
    Play video games. Watch Netflix. Enjoy your last months of true freedom. 
  21. Upvote
    snorkles got a reaction from alittlebitofthat in Between now and August   
    Play video games. Watch Netflix. Enjoy your last months of true freedom. 
  22. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from ABottledCoke in What we learned from this Application Season   
    I definitely think prestige plays a role. I don't agree with the mentality that it's a singular barrier to entry, nor do I think that it's worthwhile to dwell on the question of whether it is or isn't. So much of academia is learning to speak the language. When I was shut out my first cycle, I was caught up in similar patterns of thought (ageism, first half of undergrad in community college, first generation student, and the list goes on), but I settled on the more productive notion that maybe I didn't speak the language as well as others and that had I presented my materials differently then maybe I would have had more success. 
    Biases, patterns of selection, etc. all factor into this system, absolutely, but I just don't think writing off one's failures to them is worthwhile in the long run. 
  23. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from ABottledCoke in What we learned from this Application Season   
    I'm a very nontraditional student. Chicago and Brown, at least, didn't seem to care last year. Add those to the list, I suppose--though I don't know how I feel about the advice to avoid Ivies otherwise. If it comes down to finances, I suppose one might exercise some guesswork and apply to what seems viable. I'm partially responding to some  frustrations in other threads here about academia only caring about prestige. Maybe, maybe not. It just doesn't help to think that way if you're trying to succeed within said system. 
    Biggest thing I've learned, which I utterly failed to take advantage of, is to get eyes on your materials. Nearly every person I've encountered who has had major success has had close relationships with faculty who guided their applications. Really, guiding their success in general--which is not trying to undermine anyone's hard work. Having a network of close mentors in undergrad forward means an extraordinary amount in academia. 
     
  24. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from ecogoth in What we learned from this Application Season   
    My project also pitched a specific idea, a rough set of texts, and a few pieces of theory in the constellation of what I imagined I'd study. I did not make an effort to showcase how it changes my field, though, mainly because I wasn't informed enough to make those claims. I think a lot of the SoP is just a litmus test to see if you can formulate a viable project. Again, speaking the language. I also think this route is better than listing a vague sense of what your interests are. 
  25. Like
    snorkles got a reaction from Rani13 in What we learned from this Application Season   
    My project also pitched a specific idea, a rough set of texts, and a few pieces of theory in the constellation of what I imagined I'd study. I did not make an effort to showcase how it changes my field, though, mainly because I wasn't informed enough to make those claims. I think a lot of the SoP is just a litmus test to see if you can formulate a viable project. Again, speaking the language. I also think this route is better than listing a vague sense of what your interests are. 
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