Jump to content

CaliAcademic

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    21

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by CaliAcademic

    Gender/Feminist Studies (Fall 2020)

    in Waiting it Out

    Posted · Edited by CaliAcademic

    2 hours ago, jwil said:

    Let’s just remember that it’s not over until it’s over ?

    Very true! It actually seems that a LOT of UCLA departments are releasing decisions as we speak, according to the results page these past two hours. Perhaps I became anxious too quickly! Fingers crossed y'all 

    Gender/Feminist Studies (Fall 2020)

    in Interdisciplinary Studies

    Posted

    6 hours ago, soupnazi said:

    Thank you! I was feeling very casual about it for a while, but now I'm beginning to feel some nerves. Of course, they're not manifesting in a productive way; instead, I'm fixating on wardrobe choices. So, that's cool. As far as I know, the decisions are not yet made, but "finalists" have been invited for this recruitment visit/interview thing. 

     

    Honestly, I was nervous that I might get a rejection right before this recruitment visit and that it would impact my confidence. So, I suppose it's a good thing that I have no news as of yet. 

    Are you referring to UCLA Gender Studies? Have they historically offered recruitment visits to every finalist?

    LOR Question!

    in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

    Posted

    On 11/8/2019 at 11:50 AM, HenryJams said:

    I agree with vondafkossum; I don't think it's something to worry about.  But if you can find someone to write to a better recommendation, then go for it.

    As to your questions:  I'm sure it's entirely possible that two strong letters of recommendation can offset one that is just OK.  I also think that one letter that's just OK could harm two great letters.  It really depends on the strength of the other two and on the meh-ness of the one you've seen.

    I think it's likely that almost every applicant's materials feature one letter that's the strongest, one that's in between, and one that's the least enthusiastic.  That's not to say that third-place letters are unenthusiastic.  It's just pretty unlikely that all letter-writers will voice exactly the same degree of enthusiasm for a given student. 

    And I also think that different letter-writers express themselves differently.  One writer might offer qualified or vague praise for even the best students.  Another professor might hail a just-decent student as the next Empson.

    I think that adcomms are aware of the varying styles letter-writers employ, and take that into account when reading LORs.  Not that I know for sure; I'm just guessing that's the case.

    The bottom line is that I don't think you need every letter to absolutely gush over you for your application to be competitive.

    Also, since you mentioned you're anxious, I'll add that ultimately no applicant has control over the content of LORs.  We do have control over our writing samples, SOPs, CVs, etc.  I, too, worried about the quality of my LORs until I recognized that my energy would be better-spent tweaking my SOPs (and eliminating the gajillion typos I managed to include in my first few drafts).  Just my two cents, sorry if I'm overstepping.

    This is very helpful! Thank you for your input. I was definitely having an anxious moment. 

    LOR Question!

    in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

    Posted

    Hi all,

     

    I am applying to English and American Studies' PhD programs in the US. All of the schools to which I am applying require 3 letters of recommendation. I have one very strong LOR from an undergraduate professor (Ivy League, very reputable, well known in the field), one from a current master's professor which I believe should be pretty strong as well, and finally one letter from an old lecturer from my current master's program as well. This final letter is the one I am concerned about at the moment. Her letter is quite short and while it does explain I am a strong student, the content itself is not very in-depth. My question to the forum is as follows: will two strong letters of rec offset one OK letter of rec? Conversely, will one OK letter harm two great letters? As you may tell, I am anxious! Any advice would help. Thank you!!

    2020 Applicants

    in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

    Posted

    Hi All,

    Happy to be on-board with all of you during the application process! I'm hoping someone can help answer a question I have regarding letters of recommendation. My undergraduate background is in the humanities, and my graduate background is in the social sciences (clinical social work). I am now applying to PhDs in English and Cinema Studies. I have one letter of rec from a very close professor from my undergraduate institution, and one from my current Social Work program. That being said, I am having trouble finding a third letter writer, because my current master's institution has been cutting a lot of professors. Do people think it would be okay if I had another letter writer from my undergraduate institution?  I am thinking of someone who had previously said she was amenable, however it would be the same letter she wrote for my master's applications. She explained she only knew me as an undergraduate, and therefore could only include a letter that attests to the same information she previously submitted as i was applying to my current master's program. I believe it was a very strong letter, nonetheless. Any advice or recommendations would be immensely appreciated. Thank you!!

    2020 Applicants

    in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition

    Posted

    Hi All:

    First time on gradcafe. I'll be applying to English & American Studies PhD programs this coming cycle. Glad someone has already made a thread in which we can connect! I am recently finding myself having to make a decision concerning letters of recommendation, and I am therefore seeking advice. I pursued a bachelor's in English at a reputable undergraduate institution where I performed very well academically. Three years out of college now, I am in my 2nd year of a master's in social work, a program I selected because I also have an interest in psychology and culture. My question for those who can help is as follows: is it okay to use a letter of recommendation from an undergraduate professor (albeit one whom I had four to five years ago)? I feel my undergrad degree is more relevant to the English/American Studies Phds, even though my masters is still pertinent in other ways. Thus, is it okay to have two letters from undergrad professors, and only one from my master's program? One of my undergrad professors says she will simply use the same letter she wrote for my master's degree. Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

    Thank you!!

     

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

  I accept