Ludwig von Dracula

Agreed. It stings a bit, but these scores are not completely arbitrary; fortunately, neither are they the final determinator of our prospects. I'm one of those who was pleasantly surprised by an excellent verbal score and somewhat disappointed by a lower writing score. It wasn't terrible enough to make me lose sleep (5.0, which at the time was 79th percentile but is currently a few points higher), but my (likely overinflated) conception of myself as a writer was hurt--the whole, "Dammit, if my high school English teacher were here she'd tell those test-markers a thing or two!" But I remember feeling like my test essays were pretty crappy even as I wrote, and that I just didn't have time to make them good, so frankly I knew that it was my own fault for not practicing more. What's done is done, and I'm well aware that my scores that day were due as much to luck as to my own preparation (probably a healthy balance of the two). No way I'm going to try improving on them because it would probably wind up biting me in the rear. Still, the trauma of the whole experience may explain why I feel a morbid fascination for this particular sub-forum...

I'm applying to 7, including the university I'm currently at for my MA. I wouldn't mind staying, but I also wouldn't mind getting into a prestigious program. So I'm trying to cover my bases. It does get expensive, though. One school offered to waive the registration fee as long as the online application was submitted by November 15 (supporting documents and recommendations had to be in by the regular deadline a month later). I wish more schools had this policy!

I heard back from my prof today (finally!). Internet access was indeed an issue. We're still on track to get things in on schedule, other than the two deadlines that have already passed, and at least one of those schools told me that a few weeks late isn't a problem. Phew! Good luck to you, locus and Kate...it's no fun. I hope it turns out well for you both.

I would say yes. It gives you a leg up on competitors because you will require less funding from the school. I can't see how this could hurt your chances, but others may have a different opinion.

I'm applying for a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology, so I asked the 3 ethno profs at my university for recommendations about a month ago (one of whom is my supervisor, and all of whom have taught me in class). Supervisor and prof 2 got everything in with time to spare. Prof 3 (a fairly big name in our field and definitely the best-known at our university) expressed immediate willingness to write. I mentioned it a few times again in person over the last few weeks, and sent a reminder email 3 days before the first due date. No response. On the due date, I sent another reminder. I then learn that Prof 3 has just left the country, either for Europe or Africa, and nobody has any contact info other than an email address. I've sent out a few more panicked emails in the last 3 days from various accounts. 2 due dates are past, 1 is fast approaching, a few more in about a week. I still really want this recommendation, but...aargh. Now I'm trying to decide who else I can ask for emergency's sake. Or should I try storming the gates at the department to try to get a cell phone number so I can interrupt this prof on vacation?

I can't speak to specifics. At my Canadian university (where tuition is extremely low in comparison to most American schools), my department does try to fully fund all of its Master's students. This can be either through scholarships, teaching or research assistantships, or some combination. When I figure in tuition, fees, cost of living and moving out here, I've probably broken even financially, or even maybe a bit ahead.

I'm applying for ethnomusicology. Any other ethnoids out there? Or Canadians? I'm finishing my M.A. in Alberta, and trying to move up into one of the big schools in the States: Chicago, Penn, Harvard, Indiana, UIUC. I'm also applying at Alberta and Toronto. Some "reach" schools and at least one almost sure bet (though with funding as it is, who knows). I got rejected from some of these schools 2 years ago, but I'm trusting that my newly acquired theoretical knowledge has improved my statement of purpose and writing samples--the comparison seems pretty stark to me when I look back at my older stuff. Plus I have one big conference presentation now. GRE and GPA scores aren't any different, so I'm glad that they aren't the only things taken into account, though I think mine were competitive last time I tried.

Your scores are exactly identical to mine, though I took the test 2 years ago. I'm hoping, like you, that the AW section is not a dealbreaker, as I am also applying at some top-tier schools. My browsing leads to similar conclusions as Rodao has already shared; namely, the AW is perhaps the least important of the 3 sections, particularly if your writing samples are good. I wish I could be speaking from experience, though.

Heh--Professor X. Would love to work with him. On a less flippant note, thanks for the helpful info in this thread.

Is it a good idea to cite scholarly writings in the statement of purpose? And if so, does the included bibliography count toward the 2-page (or whatever) limit?

Got my confirmation letter in Edmonton today! Woohoo! The waiting is over!

How did you find out who was in charge of your file?

I've also heard that if your application gets sent on to Ottawa you're virtually guaranteed a Master's SSHRC. But if that's the case, why all of this waiting? We're already a month late. I'd like to know it's coming for sure before I embark on my summer research so I don't wind up in debt.