The Maritime Scholar

I really wouldn't worry about it. They're looking at your application. Not the emails you send.

When I first began writing my SOP, I didn't really know how to structure it or even what to write. I looked at some samples and that helped. One sample began with stating outright what your "purpose" is: "I am applying to a PhD program in X at Y because Z." My mentor/advisor told me that the admissions committee already know that you're applying to that program, and since they're reading hundreds of them, it would be better to start with something interesting. He suggested that I start with a quote (based on a primary source used for my MA thesis), and then introduce/connect my research interests based on that quote. It definitely sounds better than the straight forward approach, IMO. I wonder what everyone's opinions are on ways to start a SOP. P.S. My advisor is about two years out of a PhD, and he became an assistant professor right after finishing his PhD. He is young, so I feel like his advice is the best I can get, for me, since I'm following his path. However, that's not to say that other professors with more traditional approaches or advice aren't helpful. I'm open to everyone's input!

Yes, thank you! I saw that some schools on my list don't require the GRE anymore because of COVID-19. I was relieved because that's $27 less for each school! Hah ?

I mean, that would make sense. I expect philosophy to be part of a lit PhD program; however, most of the work you produce will be literary with philosophy as support for your research (I'm not in a lit PhD program yet, so I can't really say). I'm sure every program is different.

I'll be applying for a PhD in English for next fall, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit worried. I was already worried about getting into a good school way before COVID-19 happened. Like @DrGonzzo mentioned in his response, I do try to see things in a more optimistic way. I'm still not sure if less applicants, especially to a PhD in English program, will benefit me or not. Will that just mean they're more selective? Less selective? I'm not really sure. All I can say is that I'm hopeful for the future, and I'm hopeful that I'll get into a good PhD program in English. As of now, I haven't been immediately affected by COVID-19, and I hope it stays that way for me. *Knocks on wood.* ?

Like @PsyDuck90 said, it really depends on the program. Some programs have a GRE requirement because it is required by the university, and they don't even count that in. With programs that do require it, I would say that your scores could help. Of course, everything in your application is taken into consideration (SOP, LORs, etc.). Good luck! ?

I'm applying to about 15 schools for a PhD in English (19th-century American). In particular, I'm researching maritime literature in the 19th century. What do y'all think of my list of schools below (in no particular order)? Remove? Add? Any comments are appreciated. Penn State Marquette UCLA UC San Diego University of Connecticut University of Virginia Louisiana State University University of Miami Auburn University University of Illinois University of Chicago Brown Ohio State University of Pennsylvania Thank you! --The Maritime Scholar

Hi, @Matiyahu7! I hope all's well. I'm applying to a PhD in English program, so the two SOP examples that I found are mostly humanities-based. Either way, I'm sure they'll be of some use to you. Check them out here: PhD Applications and the Dreaded Statement of Purpose This particular one is helpful because Sean goes through each paragraph and comments on what needs to go in each. He also tailors his SOP to a c. 1,000 or c. 500 word requirement. Sample SOP (UC Berkeley's History Department) This sample SOP is from a student applying to a PhD program in UC Berkeley's history department. It's particularly helpful because there are footnotes that address what works throughout the SOP. I hope this is helpful! For me, I know that looking at these samples really helped me compose my SOP in the best way possible. Good luck! ?

Before I started looking for PhD in English programs to apply to, I was looking to see which ones required GRE scores to apply. I found this helpful spreadsheet that lists the schools that don't require any GRE scores. I thought I'd share it with you all, since I know it'll be helpful! Good luck with applying!

Hi, @pomegranateleaves! I hope you're well. So from reading their requirement, it seems that they want a writing sample that is closely related to your research. They said "a research project, or a class paper." So, IMO, that sounds like they want a sample that shows your research in action (a previous research paper, class paper, etc.)? All in all, email the grad director for that program. They will answer any questions you have! Good luck! ?

I disagree, @Brett R. Ewing. Whether or not you pay for a Skype account doesn't necessarily mean you'll have better video/audio quality. The quality may depend on the device you're using as well, but most devices work just fine with Skype.

I know this was posted a while ago, but I really do hope you didn't have to go on campus for an interview when conducting the interview through Zoom is perfectly fine...especially right now.

There are students with 2.0/4.0 GPAs who gets accepted to Harvard or other top schools. With that said, I wouldn't put so much emphasis on your GPA. If you had a low GPA and everything was mediocre, then maybe you should be worried. Admissions committee take a look at everything. Not just your GPA, so I wouldn't worry about having a low one. I'm not an admissions expert or anything like that, but from what I'm seeing here, it is a well-rounded profile. Good luck! ?

I agree with @CozyD about using the colon over the hyphen. Most titles in academic papers use a colon instead of a hyphen. The title before the colon would be your main title, and the title after the colon would be your subtitle. P.S. Very interesting article, @CozyD!

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@Warelin, thank you for this! This is exactly what I've been looking for!

Awesome! Thanks! I've been noticing that some programs don't outright say they have funding packages, but when I email them, they provide me with all the figures and info.

Group fitness classes at my university were always fun. They were structured and led accordingly, so you didn't have to worry about doing anything or figuring out anything yourself. Try them!

Is there a list that can be shared of fully funded English PhD programs? Does anyone know which programs are fully funded? Any info would help! Thanks, The Maritime Scholar

I mean, isn't that the point? Hah. If it's about Japanese horror lit, then it SHOULD be creepy! It makes it much more interesting for your topic. They are YOUR research interests. Don't let other people make you believe that they are flawed in any way. You do whatever you want to do. It's your research. Put your all into it and be happy with it! ? P.S. I think what you're researching sounds awesome and interesting!