theregalrenegade

I may be in history, but I had the same reservations about not having a research focus when I entered my MA program. Only now as I'm roughly halfway through is my advisor giving me the nudge to find a suitable thesis topic. I'll be writing my research prospectus in the Spring and writing my thesis in the Summer and Fall 2012. Even so, I've been told when I continue on as a PhD my interests may change as well. It's nice to know in what direction your heading, but I'm doing my part to seek that out. People on this board have put my mind at ease, giving me some great advice in taking my time to read up on my interests and find something that speaks to me. I think you'll be fine. Just enjoy your first year and take classes that peak your interest. And read, read, read.

The above thread is great! I continue to harbor the same feelings as the OP quite often. It's good to know it's not just me. I do wish I had more helpful insights to add to this topic.As it is I only have my plans to share. I have a big semester coming up this fall. I'm taking 10 credits. 3 classes (two colloquium - one in Gothic lit and one in Euro history, an 18th cent art history course) and a 1 credit mandatory survey called the Professional Historian. It's a large load, and I'll have at least three longer papers, a few shorter papers, and a presentation to complete. I love all the subject material and two of the classes are with potential comp exam committee members. I'm excited, but scared as well. I have a difficult time participating in class, so I'm always trying to improve those skills. I try to have questions or comments to offer, but I do find it intimidating. I also hope to use a few of the papers I complete for future conferences. Though I plan to attend a conference coming up in September on Samuel Johnson, I won't have anything to present. But it will be my first official conference. I'm sure I'll think of more to add at a later time.

night owl

I have news on this! I talked to the Link+ coordinator about the whole issue and she was helpful and refreshingly cordial. I asked how we should proceed and she said she'd contact the San Fran Library the following day to see if it had been sent back before being checked in. She emailed me on Monday saying my account showed the book as returned, so my library must have found it. But she also wiped out ALL the fees for the book (even though I had returned it two days late and expected to pay those fees) AND fees on another Link+ book that I returned at the same time that had legitimate fees. I'm so glad I called her and that I now have her email address in case anything similar to this happens again. Though I plan to return my Link+ directly to the library and not to the drop boxes ever again! I'm so relieved. @Sigaba - It's a relief to know that the library will take a student's word on it. Or maybe they are more likely to take a grad student or faculty's word? @Zeemore - If the Link+ coordinator had said they still didn't have it in their system, I would have continued to insist. I definitely would have contacted the San Fran library myself as one of the above posters mentioned and made sure to file a formal complaint with my library.

faith healer

Oh man I forgot about this! The new season starts soon. I can't wait!

I know the answer to this may be obvious to some, but I want to double-check to make sure I have the time I think I have. The Univ of Cambridge website states the app deadline as March 31. Does this apply for enrollment in the fall of the same year? So a March 31 2011 deadline = FaIl 2011 attendance? And there may be different deadlines for particular colleges within Cambridge and departments. The above date is specifically for the Faculty of History. I know this applies for most US schools, but maybe the UK has extraordinarily early app dates? I also understand that there are earlier deadlines for funding, scholarships, and the like... Anyone know??

I so feel for you. Writing is my strong point, too, and I totally, TOTALLY, botched the ENTIRE GRE. I knew I had royally messed up when I finished the test, so I chose not to record my scores. Luckily, I didn't need to take the GRE to get into the MA program at my school. I had just scheduled it prior to knowing whether I should apply for the MA or PhD. I studied and thought I would at least see what I could do. Ugh! I'm dreading having to take it for PhD apps. Keep studying and I'm sure you'll improve in November. Keep practicing and focus on strategy, like I've heard time and again on the board. I wish you the best of luck!

Forgot about this one on my Netflix. Funny stuff, Noodles!

On my DVR: Tosh.0 Outnumbered The Office Anthony Bourdain NetflixCSI Las Vegas Any stand-up What I watch if just passing time: [*]History Channel [*]HGTV [*]What Not To Wear [*]Say Yes to the Dress

There's a theory that if you have to pay for the use of an online dating site that you're more likely to be serious about meeting people for deeper and more meaningful relationships. I'm not sure if I buy that, but I've had experience with both free and paying sites, and it does seem to me that free sites cater to "hook-ups" more than relationships. But to each his own. As for the higher concentration of weirdos online...I doubt it. Who do you think is online? All of those people you see out in the world, including us. And please don't say "bingo!"

Wow, this sounds like great news to me. I don't have much experience with unexpected offers, but even though you probably won't be able to take as many bio, genetics, and/or crim courses during the year, you still may have the ability to take some of those courses during your MA career. My university has many upper division undergrad courses that are available for grads (you are in a class with undergrads but you as a grad may have more requirements, like more papers, or a longer research paper). I didn't have much experience in my field specialization when I got into the MA program, but I found plenty of opportunities to bulk up my background with these classes. Usually they are applicable to your degree credits (as minor requirements, elective credits, etc). I would check with the graduate catalogue or handbook of your school. In my opinion, go for it.

Internet dating sites - yes, seriously. I've used them since I was an undergrad and have met some wonderful men, some of which turned out to be long term relationships. I'm not good at meeting people out and about, in bars, etc. and found that with internet sites you can not only learn about potential dates before you decide to meet, but you can lay out who you are and what you're looking for for others. Sure, there are some people that aren't totally truthful, but those people can be out in church groups, yoga clubs, and bars, too. I met my current boyfriend online. He's a city planner and has been one of my biggest supporters of my academic pursuits. We've been together for almost two years and we're both really happy. You should give it a try. If anything, you can just see what's out there.

I thought about this as well when I was applying for my MA. It had been 10 years since I'd finished my BA and I could only find a few decent papers that I had saved (I never thought I'd go to grad school back then!). I knew I had grown as a writer (even if my experience consisted of mostly fiction writing and blogging) and wanted to showcase my skill and maturity. I ended up taking a paper from a junior level medieval course about Joinville's historical account of King Louis and reworking it. I did more research, added some works to the bibliography, and just made it into something more substantial than it had previously been. I'm glad I started with something I'd already done because it provided a base structure. Starting from scratch, as the other posters mentioned, would have been too time consuming at an already stressful time. Since the field/topic is different than where you're interests lie (mine was too), just try to showcase your writing, analysis, and critical thinking skills. You'll have a great sample in no time!

cut corners

@strangefox - Yes, I will keep on insisting. I remember as clear as day exactly when and how the book return went down! @sparky - Link+ is an interlibrary exchange. GREAT advice about checking the shelf. I'm going to do that! And I just verified that the book came from the San Francisco Public Library, so I'm going to be contacting them shortly, too! Thanks for the suggestions! I'll let you know what happens.

I checked my university library account online this morning and it has a book listed as overdue that I returned last Wednesday. I wouldn't be so upset, but it's a Link+ book, meaning $1 a day fees. It's up to $5. I just got off the phone with the library and they say they don't have it. I used the book drop I always use and I specifically remember said book. I'll have to pay $150 if they don't find the book.They said I can talk to the person in charge of Link+ tomorrow, but what could she possibly say different? This is really bringing me down. What can I do? I'm a grad student, I don't have that kind of money! Has this ever happened to anyone? Is there any hope of not having to shell out money for a book I know I returned?

I received a B+ for a history theory course that I wished was higher, but after I took the three hour essay final I was thrilled with it! After the midterm even all the PhDs were freaking out. I learned quite a bit, but I'm glad I won't have to go into that much depth over methodology again! Phew

Foucault for Beginners by Lydia Alix Fillingham <---- best book ever on understanding Foucault and his work! Matter of fact, I haven't met a For Beginners book yet that I haven't liked or benefit greatly from.

Thank you for sharing your experience, wreckofthehope! I figured there just had to be opportunities for those who actively sought them out.You helped ease my mind and ratchet up the excitement level a notch

I understand the logic behind a US PhD if you plan to teach in the US, considering the lack of teaching experience in the UK doctorate, but this might be an instance where particular disciplines come into play. History boards have encouraged getting a PhD in the region/country/etc. you're studying (especially if those areas that have good schools). What better way to understand the culture than to immerse yourself in it and learn from the professionals there? I would think the pros far outweigh the cons...at least in the field of history. I do know there are various training programs / workshops at Cambridge for postdocs looking to teach. There has got to be some way of gaining relevant experience. Sigh... I could be totally off base and just hoping against hope!

And if you do decide to get a dog (or cat) please, please, please adopt one from a shelter.

You know, I'm not at all familiar with any Canadian programs. That's a major plus that you're focusing on specific professors. I'm looking into Cambridge and Oxford (shooting super high!) because they have a couple of professors that would be a dream to work with, but I'm not getting my hopes up. I'm also looking at Queen Mary, University of London, where one of my favorite historians is actively taking on doctoral candidates. Crutch has a great suggestion, though being from CA originally, I need to move on!

I'd like to hear what other 18th century hopefuls have to say as well. I'm studying 18th century British history and will have completed my Masters at the end of 2012. So far, I'm looking at doctoral programs in the UK due to the well-known British scholars/professors in my field that teach there. Are the programs you chose above due to high reputation of the program itself or because there are professors there you'd like to work with?

Our Graduate Program Director sent out a template and example of a proper CV and yes, it included GPA for coursework. Maybe once you get your PhD you remove it?