theregalrenegade

athletic cup

I'm so glad you all posted here! I have ONE professor that has yet to submit my letters although two of my app deadlines have already passed. I've sent reminders (as well as requests from the remaining 5 schools on my list) and he emailed last Sunday that he was working on them and not to worry about the "deadlines." He's a big name and has been doing this for a while so I guess I trust him, but I've never had such a huge knot in my neck from stressing over it! I'm considering adding an additional LOR on the schools that only require 2 just in case I have a meltdown over continuing to bug him as the other later deadlines close in. (I feel you greenbeans!) Thank you, Herbie for letting us know what the dept said when you called the school. The stress is dialed down just a bit now....

grass roots

This was incredibly helpful, runaway!

UK equivalent for BA? - I'm filling out the Oxford app and they are asking me the result of my undergrad degree... These are my choices: First Class Honours Pass Second Class, Division One Second Class, Division Two Third Class Unclassified I'm leaning toward unclassified, but I'm clueless. Any ideas?

Why would they be mad? I think it is standard practice (if not merely common courtesy) to thank those that have taken the time to write these letters for us. Your idea is great! My only suggestion is that since you know these recommenders so well, maybe make the gifts a little more unique to each person. Still, it is the thought that counts. They will be thrilled

I vote for the theory paper. Foreign language and archival sources are exactly what I've been told the adcoms are looking for - and if they happen to be in a well-written essay, even if it is theory heavy, you can't go wrong

Definitely look at universities on the West coast - CA, OR, WA...some Canadian Universities as well.

Under the history dept guidelines, all it gives is a 1000 word maximum for the SOP.

Berkeley's writing sample required 10 pages, of either a complete paper or an excerpt of another paper with a one page abstract preceding it and a page of references at the end. I chose an excerpt from a longer paper so I included an abstract (and no references because I had citations in the footnotes). Others on the board said if there weren't any guidelines for formatting to just make it organized and easy to read. Full Name Application # Writing Sample Title of Work Subtitle Abstract Abstract text - left aligned, 1.5 spaced (I would have done single space, but there was too much text) On the next page: Excerpt Text - right aligned, double-spaced Oh and include page numbers! Fiddle with it and see what works for your paper and then you can judge how much white space should be between titles and such. I hope this helps

bedroom eyes

Yes, I wish I had the time to freak out about my apps - I'll be too busy teaching, studying for comps, and finishing my MA thesis! So basically, gradorbust, we've already lost our minds. Welcome!

I have the same issues. I talked to my doctor about it and after much consideration we decided I would take a low dose of Xanax before my seminar classes or important appointments with my professors. It didn't take away all the nervousness, but I was able to have a normal conversation and discuss my work much more intelligently. Soon, I got so used to talking with professors and in class that I noticed I didn't need the Xanax as much. Now, I only take it before big presentations and major engagements. I know medication is not for everyone, but in my case it really helped me overcome those hurdles. Continue to talk to your counselor, but also talk to your doctor.

Those diversity statements are tough. I know mine sounded like I was trying too hard, but I was at a loss of how to come across more genuine. As for motivation - read a bit of one of your favorite pieces of historical literature to reinforce why you love your field/topic and then put on some headphones and listen to anything that inspires you to write (atmospheric, classical, indie, whatever). If you're brave, add a glass of wine. It can help you relax and stimulate the ideas to flow. I'd set a couple alerts on your calendar and plan to send maybe 2 more reminders in the coming weeks, and then if you still need to, the day before the deadline. Having a plan might keep you from freaking out..hopefully

Done with Berkeley! Where's my beer? Still one recommender short - but I won't fret until Dec. 8. I should probably submit UCSB while I'm at it...maybe tomorrow. Good luck to you, kyjin - how wonderful that you are completely done! Keep up the good work, aec09g - I'm right there with ya. I have two apps that have a Dec. 15 deadline and two that have mid-January deadlines. Nite!

Thank you much!

If anyone is up late working on apps like me - I have a question. In my writing sample (excerpt of a longer paper), I have footnotes. I didn't want to add a references page at the end because my footnotes do the job - but because the paper is an excerpt, some of the references are not full citations (obviously because they were already referenced earlier in the paper that is not part of my sample). Is this a big deal? Should I make sure to include full citations?

Congrats! I'm hoping to follow soon

I apologize - This is what I found: "Transcripts in pdf format. Official transcripts of all college-level work must be scanned – one whole transcript per pdf file. Do NOT scan each page of a transcript into a separate file! Black out your social security number on the original(s). The last scanned page of each pdf should be the page explaining the grading system. Double-check your pdf’s for readability! You should make it easy for the faculty to review your file. Upload the transcript pdf files one by one to the application. If you apply while still in school, do NOT wait for fall grades. Fall grades won’t arrive in time for the review. Instead enter on the application your courses-in-progress for fall (and anticipated for spring if you have it) and upload a PDF of a transcript or student report showing your course list of yet to be graded courses. Here are suggested formats for naming your transcript pdf files: -Your Last Name_Your First Name_Yale BA.pdf or -Your Last Name_Your First Name__Laney_ComtyCol.pdf or -Your Last Name_Your First Name_ _UMD_MA.pdf If you are admitted and you accept our offer, then and only then will we ask you to mail us an unopened final official paper transcript for each school attended. For the application review we only require you to upload readable PDFs of your transcript(s)." But then you're an alum! Maybe you have different requirements? :-) Thanks for the well wishes. Same to you :-)

I checked on the admissions site and it does say "official" transcripts, but maybe others can tell you if this is firm.

Still working on Berkeley - darn them and all their scanned transcripts into PDF files business! Still need references from two professors, including the one who told me to apply! What happens if a referee doesn't make the deadline? Does that mean the application is dumped?

Kyjin, I was informed a couple days ago that I should apply to Berkeley. I've never hustled so fast to get an application underway. I'll be done with it tomorrow. My saving grace was that I already had my materials ready for a Dec, 5 deadline as did my referees. This is absolute craziness! The rest of my apps are for UK schools so their process is slightly different and with later deadlines. Wow...I'm still in shock that this is all happening. Good luck to you!