runaway

It's not that bad, really, by New Yorker commuting standards. According to Google Maps, it'd be comparable to my old commute from Brooklyn to lower Manhattan on days the L wasn't reliable (read: most days.)

annieca, that's why I bought waterproof mascara

@NEN, not to jump the gun on anything *knock on wood* but is it common for grad students to commute? My uncle, who lived in Princeton for a while, was telling me over the holidays how easy it was to commute to/from NYC. I'm trying to figure out how feasible it might be for me to move there, partially for my SO, partially because my social network is all there. My friends certainly all keep talking as if I'll be moving back soon, when I didn't even apply to any New York schools!

@Bren: Thanks for your take on Louisville, that's great to know. Beyond my admittedly brief experience, a lot of my impressions of the community there come via my girlfriend's parents (also queer) so maybe there's a bit of a generational divide. They have a great, tight-knit community, but often tell people they're sisters. I'm looking forward to having more opportunities to visit the city in the future, and I'm looking forward now to checking out some of these queer-friendly spaces.

Just saw the name of a POI in my inbox. It was just something sent through H-Net. Gaaah.

I can't imagine why you wouldn't lead off with the historiography. Especially if you're using theory more typically drawn upon in other disciplines-- part of your argument will be justifying this application, right? So you'd want to set that up early on.

OSU, I see you! Congrats on the interview! (well, that rhymed...) edit: just noticed mrb1145 already pointed it out! oops!

Hm, that's a thought. I'm kind of thinking it's an opportunity to put more stuff out there: my full thesis (I submitted excerpts), a paper on a totally different topic. I guess the chance a POI would read anything extra like that is very slim, but it can't hurt...

Is anyone here actively using academia.edu? I want to flesh out my profile, but I'm not sure what's worthwhile to put up for the world to see. My CV, my undergrad thesis...?

I just watched every episode of Downton Abbey. I might do it again.

Is that the first history acceptance... UC Riverside?? Congrats! Such a fast turnaround...

I agree with Bearcat-- I don't think you need to defend yourself, especially if you give a timeframe (I've been with the band since 20xx...) and your transcript/application shows the strength of your work during that time. But since it influenced your decision as to where to apply, you could probably mention that somehow while sounding genuine (I visit LA frequently with the band, and am familiar with the vibrant arts community there...). Now I am dying with curiosity as to who you are. I haven't lived in Brooklyn in a while, but I keep up with the music scene as much as I can!

epic win

Thanks, Bearcat. I actually mailed them while i was home in the US for the holidays, but I suppose I'm extra jumpy about everything right now. New topic! Tips for focusing on work when all you can do is worry?

Yeah. It's also worth, like, a huge chunk of my entire degree. Oh well, at least I have plenty of time to plan ahead! And lots of time I'll need to keep busy... As I was procrastinatorally (is that a word? it is now) checking Grad Cafe, I got an email from one of my programs saying they haven't received my transcripts. I mailed them over a week ago! Should I be worried? Mail again?

I have a huge paper due Feb 15th-- this might be the push I need to get it in early. Can't imagine getting bad news the day before and then sitting down to finish it!

I'm also a minority and applied for a Jan 2nd deadline, and didn't get that email. So maybe it does mean something! Now I'm nervous...

Not everyone has the ability to prioritize their education, and adcoms should understand that. If you're paying your way through undergrad and have a chance at a better paying job, that should be easily explainable on a SoP. On the other hand, if the great opportunity is your friend is letting you live rent-free on their couch in Hawaii and you want to go work on your tan while finishing your BA, that might look a bit flakey. blakeblake has a good point about recommenders, but if you know now that you'll be applying in a year or two, you can prioritize making those connections right off the bat if need be, and keep in touch with professors you worked closely with at your prior institution.

you think too highly of us, annieca I just want ONE acceptance, so I don't have to make any decisions...

I say we just sort it out among ourselves and decide who goes where

I don't know about the international development side of things, but I do know about the nonprofit and public admin side. And yes, in those areas, being a gay latino would help you, because these are minority groups currently underrepresented in a field dedicated to the service of a diverse population. Also, there are funding opportunities that your minority status makes you eligible for. Coming with this kind of funding (or being able to apply for it later on) might give you a slight boost. This might not necessarily belong in your SoP, though. You can mark off your ethnicity elsewhere on the application. If you're applying for a scholarship aimed at LGBT people, there would be a section to include this also. I know one friend waited until her interview and made sure to ask about queer life on campus-- she had done her research, and knew it would behoove her to mention that she was queer (in a subtle way). If it's directly relevant to your motivations for applying, though, by all means include it in your SoP.

My alma mater has a clothing lending library for students in situations like yours. Maybe yours does, as well?

That is such a good idea. I really need to keep working on my languages!

Bumping this thread because I am already going crazy playing the waiting game. How is everyone doing??