baktrax

Yes, in fact, bad letters do exist, and they can be detrimental to one's application. I personally read a really bad LOR, where the writer literally said that they did not recommend that applicant and that they felt like the applicant would be overwhelmed in the program. It's obviously a relatively rare occurrence, but it happens. A letter like that would certainly kill even the best application. Life is too short to let someone's opinion of your worth/value/intelligence deter you from going after your dreams. You seem like you are buying into the professor's assessment of your abilities. Stop. Do what you want and worry less. Just Do It. I think the OP has made it very clear that they are not letting their adviser stop them from pursuing their dreams. They know that this is what they want to do and aren't going to let anyone stop them. However, "just doing it" is easier said than done. I think the OP is seeking out the best path to what they want and trying to determine what is the best way to accomplish their goals. It's not as easy as just getting a PhD. 1000Plateaus, you've gotten some really good responses, so I won't rehash all of those in another post. It seems like you've listened to all of it, and only you can decide what is the best way to move forward from here. Best of luck, and I hope it all works out for you in the end

I've heard of professors requesting drafts of letters before. Consider it something like giving him your CV or list of accomplishment, or mentioning to him things you would like him to talk about (such as particular research projects or skills that you have, etc), just in letter format. Most professors who do this will read it over and edit it--perhaps, even write their own letter, using yours as a model/reference. I don't know any professor that'd just sign it and send it off, but once you give him the draft, it's out of your hands.

The specifics will depend on your school. Look into your specific benefits/coverage to see if you get the same benefits as employees.

Only discuss it if it's directly relevant to your SOP. It's really not a place to discuss the importance of community college or how much it shape your life, unless of course that directly related to what you'd like to research or if something you did there contributed to your skills to be a successful graduate student in a significant way. If the only reason you'd like to mention it is because you feel the need to defend yourself, don't mention it. You have no need to justify your path, and I doubt the admissions committees would count it against you (and if they do, then you probably wouldn't want to go to that school in the first place). You got your degree from a top university--you have nothing to prove. Your SOP is not a soapbox =D Save that for a more relevant time.

No, it's not, unless perhaps that could explain a low GPA or some other weak spot in your application.

I doubt it. Your writing score wouldn't be very relevant to your field, and I doubt that score would keep you out if you have an otherwise competitive application.

I believe the writing sample will probably weigh more heavily in their decision than a low AWA score, since it is much more representative of the academic writing you would be doing in graduate school. If you're writing score is particularly low, consider asking the graduate schools you are applying to if there are any hard cutoffs for admissions. Some programs have them for GRE scores, and it's worth considering if your score is very low. You could also ask professors in your field what they recommend that you do--they will probably be the most knowledgeable about what graduate programs are looking for.

If this is all OP is doing, then the above computers should be fine. I do all of the above on a regular basis and have never had a problem at all. Windows makes it easy to lock screens in common positions (don't know if Mac does this as well), and I've found that the new Office is actually a lot easier to use side-by-side after using 2007 for years (I have no idea if the change would have been as significant going from 2010 to 2013). I've also done having a huge data set open on side of the screen and a manuscript on the other, as well as having graphing software or lab equipment software on one side of the screen and excel or word on the other side. I've never personally had an issue doing any of these things with this screen resolution, but I suppose YMMV.

But if all you're going to do is browse the internet and word processing, does it really matter?

Of the options you listed, I would go with #1 (the lenovo ideapad u410 ultrabook), but I'm biased because that's the computer that I got =D I got mine from costco for $699, but I don't know if you would have that option coming from Canada. I'm happy with it so far, but I've only been using it for a couple of months. With regards to screen size, my previous computer was a 15.4" and the change to a 14" wasn't particularly drastic for me (but I tend to adjust to computers very quickly). I wanted something lighter than my old computer (which was 6lbs when I weighed it), and I definitely do feel the difference when I'm carrying this one around. With regards to screen resolution, I really don't notice the difference between this computer and Apple's retina display unless I'm comparing them side-by-side. To be honest, they all look fine and will be more than enough for what your doing. Get whichever model you like the best and you can afford.

I believe saying you "wrote" the GRE is British (or at least, that's where I've heard it the most). Never heard of "gave" the GRE, but from the OP's post, it doesn't sound like English is their native language. To the OP, not sure, but perhaps you could ask professors in your field for advice?

This is me exactly. I always feel like this after I'm really busy, have a crazy schedule, or am just working non-stop towards something. Then I burn out, and just don't feel like doing anything. I'll try to write something or read something, and my mind will just be completely blank. My advice is similar to what another poster said above: just take a couple days off. Don't feel guilty about it, and don't even think about work. Do something that makes you love or something that you find invigorating, but do something. Don't just sit home and watch TV (unless that's something you find refreshing!). Get some fresh air, go hiking, exercise, go on a weekend trip with friends, whatever. I like to do something active that I don't do very often, like go ice skating or have game night with friends. I've found that some distance let's me recharge, and gives me some time to miss it. And try to ease yourself into your normal schedule. Don't do too much right away, just start chipping away at whatever you should be working on. No judgement, no pressure. You work hard, and you deserve some time off. You'll get the work down, but you need some time away to come back and be at your best.

Kaplan MST 1: Q164/V160 Kaplan MST 2: Q164/V162 Powerprep 1: Q167/V160 Powerprep 2: Q163/V159 Actual: Q165/V167/AW 6.0 My scores are from about a year ago, so I don't really remember how much I studied. If I recall correctly, I did most of the Kaplan prep book about nine months before I actually took the test (long story), and then did the Kaplan verbal workbook and took a couple practice tests the week before the test. Across the board, my practice tests were around the same, no matter when or where I took them. I got a higher verbal score than I expected and a pretty similar quant score.

If you know anyone who's an undergrad or high school student, they might be willing to take them, if you're free. Consider people outside your direct network as well (friends of the family, sibling's friends or your friends younger sibling's, maybe a neighbor, etc). My sister gave the med school textbooks she didn't think she could sell to my friend who's about to start med school. She may never use them, but many students will take free textbooks.

I looked into getting a studio or 1 bedroom, but I really can't stomach spending that much more for my own apartment. I'll be renting a house with a couple other people. Not grad students but they work at my university. I'm used to sharing space, so hopefully it works out well.