ShiWei

Gellert basically sums up my feelings toward the issue. As he says, do what results in the least stress for you. If the questionnaire disconcerts and distracts you, then I would leave it blank.

MSN, I don't really think it is something you need to concern yourself with. Despite what the article suggests, the issue should not adversely affect your admission chances. Check whatever ethnicity or culture you identify with. Furthermore, if your background, family, and culture do inform your approach to studying International Relations, then it may be worthwhile to describe their influence in your SoP. For example, perhaps the ideological and spatial negotiations you engaged in as a twenty-first-century Asian-American have broadened your perspectives on states and power. If you identify partially as Javanese, then maybe your awareness of Indonesian history and politics have equipped you with a different understanding of power, one that acknowledges its performance dimension. If you view yourself as Chinese, then maybe you acknowledge the role of harmony, and the state as a model for and provider of harmonious society, in the current Chinese political imagination. These sources of information then may dispose you to view events or people in lights that other applicants may not. But I digress.

Bahaha, I figured I wasn't the only one in this boat. I have a similar situation to the OP. I applied to two history masters, but only heard back from one so far; that one isn't offering financial aid, oddly enough. I'm going to give it another week before shooting the second program a call. Speaking of which, Baer have you tried contacting them by phone to inquire? Emails sometimes get lost (or are justified as such), so calling can be more reliable. Worst case scenario is that they tell you they don't know or inform you of a rejection. Even then, it still provides closure. Good luck! PS: Woah, a Fukuyama quote? Brings me back to the days of 'ending history' in Comparative Politics.

Ah, culture shock and clash, but in reverse this time (well from my perspective anyways). Have you tried talking to your roommate and explaining your situation, perspectives, and feelings? What you read as one thing may be understood by her as another. For example, what you viewed as "a good chance for them to have private time," they perceived as you being lost due to unfamiliarity with life in America; both of these are exceptionally reasonable given the different contexts. Bottling up those different readings, or misreadings, will only adversely color your interpretation of other things. Ultimately, the best way to adapt to living in the US with Americans is to not worry so much. The misunderstandings, miscommunication, and misinterpretations are expected. Many people, not just Americans, will overlook many social or cultural blunders if you demonstrate humbleness and a willingness learn from your mistakes. -Shi Wei (美國華裔/越裔) PS: 你也不用有這麼嚴格的態度。 大部分的留學生都碰到這種的文化差別的問題。 只要你放鬆，什麼都慢慢地懂。 加油！