Nikki

Writing Sample: I used my undergrad thesis last time and one professor told me that it should have had more of a basis in primary documents, as opposed to using them to further the argument. It actually had a lot of primary docs in the basis, but I guess I didn't present it that way. This time around I'm going to write a new paper a little more inline with my research interests - I'm a little nervous though since its been a while (I graduated in 2003). Application advise: - Make sure your writing sample is solid - clear argument, no typos, shows that you know how to conduct original research with primary documents - Write your SOP (statement of purpose), revise, revise, set it aside for a while, then revise some more, then have a professor read it over. - Fit is very important! Make sure that in your contact with professors and in your SOP that you clearly state your interests and how that school/professor matches your interests and needs - Apply to as many schools as you can that fit your interests and your ambition level (that you would want to attend). Don't make the mistake of applying to only a few schools - better to apply to many and then choose from the ones you get accepted to. - Don't wait until the last minute - GRE scores and letters of rec (LOR) have a habit of getting lost in the mail and LOR writers can get busy

This is round two of applications for me, so this summer I'm working on updating and improving my applications from last year. I'm working on a new writing sample, reworking my SOP, contacting potential profs, finding a few additional schools to apply to, and working as a research assistant. Hopefully all these improvements will yield better results! I'm apply to PhD programs in American military history, a masters in Maritime Studies, and a masters in War Studies.

It's a computer adaptive test - it starts you at a middle of the row difficulty question and depending on your answer increases or decreases the level of difficulty.It then continues to adjust and since the biggest changes in difficulty (and points) happen at the beginning of the exam, the first 10 questions are worth the most points.

I called and got an unofficial rejection from Ohio State back in March, but they never updated the application status to show a rejection and never sent an email or an official paper rejection letter.

To prepare for round two: - summer research assistant (for additional research experience) - grad class on War and Revolution (to show I can handle a grad level history class) - new writing sample (based more on primary than secondary sources) - rework my SOP (more specific on my research interests and to show a better fit with the departments as a whole) - apply to more schools (7 - 10 this time instead of 5) Hopefully I will be more sucessful this time around!

Just out of curiosity: Did anyone actually hear from Ohio State without having to call or email to get the news? I called and found out I didn't get in over a month ago and I have yet to receive an official rejection letter or an update on the online page.

Could you take a class or two as a non-degree student? That way you could take some women's studies grad classes and not have to commit to an MA at a school that isn't a great fit.

I got a kick out of the early application parts (SOP, LOR, etc) and hated the GRE, but I would have enjoyed the overall process more if I had received something other than rejections.

I got rejected across the board too.

I'm bummed I didn't get in anywhere (really, really bummed), but I'm going to work hard at improving my applications next year and probably add a few MA programs in the mix too. Good luck with your last application! I've got my fingers crossed for you!

I got rejected across the board - 5 applications and 5 rejections.

I thought I would at least get into one of the schools I applied too, but I ended up getting rejected across the board.

I want to get some additional research experience this summer, but I'm not sure how to go about it. I do not need to work this summer (I teach high school so I have the summer off), so I'm looking for funded or unfunded opportunities. Should I email the department chair of my local university and ask? Or should I get in contact with specific professors? What should I ask?

I emailed a professor at Temple and he said I did not make the final cut. 4 rejections and 1 probable (GW). See some of you next year!

I had a similar situation as well. The professor told me he would have it done three weeks before it was due, then it was two weeks before, then it was a week before. The week it was due he still had not completed them, so I literally went and sat outside his office until he finished them.

I had a good connection with a professor at one of the schools I'm still waiting to hear back from (he even volunteered to (and did) read and edited my SOP). I wanted to get in touch with him again to reiterate my interest in the program since they must be near the end of their decision making. Has anyone done this? I'm not really sure how to word the email. Any suggestions?

I've heard from two, called to get my admissions decision from another, and am still waiting on two more.

I picked zero, but I'm still waiting on two more schools.

I found some grad classes at ASU that I could take on campus, but of course they are during the day and clash with my work schedule. I'll have to call and see if they are open to non-degree seeking students. One on Research Methods and another on War and Revolution would probably be good additions to my transcripts...

I emailed quite extensively with a prof from one of the schools I'm still waiting to hear back from (he even volunteered to and read/edited my SOP) so maybe that will play out in the end. Sigh.... From the feedback so far, I think I will sign up for a grad class or two, edit my SOP and writing sample, and see if I can get a letter of rec from a professor from one of the grad classes I'm going to sign up for. Do you think It will still be helpful if the courses are online? There aren't any schools near me that offer courses in my intended field, so I've done some research and found a few I can take online.

With three rejections so far and two more likely rejections, I've begun looking at what I can do to improve my application for next year. I think the one thing my application needs is more research experience. I'm considering taking a graduate course or two and perhaps applying for a short internship, but is that enough? I guess I'm not sure how to improve my application. Are any of you applying for a second time this year? If so, what did you do differently? Was it helpful?

When I called OSU said that my application was good, but that they didn't have the funding to offer me a spot. I haven't gotten an official rejection from them yet, so maybe there is some sort of informal wait list? Ugh! I just don't want to wait another year, have to stress out again, and spend another year at my job..... Fingers crossed I get good news from Temple or George Washington this week.

Three rejections in seven days! I've only got two schools left that I haven't heard from....

I got my rejection letter in the mail today. Three down, two to go...

For once I've actually been avoiding the mail! LOL! Usually I check it at least a few times a day.... Nervous!