Starlajane

Yes. I have been told by every prof I've ever had that I belong in academia and have been encouraged to apply to top and even second-tier schools, with very little success. The applicants who get in are not just qualified, they're more qualified.

I know that what I am about to say is going to be resoundingly unpopular, but I think that those of us who are waiting could do with a serious reality check: if you haven't heard anything by now, you most likely have been rejected. You may get an acceptance call/email in the next couple of weeks--or even a waitlist notification in March--but it is less and less likely as the days go by. Regal's explanation is pretty accurate, although there are also some programs that are as Watson described. However, in general, most acceptances happen in January (the strong candidates that the schools really want), some happen in February and rejections come in March. In short, if you haven't heard anything by, at least, February 15, then I would start working on your plan B.

I would offer him my bachelor degrees.

I'm living in a grungy, unkempt apartment and trying to get into an English grad program: I don't have anything of great value to give up.

Some of you may have already seen this. However, if you haven't, and you are involved in lit (especially world lit), this will not fail to put a smile on your face (and maybe even make you laugh out loud) during a time when the frustrations of the admissions process might, perhaps, be driving you to drink. In fact, I am fairly certain that many of us are feeling the same angst as that felt by the people in this video. Enjoy! http://www.theonion.com/video/pragues-franz-kafka-international-named-worlds-mos,14321/

It has taken them forever to upload and verify my GRE scores. I had hoped that it would be the one school that I might get into; I highly doubt my app will even be reviewed now considering that the department will have received it a month after the deadline ):

This. Other than funding, this is the other reason why an applicant wouldn't be accepted into a particuar program. When I applied this year, I really took to heart the three F's recommended here on the "personal statement" forum: focus, fit, future. And all of a sudden I realized why I was rejected last year. The one school that did contact me for an interview this year specifically replied with a long list of profs who shared similar research interests--even more than I had mentioned in my SOP--followed by a statement such as "we feel that we can support your research interests." I think that fit is probably the most important factor in acceptances.

I really think you can't generalize, at least not according to prestige and/or public/private status; every place is different (although each one probably does fall into one of the aforementioned categories). Moreover, a lot of it varies by department: at my alma mater (big, prestigious state school), TA's taught all of the beginning language (French, Spanish, etc.) courses solo but a prof with a PhD/adjunct taught freshman comp with several TA's helping out but never guiding the class themselves. I think this was b/c the language classes were small and the lit classes were not. In fact, the latter was always the model for amphitheater-size courses. In short, if you are looking for a particular opportunity, it's best to ask around rather than assume.

Pour les etudes coloniales et post-coloniales, UVA est excellente: en fait, Maryse Conde y etait prof, c'est quelquechose que je trouve presque impossible a croire. Et moi aussi, je suis completement terrifiee de mon entretien, surtout parce qu'il y aura des autres etudiants qui rivalisent avec moi pour une position (eek!) Au moins, tu as deja une acceptance, et c'est a Berkeley!! Je considerais y poser ma candidature (ma mere y a grandi et ma tante y habite encore) mais je n'esperais pas reussir. C'est une tres, tres tres bon programme dans une tres belle ville!

(Aucune idee la maniere dont on fait des accents orthographiques sur ce site) Ouais, c'est vrais. Il parait que le forum des francais souffre une crise existentialiste. J'ai recu une invitation au "Open House" de UVA a la fin de fevrier. Je suppose que PSU ne m'accepte pas parce que je n'ai rien ecoute d'eux. Des autres programmes, je n'ai recu aucune notification. Felicitations pour ton succes !! Tu a pris une decision?

Well, just my $.02, but rather than wonder why you were rejected, ask why those who were accepted were accepted. If no one was admitted, it's a funding issue. For what it's worth, I think that it was prudent of you to ask why; you never know, you might just get an answer that makes you feel a whole lot better about the situation.

LOL, I'm glad you explained the part about it being a "vacation"; I was really wondering... I can't for the life of me remember where I read the part about not being able to publish while you were enrolled; maybe I'm getting it confused with publication guidelines (i.e. when a publisher decides to publish your work, you aren't allowed to publish it anywhere else for x amount of days). But I would definitely ask, about both issues, actually, because you will also need to submit a writing sample and don't want to get caught up in any strange infringement issues. I would ask each program in which you are interested about specific guidelines for the submission of work that has already been published as well as if you are able to publish work--unrelated to the MFA or that you *might* simultaneously be workshopping or preparing for an MFA "thesis"--if/when you are accepted and taking classes. I will reiterate that if you are thinking about the MFA so you can finally get that novel written, go for it, although I would rec a full res program b/c it is very easy to get derailed from a novel (but maybe that's just me). However, no matter which type of program you choose, your profs (as well as fellow classmates) will be invaluable wrt the editing process and revising for publication. I will also add that there is a population of creative writers who argue that MFA programs/workshops ruin the creative process for a lot of writers, perhaps b/c of the structure and plethora of feedback, a.k.a interderence. I'm not sure how I feel about it but I would definitely be sure to research programs thoroughly to find a program that will be a good match depending on how much support you might [not] want; I imagine that's also part of the reason why you would choose a low res option, although bear in mind that some res programs (like Michener) are adament about letting their writers "be" while providing them with very cozy stipends. Just food for thought.

For your purposes, a low-res program would probably be optimal. However, here are a few thoughts: I think that most writers pursue an MFA to really make or advance their careers; an MFA gives writers a teaching credential (and the possibility of teaching, which is how a lot of writers are able to continue writing without starving) as well as a credential that might make them more appealing to publishers. For example, if you are a struggling writer, then an MFA from a prestigious program might help you to get published or get a teaching job. Keep in mind that, if you are introverted, an MFA might not be the best environment for you: workshopping is the standard (fellow writers/ classmates read and comment on your work) and I think that most would agree that you either need to be thick-skinned or ready to receive feedback on your work; not that fellow writers are cruelly critical but that, when your writing is personal, it can be difficult to hear and productively process criticism of any kind. This is a lot of what the MFA is about. You really need to be at a point where you are able to share your writing, to want and listen to feedback. An MFA is a vacation? Really? You might be trying to say that you really enjoy writing but nearly all MFA candidates do. However, I have yet to hear of any of them equating an MFA program to a vacation because it's work, plain and simple. Unlike writing on your own, you have weekly deadlines for creative work, which culminates in a larger body of creative work (like a thesis) to receive your degree. And it all needs to be approved by your profs. At least, that's how it is for a lot of full res programs; maybe low-res programs are a bit more relaxed. If you are worried about job security, the opportunity to pursue an MFA will always be there; it will do you very little good to get an MFA now if you only plan to use it twenty years down the line. However, if you think that it will improve your writing or provide you with the structure/environment you need to write that book--and thereby advance your career as a writer--then go for it. However, if you really don't think that you need it, then consider that, if you continue to write and publish on your own, you will have an impressive file to present when you get closer to needing or wanting an MFA, especially if teaching is not really something you want to do and you already have a good amount of stable work/income. Also, there are lots of creative writing programs in major metro areas: NYU and UTAustin come to mind. But, yes, you would have to move. I am not sure if you are allowed to continue publishing if you are enrolled and receiving a stipend from a program; I think that the idea is that they are paying you for what you produce. I would look into that when considering your programs. In the end, only you can decide if an MFA is the way to go. However, those who actually decide are the admissions committees. Before deciding if you want to pursue an MFA, you have to actually get into a program. Maybe apply to some programs and see what happens? You can always decline if you get in but aren't ready to go.

Now I'm back to really hoping I get in. ARGGHHH!

Firstly, does the program specify the parameters for what it considers a strong writing sample? I am a comp lit applicant and nearly every department specifically states parameters for a strong sample; many state that critical thought is a critical (hehe) element of a strong writing sample. But then, that's the Humanities. I have no idea, specifically, about poli sci. Regardless, I think that you should send your best work, even if it does contradict a faculty member's work, because that's what we do: we argue and we disagree about our respective fields; it's how innovation occurs. I know that I regularly disagreed with my profs as an undergrad and that, not only was it always seen as a positive, but my profs would never have been so unprofessional (and petty!) as to take a counter argument personally and to seek retribution. As long as your argument is professional--adequately respectful of the argument you are contradicting and providing evidence and a logical argument--then I think that it will be precisely what a top program will be looking for. And, if they are just looking for sycophantic students who lap at their magestic fountain of logic, would you really want to attend and/or benefit from attending that institution? I know I wouldn't. In short, I highly doubt that, if you weren't to be admitted, it would be b/c you contradicted that prof; it would be b/c your argument wasn't strong enough (as well as other factors of your app). But then, maybe there is something about poli sci that I don't know...? You could always e-mail the department and ask what their parameters are for a strong writing sample.

My thoughts exactly. Altough now that I know that they do not offer tuition remission, I am less devastated by the possibility of a rejection. I'm out-of-state, so I probably couldn't go even if I were accepted;.

Haha, same here, although I also stressed Spanish on my personal statements; I really want to specialize in transnational modernism, i.e. comparative lit of Western Europe and the Americas from the 19th and 20th c. I just took a class on translation theory, which is definitely not an area of expertise for me, although it will probably strengthen your app as it is still an emerging field. The one thing that I have noticed wrt comp lit programs is that a lot of them seem to be wanting applicants who are interested in literatures of languages that have been ignored and/or not yet fully explored (like Arabic or Quechua) or who want explore more obscure areas of interest. I can only imagine how many other applicants want to work the European and/or American modernist tradition; you are fortunate to have those other langs as possible areas of study/comparison, especially Greek and Latin for all of those comp lit foundational texts, and German for critical theory. I can only boast three languages, which means that my chances are very slim. Fortunately, I also applied to French programs. I'll be happy if I get in anywhere.

Let's hope that I'm not, because I haven't heard anything either. I wish that I were as optimistic as you are; comp lit programs seem very difficult to get into, especially now with budget cuts et al. What are your languages and/or areas of interest?

Also a comp lit applicant. I think that most interviews happen in January, at least for programs with December deadlines. I haven't heard anything yet from any of my programs (UNC Chapel Hill, UT Austin--Dec. 15 deadline; IU Bloomington, UConn--January 15 deadline). IU Bloomington admissions rep was super nice; she e-mailed me to say that my app was incomplete b/c my GRE scores had never gotten there. I had them resent and she told me that my app had been forwarded to the admissions committee for review, and that I should hear something in three to four weeks (mid February). My UConn app isn't even complete yet b/c they still haven't uploaded my GRE scores; they say that they are really far behind in getting all files completed, so I probably will not hear from them until March, perhaps even April.

That's a pretty standard amount, although not much: most grad programs describe their packages as offering tuition remission and a stipend that covers "basic expenses." Even if you rent an inexpensive apartment, I would be prepared to need more money than that to live on, even if you are conservative.

I'm wondering if it is worth it to attend an Open House invite that pays only a small amount of travel et al. expenses...? I am interested in attending this school but am wondering if their invitation parallels the sort of funding I might expect if I am offered admission? Does funding for travel expenses vary according to candidate and/or their interest in that candidate? Is it any indication of possible future funding offers? The e-mail stated that they are able to offer TAships to "advanced doctoral students" and I am applying as an MA candidate. Is it their way of saying that I am in the running but not for funding? I can't accept an unfunded offer of admission, and even travelling on my own dime is difficut; I certainly don't want to spend that money only to receive a rejection or an unfunded acceptance. What would you do?

I applied to their MA program in French; the results from last season indicated that the French department gets in touch with prospective candidates at about this time. And, indeed, I got an e-mail on Sunday to attend their recruitment weekend at the end of February. Consequently, I think that they are pretty true to form each year: most of their notifications for English begin mid-February and continue until March.

This is certainly true. UT always seems to be a school that offers substantial funding. The comp lit program doesn't cover full tuition reimbursement but they allow all students the in-state rate, for which they offer "tuition assistance"; I did the math and it means paying about 1K a semester. However, they also offer opps for TA positions that pay $1955-3696 a month with a "health sharing benefit." What they pay TAing undergrads with only a BA is about on par with what most states pay beginning teachers. Not too shabby, especially considering that there is no income tax in TX. I am not sure if such an arrangement is the standard for all departments, though. On an interesting sidenote, one of my undergrad profs stated that a lot of programs that are switching to the only-PhD route are also are switching to a system that does not allow teaching until the student has acquired an MA/ 1 year of study; I guess students are funded by fellowships, grants et al. for their first year of study. I'm not sure how I feel about it, as I actually like teaching and earning a salary right off, and the experience looks good on a resume. Most importantly, teaching experience actually helps you if you get into a program in which you will have to TA your first year as you have a better idea of what you are doing, which makes it easier to focus on your studies and not feel so overwhelmed.

This isn't my area of expertise but I certainly considered it, so I found out some interesting things, namely, that it can be very, very difficult to get a job at a museum and that a lot of people have to volunteer/intern for several years before being employed full-time. I definitely would not get an MA in museum studies or art history. Rather, I would go a completely different route. It actually sounds like you are being a bit too specific about what kind of work you wish to do, which is, essentially, public relations. I remember that a PR major was offered in the School of Communications @ my alma mater, UT Austin. I think an MA in Public Relations with an emphasis/specialty in art or museum work would be your best bet. In fact, UT's program (called "Advertising and Public Relations") offers an internship opportunity w/ the Austin Children's Museum that sounds like what you might like to do. From the ad, it seems that most museums are going on-line in terms of their PR work, so fluency w/ computers and web design programs would probably help you more than a degree in art history or museum studies; in fact, the aforementioned announcement states that graphic design and photography experience is a plus.

I graduated in 2000 with a major in Hispanic Studies. The department has always been one of the best in the nation, specifically b/c it is so progressive: the intellectualism of the profs is outstanding, very cutting-edge, especially when it comes to thought (versus innovative subject matter); it's not what they are studying that is so remarkable but, rather, how they interpret and analyze data and their conclusions. This is great when you're in Austin but can be difficult once you graduate b/c the rest of the world just doesn't operate that way. Some notable features: 1. Despite the number of students on campus, classes--especially upper-division--are very small. Classes like "English 101" are amphitheater-large but my first year Spanish class had no more than 25 students, and all of my language classes were like that. 2. With regard to the Spanish Program, some specifics: all of my profs were native speakers (great when you are a language student, not so great when you are a non-native looking for a job) and they have several study abroad programs; I went to Argentina for six months and the UT medical center gave me all of my vaccinations. There is also a Spanish Honors Society that allows you to take more advanced classes, provided that your academic record qualifies you. Also, in the Spanish Department, there is a separate advising office for all Spanish students. You don't have to go to the College of Liberal Arts every time you need to speak with an undergrad advisor, there's one in house. 3. Profs are not only always available during their office hours but they are unbelievably attentive, helpful, nice and humorous; this was across the board in all departments, and I got to know a lot of my profs quite well. However, I think what sets UT apart is that, not only are profs available, but they actually like it when you stop by; they do not act annoyed but are pleased to answer questions and go over material. These are people who are very excited about their subject and eager to share it with others. They also happen to be brilliant. 4. For a large campus, the staff is unbelievably efficient when it comes to bureaucratic paperwork. Not to mention very nice about it. I still have to call the Registrar's Office every once in a while and the staff there is friendly and has a sense of humor. I don't mean courteous, I mean actually nice; they want to see you succeed and are always wishing you well. 5. Even in Liberal Arts, the coursework is rigorous and the exams are challenging. Granted, it probably isn't as difficult as the Engineering program but you still have to work. And did I mention how brilliant the profs are? Another thing that sets UT apart is that they require civics classes as part of undergrad coursework: I had to take a course entitled "Texas Government" to graduate. 6. There are many libraries on campus (as well as the Harry Ransom Center), and they stay open late: the Undergrad library stays open until 2AM Sunday-Thursday. There is even a library devoted to Hispanic literature and culture. 7. The campus is pretty: there is a large quad of grass in between six Liberal Arts buildings--known as "the six pack"--that is usually littered with students as well as several fountains; the LBJ fountain is lit up at night. The campus is large but easy to navigate, although parking is a chore if you happen to drive. The architecture is very 1950's; not as beautiful and grand as something like Yale but still impressive, especially for a state school where tuition for in-state students averages about 3K a semester (it was half that when I was there). 8. As nice as the profs are, the students are probably even nicer. In nearly every class, I had someone that I could get notes from if I happened to miss a class. There is definitely a sense of community but people are also very respectful of personal space. And everyone has a sense of humor and genuinely seems to care about each other.