Starlajane

I am not sure that this has anything to do with the fact that you are writing a lot; I think that it is something that has to do with the fact that you have a genetic predisposition for it and the fact that you write a lot, because not everyone who writes a lot has this problem. I think that you should start with a regular exercise regime to relieve some of the tension and stress. I know it can be hard to pull yourself away, so consider classes at a local gym. Sometimes, if you are more academically inclined, having a schedule of exercise classes makes it easier to stick to a regular schedule. In the meantime, yes, you should see a doctor. I think that a mild dose of muscle relaxers will help to ease your discomfort, although they can cause drowsiness, especially when your body is first getting used to them. However, they really should not be a long-term solution, even if they help; although I know plenty of doctors who have no problem with prescribing them long-term, I would not advise anyone to become dependant upon them, and it's easy to become dependant upon them. And, of course, if you can afford massage, that is also a wonderful alternative, as is yoga. Although both can be pricey, they are the healthiest solutions for the problem that you are describing.

Iowa (comp lit and film) is the only other program that I can think of off of the top of my head, although it sounds like you are more interested in private schools. If you want to do the bulk of your work in a particular language, then stick with the language programs vs. the comp lit programs; nearly all lang programs have a film component of their required coursework, as listed on their MA reading lists. You can also specialize in film studies, especially at the PhD level, even if you are in a lang program; you don't need to do comp lit to specialize in film or the r-ship between lit and film. Moreover, for comp lit, you need to have two (and sometimes even three) foreign languages, and you need to be fluent in one and at least proficient in the second; everything depends on the program but the best case scenario is entering a comp lit program fully fluent in both. Also, as someone else mentioned, for comp lit, everything is in English; you don't need to receive permission to take classes in the Spanish department, as you do that as part of your major--classes (usually) aren't conducted in Spanish (although some are) but all of your readings would be, although you'd write your papers, exams, etc. in English. I am in a similar situation as you are and I am applying to both lang programs as well as comp lit programs. What is most important is researching each program: look at courses, faculty specializations and reading lists to determine which programs will be able to meet your needs; don't just look at the schools who have degrees or concentrations in film, as you may be overlooking a lot of suitable programs that simply don't advertise your area of interest.

No kidding. I took the test on 11/7/2011: V 162 90% (YAY!) M 142 19% (so bad, it's laughable!) AW 6.0 99% (screamed and almost fell off my chair!) And, yes, my degrees are in Humanities/Liberal Arts. I'm happy with my scores but a little concerned that the low quant will be counted against me, even applying to Humanities grad programs. I was surprised to see that the scores were up so quickly. I commend ETS because a lot of deadlines are fast-approaching.

No, I really did want to go, which was why I was so angry. Furthermore, I'm certainly not going to go back to the same people who encouraged me to apply to programs for which I was not qualified for some more advice. I am sure that my profs meant well but they don't seem to be the ones that I should have consulted about applying. So, in the future, I am keeping my own counsel, I seem to have a better idea of my options. I also think it's a little strange that posters seem to equate not getting in with an applicant not "really" wanting to go, or as some "sign" that it wasn't "meant to be." Just a few of the things that people don't want to hear when they don't get in and realize that their dream is just that, especially from people that did get in. And, you're right, anger is a valid and healthy emotion, especially in situations like this. I would actually wonder if someone weren't angry b/c I think that THAT would mean that he/she really didn't care about going.

This is a very kind and helpful response, and I appreciate it. I'm not trying to "blame" anyone: I'm angry that they encouraged me to apply but, mostly, that my profs were assuring me that I would get in; I think that is my biggest peeve with the advice, that it was so unrealistic. And just to understand why I'm so upset: I haven't worked in three years and I passed up other opportunities because my profs were so certain that I would get in. Now I haven't and the response from them is, "Oh, well." I think that deserves a bit of righteous anger.

I have every right to be angry with my profs for giving me some very bad advice. I grew up being taught that you are just as responsible for the advice that you give as those are for listening to bad advice. Moreover, it was not "solely" my decision: I was very heavily encouraged and influenced by them to pursue graduate study. I wouldn't have pursued it if they hadn't encouraged me to do so.

I don't really think "anger" begins to describe what I'm feeling... I applied to two schools--one that I knew would be difficult to get into, the other I thought would accept me b/c it was an MA program. But I'm not angry with the schools for rejecting me; I'm angry with my professors who assured me that I would get in--that I had all of the qualifications, recommendations and a worthy writing sample to apply to and get in to both schools. I wasn't even going to apply but I was so strongly encouraged, and now I feel like such absolute shit because I followed their crappy advice. And all they say is, "Oh, I'm so sorry you didn't get in," so nonchalantly. So now, because of their crappy advice I am in an even worse position to apply for jobs--because, let's face it, "I applied to grad school but didn't get in" isn't exactly encouraging to prospective employers, especially for teaching positions that will want you to get an MA at some point. I should have never listened to my profs.

I had a Plan B, and then didn't get in. So, grad school is now out; my rejection from my safety pretty much told me that my chances for ever getting into grad school are slim to none. I am now reverting to Plan C, which is applying to any job that I can find. And, yes, I am really worried b/c I have liberal arts degrees and I've been looking for a job for two years with no luck. I thought going back to school would somehow help me but it hasn't; I'm back to square one. That said, I would start devising a Plan B, C and D.

I also forgot to mention that a lot may also depend on the subject of your writing sample. Mine as an obscure text that any department would probably have to order internationally to read and then evaluate my argument; not sure if they check your bib sources as well, but, if they do, that's more extra time needed.

I know it seems like the programs are snoozing re: admissions decisions but it's only February; most decisions are going to be finalized in March and, even, April. For those who haven't heard yet (myself included), I think that it means that our applications are still in review. There was a great post re: Columbia's screening process that acknowledged that there are applications in "limbo" that take longer b/c some have approved them while others have not. I don't know if that means "waitlisted" or just "maybe." I think that if you're waitlisted, the university lets you know. So, I assume that no news means still "in review," which is not great but it isn't terrible either. It's important to consider the date that you submitted your app b/c I think that apps might be considered in order of arrival. My apps were submitted very close to the final deadlines of each school so I imagine that I will be one of the last to be notified, which sucks but is fair. I think that more decisions are going to come out the week of and after Spring Break b/c reviewers will have had more time to review, meet, and discuss candidates with one another. It sucks to wait but I really do think that, if you haven't heard yet, it's probably because you're app hasn't even been reviewed yet.