TeamCoco-Bollo
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Posts posted by TeamCoco-Bollo
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Hello everyone, I'm new on this forum.
I'm applying for fall 2012 entrance to English Phd programs. I have spent a lot of time in the past few months trying to narrow down my area of interest. My interest, broadly, is in modernism and aesthetics. Not really "modernist aesthetics" but more like how modernist literature itself theorizes "the aesthetic experience" and how that artistic theorization intervenes in or compares to aesthetic theories-- philosophical aesthetics as well as how aesthetics is configured in contemporary critical theory. I have the thought to focus this very general area of inquiry by talking about music metaphors in modernist literature. To clarify, I'm NOT thinking of doing an interdisciplinary project on music and literature. Rather, this would be a solely literary project which looks at how and to what purpose music metaphors are used in modernist literature. I have a tentative hypothesis that talking about music allowed the modernists to say things about their own art, about language, about aesthetics, that they could not express in any other way, or that were becoming unfashionable during the time that they were writing.
I'm also thinking that this project could be expanded out into a discussion of ALL the ways that the modernists talked about their own art in terms of other arts, sort of "translated" their own work into others, including painting, theatre, and music. Or even "translation" in general, including that between languages, but that would be a very abbreviated side note of "possible directions I could take this" because, aside from being really interested in theories of translation, I don't have any significant foreign language skills at this point.
I need to be somewhere that will allow and even encourage me to write about aesthetics. My feeling is that "aesthetics" is quickly gaining a nasty reputation for elitism (I'm not an elitist, I promise!) and becoming unfashionable in the academy, and that a lot of schools would try to push me in the direction of cultural studies and historicism, which seem to be the new trends. I definitely want to link my project to political and cultural issues, but not in such a concrete way that I am actually looking at "cultural artifacts" or anything like that. Another thing that's important to me is to find a department that has a strong graduate student creative-writing community or, better yet, some overlap and communication between the Literature and Creative Writing departments, since I write a lot of poetry and would actually rather be a poet than a professor. For this reason, my top choice right now is SUNY- Buffalo-- their poetics program sounds a great place for me, and it sounds like they are among the most flexible and "open" programs. Are there any other schools with a similar deal?? I was actually rejected from Buffalo a few years ago and while I think my application package is stronger this time... I definitely need some other options. I'm kind of an anti-establishment-hippy-artist, and while I'm not set in my ways or anything, I don't want to at a school that is very dogmatic and is going to make me conform to the current academic trends.
I could really, really use some advice on where to apply, or even how to SEARCH for places to apply. I know, it is quite late in the process to be asking this. My advisor from my MA gave me this list of schools that are strong in modernism: Johns Hopkins, U. of Virginia, U. of Washington, U. Penn. And I'm definitely applying to SUNY-Buffalo. But I think modernism is not my primary concern, my primary thing seems to be this philosophical-approach, aesthetics thing which I like to approach through modernism.
Thanks in advance for any help!! sorry this is so long...
That's exactly what an elitist would say . . . I'm not convinced.
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God, and I thought it was bad to be waiting on one school! Granted, it's possibly made harder by the fact that NYU has already notified accepted and waitlisted applicants, because they had their visiting day already -- but when I called the DGS she said decisions hadn't gone out yet? And would be coming out this week? This week is now almost over, dammit! Just tell me I'm rejected already so that my brain will stop coming up with scenarios in which I'm not!
YES! THIS! Not for the same school, but this for another school!!
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I have still not heard. I e-mailed this past Monday and received a very prompt, personal response that stated not all decisions have been made as some PhD applicants are being reviewed and may be offered MA spots. They said they would know something "by the end of next week." Hope that helps, and good luck! I would LOVE to receive an MA offer from Buffalo.
Definitely fills the silence a bit, although I already have an MA in English so I don't know if if that consideration applies in my case. Here's to hoping, eh?
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Has anyone still not heard anything from Buffalo. My status still says "not reviewed" on the website.
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My interests are in American/African-American lit, as well as critical race studies.
I have a forerunner in Critical Race Studies who has expressed interest in my ideas, which is nice; but U of T has also expressed the interest of a few faculty members.
I'm not sure why I am worried. I want to try and visit all three, but in case I can't, want to know that I'm making a viable decision.
For some reason, I feel like down the road, having an American PhD will benefit me more. Problem is, most American friends I have think automatically GWU and Rutgers are better; while my Canadian folks tell me U of T is the most prestigious of the three. Should I worry about prestige? Ugh, I shouldn't. I appreciate further insight from you....
GWU is known for that exact sub-field, and the research facilities (Library of Congress) are very good. I'm sure you know this. GWU, however, is very very underfunded and the program's growth is suspended (source: department blog words of former chair).
Rutgers IS an elite university. If you subscribe to US News and World Reports or the other one (name slips my mind) Rutgers is in the top 20. GWU, is not. Could be someday, but not right now.
All that said, you go with the best fit.
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I got a letter in the mail with a user name and password way back in December after I applied.
I hope you received good news!
Must have got lost in the mail, just activated my account and they had all my info. Woot woot. Perhaps see you in the fall if all is well. Thanks for the help.
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I got the acceptance.
-whew-
If you log into to PAWS the application information appears under "to do list"
Congratulations! Also, how do you have a PAWS account? I had submitted my application to the UW System application and the confirmation e-mail was boilerplate, directing me back to the UWM Grad School site.
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There is a post up for an acceptance to UW - Milwaukee, any claimers? Also, how in the heck do you even check your status on the website for this system. I can't even find a decision area.
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I got each of my LOR a box of 12 Godiva truffles . . . cause everyone likes chocolate. It's a good 20-30 dollar gift that is professional and fun.
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Any claimers or information on the George Mason admit that is up on the results board? My partner applied there and is very interested in any info.
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anybody claiming the syracuse post? any details?
My partner was offered from Syracuse with funding Feb. 16th. Notified through a very nice e-mail, I didn't post it on the results on the off chance that she did.
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Hi Everyone-
I got accepted to U Wisconsin (Madison) for a PhD in political science, but I'm concerned that the budget crisis will affect my life as a graduate student negatively because I am dependent on the state for 5 years of financial support. I have been guaranteed 5 years tuition waver, health insurance, and a stipend (amount yet to be told to me) but i'm concerned about the other effects that this crisis could have, research finding etc. While I was at UCLA the state declared bankruptcy and our tuition went up 30%, and I'm wary of taking a chance on a state school in a bankrupt state again.
I am choosing between U of Wisconsin and a private university, does anyone have any thoughts as to how the financial crisis might affect graduate students at U of Wisconsin? Thanks!
If you are in, I wouldn't be too worried about the current attack on unions (as you're already accepted and guaranteed funding) and the new lack of bargaining rights will affect teachers coming in more than the current batch (i doubt teachers will leave, although this is speculation). However, I think that the splitting of Madison from the UW system as a whole (and what they could mean for budgets, etc.) should definitely be on your radar: http://badgerherald....es_details_.php
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While not specifically lit, I think here is a good place for Cultural Studies inquiries. Any claimers on the George Mason acceptance?
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I don't know if there are any PhD programs still taking applications, and I don't think anyplace has funding this late. I was actually considering an alternate plan that involves getting a second Master's, so that probably isn't what you had in mind . . . I want to stay in school and continue teaching, so it would be worth a few more years. I already wish I had applied to more schools . . . nine *seemed* like a lot, but now I feel like I was being way too optimistic. Ah, well . . . it's not over quite yet.
Dude, that sounds like my plan exactly. 9 schools because I couldn't afford the 13 on my original list. Thinking of a second MA in American or Cultural Studies. If you would say continue conferencing at more national conferences, we'd be dopplegangers.
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Yeah, I've barely looked away from a screen (phone or computer) for over a month now . . . I did have the foresight to set up an entirely new email account just for applications, so I don't have a heart attack every time I get regular mail. Of course, every time my phone rings I turn into an adrenalized wreck, even though most of the schools I applied to don't notify by calling. I'm also worried that all my rejections will show up at once, and maybe even on a day that I teach. I don't want my students to see me collapse!
At this point I'm also thinking about looking for a few places with late deadlines . . . what else is there to do? I knew this wouldn't be easy, but wow, I had no idea I'd be such a mess . . .
Are there places later then Feb. 15th? I know some with rolling and no funding, but dang, that's really late . . . will have to check that out, too.
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Thank you! That was marvelously helpful. All this waiting and wondering is exhausting . . . any kind of answer to anything is welcome
Dude, preaching to the choir, my biggest/worst move was upgrading my phone. It now is able to tell me the instant that I get an e-mail. I thought this would be productive as I wouldn't have to be chained to the computer clicking refresh . . . but now i just sit and stare at my phone waiting for a ding. It's a losing battle.
Speaking of, just had a professor tell me he was rejected out right his first session (only to apply to a later deadline school and get in) . . . he got 5 rejections in the mail on the same day. I think I would crawl into a bottle for at least a year.
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Does anyone know what "Manual Review Req" means? My status at UIC was updated with this message today. Anyone else? I haven't heard back from anywhere I've applied, so all I can do is obsess over tiny changes . . .
Means this: A decision of "Pending - Manual Review Req" means that your file has been sent to your department and is awaiting a decision. The Office of Admissions and Records cannot give you any further information on a deferred application. You may contact your program for details about the departmental review process.
I just checked the website as mine is in a current state. Here's the source: http://www.uic.edu/d...d.html#checking
Also, in the same obsession boat.
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According to the board, notifications should begin going out next week. I'm also eagerly awaiting a response.
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The last two days have been TERRIBLE. As I'm sure you've all seen, acceptances have popped up from U-Chicago, U-Wisconsin and U-Mass-- all of which I applied to but I've heard nothing. I'm fairly sure this means rejection and I expect emails soon confirming it, but I just wish that these schools would put me out of my misery! A letter in the mail next month would just be cruel.
By the way-- I know of the websites to check application statuses for Wisconsin and Mass (which was never updated for me), but am I right in thinking that there isn't anywhere to check online for Chicago?
Also, University of Colorado (English MA) will probably be notifying this week as well-- I just rechecked my emails from them. More to worry about!
I'm in the same boat with two of my schools, although both I've mostly written off. One accepts 4 people a year (and there are 2 on the results) so they are done. And based off the Suny-Buffalo thread I ain't bring my talents to Buffalo . . . beach. Clearly my disappointment has manifested itself as snark. I feel for my roommates.
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Dude, I know . . . I didn't get in anywhere last year.
Cheers to second tries!
Cheers! Best to you in your pursuit. And here's to my good fortune in not listening to the dissuading arguments of my peers from applying to a "ridiculous" amount of schools. 11 seems pretty good right now.
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I applied last year, got my hopes way up about multiple waves of admits . . . and there was only one. Be prepared for rejections; their number of applicants tripled last year, and it looks like it's stayed steady this year, with no more $ and therefore no more spots.
Good luck with your other schools! I did not reapply here.
Dream-crusher.
Just messing with you. Thanks for the heads up about previous years. Good luck to you as well.
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Oh yeah, when I checked my status it said that my application had not been reviewed yet. Good sign or bad sign?!
I'm in the exact same position. I also just checked my status and it has yet to be reviewed . . . .
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My roommates and I just discussed this. We decided that you don't say anything. You give them a hug, a pint of Ben & Jerry's, and complete control of the remote for the day/night.
And tequila. You forgot the tequila.
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I'm experiencing the same worries over here. I saw on gradcafe that someone received an acceptance letter from UGA the other day. UGA was one of the schools (out of the nine I applied to) that I thought I had a pretty decent chance of getting into, so now I'm really worried that I'm not going to get in anywhere, as most of the schools I applied to are supposed to be more "competitive" than UGA
While I did not apply to UGA, so I do not share that worry, the fear of a friend getting in (which I am very happy for) and then myself not getting into anywhere is terrifying. The social interactions and being asked about my process when someone in my group of friends already was accepted . . . uh. Gonna take the wind out of the sails.
Oh this process is making me into a nut case.
Rochester
in Literature, and Rhetoric and Composition
Posted
Are you a current student? Would you mind terribly if I messaged you about Rochester's process?