Dr._Robotnik's_Shadow

Thanks, @TekeruK and everyone for replying. I agree with what is being said. I am also hesitant to swap chapters with others and think others feel the same way for all the reasons suggested in this thread....I'll keep chugging along somehow.

Thanks for the advice. My department and Uni are a bit dysfunctional. There is a writing center but thus far it's been a waste of time. Graduate writing groups are advertised but have not materialized. I tried forming my own groups, asking colleagues, and sending out emails to other departments to solicit a writing partner but, as indicated here, I think people are afraid to share work or are are not confident about their writing. Every time I ask a colleague to swap work they say they don't have anything ready to show me, but then the next day they tell me they turned in a chapter to their advisor. So I ask, "Why didn't you swap with me then before you turned it in? I thought you said you didn't have anything ready yet." I get no answer in response.

I'm looking for someone to exchange dissertation/thesis chapters with. I really need a fresh set of eyes on my writing and thought reading someone else's term paper or dissertation/thesis chapter(s) and giving them feedback, and then them doing the same for me, would be a good idea. Of course I'm working closely with my advisor, but having another peer look over my work helps to see my own writing better before turning it in. If you are looking for a writing partner to provide feedback (or hold an "accountability" type of arrangement) on their dissertation, thesis or a term paper, I hope you will contact me. I'm a PhD candidate looking for someone who is in the arts, social sciences, or humanities. My dissertation is on gender representations on children's television. I look forward to hearing about your or even reading yours!

I'll see you in Lawrence. I'm heading to KU too for a PhD in humanities. I'll PM you.

I've been trying to tell my dad for the past 4 years (I've been applying to PhD programs for 4 years and finally got into a school!) that if I get into a PhD program it will be completely funded. He has a "yeah right!" attitude about it. When I showed him my acceptance (full ride+stipend+professorship) he shrugged it off and said, "how are you going to pay for that?" I explained to him I don't have to pay but instead I get paid. He seems clueless. Parents can be so dense!

I know what you mean. I'm starting a PhD program in film in the fall but what I really like is the production aspect, not so much the research (PhDs in film are pretty much only research). I'm going to find time on my own to make small side films. My program will allow me to take some production classes. I'm going to stick with the PhD until the end because I know being able to think critically about films will transfer to thinking creatively. with the PhD I'll have a nice back-up plan should filmmaking not work out as a career (although I know getting into academics as a career is hard too). When you really love something that much and it becomes a part of you, you'll find it seeps into other areas of your life (like your grad program). Never let the creative side go, you'll go crazy! You might need to put it on the back burner temporarily while you study but continue with it no matter what in your free time and pick it up again when the time is right. Your new perspective thanks to your grad studies will make you an even better artist.

I can totally relate. On top of it all this was my 4th year applying to schools. I finally did it and I'm feeling every feeling imaginable--mostly I'm in shock.

4 years appears to be the norm. If it's a PhD are you sure u r taking classes for all 4 years? At many schools, you take classes for 2 years and then do your dissertation for two years. During the time you do your dissertation, if you did have to pay it's be something really little because you aren't taking classes. Like if I need a year or two more beyond my 4 years (having finished my course work already), starting in the 5th year I'll pay a little fee to keep me matriculated but it's not like I'm paying for 15 units or anything. You're program may be like that so check it out.

It's near impossible to get funding for an MA in our field. I got an MA from NYU and the loan payments burn but I finally just got into KU's Phd in film with full funding etc. Go to a cheap MA program and then up one by going to a great PhD in film and get funded. An MA isn't terminal (usually) so don't stop there. Go for the PhD.

27

tiny dancer

Film

Yes. I got accepted in University of Kansas (Tuition Waived/$13,000 FTE GTA). I've been applying to PhD programs for 4 years and this is my first, last and only acceptance. I had no faculty advocating for me. Be persistent and never give up.