SusieQ

That's a really good question. I think that WS departments are pretty conscious of their own impulses/biases, so I don't think that what you wear (unless is it extraordinarily inappropriate or offensive) has as much bearing. Personally, I like to dress casually for interviews and open houses. A step up from what I wear everyday; khaki's, button-up dress shirt/polo, briefcase (in my case, my Timbuk2), comfortable walking shoes (especially if its an open house!). Maybe the best way to describe it is "business casual". The key is to wear something comfortable. If you're fidgeting with your clothes, you're going to distract yourself and others. Also, consider the weather in the area and the time of day. I had to alter my clothing choice when I went to Texas since it was 75-80F. Good luck!

Mine says the same thing, so that's good. Good luck!

Morthia-- If you applied to TWU you'll need to open a Pioneer Portal so you can keep up with your admission status. I recently found out that my status was considered "incomplete" based on missing GRE scores. The department website, however, clearly states that GRE scores are not required. I contacted Ruth Johnson in admissions (let me know if you want her email address) about my application status and it was a mistake made on her end regarding WS applicant requirements. You should double check to make sure yours isn't being held up! https://portal.twu.edu/default.asp

The open house was informative and the department representative, Dr. Christa Downer, was really friendly, personable and truly interested in prospective students. Apparently, I was the only applicant to show up to the academic preview! We talked quite a bit about the department and my interests, but she didn't mention anything about WHEN the acceptance letters would go out, but she did say they were accepting only 8-9 students, with a cohort total of 16 in the program! The school itself is small (which I like) and the campus is easy to get around. People are very friendly and helpful and the WS, Soc, CrimJ, and Rhetoric faculty are all good friends. I could see that there wasn't cattiness/competitiveness that seems to be pervasive in many departments with limited resources. All of the faculty and students work together and seem to get along really well. Compared to other programs, in my opinion, it is less structured (flexibility is a plus for my diverse academic background), but the coursework and requirements are still challenging and rigorous. After the academic preview, I went to a break out session about admissions for graduate applicants. They said that the first round of letters to go out are acceptance letters due to some university policy. So, just keep that in mind all of you interested in TWU! Anyway, if I get anything, you guys will be the first to know. Well...maybe the second to know Good luck! -Susan

It's an open invitation to all students with a session set aside for prospective graduate students.

Hey folks, just wanted to get your opinion. A few weeks prior to going to the university wide open house, I let the program director know that I was coming to campus and to send along my contact information to anyone that might want to chat with me. Heard nothing back. Tomorrow is the open house, should I write them another short note to remind them that I'm on campus? I also would like to come up and see the department as opposed to creepily skulking around the building. Thoughts?

Yeah, I really want to get into TWU. The open house is tomorrow at 8am. I think they'll have another one for accepted students. Funny story: I go up to the Women's Studies department, dead set on going inside and saying hi. As soon as I got to the door, someone came to the front desk with an armful of manila envelopes! On the desk, I swear, was a small folder with a post-it that said, "Fall 2011 applications". I'm pretty sure I saw acceptance letters going out! I didn't have the courage to go in unexpectedly after seeing that. If I see/hear anything more at the open house, I'll let you know! -Susie

Hey there, I applied to TWU too, but I haven't heard anything. I'm going to their open house, so I'll let you know what I find out! Good luck! -Susie

Great advice, Coffeem8. I think we academic-types forget to do this critical step: REST.

<3 souninmyfist--I can definitely relate to those kinds of feelings. Remember, UCSB is one of the more competitive and exclusive programs. If you get rejected, you should inquire with the program director why they rejected you for personal growth reasons. It might help you see where you need to improve and identify the best ways to "sell" yourself for future or current applications/interviews. Most often, the issue for rejection is FIT. They just want to be sure that they can mentor you and provide you the appropriate oversight. It may just be that your interest wasn't a good fit for their capacity to oversee you. Don't be too hard on yourself.

I'm finishing in March. I will have an M.A. in CrimJ/Justice Studies with a gender focus. I applied for fall 2011, so I'll let you know if I hear anything! I applied to a program with a strong transdisciplinary focus, which meets my diverse academic background as opposed to programs more exclusive to specific disciplines. I am really hoping to get in there!!

Don't worry! It takes a month+ to hear back from grad programs. When I applied for my MA, they didn't back to me from January 6th deadline until late March. Every department is different, so hang in there!

Thanks for the warm welcome! The program is really amazing, actually and Dr. AnaLouise Keating is the director. (famous for her interest in Gloria E. Anzaldúa) I also like that the program has equal emphasis on teaching and publication since I LOVE teaching. http://www.twu.edu/ws/phd-concentrations.asp for more information.

Hey all, I applied to the Ph.D. program in Women's Studies at Texas Women's University. Deadline was Feb 1st, so I'll let you all know when I hear from them. I don't expect there will be many applicants to TWU here since it is a relatively new program, but its worth a shot! Good luck to all of you! I look forward to hearing about your offers! -Susie