plasticastle

Thanks! All of these recommendations are very helpful. I'm taking a class this semester on Freud, Lacan, and Bakhtin, so this course should help, as well. I've also been reading some Foucault (History of Sexuality and Discipline and Punish).

I just finished the first semester of my MA program. I received all A's and one B+. I've heard mixed things about what it means to receive a B or B+ in an MA program. I'm just looking for a few opinions. I'm still on winter break, so I haven't had a chance to talk to the professor.

I would also look at NYU. I'm currently in the MA program. My area of interest is also medieval/ Renaissance. We have a very strong program. You also would have the opportunity to work with some great professors. I didn't have a strong research background either; I attended a small liberal arts university, and so far, I've learned so much. It's been challenging, but everyone works well together, and the professors are here to help out in any way possible. Good luck with your decisions. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Hello, Everyone, I'm just finishing my first semester in a Master's program that is strongly devoted to theory. I didn't come from a strong theory background, but over the course of this semester, I've already gained an immense knowledge and good foundation. However, since winter break is fast approaching, I would like to spend my time reading, so next semester I can start out strong. I'm already planning to read Terry Eagleton's Literary Theory: an Introduction, as well as The Function of Criticism. What are some other recommended books on theory? I'm primarily interested in New Historicism and Marxism, but I want to read as much as I can about... well... pretty much everything. Thanks for you help!

I completely agree with the above poster. I wanted to go straight into a PhD program after undergrad, but was only accepted to MA programs. I decided to attend NYU. I initially applied to their PhD program, and it was one of my top choices, so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity. Within the first two weeks, I realized that I was completely not ready to enter directly into a PhD program. I went to a very small liberal arts university, and even though I received a great education, I was not prepared to handle the true nature of literary studies, especially the literary theory. Even though I've been in the program for only a few months, I've already learned a great deal about the field of English and about myself. I think not entering directly into a PhD program has allowed me to see that I have other options. Next fall I plan to apply to no more than five PhD programs because I truly would like to take time off and teach, which is the initial reason why I wanted to get my PhD. Furthermore, doing my MA in New York has really helped to show me the importance of getting "real life experience." I highly advise going for an MA before a PhD if there are any doubts whatsoever about entering directly into a PhD program. I also think it's a great way to really determine what you want to pursue and a way to narrow your focus.

I'm a first year M.A. student in medieval literature. I hope to apply to PhD programs in the fall, and I want to get some experience presenting at conferences. What are some good conferences for grad students? I'm looking for both medieval and interdisciplinary conferences. Thanks!

One of my undergrad professors has a nose ring. I suppose, though, it depends on the school.

I'm going to NYU for grad school in the fall. I'm actively searching for an apartment in the city, and I haven't had any luck. I would like to live below 23rd in Manhattan. Does anyone have any advice or know someone who is in need of a roommate? I can only pay $950 per month (all utilities included). Thanks!

I need some advice, and currently, grad caf

I received my acceptance into the English MA program in early March. I initially applied to the PhD program, but alas. Anyway, NYU has always been my dream school, but I was concerned about the lack of funding. However, I contacted several current MA students and asked them many of the same things you are asking. Overall, I received pretty excellent feedback about the program. It is completely separate from Draper and is directly connected with the English department. Unfortunately, you have to reapply to NYU's PhD; MA students are not automatically accepted. The program has been really helpful to me thus far. I have an advisor whom I really respect. She responded rather quickly after I sent my initial email. I have also registered for classes. I would say that if you can afford it and feel quite strongly about your desire to attend then you should. If you are still concerned, email a few current MA students in your area of interest. All of their contact information is on the English department page. Good Luck. If you have any other concerns or questions, feel free to ask.

Out of curiosity, is NYU one of these programs?

Is it worth it to go to an unfunded (rather expensive) MA program with a great reputation? Or, is it better to attend an affordable MA program with a decent reputation? Also, I'm planning to apply to PhD programs after I finish my master's.

So, I'm looking for some advice. I applied to NYU's PhD program, but received the packet today congratulating me on my acceptance into their MA program. I know that NYU has a fantastic reputation, and I'm assuming it would advantageous to do an MA there before moving on to a PhD. Also, I would have given anything to attend NYU as an undergrad, but, alas, I (being afraid of rejection) did not apply. Now my conundrum is as follows: I'm waiting to hear from two more schools, one of which I visited two weeks ago and fell in love. I'm not going to be cryptic about which school; it is UNCG (University of North Carolina at Greensboro). I applied to their MA program in English as a backup, but the program has grown on me. The faculty whom I met were fantastic, amiable, helpful...The atmosphere is congenial and stimulating (from what I could gather). I instantaneously felt comfortable. I know that I would do extremely well there. It would also be a great place for me to polish my research skills and sharpen my primary area of focus. However, the student/faculty and student/student relationship is very similar to my current undergrad institution. I go to a small liberal arts school, where I have done extremely well with a supportive English (and history) faculty and fantastic departmental camaraderie. I'm rather comfortable in this environment, which is why I believe I'm drawn to UNCG. I don't necessarily believe it is a bad thing, but I'm worried about becoming complacent and not taking risks. I know I need to step outside of my comfort zone. As I've already stated, NYU is one of my "dream" schools...since 8th grade, actually. I know that I would gain invaluable experience and receive the chance to work with renown faculty. I also realize that the name "NYU" could carry a lot of weight when I apply again to PhD programs in a year and a half. Yet, it is completely unfunded, and I would have to survive in New York City. I'm pretty sure I'm not ready to part with one of my kidneys just yet. I apologize for the verbosity of this post, but I would like to pose these questions: Can anyone provide me insight to the nature of NYU's program, specifically their MA program? What is the student/ faculty relationship like? What is the relationship between the students in the program? How are MA students received? Is it worth going to NYU unfunded? Should I choose the program based on its reputation, or should I attend the program I know I'll love and feel comfortable? Will attending UNCG over NYU harm my chances of being accepted into a competitive PhD program in two years? i also welcome any other unsolicited advise. Thanks for your help. And I once again apologize for the length of this post.

I agree with Jcar. I applied to mainly PhD programs, and even though I haven't been officially rejected, it is safe to assume that I will be based on the acceptances that have already gone out. There is still a possibly that either NYU or Fordham will accept me into their MA programs; however, I'm not going to take out thousands upon thousands of dollars in loans just to attend one of these schools for two years. I recently applied to UNCG's MA program in English, and even though they do not fund their MA students, out-of-state tuition is about 14,000 a year, which is less expensive than the undergrad liberal arts university I'm currently attending. UNCG has a rather reputable program, and so far they have been extremely friendly. I don't know whether I've been accepted yet (still waiting on recs), but they are the first program to which I applied that has encouraged me to visit. I'm quite exited because not only do they have a pretty good program, but they appear very congenial and welcoming.

Does anyone know when Cornell will start to contact applicants? I'm very anxious about this program. It has been my dream school since sophomore year.

I'm essentially in the same postion as you. I've applied to ten top tier schools, and I'm only an undergraduate. In addition, I applied to only three MA programs, one of which has already rejected me. I vehemently agree with all of the advice stated above. I can already state that I would have done some things differently, but it's in the past, and now I must look ahead. If I'm not accepted to any of my PhD programs, I will be devastated. However, I am also realizing that I can't let a series of rejections dissuade me from pursuing the very thing I love. One thing to keep in mind is not everything in life follows a smooth path. If all things worked out as planned, we would never grow and learn as individuals. One of my undergraduate professors, whom I constantly badger with questions and concerns about this process, explained it this way: she told me that most people going through this process (and who have gone through this process) may take a few detours along the way. These detours (rejections or criticisms) are often the things that contribute to our successful development as we progress in life, even more so than our successes. Everything always works out for the best. At least I keep telling this to myself. I'm not sure if this is what you want to hear, but I hope it helps. Good luck!

Not to be a pretentious English major, but it's "who's" and "prestigious."

I am waiting to hear from the many of the same schools. Even though some schools are notifying applicants now, this process carries throughout the month of March and sometimes into April. I know it's incredibly grueling, but we just have to wait. I also know it's easier said that done.