bellagrl

I was having a discussion with a non literature friend of mine who was asking how my thesis work/research was going. I told her about my subject (Milton) and what I was covering, etc. I remember once telling her about my interests in Pop Culture, Anais Nin, William Blake so it was no wonder that she asked what happened. The she asked an interesting question, which I honestly didn't know the answer to. She asked if you get into a Phd program do you have to continue the same research and area of interest as your MA? My obvious reaction was of course, but then I got to thinking and I wasn't entirely sure. So I ask those who know the answer for a fact, if your area of specialty in the MA level is Milton (like me) and you get into a Phd program, can you change to an entirely different area of interest? Would that even work?

So I was totally inspired to work with a particular professor for my MA thesis. However, every time I try to carry on some kind of conversation about the field, the scholars, info about my work, etc. he seems to be quite short, almost like "can we get this over with", which makes me feel very uncomfortable. Here is the twist, he seems to get along quite well with a different set of students, so now of course I feel it's personal. It has come to the point where the motivation and persistence for this project is diminishing, because I know I have to communicate and ask questions to a man who does not want to enagage in an actual exchange of information. Any advice, anyone experience anything like this? what do I do?

So here is the honest truth. I was a mediocre student as an undergraduate (about a 3.0 flat). I did have a job working about 30 hours a week so gained some professional experiences, but not so great academically. I am currently in an MA program with a 3.8 gpa. I am a TA, I have done research as a grad assistant, have been a editor of a department publication for 2 years, and I am writing thesis. I will have great Letters and hopefully decent GRE's, so how much will my UGPA bring me down? Will I still have a shot at a Phd program?