Kilgore Trout

In addition, I'm a non-traditional student with a checkered undergrad history (to put it kindly - but with age comes wisdom), so most opinions I've gotten have led me to believe that I'm more likely to be accepted to an M.S. program to start. As far as the initial contact with potential advisors, that "bad impression" is exactly what I want to avoid. Thanks so much for the input Unfortunately, I had to postpone my initial GRE date due to illness and ended up taking it this past December. I left myself too little time to adequately prepare for fall admission at many of my top choices. I am prepared to pay via loan for the spring semester in hopes of "proving myself" worthy of funding in the future but the last thing I want is to realize I'm getting stuck with the full bill. Again, thanks for the advice

I am planning on starting applications within the month (for spring matriculation) and plan on finalizing my schools of interest based on the likelihood of funding- at least by year two. My undergrad cumulative GPA is weak (<3.0) but decent the last two years (3.4). I expect that external funding will be scarce (still plan on looking) so I'm focusing on assistantships. First, are statistics readily available regarding how many past and future opportunities are available?...Second, is it more appropriate to contact the individual department of interest via telephone- I prefer email due to some minor awkwardness which for some reason only comes up via the phone. Any other advise as far specific questions I should ask is appreciated

That's what I figured. Thanks for reaffirming.

Anyone know of any comprehensive sites that feature the average credentials of accepted students?

I received my B.S. in Marine Biology (Resource Mgmt.) 4 years ago as a non-traditional student (31 y.o.), and after 3 years of seasonal employment I am hoping to return for my Ph.D. I need 3 LOR's for most institutions, 2 of which have been secured. I am planning on contacting my college advisor as my third with the dual purpose of also attaining some much-needed advice. I feel it would be better to do this in person so he can put a face to the recommendation, but I feel slightly awkward asking this since I have been removed from the school for 4 years and, in addition, only had him as an advisor for the last two. Is it improper to request a brief meeting, albeit on his time, with a professor/advisor that I was not particularly close with, especially when his primary obligation is to currrent students? Perhaps I may be overthinking it, but he would be my most accomplished reccommendation (and he's a good guy to boot) so I want to treat the situation with proper etiquette. Thanks in advance, much appreciated KT