Mal83

This for those of us who hate our pre-grad school jobs for whatever reason and just need a good ranting session....Ok so today I have been incredibly angry at myself...why? Because I caved, I totally caved in to my boss who begged me to stay longer than I wanted to. I've worked at this preschool for a good 9 months and I have absolutely had it, checked out emotionally, reached my limit long ago and there is nothing about the job or the place that makes me want to stay a minute longer than I absolutely have to. I started working there after 8 months of unemployment and I figured it would be an easy comfortable job while I go through the grad school application process. It was OK for a while, I have lots of experience with kids, but this place has become my personal Hell. So I've been anxiously awaiting the time when I'd have to leave in order to prepare for my cross-country move as well as do my required summer reading, which I've decided is right about now. I gave my boss my notice an entire month ago. One whole month's notice, not the standard 2 weeks. It wasn't an entirely selfish move admittedly, I just really wanted to tell her already so I wouldn't have to do any more professional development nonsense, but yes I did want to give her extra time. As the weeks rolled on I got more and more anxious to just be done, but today like a giant wimp the day before what was to be last day ever, I agreed to work 3 more days because she "really needs me because someone has almost been hired." First she asked me to do a whole extra week OR until she got the new person started, which ever one came first. But knowing her the whole week will go by without getting it together. I agreed to this because she accepted my offer of coming in later in the day so I wouldn't be doing a whole regular shift. As I processed what I just did I got angry, angry at myself because for the entire month since giving my notice I just had a feeling she'd do this and I was mentally prepared to not give in. It's not my problem that during the course of a whole month she couldn't manage to hire someone. People are always dropping by to submit resumes. It's just not my problem. But what did I do? I said "well, ok, I can do that," like a total pushover. But as it was supposed to be her day off I was lucky that she didn't just leave right after that and I caught her a few minutes later and told her that I actually can only give her 3 days, not a whole week. I've told her from the beginning what I need to do this summer and I need all the time I can get to do it, plus I just want out so it shouldn't matter if I have something major like a cross country move to prepare for or not, I gave my notice, she took the letter, and it should be respected. After regrouping enough to put my foot down to be blunt, I approached her and said "I can't give you past Wednesday, that has to be it." She goes, "well, we'll talk about that when the time comes" and then chuckled like she always does when she doesn't know what to say. I, and this is a bit of a redemption, said "no, that has to be it." She just trailed off and as in any preschool it's really easy to quickly become focused on some other issue. The other teacher who was near by was like, "wow, that was blunt." I was slightly less angry with myself after that. Is 3 days or even a week a really big deal? No of course not and it's not like I'm doing it for free. But that's not the point. I was prepared for this, I knew she would do this and it's not like she's uncaring, but she just banks on her staff allowing her to stretch them beyond where they're willing to go so she feels little pressure to get on these things fast enough. This is what I let her continue to do. She thinks that if she phrases it just the right way and bats her eyes enough you'll be tricked into thinking she's doing you some kind of favor. It's very obnoxious and we all see right through it. I keep telling her what it is that I have to do this summer and I shouldn't have to justify myself anymore, my need to stop working there should be respected and it's not. And her insinuating that I'm morally obligated to stay until she gets around to hiring someone after an absurdly long interview process is very irritating. During our first conversation about it she said it's her goal to get the new person in by the end of next week. She placed great emphasis on the word goal as if to prepare me for it not happening and therefore I'll be working until it does. I certainly never agreed to that. It's unlikely that she'll get a new person in by Wednesday so I'm not sure what she's going to do for coverage, we've been stretched thin enough for a while now, but that's her problem and I'll be interested to see how she handles it because most people just don't say no to her. It's like because I'm not physically jetting out of the state immediately that means that I'm still available to work after I quit...that's actually the opposite of quitting. Hopefully she'll get that I'm not that big of a pushover when I walk out of there Wednesday at 6pm and don't ever come back. Ok, I feel like I purged enough...

Hi dali99! I've chosen the democracy and governance concentration. I registered for the 2 reqs also, economics and IDS, plus a political science class. But that's definitely it for this semester because I will be working. Good luck with apartment hunting and I look forward to meeting you too!

See at least in the study books for the writing score we have score ranges with descriptions, in Kaplan anyway, 4.5 is labeled as above average or something like that...certainly not "mediocre." I'm starting to hate that word.

I just applied for an apartment that was advertised on my school's off campus housing site, this particular management company is used to dealing with students and there is a spot on the application that says "for unemployed students, name the school" or something like that. I filled out the form online and simply faxed over a copy of my financial aid letter with the grad plus loan on it, put a star next to it and just wrote "living expense aid." I was approved with no problem, the guy told me they really only do a credit check, proof income will only serve to help get approved, it's not necessary. For another one application that was a little more involved the lady told me that it would helpful if someone, my father, wrote a letter saying that he guarantees to assist with the rent if the need should arise, it's like cosigning without all of the background checks and paperwork. He too doesn't really want to cosign simply because he wants me to do it all by myself, but he will if he has to. I backed out of the 2nd apartment before I got my result because I got approved for the first one and it works out better in terms of price and location.

It's probably a little late to throw my 2 cents in but just case the OP hasn't abandoned the thread I will... I was just wondering if you feel like your mother is a physical threat..I mean if you just decide to not go to class or even if you withdrew from school all together do you think she would harm you physically? I know she'll put you through an emotional ringer and maybe make threats at other family members in order to control your actions, but since she's been doing that all along what would be any different if you finally just said, "no, you can't have my paycheck or I'm taking a taxi to go out by myself?" Would she kick you out? Beat you up? Physically keep you against your will in the house? You are 23 years old and she cannot legally do any of those things to you, except well, kick you out and I would think that would be a good thing. You really have to get it through your head that you are an adult and all of the things that your mother is making you do are simply NOT things that you actually have to do. You don't have to do anything that she tells you to do. You are no longer legally bound to her, if you get out, no cop is going to come pick you up and drive you back to your mom's house. If she finds you and comes to get you, you call the cops on her. She has no right to your money and no right to make you take out loans. If you think about it all you have to do is get out of her house. And there has already been lots of advice on how to do that. If you have to work a few minimum wage jobs for a while just to pay rent well then so be it, lots of people have to do that, if paying for a place on your own is out of the picture then look for a roommate situation on Craig's List, gather up enough cash for a taxi to come get you, put your stuff in the car, and then drive away. You have a Master's degree and can certainly find some decent work somewhere if you tried. It might not be in art but does it really have to be at this point? Is that your priority? To make money doing art so you can give it all over to your mother so she can pay her own debt and/or use it on herself? You are absolutely miserable for no good reason, it's not right, but you don't have to be, once you realize that you'll get up the will to leave. So what if it's hard for a while...the situation you're in now will never get any better. You are the only one in your family that will ever make things better for yourself. It sucks to realize you're on your own, but you know what? It could also be a blessing, to know that you are in charge of YOU while no one else is means that they're not bringing you down. You love your mother and I get that, but once you realize that she will not stop emotionally manipulating you until her own needs are met before yours you'll realize that it's time to start living life for you and only you.

Just to throw in my 2 cents about learning the math on the quant section...it seemed to me like I had to relearn 4 years of high school math all over again, I was decent at it then but we're talking like 10 years ago here and it was quite a chore getting reacquainted with all of the possible different problem types that were in the study books. Plus there were all of the rules and formulas to relearn in order to attack the problems, they were kind of floating around in my head but it just wasn't solid like it was when I was actually doing it on a daily basis in secondary school for years. If you didn't have to do much of it as an undergrad then that's a good 4 years that you're not using that stuff. But like I said, for me it was more like 10 years, graduated high school in '01 and took the GRE in December of 2010. So I found the whole thing to be very overwhelming as well as pointless for my field (international development). Sure some of it was intuitive and easily relearned, but there was just too much of it and I had to work very hard for an OK score. But that one score on that test doesn't reflect the work you've done for 4 years as an undergrad at all if you're not in math or science and a high gpa doesn't necessarily translate into the ability to score high on a particular type of test. To the OP, you should contact admissions at your schools of choice to ask them about how they weigh the quant section of the GRE or usually there something about the GRE requirements and averages on their websites. My combined GRE score, while OK, was a good 150 points below my top choice's average, but I still got in off of the waitlist to their phenomenal program. I mean GRE math is just not going to come into play in my area of study so there's not much weight to it, and I'd think the same of your subject, well at least that's my take on it. I feel like it's one of things that can boost you application a little bit if some other area is lacking or if they have to make a choice between similarly qualified applicants.

Will be there for International Development as well! I'm next on the waiting list for an apartment that advertises on the GW off campus housing site, it's in Alexandria, VA on the yellow line and they offer a $50 student discount on the rent every month. I've found quite a few options in Alexandria. I'm avoiding the roommate thing and I am willing to commute in order to get a little more apartment for my money. I don't want to live in a crummy little shoebox if I don't have to. Living by yourself in the area anywhere is quite an expense but DC is just way too costly, as in just not doable for me so I'm happy with a basically decent place to call my own even if it means a commute. The on campus housing for grad students at GW is also very expensive. But despite the scariness of the expense, I really can't wait to get out there and get started! Everyone register for classes? I have required reading over the summer...actually looking forward to it though!

Hi Erin! Man, can't wait to get started at GW, it's my dream school in my dream city. You're lucky you're already there. Are you applying for spring admissions? You know the GRE thing is just hard all around for those of us who aren't the best standardized test takers, we have to study extra hard just to get an OK score and then worry that that number is going to bring down our applications. But like most of us know already, it's totally dependent on the field and program...thank god for that. And I'm not knocking the overachiever or those that strive for perfection, I'm like that in other areas, but standardized testing isn't one of them. I'm not a math person, the last time I did algebra was back in high school, I was good at it then but that was 10 years ago! Then I bought all of the study books and it was literally like learning 4 years of high school math all over again, I just couldn't grasp it all again in that time frame, and quite frankly it seemed really pointless...I'm going into International Development, I need economics not algebra and geometry. But sure I can see the other side of the coin too, if you're going into the sciences or mathematics you should have a very high quant score, but generally speaking to say that a score in the 700's is mediocre just makes me cringe. While I was in the frenzy of the application process I was constantly surfing the web for gre score advice sites and basically the only thing I got out of doing that was that everyone has a different word to describe every possible score. Ok, let's face it though, there is a point where you have to call a score low, my interpretation of all that I've come across is that below a combined score of 1000, is well, low. But again, it's field dependent. See, the one bit of information that I had going into this whole thing is really the one thing that made feel better every time I thought my stupid GRE score would get in the way, and that is that my friend's boyfriend, who also served with me in the Peace Corps got into GW's Elliott School with a GRE score in 1000s. That's a good 200 points below their average. So he and I had the same international experience, he got a lower GRE score and got in. I didn't know what his other stats were but it still made me feel better at the time. But at any rate, this is just my interpretation of the whole GRE experience, I'm glad it's over and I won't ever do it again. The very high GRE can boost a lower undergrad GPA but if that's not an issue then I don't think you have to worry. I've come across programs that just don't even require the test at all, but they're very specific areas of study and they are professional degrees such as International Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, which I considered briefly. Then there are programs that don't consider the quant section or they don't care about the verbal section. But really the bottom line is that if you're application is very strong otherwise then I don't feel like there's cause for great concern, but my advice is to have a backup school, not necessarily because you definitely won't get into a top choice with a "lower" GRE score, but just in general. I only applied to 3 programs, my backup at George Mason was the only one to accept me first round, it just made my life easier knowing at least I had somewhere to go despite being rejected by my 2nd choice and waitlisted by my first. I'm still shocked that got into GW, but they didn't let me know that until May 20th after the original waitlist decision came out in mid-March. I can't imagine what state I'd be in if I didn't definitely get into one school and had to wait up until last week to know if I was going somewhere, can't even think about that. Good luck on your apps!

Even though this is an old topic I just love the use of subjective words like "mediocre" and "low." It makes me chuckle inside when someone shamefully admits that they got a 'mediocre' 1300. "My quant score of 720 is 'low' might retake it." "My 1250 is pathetic, surprised I got in anywhere." It's a little absurd if you think about it. I mean OK I know certain programs and areas of study rely on the GRE more than others and phD programs have a higher requirement than MAs, but when you start throwing around words like "mediocre" to describe a score that's actually really good it just makes me want to say..."seriously? are you really serious?" I hated the idea of the GRE, like admissions committees really need one more number aside from an already large application package? But once I accepted it I embraced and got very into the studying. I actually kind of liked studying for the verbal section, that's something that's useful, but for me, relearning 4 years of high school math in a matter of months was a nightmare. I still ended up with an "OK" 1120, V570 Q550 W4.5. Luckily for me my area of study isn't so concerned with the GRE which is the way it should be. But even with that score I got into a top MA program in my field...off of the waitlist that is, but still got in. I doubt that my GRE score was a deciding factor. And I don't have any problems revealing my score so that others can see that it might not matter as much as they think, depending on the field of course. I was always relieved to see a post with a declaration of acceptance despite a GRE score on the lower end of the spectrum.

One of the best professors I've ever had, from a community college mind you, was the very typical "aging hippie." He was so fiercely passionate about political science and commanded everyone's respect but at the same time he came to class in an old sweater or Hawaiian shirt and Birkenstocks, half way through the class he'd be sitting on his desk with the Birkenstocks not on his feet anymore. He's a phD but insisted on us calling him by his first name or if we just couldn't resist we could get away with Dr. Tom. He was funny, clever, sarcastic and just a blast but also real serious about the subject matter. I took 3 classes with him and he was the one that did most of the clowning...well it was really more of a snarky biting sarcasm that usually got a laugh, or at least kept our attention. He demanded a lot of us and he was the perfect balance between amusing and serious. That's a rare kind of professor. I'll never forget him because he turned me on to that general area of academia, before taking his classes I didn't really know what I wanted to do and I was just coming off of a fizzled attempt at Biology at a private 4-year school. Now all these years later, I'm talking about 8 years here, he just wrote me a letter of recommendation for my dream International Development program at my dream school...to which I was admitted off of the waitlist. I sent him an email letting him know, he hasn't responded yet, but it just happened, I think I'm going to send him a real thank you card...this is the kind of person you stay in touch with.

I had a bad experience with a young adjunct professor in undergrad, it was more of a personal dislike for him rather than anything he did academically. Although I felt that he also didn't like me and was less forgiving with me than he was with some of my classmates who didn't seem to deserve the grades they got...of course I am admitting honestly that this is mostly my perception, I never looked at or critiqued their written assignments, but when participating in class discussions it was like..."did you seriously just say that and you're getting an A in this class?" He also clearly had his favorite which was just annoying because he would let her ramble on and on about nothing class after class, she sounded like a high school junior rather than a college junior, but somehow that earned her top points for class participation. I know that this particular classmate's work, while she tried, was mediocre because she ended up in my senior capstone class a few semesters later with a different professor who I actually liked and respected (thank god) where we all reviewed and critiqued each others' work. None of us could believe she ended up with a B on her final paper, it was deserving of a C at best...but everyone else in the class received an A...I think the professor, who was fantastic, just wasn't going to give anything less than a B to seniors on their capstone projects... The adjunct prof was probably the worst teacher I had in a long time...he was new, he cursed a lot in class...it was an International Organizations class for crying out loud, not sure what there was to get so fired up about, but he'd go on these little rants laden with profanity....all I remember from him is..."well fuck the League of Nations..." Are you for real? He also brought up the fact that he did indeed have a girlfriend and taught at Princeton as often as he could....my only thought was who let such a jackass into a Princeton classroom to teach? I was even confused as to how anyone let him teach at my school. Then he had the audacity to keep me and another classmate after class and inform us that we weren't participating enough and if we don't understand the material we should be seeking extra help. Uh, this isn't quantum physics here ok pal, this is an upper level course and I paid for the class so don't tell me I need to do this that or the other. If he was genuinely concerned it sure didn't seem like it, he was such a snot about it, it seemed more like he was just annoyed that we weren't overjoyed to be in his class. Then at the next class I actually offered my opinion on something and he was just like "I wouldn't say that." With the way he said it he might as well have said "don't bother next time." At that point I was done bothering, and the semester was almost over. He gave me a C+ which was devastating at the time, and still stings a little. I didn't even think about going to talk to anyone about him, I just let it rip on his evaluation. He was a total awkward dweeb who didn't command my respect. Told him to tone it down on the cursing and we're all big kids now and don't need to be kept after class to be accused of not understanding the material. I was a quiet student at the time and my strong suit was writing papers, which we did plenty of. Not a single other professor ever bothered to tell anyone that they're not participating enough, they know that we know what we need to do and if we don't do it we deal with the grades we get and that's that. I hate a professor who tries too hard to be liked, it's just annoying. I'm not sure if I had any grounds to go to someone about him, but like I said, didn't even think about it at the time, but I'm glad that I didn't because stirring up trouble over a personal dislike wouldn't have gotten me anywhere. I did tell my adviser though the reason I dropped a stats course, the professor was moving way too fast, had no patience for anyone who wasn't keeping up and yelled at someone for sighing. He actually yelled... "DON'T sigh in my class!" He was also teaching things that were in the course descriptions for more advanced classes, not sure if anything came of it, but again it was no skin off my back and never had to see him again.

Haha...that's good too, and wise, although the less rounding up we have to do the better.

Hey that's as honest as it gets and you know where your priorities lie...the humor and or sarcasm, if there is any there, is appreciated too. Being upfront like that is most likely for the best..."we like each other and that's great, but my career comes first..or at least our goals have to be compatible." why bother with all of the hard work if your career will only come in second to a relationship? I mean hell, don't rope me in and then expect me to follow you around in pursuit of your dreams and goals...no thanks. My career is just as important as yours and if we both realize that then it'll work. So well said qbtacoma, I like it.

I like the idea of contacting admissions before applying...or before getting too attached to a program and explaining your situation, not about the illness issue but that you've experienced hardships in your undergrad career and therefore came in at just under a 3.0 GPA, however...and this is a huge however, you now have a 4.0 in your master's program, will the undergrad GPA automatically disqualify you? Something to that effect. If they tell you your entire app will be discarded because of that one bad number then you know what...let 'em go and move on. You'll find one where your stats will be valued. Some programs have SOP topics like "describe overcoming a hardship or challenge in your life..." I mean I haven't looked into phD applications but I've seen that type of essay requirement for some schools. You really have the great advantage of time on your side, you're starting this early enough where you can research, seek advice here, and more importantly from admissions committees themselves. Personally I just can't see how a low undergrad GPA would matter after a 4.0 graduate one, not everyone sails through undergrad, but you've bounced back in a huge way. I think you have a lot of options, what program you want has to be up to you and that's a good thing. Plus, if you're willing to shell out the application fee at least for a one or two schools that might seem beyond your reach, you just might get in because admission depends on the entire package not just the numbers as well as how you stack up against the rest of the applicant pool. How many other applicants in the pile will boast a 4.0 graduate GPA? Not sure, but that makes you competitive I'm sure. Plus if you can manage solid GRE scores that's even better. I just got done responding to another "low GPA thread" and like yours, it mentions George Washington University. I actually have to admit that I get some kind of satisfaction out of responding to these because I'm living proof that despite slightly lower than average stats it is very possible to get into a dream school...GWU. I was waitlisted back in March and finally a week ago I got my acceptance email. I was so shocked, at that point in the game I had written it off and was satisfied with going to George Mason, it's a decent school for sure and some of it's programs are more competitive than others, but it's not quite as selective as GW...which is fine, I was very happy to receive an acceptance. I was rejected by American U and waitlisted at GW...but I had at least one school that wanted me. Sure I wasn't a top pick in the first round at GW, but enough people declined and I was ranked high enough to get one of those spots. I took it without hesitation as soon as it was offered. My undergrad GPA is a 3.35 while GW's average is 3.5. My GRE scores are V570, Q550, W4.5, the V and Q scores are lower than their average, but the W score fits right in. I was a little worried but I was sure I had a chance because I have 2 years of Peace Corps experience and a high level of foreign language proficiency, my BA (international studies) is a perfect foundation for graduate study in an International Development program. So my course of study and international experience combined along with not so bad numbers have created a good enough package to get me into this phenomenal program. It's all about the whole application. I was passionate and confident in my SOP, I worked on it for at least a month and had it proofread by others. I also was able to express exactly what direction I want to take in ID so they know that with me they're getting someone who knows what they want to do and won't waste anytime getting to it. Plus my recommendations came from professors who gave me A's in their classes so I had done top notch work with them. I had a third letter from my PC manager who really came up with a beautiful recommendation. There are also some success stories from applicants here with very low undergrad GPAs and getting accepted right off the bat so really it's about the package you present to the admissions committees.

I was just accepted to George Washington's Elliott School of International Affairs off of the waitlist for International Development....here are my stats: GPA 3.35 BA: International Studies from reputable school GRE: V570 Q550 W 4.5....I know, this was a nightmare for me Completed Peace Corps service in Ukraine, tested at advanced High level of Russian at the end. Wrote a grant, along with many other extra activities aside from primary assignment (TEFL) Semester abroad in Moscow as an undergrad I know the recommendation letter from my PC manager was stellar because he let me read it, but the other 2 I'm sure they were great but they did not offer to let me read them and I didn't want to. I was passionate and confident in my SOP, I also made it very clear what direction I wanted to take in ID (Democracy and Governance) so I feel like the total package got me in, sure I wasn't a top pick for the first round, but enough people declined and I was ranked high enough to get one of those spots. Peace Corps is so valuable to these programs, this is as real world as it gets. That's not to say it will guarantee admission but you've got a big foot in the door already. I was rejected by American, but the consolation was that they waive the app fee for pcvs. I was accepted to my backup George Mason's Global Affairs program like 2 weeks after their deadline, not a top program, but decent enough and it was also in the DC area which is one of my top priorities. I was all set to go there but I got into my dream school a week ago and changed course real quick. Of course all of the top programs are super competitive, for this year GW's Elliott School received over 2100 applicants and had just 350 spots. I still can't believe I earned one of them. So looking at your GRE and work experience I'd say you have enough of a shot to really go for it. Just have a backup school though. A slightly lower than awesome GPA is not necessarily the be all and end all for grad school applicants, especially when you have real work experience that directly prepares you for graduate study in IR like Peace Corps. For GW's ID program and I guess IR too, economics is big. They want to see that you have had some course work in this area, economics is a pre-requisite so if you have strong grades in these classes that is a real bonus. Although...I only had a Macroeconomics class when I was at a community college, got an A, which I guess was enough. I've heard of them giving conditional acceptances, like you have to take an economics class the summer before you attend or whatever, but that's not something I have to do...thank god. But anyway, the point is that I was well aware that my numbers were below GW's averages, but with experience like PC I felt I had a chance. I didn't bother with Georgetown, that's probably out of my league, and the others I didn't consider because my priority is DC. You should look at all of these schools' averages and student profile information so you can get some idea of where you stand, but as my case makes clear, it's the entire package that they're looking for.

I'm only about to begin my Master's in International Development at George Washington, but it seems like if your main area of interest is conflict than ID might not be the exact course of study for you. I mean I guess you can choose Conflict as some sort of specialization or concentration, but you will still have do the international development part of the course work. It sounds like War Studies would be the better choice and more directly related to what you want to do. I think it just depends on the curriculum of each program though. Which one will offer you more of what you want in terms of studying conflict?

Hey Congratulations! I couldn't wait to announce my victory here too.

Thanks so much!

Yup, used it while apartment searching in VA, when you're on the other side of the country something like google maps is essential.

Well at least you know now, no more waiting...that's great you have a few job offers..best of luck!

I definitely know what you mean about getting you're hopes up, you just can't help it. I think I would have had the same feeling....actually I know I would have felt the same and would have also been on pins and needles until I found out and then angry and dejected after finding out it was something ridiculous like that. Even if they process the aid long before you get a decision they should be able to not send letters to those not admitted months prior, that just creates bad feelings. You should accept it and send it back to the financial aid office... ;-P

Gee thanks!

Wow, hope they get around to figuring out if they can "squeeze" you in. I wish they wouldn't use the word "quota" it sounds so corporate and impersonal. Aren't you tired of the ambiguity in these emails? Like what do they mean by "shortly?" To me that word means within a few hours, but to them who knows...a few days...a week? Well anyway, hopefully a decision gets to you very shortly.

Congrats!!!! That's how I felt at 7:30am this past Friday when I checked my email as soon as I woke up and found a "congratulations!" in my inbox from my dream school after being waitlisted since March. Luckily my parents were already up because I just went around the house looking for them just going "I got in to GW!! I got in to GW!!" It was like the best moment I've had in a long time.

Wow you should call them immediately. What do you mean by revised? It seems like it could be a mistake on the part of the financial aid office considering the odd date on the later. Does the letter have your name on it? But the bottom line is that you should call them, that letter could have been meant for someone else.