MinnieMouse1224

Because I enjoy stressing out, I'm wondering if anyone has received notice that they are OFF the waitlist from Maryland and have been accepted? I know that at least one person has turned down an offer. I wonder if they wait until all decisions are in and then let people off the list, or if they notify gradually?

Auburn is my undergrad school, so I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about the program. I would say that your field of interest is definitely a factor in the quality of the graduate education. Dr. Backscheider just won the MLA Lowell prize in 2005 for her work on 18th century British women poets, and she is amazing. Also, the library -- stellar. I don't know too much about KY, so I don't have much to compare it to, unfortunately. I've heard good things about their program though! And windswept is pretty awesome, so it can't be that bad. ;-)

Each morning I pray that the Terrapin gods smile on my waitlist spot. But they remain cold, unimpressed by my attempts of proving my worth. Then I question: what does it say about my life, that I want this gig? I'm praying for what? Guaranteed unemployment, empty bank account? I say to myself: That law school application looks better each day.

I don't know what there is new to report -- they hid the fact that they were never planning on funding admits this year, but they gladly took people's application fees. My bet is that they're hiding in shame from this fact.

Yeah, good question. Basically, since I'm at the two year mark, I have the option of "stopping" at the MA. So when I applied to schools, I described myself as expecting to recieve an MA this May. Since all of my recommenders are current professors of mine, yes, a few know that I am applying out. Although I'm not widely broadcasting this fact to the rest of my department, I've only received encouragement from those who know. I think a lot of this hinges on the fact of two reasons though: 1) The fact that a big reason for my applying is due to my partner's move away from Philly. 2) The professor I originially came to work with moved unexpectedly, so they also understand that my field of interest is less supported currently. I am also curious about how transferring works after one has gone past the "MA" point of study. Can people transfer out once they've finished coursework in their current program? I'd be interested to know this as well, in case I decide to reapply next year if Maryland doesn't work out. Right now I don't see any reason why I would, but it would be nice to have the option.

Good to know about letters being sent out next week -- thanks for the info. Next week is their spring break, so I wonder if that means they're meeting over the break? Or if they've already decided and are sending out the letters Monday before they go away for the break. (sigh) Stressing out about this program is getting really old...

Wow, I didn't think your question would invoke that kind of response: I'll tell you what I know: I considered applying there this year, but was told by a professor (who gave me a link to their department "blog" to back up what he was saying) that GWU was not going to have any funding this year and was therefore not going to admit any candidates. But, I don't know if they weren't accepting applications anyways? If you go to the dept website and then go to the blog, scroll down to around, I guess Sept/Oct? There should be comments about funding there. Hope this helps! :-)