windsweptvoid

That's a pretty general question. I mean, ohio state has a stronger reputation in general---- but it really depends on a number of factors-- and especially what your focus area is.

Yeah that's my thing. With an MA, if you're finishing this year I wouldn't be rearranging at this point. Even if the plan is to finish in the summer-- faculty is generally less available over the summer (even if they're available, they generally don't want to spend as much time chatting about your thesis, or so is my impression). For a dissertation chair, well that's a different story.

I know lots of people who have experienced similar stuff--- sometimes it just happens. I'd say try not to worry about it best you can, and just do what you need to do. If you keep up your end of hte bargain you may find that even if he doesn't *like* you, he may come to respect you. I think I caused myself similar problems just because i 'thought' my chair didn't like me. I imagine that me acting nervous and intimidated, and apologizing every 60 seconds didn't help anything. I'm not saying that's you're problem-- but if you just relax and try not to worry about it you may find that the prob remedies itself.

I soo heart MinnieMouse. Sometimes I want us to both get into Maryland just so I can meet you ;-)

You want to go by either the US News and world report or the NRC. Both are incredibly flawed-- the former b/c of its methods, the latter because the stats are incredibly out of date. I wouldn't use any other rankings-- and since Auburn is unranked by us news it's hard. I think auburn has a fairly good rep though.

Rank is tricky because I believe that Auburn does not participate in the us news and world report rankings--- and the NRC rankings are very very out of date (1995). UKY places in the 70s in the us news, and their department has changed 'drastically' since the last nrc when it was ranked in the 40s and auburn was in the 90s. You'll want to take more than ranking into consideration. And I'd second the suggestion that you contact DGS's about placement. I suspect UK is only placing somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 of its phds in TT positions. But there are so many factors--- especially teaching loads, your field, and who you'd be working with. Even if Auburn is much lower may be better for your field... i mean I never see western mich on any of these ranking lists but it's rather sought after for medievalists.

lol. very nice. Honestly-- I'm such a homonym queen myself, that I never even noticed.

Hey blue dude, for some reason I can't send you a Private Message. I sent you an email instead--- I hope you receive it.

google teh unemployed philosopher's guild. They have all sorts of fun stuff.

... oh you don't even want to know what they do to kittens.

Did you know they actually sell a Nietzsche "Will to Power-bar." Yes yes, that is my cookie of choice-- how delicious it is to be an

I know you guys all seem to like Michigan State..... but I thought I should let you know that the faculty gets together every third sunday to slaughter innocent puppies. ... I'm just saying, maybe you guys should reconsider... you know, unless you really hate puppies. (P.S.-- I'm on their wait list :wink: )

I think it's only because you said you had 'mentally decided 2 months ago' and didn't say anything about waivering. It IS a huge decision. Honestly, it sounds like you have the same sort of decision panic that I do---- maybe less severe I feel like, duude I can't even choose a cellphone provider without mild panic, how am I supposed to choose the place I'm going to live and work in for the next 5 years. It is incredibly anxiety provoking. Though, honestly, if you think you know-- it may be best for your own psyche to just tear off the band-aid.

Hi! I don't think anyone meant to sound like they were attacking you--- you just made it sound like you were already done weighing the pros and cons. I've had trouble turning down schools i'm pretty sure I wont accept just because it seems so... final, and it's scary. Sending that email is committing to a decision on where you'll live for the next 5 years... what a big step. It's intimidating and I know I'm reluctant to remove options just by the off chance I miiight regret it. But yeah, if you are pretty sure, I'd urge you to go ahead and take the leap as soon as you feel ready! And no worries, the programs aren't going to be offended that you turn them down--- just make sure to do it nicely. I'm on several waitlists (I don't know if I am at your programs-- and I've no interest in pressuring you) and the profs I've talked to are routing for me. From what I can tell, they see their admits and waitlist ppl as so thoroughly qualified that they will be very happy with whoever it is that accepts. They just want to get in students that want to be there, and the sooner they know you're decision the better and smoother things will work out. So yeah, take your time deciding. But when you're sure you *do* know, you ought to kindly decline offers. I'm in a situation where if I get taken in off the waitlist too late I'll wind up having to turn the school down-- so I know I appreciate if people let their institutions know as soon as they are sure.

Also there is the "review_my_sop" livejournal community--- this community is great because you can actually post your stuff on there and get feedback from others. Two years ago I hung out there, and afterwards I found out which of these people were very successful then I went back and looked at their SOPs. So when I applied this time I had about 3-4 of the successful ones to go off of. Actually, I found it rather helpful. That community has much more privacy than here since you can restrict the viewers to community members only. maybe if you leave your email some people will be willing to send you their stuff privately. Or better yet, make this same request on that site b/c those people are already comfortable sharing. I have no problem sending you my SOP, but I wasn't very successful--- I have 3 waitlists (mich state, u maryland, loyola) and only one acceptance. Anyway, if you'd still like to see it just private message me and I can send it to you individually.