cath2024

Work experience will help you get jobs. At this point you should focus on getting an entry level job or internship your intended field after you graduate, any more schooling before work experience just makes you seem like you don't want to face the real world. Agree with HRH on Columbia admissions.

They haven't told you yet because classes haven't started yet. Some schools run a waitlist until fall, in case someone backs out during the summer. It sucks, but that's how it goes when the demand exceeds the supply--especially in medium to larger programs, or in programs where historically students have defected the summer before.

Yes, retake the GRE and especially concentrate on upping your quant score. You should at least meet their minimum stated requirements, and you have plenty of time to study and retake.

The school where I ended up doing my MA allowed people to register for (and Pay for, no auditing for non-students) up to two classes w/o enrolling, but I had to submit undergrad transcripts, fill out a modified application, and meet with the dept head before permission was granted. I have also audited grad classes, but only after I was enrolled in the MA program at that university. So jasper speaks the truth, at least in my experience (humanities).

ASK them if you can audit. Most grad classes are small and the prof will notice if there's a random person in the room.

Are there any professors from undergrad who you took more than one class with, or in whose class you did particularly well? You'd probably have better luck getting refs from your undergrad institute (4 years isn't a super long time) rather than trying to connect with professors whose institution you don't attend. There are some posts on the boards about the best ways to go about asking for a reference from undergrad when you've been out for awhile. You might find those helpful.

Honestly, those mutidisciplinary MA programs are a pretty easy admit. Most are expensive with no funding, so are cash cows for the university. You shouldn't have a problem.

I think this is too early. Professors will be dealing with their current students, plus students who will be coming in for the next year. Also, by the time you are ready to apply, they may not still be at the school they're at now. Planning ahead is good, but I'd focus on strengthening connections with profs at your undergrad institution so that when it is time to apply, you'll have great refs.

I didn't say that the advisor certainly knows better than the student, just that the advisor might be right (and definitely knows the student better than some people on a message board). I also didn't say that it was impossible for the student to go on and be successful in grad school. But rather than thinking that the advisor is a big ol' meany who just loves to make students feel bad, the poster should listen to the advice, use it as a template to improve, and then do the work to improve. Better to know the weaknesses in an application now than after you apply.

I think this question must be a prank.

That advisor might be rude, but she may also be accurate. No one wants to hear that they aren't cut out for grad school, but not everyone is. If you are really serious about the field, OP, you should try to get the best grades possible from here on out, ace the GRE and work on your writing skills. This last one is important. Consider your advisor's words a warning and a challenge to improve your work, and don't get hung up on critical feedback. If it motivates you to increase your effort, then your advisor has done you a favor.

Hmm. What town is this? Is a matter of you can't find anything in your budget? Or you don't want to have roommates? Or the town is really, really small? I can't imagine not being able to find a vacant apartment, so I'm wondering if there is some constraining factor that would help us better understand your problem.

I'm almost positive there's not. If the money's green they'll take it. If you would need a mortgage, I bet a mortgage broker could tell you if you qualify.

Live near a grocery store! But seriously, check around the neighborhood you'll be moving into. I have like 4 within waling distance of me. Also,I only buy about 1-2 bags of grcoeries (ie $20-$30 worth) at a time. Freshdirect sucks because they use TONS of packaging (moving boxes) for just a few items.

More or less competitive than what? PhD admissions? Yes. Less competitive. Especially if they are unfunded.