Jbarks

I'm glad I'm not the only one who did this. Mine will be either Colorado- Boulder or WashU. Six weeks to go! Bleh.

bumper cars

I've been on a Virginia Woolf kick lately. I just finished The Years, re-read Jacob's Room, and now I've started The Voyage Out, which I've never read, even though I've read Melymbrosia.

Ha! No, I think you should do anything and everything. I'm actually ashamed to admit this because I'm typically a practical and logical person, but for the past several months, whenever I see that the clock reads "11:11," I repeat a mantra: Please let me get accepted into an English PhD program with funding." I repeat it over and over again in my head until 11:12. Yes, I know... feel free to cackle.

I completely understand, as well. I'm waiting on one of my professors to upload letters...luckily my first deadlines are January 1st. However, I emailed the professor early last week to make sure s/he received the notification emails. No response. I have a back up professor whom I know wrote me a phenomenal recommendation; however, s/he is not of the caliber as the other professor. I mailed the back up recommendations today (just in case), and I plan to contact programs to explain the possibly terrible situation. I will also email my professor today. I know I have a few days, but like everyone else, a quick reply would be nice. Even if the professor can no longer do the recommendations (for whatever inconsiderate reason), I would be more okay with it if I were notified. Alas, I just need one acceptance. Good luck to everyone else, too!!!!

For medieval, they are top 10-- these things are of course relative. However, they have a great reputation. I am a medievalist, but I'm not applying to ND; they are a little too traditional for what I would like to do.

I finished today. Now it's up to my references to do the work. Blah.

Virginia Woolf: An Inner Life by Julia Briggs. It's a bio structured around Woolf's works. Even though I'm a medievalist, I can never get enough Virginia Woolf!

I second that.

Ha! Me, too!

Congrats! It sounds like a lot of you guys did great. I keep wavering on whether I should call; I should just do it, rip off the band aid. The test itself was just so traumatic.... .

Oil spill

Success. Ha ha! That's probably the only one.

Late medieval literature, medievalism and popular culture, temporality, and psychoanalytic theory

This statement is well-put. I also support OWS. I live in the city, and I try to participate as much as possible. But because I'm fortunate to have a full time job, I can't be there as much as I would like. It's also important to remember that this movement is only 31 days old; it's still in its infancy. In our culture, we expect ultra-fast results and solutions, and, when this doesn't occur, we become impatient and desire something more. I'm excited to see how the movement evolves. Also, if you live in NYC and are interested, this Saturday from 6-9 OWS is staging an open forum on student loan debt.

My programs are in my signature, as well. My top choice is U of Rochester. I'm just ready for it to be March already!

Just to add one or two things. First, I also worked full time during my MA. I am not including it in my SOP because it's not relevant to my research. I work in finance, and I would like a PhD in English. Yeah, not even closely related. However, as I've been filling out applications, I've noticed that most schools ask you to cite any work experience within the past two years or so. The fact that you worked during your program will show up in your apps, so someone on the adcom may possibly take note of it.

The journal looks great. I'll definitely keep it in mind. Good luck!

Agreed! It's my favorite. I'm also a huge fan of Anne's Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

I'm also interested. My field is English.

face plant

flash drive

Thanks for your responses. I was leaning toward the more direct approach anyway.

This question may seem silly, but I appreciate everyone's input. I need to contact the DGS at several of the programs to which I'm applying to ask an LOR question. Should I provide a brief line of introduction? For example, "I'm a recent graduate of blank MA program with an interest in medieval literature and cultural studies..." Or should I just go straight into my question? For example, "I plan to apply to the PhD program in English for Fall 2012. I have begun to finalize the different components of my application, and I have a few quick questions about the process." Thanks for your advice!

I've read several posts about the funding issue from last year, as well. I do know someone from my MA program who started GWU's program this fall. I plan to email her shortly and ask. I'll let you know as soon as I hear something. Like you, I'm enthusiastic about the program, but unsure of whether to fully commit to applying.