Timshel

That's how I feel. I have a 15 page version, but my 20 page is MUCH better. I wish they would have just said a definitive maximum pages.

I'm in the home stretch and I am over thinking every. single. thing. Like, is 20 too far over "around 15." Ugh.

Only some school have different applications, and they usually say it on their website. For example, UMass Amherst requires to apply separately to become a TA.

So, why can't Florida just say a minimum/maximum page length for the writing sample. Instead, it says "around 15" which is making me wonder if 20 is "around 15" or not. What do you guys think?

I've had a couple of programs contact me because they thought they didn't have things (transcripts, GREs) only to find out that they did have the stuff, but of course they didn't find that out until I had a panic attack. But yeah, I think they contact you if you are missing stuff. At least that has been my experience thus far.

Their website repeatedly stated not to mail anything in, so I didn't want to chance it. I just filled out the boxes on the application with my most important aspects of my CV and called it a day. I'm not sure if it was the right decision, but since it's such a long shot anyway, I feel like if they REALLY wanted me, if they were REALLY impressed, then the CV wouldn't matter since most applicants didn't send one in, anyway.

Also, as far as I could see, there is no where on the app to upload a CV. Do you think it would be a bad idea to mail one in with my writing sample?

I needed a break from "literature" for a while, so I'm reading Russell Brand's memoir, My Booky Wook. It's been a nice distraction.

Phew! Their website was super confusing and not helpful. My plan is to be done with that app today. I'm mad I have to have a 500 word SOP, though. I feel like the schools that have the best fit for me have the shortest SOPs, which makes it hard for me to explain why their program is perfect for me.

It really honestly depends on the program. The school where I got my masters had a "grad committee" that changed yearly, and it was about 6 professors that made all the decisions. I know that Buffalo's adcomm is half professors and half current PhD students, and one of the schools I applied to informed me that they would send my materials to the faculty that specialized in my area....So yeah, I think all schools have a different way of doing things.

Their website just says to mail in the writing sample. The Eng. dept. website says there is no where on the app to submit the writing sample, so we mail that in, but there is a text box to submit our SOP. What did you read/ what made you think we had to mail in the SOP? (I'm getting paranoid).

Well, there haven't been any grievances lately, so I thought I'd chime in. No where on Florida's English page does it say a requirement for the SOP, so I have been assuming that it would be around the 3 page/1,000 word limit as most of the other programs. That is, until I go into the application where it says 500 words. Awesome.

Yeah, for me, it will be Emory first because they do interviews, and historically they contact people around January 15th, so I will know very soon if I am even being considered....And then KU is next......

So, instead of working on my last apps, I have been looking over the results boards to figure out which schools contact people first and when. Ugh.

Congrats! I am so jealous! I haven't done anything in a couple of weeks. I need to buck up and get these last 3 done so I can move on with my life!

I stupidly told most people I know, and now I'm dreading the proverbial "walk of shame" if I don't get in anywhere. I feel like most people don't understand the process and how difficult it is to get in (especially my LORs who have been out of school for 20+ years and 2 out of the 3 only applied to one school and got in on their first try). I feel a lot of pressure, and a lot of people expect a lot from me, and I'm starting to wonder if I can deliver.....

I only have 3 apps left, and I just can't find the motivation. I am seriously in application burnout. I just want to get them done, but I can't muster the energy to finish them.

I am having a similar issue with Florida. They say "about 15 pages," and I have two writing sample versions: one 15 page and one 20 page. My 20 page is better, but I'm not sure if that is too far from "about 15 pages."

I am also considered "non traditional" because I am married and because I took time off during undergrad and after getting my Masters.

A lot of schools have optional diversity statements. If you don't feel like you have anything to contribute, i wouldn't provide one.

I am really surprised at how many programs still require mailing in materials.

Well....... Some of my programs allowed 4, so I thought since I had 4 willing people, I would just see if it was okay to send all of them to the other programs that said 3. Most said they would only read the first 3 they received, but a couple said that under no circumstance should I send more than 3 because they barely have enough time to read through the 3 they already have and that it would reflect poorly on me...so I would be careful........I'm only speaking from what I was told by specific programs, though.

I felt the same way. I mean, there is NO chance I am getting in there, and I really debated saving the outrageous 95 dollars, but submitted it anyway.

I would have to say neither. I mean, it's been okay the last 8 years, but I'm ready to move on!