litjust

creative writing - fiction/nonfiction

For me, it will also be interesting to straddle both worlds and succeed in academia without having to relinquish the very fabric that shapes my identity, which is heavily influenced by my working class background. While I've started to build that network of friends in academia, I also make sure that I maintain relationships with folks outside of academia so that I stay relevant. I bet this will get harder once I actually begin a program. It seems like it would be easy to become so submerged in a new reality.

I agree and think the students have to remain neutral. Since they said you would hear from someone in a few days, that sounds like a good sign!! I hope you're keeping busy over the weekend until you hear back. Good luck

I, too, am first generation from a working class background. The "foreignness" of academia is what makes it so difficult, I think.

I'm not sure. I applied to three programs (Madison, Berkeley, & MSU) with strong people in my field (language & literacy) and I enjoy aspects of all those programs equally. Plus, there are unique opportunities for interdisciplinary work at each school. Though, Madison and Berkeley are ranked higher than MSU, I'm not even sure if that matters to me anymore. I have to wait and see what happens in the next few months.

craft beer

time machine

If grad TA's are on their way to being professors and are currently experiencing the rigors of grad school, why would a letter from them be suspicious? Especially if the TA was the sole instructor in the course. When I was completing my masters one of my courses was taught by a doc student, because the professor who ordinarily would have taught the course was on sabbatical. In that case, he was my instructor. Also, two of my letter writers were former TA's (they have now completed their studies/dissertations and are full time professors - which might make a difference) who I have continued to complete community activist work and research with post-graduation. My third writer was a former professor and emerging rock star in her field, which is my field of interest. Generally, I thought students should select writers who can provide the strongest recommendations. But, I guess this might be different across fields(?)

Thanks and good luck to everyone!! I hope people will continue posting updates here so we can congratulate one another, etc. Plus, I agree with dm242 - it is early and I don't expect to hear anything from other schools until February or March. I know Madison is not reviewing until next week or the week after. I have no idea when Berkeley will start, but assume it's around the same time. It would be great if we all found out, either way, sooner than later so we can start thinking about relocation (if that's a factor - for me it is). Hitomimay, I hope your interview went well!

It does vary by school and program. You could always check the results section to see when people have historically received news for your anticipated programs. Or, if you're really concerned about a specific program, you could send an email to the program secretary and ask.

Thank you!! I'm happy for you. I suspect a phone interview for you on Sat followed by your offer on Sat ... or Monday You totally have this in the bag

Congrats!!!!!!!! I was offered admission today from MSU, but I still have to wait for info on fellowships. So, totally keeping fingers crossed. They're going to fly me in for a visit though this is exciting!

So, I received an offer from MSU tonight and they are paying for me to visit. I've never been to East Lansing and I would love to hear any input on the city. I know it's a college town, so I can visualize typical features of such environments, but I wonder what else this city has to offer. Are there neighborhoods where grad students typically live? Is a car required to get around if I found a place to live near campus? Are there any food cooperatives or organic health food stores? Also, is there any type of art scene? I was excited to see that there are a couple annual festivals. I would love to hear any feedback and I apologize if I'm repeating things that have already been asked.

I agree with all of you!!! Last night I realized that his has become a small addiction. I can't believe how many times I pressed refresh, opened a new browser, and even tried to access the site via phone. I let out a small sigh of relief this morning when my new "fix" was up and running again

1984 is one of my absolute favorites. I need to reread it soon.

Awesome!!!

^ No, see all those little bubbles? That means that answer doesn't count. You get to shake and ask again

Finding my all-time dream program, AFTER the deadline. I didn't know about it because I'm looking primarily at Education (Curriculum & Instruction) programs and this one is Writing & Rhetoric. Fortunately, I found out I can still apply to the College of Ed. (which is also amazing) and possibly do interdisciplinary coursework with that program. I literally rounded up everything and completed another application in 36 hours I feel like such a slacker and wish that school had been on my radar much sooner.

Oh no! Glad that you're OK, and maybe the morphine gave you application superpowers Were you able to switch it out? Hope so Sounds annoying. Agh, technological blips like that are awful!

Yay! Congrats. Definitely memorable

For better or for worse, we're all in this waiting game together, hoping for good news. But, the application process has been long (I know it has been for me) and so many crazy things have happened along the way. Years from now, when you tell your "the-year-I-applied-to-grad-school-story" what will stand out as the most memorable moment(s)? It's hard to narrow mine down, but I would love to hear what others are thinking and then I'll chime in

shooting star

Congrats, dispositif!!! Any form of interaction seems like a positive sign to me! Only one of my programs does formal interviews on campus, but I think the others do more informal interviews. Good luck, but don't be nervous. You'll have a wonderful convo What school?

I can't stay away from this particular forum, and I'm not an English lit major Just a lover of literature, rhetoric, and composition.