Triple Tall Cappuccino

Ah, you guys are all awesome. Thanks so much! And yes, I've successfully contacted POIs in every school! I think I have my list pretty much set. I also asked one of my professors, and she said that she was planning on writing that many letters to begin with. So... yeah. I feel much better. I'll find something else to obsess and fret over in a few minutes. And thanks for the links to the other posts. I was trying to look for them, but for some reason, my search function on the forum kept timing out. Oh, and FYI for everyone: I emailed my LORs letting them know that I narrowed down my schools, and made a list for them, as well as attached it with the usual (CV, plans, etc). 2 professors replied with how grateful they were to receive this prior to the chaos of the beginning of fall semester, and prior to the last-minute LOR rush in November. I know every person is different, but see if you can send your info to your potential LORs!

Hm... interesting points! Thanks, everyone! I guess I should keep those schools, then!

I'm glad I'm not the only one! It's hard to cut it down, right?!!! I like all of the programs I'm doing... and I believe that the more I apply to, the better chances I have of getting in to at least one! But then again, just the thought of dishing out $800+ in December really makes my wallet tremble. I originally had 9, then 8, now 6/7ish. I don't think I'll be able to cut it down much more from there. Gellert, have you contacted all of your POIs?

Hello, all! So I've been having discussions with family members and friends regarding my horrible intelligent decision to apply to a Ph.D. program this year, and I brought up that I am applying to 8. Usually I get the "WOW, that's a lot!" reply. So, I cut it down to (possibly) 6 (it's hard to let go of #7). How many are you all applying to? Is 6/7/8 too many? Thanks!

Wow, now I feel like an idiot applying to 8... LOL. My obsessive/pessimist side won't let me apply to one. But congrats to you!!!

Thanks, Strangefox! I know it pretty much means nothing until she actually sees my application, but in these stressful times, tiny ego boosts always help.

Well, yeah. I mean, it would really take a douchey professor to respond like that! But I agree that as long as the give you one or two encouraging words, it should suffice. I contacted a POI from Harvard, she replied saying that she liked my topic, and she is looking forward to my application. She also said that Harvard accepts about 4-5 people, but that it shouldn't keep me from applying. I could have done without the last part! LOL

Thanks! Our Linguistics section looked a little lonely.

Oh, and in regards to the stereotypical question: "I speak Spanish, English, Japanese, and Italian". "...That's it? I thought you people were supposed to know almost all the languages."

I guess I'm joining this forum a tad late, huh? My favorite quote from one of my professors is this: "People believe that since they speak a language, they are experts in it. Just because you have a heart doesn't make you a cardiologist!" I've seen this play out time and time again. I hear people on the Metro blabbing on and on about how AAVE is bad English, how Cuban Spanish is the sh*tty Spanish, and so forth. I actually turned around once and told her Italian was lazy Latin. And she agreed... smh. LOL

*bump* I'm curious to see what people think! I'm definitely super interested in heritage language speakers (in regards to phonetics/phonology/syntax).

Worst case scenario, try taking a class this upcoming semester (assuming you're applying 2012 and this is not a really old post), excel in it, and ask that professor. When I applied for my MA 3 years after my undergrad, I was surprised that most of my professors remembered me! It doesn't hurt to ask!

Maybe have her fill out as many as she can (to your top schools) and have someone else fill out the others? I know that is not the best option, but it is what it is, no?

I believe, as the other posters mentioned, that it depends on your relationship with your professor. One (who I am very close with) I gave a framed picture of us at an event. Another, a bottle of wine (she is always talking about her love for red wine), and the last one, I gave her a personalized coffee tumbler (full of syntax trees saying how awesome she was) with a Starbucks gift card. Tea, coffee, or nice framed photos of the two of you always seem to work nicely.

I agree with the above posters. I've asked my graduate professors (from my MA) and warned them that I would be applying to like 6/7 programs. They weren't surprised at all, and actually recommended that I apply to as many as I can (that fit my research needs). Good luck!

Ugh, I've been going through the same headache for a few weeks as to whether contact POIs or not. Luckily, I did it for 3 so far, but it worked because I actually had something to ask/a contact. The rest, though, are tough. Has anyone actually gotten negative feedback from a POI?