elsie

I had 7 too. It wasn't cheap. lol

My school required one LOR but recommended two. I had one from the undergraduate professor who supervised my practicum. He was able to talk about my grades, research ability, etc. I also had a letter from a former employer who was able to discuss work ethic, professionalism, and things like that. I got in, so I guess that worked out okay.

I don't think I've seen this one posted here. Any thoughts? Does your undergrad college matter? Should it? http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/11/01/professors-research-raises-questions-about-graduate-admissions

Hi Hachi, I ended up applying and getting accepted as well. I have a lot of the same concerns as you but I'm just going to try to get as much out of it as possible and be proactive about getting library experience. Let me know if you ever want to talk. Good luck this semester

Signed! I'm lucky enough not to have any student loan debt but I know so many people who would benefit from this.

I only applied to one school for my masters. It was just a timing issue. (I knew I would need to take time off and this school could accommodate it because they were the quarter system instead of the semester system.) I'd planned to apply more widely the next year but ended up getting accepted so it wasn't necessary. If this is the only school/ the only professor you're interested in then there's no real reason to apply widely. Fingers crossed it works out for you!

Do you have a copy of your SOP? Maybe you should try reading it through and seeing if it helps remind you why you want to get into international affairs. If you really aren't happy though it may be best to take some time off. Work for a while and see how you feel in a few months.

Yep, like emmm said, it doesn't have to be perfect the first time. Just write something. Make a list of cool things about yourself. Make a list of what you've done and what you want to do. Trying to write the perfect statement is scary so stop trying to write something perfect and just write. And when you're done writing then you can worry about editing. Good luck

Hi, I was looking at Norwich University's MA in Military History. It seems to be offered almost exclusively online. I know Norwich has a long military tradition. Any ideas how this degree is viewed? Is it taken seriously at all by employers? Thanks

There are lots of great schools in So Cal but you really need a clear idea of what you want to study and why. Aptitude tests are great but I wouldn't use them to decide what to go to grad school for. They might give you an idea of what general field you'd like and then after getting some experience in that field for a bit you might be ready for grad school. Best of luck

I was just looking through this article and I was amazed at how low the placement rates were for most of the schools. Is there a reason for that? Are the jobs really not there or are there other factors? I guess what I'm asking is, "how do I avoid becoming a statistic?" I've heard that getting a library job or other related job while is school is a big plus. Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances of finding professional work after graduating? http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/careers/salaries/887215-305/placements__salaries_survey_2010.html.csp Thanks so much

My undergrad degree was in Anthro and I remember taking a few classes that were both grad and undergrad. I don't think all the master's classes were cross listed though.

I don't think it sounds like a mistake at all. Most MLIS programs have different tracks for people with different interests/goals. I think the school library media track is very different from archives and some of the other concentrations. Maybe you can go to a couple of the program websites and check out the courses they have listed for school library media specialist. I think service is actually a pretty big part of most library jobs, regardless of what concentration you have. Best of luck

It looks like we have similar interests. I haven't started grad school yet so I'm not sure how much help I can be but most of the job listings I've seen for curators do want a Ph.D. For what it's worth I'm planning to go for an MLIS with a concentration in archival studies and then possibly a grad certificate in public history. I'm hoping for a job within a museum or historical society but not necessarily as a curator. I'll definitely be watching this thread. Best of luck to you.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll keep Drexel on the list for now. It sounds like it might be a good option. Thanks again