[Magazine Publications]

Thanks, Hobbes.

I actually took a course in longform nonfiction narrative with a pretty well-known writer. He liked my work and put me in contact with a magazine editor--after some pitches and drafts, they accepted my article for publication. It comes out this week.

Congrats! I think, given types of programs you're interested it, it only helps you more to put your pop mag article on your CV.

[Applying to only a few programs a bad idea?]

The "apply to lots of programs" rule only works if those programs you apply to are ones that are actually feasible. If you truly cannot see yourself at any other schools but those four, then there's no point in applying to any others. But if-- Zeus forbidding!-- you don't get into any of these four, what would your next logical step be? If "wishing you had a backup" is one of them, then maybe you should add to the list. However, if not, then you're better off saving the money from extra application fees.

[Transcript Fail]

Something tells me you're not the first person from your undergrad who's wanted to apply to grad school. I'm sure others' transcripts have been in a similar format and I'd be willing to bet that adcoms are smart enough to put the pieces of a transcript together - especially considering that every school formats them differently

You're going to have to briefly address/explain the time you took off in your application packet, which will help sort out any potential issues on your transcript. Don't bother adding in an "unofficial" transcript, though. Adcoms have to review hundreds of applications and it is not a good idea to try and bog them down with additional documents out of paranoia. Most adcoms won't consider/review any items that they did not request.

I've never heard of anyone being rejected from grad school just because of a disorganized transcript, so fret not. You'll be fine.

An "unofficial" transcript may be overkill, but an addendum might work to elaborate on your attendance record, especially when 'sprinkled' through your official transcript like that.

[contacting faculty of interest- too early?]

It's also important to find out as early as possible whether that professor is easy to get in contact with, if at all. It would be a disaster if you waited even a week or so later to find out that the professor is, um... incommunicado most of the time.

[What should I write to professors?]

Thank you, theadvancededit ... I am actually looking to show my intent to apply. I'm trying to build some kind of communication with the professors whose work I can relate to, so that if/when I get admitted I may be considered for their research group. I'm not sure if this kind of approach will work, or if its too early to approach the professors like this.

You're welcome! It's definitely a good idea to talk to those professors beforehand. If you express your desire to work with them specifically, it can go over very well; it's not too early if you're genuinely interested in their research. However, just be mindful of seeming to just want an "in" for admissions; that can come off as being a little rude or even schlocky. But, again, if you approach them about their work and about wanting to be a part of their own research group, then you should be fine.

[MLA citation: poems in translation]

For your 'Works Cited' page, they should be in alphabetical order, as hard on the eyes as that would be.

Re: differentiating between citations... I couldn't find the answer for you either. What you explained seems to work the best but, if that messes up your word count, perhaps maybe omitting "trans." after the first mention of each change in citation would help.

[Sample size is beyond anything I wrote during undergrad. Options?]

Thanks a lot. I have also been giving more thought to the idea of taking a Graduate Non-Matriculated course to see if I can produce something there. I'm waiting to hear back from my university as to whether this is an option to me.

See if the university you're applying to will allow multiple samples to make up for the page count. If not, then perhaps expanding on another paper (ideally one that can be reviewed by the professor) might be a better option before enrolling in a full course and writing something completely new. The time involved could easily outweigh what could be spent revising/expanding on one you've already written.

[SoP word limits]

So here is another question to go with this. If you have/had a 1000 word limit, did you then still go with your shorter 600-650 essay, even though you had more space to work with? I'm not doubting that it is a very good essay at that length, but at some point, do you get tempted to add one more paragraph of why you would be good for that program?

If time allows, it wouldn't hurt to have a program-specific paragraph. Also, be careful of not running into the same problem before of running over the limit.

[Personal Statement-Need Help]

Maybe you should speak to your social work advisor; they should be able to point you in the right direction of what would be expected of you when you apply. Also, they should know of what writing services are available on campus.

In terms of your personal statement itself, you should address what the question(s) are asking of you, but you can do so in a way that projects your own personality and experience. Given that you've been out of school for some time, you should definitely highlight how you have personally grown and matured while out of school and on the field. Schools are interested in your progression, as well as what you hope to bring to the school and to the field in the future. Think of your progression on the field thus far, and your goals-- you certainly throw in some anecdotes that you feel will exemplify this. Speaking to your advisor will help you with this, as well.

[What should I write to professors?]

Well, first off, it depends on what you're hoping to get from reaching out to the professors. Are you hoping for some more insight into the program offered? Or, are you looking to state your intention of applying to their university? Whatever your reason is, your inquiry should highlight what that you find interesting about their work, and where your work relates to theirs. Don't write an SOP right away, but frame your inquiry to include what sort of help/guidance you're looking to get from them.

Hope this helps you, and good luck!