lexi87
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Posts posted by lexi87
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I'm pretty sure both are required.
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I had a similar conversation with a professor about a month ago and I was also nervous about it. I'm not good at talking on the phone (and never have been - as a kid I would run away from the phone rather than take a call, no joke), but it actually went really well. The first few minutes were kind of awkward, and you should be prepared for that (exchanging pleasantries, etc is going to be semi awkward with someone you've never met), but don't worry - we ended up speaking for over an hour and after the first few minutes it was totally comfortable. The professor asked me questions about how I got interested in the region I'm studying, my language prep, previous research and travel experiences, etc and that led to a conversation about how she got interested in the region. She gave me some really valuable insights about how the admissions process works at her school, and what kinds of things I should highlight in my statement of purpose. I had some questions written up on a post-it note beforehand (i.e. how big are classes? how many grad students study the region? etc...definitely nothing earth-shattering). We talked about funding as well, and by the end she said she would advocate for full funding for me with committee. All in all, I was worried about it, but by the time I hung up I was actually much more at ease with the whole admissions process. Not sure if any of this is helpful, but good luck! And remember, history professors aren't public relations execs or politicians...they probably get the being shy thing.
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sandyvanb--
Congratulations on the positive feedback you've received! (FWIW, I am not surprised.)
My recommendations follow. Print out all of the positive emails. Then put them aside for a few moments. Enjoy the moment.
Then, in a few hours, if not tomorrow, go back and reread each printed out letter very carefully. Read between the lines and see if you're being told that you're going to be admitted. (In my experience, this message can get "lost in translation.") Sort the email into categories based upon the "between the lines" message.
Then, tailor your replies based upon the presence of such messages and your desire to attend a particular school. If you think your dream school is going to admit you on the say so of a PoI, write a note that returns the unspoken wink. If you think your chances are in the fifty fifty range, send a reply that expresses thanks to the PoI and your unvoiced hope that she'll use her 'good offices' to put the word in for you, and all without sounding too "needy." Think thrice before you gush.
In dealing with these two possible categories, I would not ask too many questions in my reply. You want to convey that you've got enough savvy to figure things out on your own. (If such is not the case, develop questions and find answers using alternate means.)
If you're on the bubble with a certain school, thank the PoI for her expression of interest and ask a really smart question that says "I am the one you want. Do the sensible thing and exert your influence with the admissions committee--you won't regret it."
In each type of reply, phrasing will be key. You will want to show that you know how participate in this multifaceted ritual. If you're unsure, go to the library and find a published volume of correspondence--preferably one related directly to your field of interest--for ideas. Or consult with more senior members of your department.
What would you consider a professor telling you that you'll be admitted? I'm having trouble reading between the lines of the email responses I've received. "You'd be a terrific fit"? "I will be reading your application with especial interest"? One of those lines plus asking for a writing sample or subsequently talking on the phone for an hour?
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I've heard that Wisconsin offers very little funding to those accepted into the history department...can anyone verify this? Are there any multi-year fellowships available, or is funding a year-to-year thing? I'm most likely applying, but I definitely can't attend without funding, so I'm wondering if it's worth the application. Thank you!
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Does anyone know if most schools will accept more than three recommendations (i.e. whether their online application systems will allow me to register more than three)? I have three recommendations from historians (one undergrad prof, one undergrad thesis advisor/prof, one grad history prof who's had me in class recently) but I've been out of undergrad for a couple years now and want to submit a recommendation from one of my law profs as well.
Anyway, I spent last night filling in online applications and that. got. mundane. quickly. But it's such a good way to procrastinate! Ahh.
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I know what you mean, lexi87. I'm having similar second thougts about my school list but in the opposite direction. I so desperately want to get in that I started worrying I'm not applying to enough schools. I decided on 9 several weeks ago and am sticking with it (despite my second thoughts) for the very reasons you mentioned. I have 3 perfect fits, 4 good fits, and 2 decent fits. My "perfect fits" are more competative but adding more schools beyond the 9 would be reaching. Ulitmately, I think we will be less desirable candidates when there are fewer points of intersection. But I understand the axiety... it can be consuming...
Ahhh yes, exactly. The professors who are writing me recommendations have assured me that I don't need to apply to a ton of schools, but I am so tempted to apply to, oh, 20. Just to make sure I get in somewhere. I want to trust their judgment, but I keep envisioning being rejected across the board.
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Is anyone else having trouble narrowing down their list of schools? There are maybe 4 schools that would be perfect for my research, a few others that have great resources in my particular region, and then others that are decent fits. I'd prefer not to apply to 15 schools (just the fees for sending my GRE scores to all those schools would be ridiculous), but I really do want to get in somewhere. At the same time, I realize that my chances of getting into school A, which is basically a perfect fit but super competitive, may actually be better than my chances of getting into school B, which isn't as good of a fit but is objectively less competitive...ugh!
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Thank you so much for the advice everyone!
Very helpful! -
Hi everyone! I'm new here but am applying for programs this fall as well. I'm not sure if the veterans
have any insight but I have a couple questions...1) What are the typical yield rates for these programs? I see stuff like "6 incoming students" and freak out...so for a program that's looking for a class of 10 students, or 20 students, how many people will they usually admit?
2) I've gotten a few replies from professors who want to have a phone conversation. What can I expect from this? Ahhhh.
3) How much should I be reading into professors (after I've made initial contact with them) wanting to talk on the phone/asking for a writing sample/offering to revise drafts of my statement of interest? Obviously I'd love to think that this is a good sign, but I really don't want to get my hopes up...
Thanks in advance! I really just want to get in somewhere...totally wish we could find out before February because I know the wait is going to kill me. Good luck to everyone!!!
Fall 2012 Applicant Chit Chat
in History
Posted
Do you think the professors actually read the personal statement, though? I mean, mine is pretty awful. I can't see why they'd be terribly interested in it...it seems like they have enough samples of our writing as it is.