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theorygrrl

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Everything posted by theorygrrl

  1. I meant absolutely no offense about OSU. I was just relating what I've heard, with the full knowledge that the people telling the stories may be full of it. Sorry to offend.
  2. I live in Ohio right now, and I'm moving to Lansing in August. That said, here's what I know: Ohio State has an extremely competitive (some would say mean and back-biting) program. I know three or four people who either went there or are going there now, and that is the reputation. The upside is that it's a good program with good faculty, and is pretty highly regarded in the midwest. If you visited Michigan State, you know the vibe. . . For me, fit was important, and that's why I'm heading north. Maybe I'll see you there, and we can analyze the grad cafe.
  3. Hilarious. Thanks for the laughs, guys! I think I'm going to sign with them, anyway. So much for puppies. Now kittens are another matter . . .
  4. Hey, bluedude. . . . I totally second everything you wrote about MSU. I just got another wonderful email from Scott, and I'm starting to think that maybe--just maybe--I've made my decision. That won't stop me from freaking out for another two weeks or so, but everything MSU-related has been pleasant, which is more than I can say for a couple of the other programs to which I was admitted. I went to the big recruitment weekend visit in late February and felt right at home. Why on earth I've ignored that until almost this very moment I do not know. I also second your queer-friendly observation, and I would add that everyone seemed friendly to whatever floats your particular boat in general. I was thrilled that everyone was so open, for many reasons, and I also like the fact that I didn't get the sense that anyone would judge my non-academic partner for being a non-academic (not an anti-academic, though). And to return to a previous thread we'd discussed--I think my partner and I are going to jump right in and get a place, but I did notice that the Lansing craigslist has a LOT of options for short term housing. You should check it out. Maybe we'll see each other in August. . . . :wink:
  5. . . . I have a pretty good offer from them, and I wonder if anyone can provide some objective information, like their reputation outside of Ohio, what you've heard on the street, etc. Thanks in advance.
  6. It looks good. Among other things, it's guaranteed for five (maybe more) years, and partner benefits are part of the deal, which helps me with my SO. It's less money than another school has offered, but the benefits mean a lot, and the fact that the grad students are unionized sweetens the deal (guaranteed raises, guaranteed 1/1 teaching load, etc). Overall, I've been very impressed with MSU. I hope that helps. I don't want to give out numbers; something about that just feels weird.
  7. I've just got to throw my two cents in, here. . . My MA made me a better writer, thinker, researcher, and scholar. Ive produced work in my two years in a third-tier state school (fully funded) MA program that has gotten some serious attention, and I can't imagine what it would have been like to apply to PhD programs without the experience I gained doing the MA. If, for example, I go back and compare my SOP then to the SOP that just went to eight schools (with about 50% success, so far), the difference is astounding, not only because I know more about literature and cultural studies, but because writing a lot makes better writers. The rhetoric is just better. That said, although it may comfort me to think, "well, these schools didn't accept me because I already have an MA," the fact is that they just didn't accept me. Period. There's nothing any of us can do about rejections at this point, other than to remain bitter about one or two (grrrr) for a week or so and then move on with the process. I'm not sure where I'm going with this. I guess I'm just glad to be getting that MA in a few weeks, glad I went where I did for it, and glad that I was able to produce a writing sample and SOP--while in the MA program--that got me accepted to a handful of programs.
  8. I know a few people who got BAs or MAs at KSU, and a couple of people who seriously considered applying to their PhD program this year but didn't. Funding is extremely hard to come by; word on the street has been that they only fund one person a year in lit (more in comp), and that the university has threatened to eliminate the PhD in lit program altogether. I'm not sure how accurate the elimination rumor is, but I would definitely do some research if I were you. Kent is a decent place, if you like cold, snowy winters. The university has a solid reputation, particularly in northeast Ohio, and the faculty are reportedly friendly and willing to work with you. Best of luck deciding. . . .
  9. I got an official funding package yesterday. . . . Thank everything holy. They're looking really, really good to me. Every contact I've had with them has been positive, professional, and friendly. I appreciate their lack of pretension. It seems rare. And yes, what a crappy app season. I'm glad to have gotten in where I did, and feel extremely fortunate.
  10. I'm going to keep this short and sweet. Has anyone received official word about funding from MSU? They told a few of us that the package was in the mail weeks ago, and I'm starting to get antsy. . . Waiting is no fun, and I've been seriously considering the program, but it's hard to make decisions without something in writing. Anyone?
  11. Some programs seem to want young, virgin minds, untainted by an MA from somewhere else. . . . I'm talking to you, Iowa.
  12. I emailed to ask what was going on and was told that we "will know something this month." How's that for vague? Good luck, everyone!
  13. If they're on spring break, I'm really impressed that they got back to me. I'm on the wait-list--I only know because I emailed. I got a very nice email from my potential advisor indicating that I am number three (out of two slots in my concentration). Now I wait in limbo, but with other offers to consider. . . . Good luck, everyone!
  14. I, too, am considering accepting a slot at MSU in English (modernism, cultural studies, theory). I wonder if anyone can point me to neighborhoods that are both affordable and quiet. I also wonder how bad the economy is in East Lansing; my partner will be looking for a job wherever we go (in natural foods or landscaping), so my hope is that jobs are available in those areas. Any suggestions? I have a couple of contacts in East Lansing who have suggested the possibility of living in Lansing proper, but when I looked at older posts on this board that idea frightened me a bit--have things changed a lot (or at all) since 2006? I second abluedude's concern about summer money, too. Are there off-campus job opportunities during the summer in East Lansing? Thanks in advance for any feedback you may have. . . .
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