Grunty DaGnome

I just applied using firefox. It works, but it definitely takes a few tries. Sometimes, when the program "times out" while loading a document, if you log out and log back in, you can see by clicking on "preview" that the document did in fact load.

Often, you can't upload transcripts if the pdf file is too large. Is there a watermark/ornate background? If so, try photocopying it on a light setting until the background fades out, then scan it to pdf.

I feel ya. Probably open the window, stick your head out, scream at the top of your lungs, then decide what you're going to do.

Personally, I've very cavalier about this stuff, because I think the departments all know we are sending in approx. 10 applications and standardizing is a reality. Other people often post that "following directions" is crucial. I'm not convinced that it is, but to be on the safe side, probably add a paragraph.

The GRE is stupid.

It seems like NYU is ruining everyone's night. Their website says, "A Statement of Purpose of approximately 1,000 words," so 600? Eh? Maybe that's approximately 1,000. Maybe you have one more paragraph in you that will come out before Thursday?

I think it might be. I looked up all the deadlines in the summer too and could have sworn NYU was DEC. 15th, but since I lose everything, I looked them all up again in September and was just as surprised then as you are now. I thought I had mis-remembered, but if you also thought it was Dec. 15th, then maybe it changed? It's too bad I'm such a good citizen, or I might be the only person applying Double check my link and make sure I'm not applying to the wrong department or something. http://english.fas.n...pectiveStudents

35 pages of incoherent notes pretty much sums up my entire existence.

The deadline hasn't changed since September. Did you apply to Columbia last year or research them in the spring? Are you're confusing them with NYU? I hate to break this news to you, but NYU's deadline is December 1st, so you should start freaking out again! [unless you are only applying for the M.A., then you have until January 13th]. http://english.fas.nyu.edu/object/english.grad.ProspectiveStudents

I was using explorer when I got the "locked out" message. I switched to firefox and got in to my application, but when my login timed out, I tried to log in again and got the same message But FYI, Brown's version of the embark application requires firefox or the most recent version of explorer. Maybe if these applications fall through, I can get a job in IT somewhere?

Law and Lit. I call it Law and Lit, but really that's just a way for me to be ecclectic and touch on most of your areas of interest, while pretending that I'm really focused. I nearly applied to UC Davis too, but I couldn't bear to go west again.

Don't tell me, tell Joe Smith! He asks the stupidest questions!

Yank, at this point, I'm just planning to kill myself. Or, I guess email the support address on Monday.

I'm not going to intervene, because I find great solace in your frequent posts. I hope we both get in to BU.

That's why editing takes so much longer than I thought it would. I forgot to allow time to go from a state of euphoria over how good I think my paper's central argument is to how bad I now believe it sux. ...and I did that all on my own, without input from anyone

I use culture and history to discuss a text and after thoroughly analyzing the text, my concluding paragraph turns the analysis around and reads an aspect of our contemporary culture through the literary text...or at least that's what I try to do.

I think it can't hurt to call the specific department. Be sure to tell them your name is Joe Smith, just incase they laugh at you!!!!

Usually, if you're over, they just won't read past the page limit. NYU says this on their website. I believe so does Columbia.

Thanks for the tip! I wrote 2 pages of my 3 page SOP all about dragons. Then, on page 3, I listed the department faculty and their specialties. I copied it directly from the website, to avoid making any mistakes.

Apply yourself is fond of telling me I'm already logged in and therefore can't access my application. If I'm already so logged in, how come I can't access my application? Answer that "apply yourself."

Well, I can't speak for anyone else, but my choice of a writing sample was more or less a shot in the dark...just like the rest of the process. I'm guessing that whatever you submit, seminar paper, article, etc., if it's well written for its style, is the right choice.

Several of my schools ask for 10 or 12 pages samples. I think it is the length requirements that lead people to submit whatever they have, not so much specific advice from advisors. Oh, and my 10 page sample has 1 primary text, 4 secondary critical texts, 1 theoretical text and several background sources all mentioned briefly within a 3 page span.

I'm not sure it's a great idea to think too hard about the number of sources in your paper, especially at this stage. If you pad a few extra sources in there that don't advance the argument, I think it will show.

If they're not required, they you don't need to report them. I wish I could tell you exactly how low your score has to be before it hurts instead of helps your application. 80th percentile? I'd probably report it. 60th? Probably too low to help. 70s? Who knows.

When I ordered my GRE scores to be sent on, they gave me a chance to select GRE and Subject scores separately. You can't select one GRE score without sending all valid years, but you don't have to select the Subject Scores. Just be sure to read the boxes you're clicking very carefully.