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Thanks, Timshel. Good luck on the rest of your season!

This may seem like an odd question, and also bizarrely late in terms of this application season, but I'm curious to hear the inspirations for applying to Albany. They've definitely got strongholds in particular areas, but I also wonder what the impression of the program is around your current programs. In my program, I heard very little of Albany but came across names from the department on my own. Is this the same for everyone else? What do you hear about the program and the faculty when you hear about them? Is my Southern school particularly out of the loop? Feel free to ignore this, also.

rmgerdes, Chris is great! You will love him. He is so helpful and kind. I am pretty sure I know the Sarah you're talking about, but I'll go ahead and leave her full name off of the internet. I'll try to answer your questions as best I can, and you can feel free to PM me if you have more questions. - There is tons of affordable, pet-friendly housing in Norman. The closer you get to campus, the more expensive it gets, but you can absolutely find something for your price range. It might take a bit of Craigslist or newspaper hunting if you're picky, but you will find something. There are certain areas, mainly apartment complexes, that you might want to avoid, but the crime rate in Norman is not substantial. It is a relatively small college town and the majority (though not everyone) of the people here are either students, former students, affiliated with the University or related to someone affiliated. When you're actually getting close to moving (if you choose OU), you can ask me about specific locations and I will give you a fair evaluation of the places (assuming I know them). Offhand, I'd say the square block northeast of Biloxi and Lindsey would be an area to avoid, but again those are mainly apartments. As far as recommendations, there are tons of duplexes and houses for rent in Norman frequently, so I would start with places near the University (listed on Craigslist and the Norman Transcript newspaper online) and fan out as needed. - There are several of our graduated students now adjuncting in the Department. It doesn't pay great (probably average) and it is a ton of work from what I hear, but there are those possibilities. Some people I know teach at Oklahoma City Community College, University of Central Oklahoma, Rose State College or University of Phoenix. There are also some very good high schools in Oklahoma City. Finally, the campus has a Writing Center and an Athletic Writing Center. Either of those places may be looking for people. - Finally, everyone in the Department gets along. The Lit and Comp/Rhet students take classes together and the meanest anyone gets is making a joke about the other concentration that everyone laughs together over. This Department is especially friendly; we share books, hang out together socially, and generally support one another. The Comp/Rhet group is very involved in the Department and there is an incoming-teachers workshop which builds community between the incoming class. The incoming class then takes a semester-long course together that concentrates on teaching. All of this not only acclimates you to teaching at the University, but really does bring everyone together. Your most lasting friendships will likely be with those you come in with. However, if you don't mix with them, the other people in the Department are happy to accept new people. The friendliness and compassion in this Department is one of its greatest strengths. I'm sorry I ended up writing a novel; I attended OU for my undergrad and will be moving on when I graduate this May, but I have really enjoyed it. Let me know what you decide and if you have any questions as you get closer to moving!

rmgerdes, I currently attend OU for a Master's in the Literature Program, but know most of the Rhet/Comp students and work for the First-Year Composition office. I am happy to answer any questions I can about the program, people, town, atmosphere, etc. Jbarks, I'm happy to answer anything I can for the Literature concentration, as well.