non humilis mulier

I agree with Starbuck -- ETS is your best bet. I even looked at old versions of ETS books, just for extra practice. Also, this may sound funny -- but I practiced with IQ tests, too. I know it's not related, but the speed and out-of-the-box thinking that those tests require helped sharpen me for the GRE. My strategy worked! I got the GRE scores I wanted. I also DRILLED vocabulary, and was ruthless about looking up every word I didn't know for months. The RC passages of PR and Kaplan are sometimes odd, or the questions/answers are flat out wrong, imo. I disagree with some of their strategies, too. Many of the take waaaaayyy too much time. All that to say, they're still worth looking over. Just because they didn't help me doesn't mean they won't help you! Good luck!

I'm sorry to hear that, Rachel. Best of luck in the rest of your apps!

That was good of you! I probably would have tried steaming it open or something... jk! What do you mean you didn't make it past the pre-app stage?

I'm also Classics, and I was worried about my Q score, which was a whole 15 points below my V score. I emailed the director of my top choice program, explaining my concern, and he reassured me that it's not a big deal, especially for a Q score. Basically, I got the impression that if I don't get into that top program, it will have nothing to do with my GRE scores. Like L. Antique said above, the GRE tends to keep more people out than it does get people in. And the verbal and writing sections are going to be weighted much more heavily for Classics -- when are we going to use math?? Lol.

Yes, I did waive my right. I was told that it's better to do so. Also, I definitely wanted to give my profs the opportunity to write openly and honestly about me. I just wonder what they said (of course!).

I have three great recommenders (4 for one school!), and all of these professors are my personal friends and mentors. I feel very fortunate to be able to say that. Sometimes, I just wish that I could see what they wrote! And since they're all submitted electronically, there's no chance of holding the envelope up to the window and trying to peer through (like I did in high school!). I'm sure the rest of you guys feel this way, too!!

FYI -- I did decide to contact my schools after all in order to update my sample without the typos. So far, 6/7 schools I'm applying to have accepted the revised doc. Surprising, since the sites say they will NOT accept documents after the app is submitted. One of my schools was due on the 8th, and they even accepted my changed document! As long as they haven't met about your app, they'll probably make the switch. I don't think it would be any different for an SOP.

Myshkin -- how do you tell what the methodology is? Honestly, it's not a term I'm familiar with in regards to Classics.

I found a typo in my writing sample, but it is very minor (one missing period, no big deal). With your error, I would contact the school -- some departments WILL accept updated documents. But some won't. It depends! So if you're worried, I'd send out some emails.

One of my recommenders had to submit after the deadline. So I contacted the program directly and they said it would be no problem. Some schools even allow recommenders to submit two weeks after the applicant's deadline. So, don't distress! And if you're really concerned, email the director of the program.

Hey all, I have a little one, 8 months old. I graduated with my BA in August. I decided not to mention my baby in my SOP, because it seemed too personal. But I graduated in August instead of May because I gave birth in April, and being a mom has certainly matured me and prepared me for more serious study. I did not explain my August graduation in my SOP. One of my schools asks for an explanation of a break in education, and I informed them that I am taking a year off from school to care for the baby, nurse, etc. Should I have written something about my baby in my SOP? Thoughts? And if I get an interview, do I mention I'm a mom or just avoid the subject if possible? Thanks!

Hey all, I have a little one, 8 months old. I graduated with my BA in August. I decided not to mention my baby in my SOP, because it seemed too personal. But I graduated in August instead of May because I gave birth in April, and being a mom has certainly matured me and prepared me for more serious study. I did not explain my August graduation in my SOP. One of my schools asks for an explanation of a break in education, and I informed them that I am taking a year off from school to care for the baby, nurse, etc. Should I have written something about my baby in my SOP? Thoughts? And if I get an interview, do I mention I'm a mom or just avoid the subject if possible? Thanks!