I'm coming from NC--probably making the move to start living there August 1st. I'm still trying to finish up my MA program, but I take breaks and drool over the course offerings. I'm so excited!
Tripwllis-- perhaps were you the scholar with the notebook in the back row? I was in the granny sweater asking questions about manipulation and the suspension of disbelief. Rachel (Corbman) and I are out to drinks currently. Woo!
This is a really good suggestion I hadn't thought of-- my best profs are readily available and warm via e-mail. Glad you feel somewhat better, coffeecurls--it's a stressful process overall!
My favorite professor, for whom I TA, has a chilli pepper, excellent ratings (except for the "easy" ranking)-- he teaches Renaissance literature survey courses and expects sophomores to read The Faerie Queene. He mentored me through the PhD application process, etc.
It is ENTIRELY possible to be on student's sides without being a young graduate student--and not all students write with ridiculous grammar.
I'm on this website -- I have 6 reviews and they're all positive. In my experience you can weed through the negative comments that are obviously from people given bad grades and get some relative information. I've had one experience in which I thought, "These reviews are ridiculous! This professor is wonderful." Let's just say there was a plethora of bad comments, and they turned out to be somewhat relevant.
Take it all with a grain of salt--but it's not complete BS. Our students have voices on this website--rightly so.
Oh yeah-- I had pretty ridiculous expectations for Freshmen students, but I remembered what it was like to be a student (because I was still one).
This.
I went with my gut for my MA--I was accepted to a highly ranked institution and wasn't even going to visit the other one. A professor talked me into going, and I just knew I was meant to be there. It wasn't logical, but it worked out for me. (I'm only just now validated in the eyes of my father, though, because I've gotten into PhD programs). It's hard to explain it, but if you're into animal studies you'll understand--intuition is a powerful thing.
I didn't know refusing to go to the open house because of funding was an option. Students without ECFs--let's revolt!
Kidding. I'm totally honored to be accepted and am at least going to check out the info session.
I don't think it's technically wrong, but typically done the other way for aesthetic purposes.
But these days, I don't trust a word I say, and you shouldn't either.
And I'm guessing no news is bad news in this case too--too bad, I really like Carol Neely's work. I just want this process to be done so I can move forward with a choice and put all of it behind me!