yin-bodhi

I JUST GOT ACCEPTED TO THE NEW SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update time! First, I got a letter saying that OSU would accept a class I took at WSU as my art credit. Therefore, I can complete my second minor in International Relations! Yay! I'm so happy! Second, I got a letter from UMSL that said the chair of the department was out of the country, but she would call me as soon as she got back in the office. This letter was from a random professor and she said to call her if I have any questions. Is this a good sign? I don't think this is normal. She sent the letter on March 14th, it got to me today, and the chair will be in the office on March 23rd (two days). I'm a little excited. It seems (to me at least) that they want to keep me interested and updated. I wonder if this professor that wrote me is one who is interested in working with me. I might e-mail her and let her know I'm still interested in the program and I look forward to hearing from the chair. Things are looking a little up on the grad school front today! Two good letters in the mail! Okay, I have to comment on the boyfriend issue because my boyfriend is coming with me to grad school. I totally agree that you guys have to keep the lines of communication open. My boyfriend was very vocal on where he would and would not move. Luckily, he and I saw eye to eye on this issue so it really wasn't much of an issue. Talk to him at least once a week and keep him updated whenever you send in your stuff or get a letter. Let him know about funding options and keep him updated on funding issues. Also, make sure you discuss where he will work and what he will be doing during the time you're in grad school. Check out the job market in his field, unemployment rates of cities, cost of living, and other such issues. Best of luck! Me: That sucks your hubby did that to you. I would have been outraged. I hope everything works out.

Mnemosyne, I'm sorry it didn't work out with you and Toronto! I think you will be happy at Portland State. Screw Toronto, anyhow. They obviously don't care too much if they can't even return an e-mail to you. I'm soooo pissed. I got my grades back today: Social Factors of Personality- A World History Until 1500- A Nation and Identity- A Mass Communication and Society- B Grrrrrr..... I'm taking that Communication prof to the chair because she was just awful. I could have gotten an 'A' but I still would have complained. I just hate having a 'B' in that class because I understand the material inside and out. She is from Germany and cannot speak or write English well. Her tests were awful because she flat out does not know what she's doing. Oh yeah, this was a 600-level class and she gave out two multiple choice tests. I begged her to let me write a research paper, but she said "no." Oh, and it's story time.... My friend decided it would be funny to call my phone and leave a message saying it was from a college and they made a huge mistake. He made the message sound all professional and did a good job disguising his voice. He gave a call back number and a time for me to call. At this point, I was almost crying I was so excited. Then, he reveled himself at the end of the message and hung up. I was so upset. This was NOT funny. He used the chair's real name and everything. I just wanted to scream. He knows how hard this has been for me. Oh, and to make things better, I was on a road trip with my boyfriend and two other people (his friends) and this whole scene made me look like a complete ass. ARRUUGGHH!

Okay, I've been sick and I had finals, but I'm feeling better and have three finals done! Yay! One paper and one more test to go! Here's an update. I only have one of my original recommenders on board for "round two." However, I had an offer from my Sociology prof to write a letter and an offer from my IR prof to write letter for any of the IR programs. The IR prof has his degree from Brown and I have faith he would write me an awesome letter. He does not want me to give up and actually recommended I apply to Ohio University. He also recommended I apply to crazy programs that I would never get into, but that's okay... I'm flattered he has so much faith in me. So, I can apply to a couple of IR programs and then any Sociology program that only requires two letters. I think I will go for a couple IR programs and one or two Sociology programs. Eastern Michigan University still seems like my best bet for a Sociology program. The lady is so nice and it seems like it would fit me well. I also sent in my application to an organization that has teaching jobs at private schools. That's my super-duper back-up plan! I hate kids, but I think I could handle some high schoolers if I got to teach a social science. Okay, so as far "the wrench" that was thrown into my plans... I'm still working with it and trying not to panic. All I have to say is if you ever get a government job or if you are with someone who gets a government job, they have piss-poor planning on their projects and nothing is ever set in stone. Then, contract companies have to deal with their mess and try to reorganize their employees. UGH! However, like I said, plans are in the works and I'm working with what I have. UGH! I hope people get good news this week!!! I haven't gotten any news since Boston University. All I've gotten in the mail since then is junk mail and my $58 stickers that the state of Ohio forces me to put on my car once a year. You think George Mason would have gotten back to me by now, but I guess they're mailing people.

Come see me and we'll smoke a hookah! I'll actually be taking my last final Thursday morning. Ummm... go see the Wexner Center for the Arts. Something tells me they'll drag you over there anyhow, but go see it if they don't. Also, go see the RPAC and climb the rock wall. OSU is all about fitness here. Okay, you should probably go see The Horseshoe and pay homage to the football team. If it's nice, go sit by Mirror Lake for a while and people watch; see the cow duck (it's a duck that looks like a cow... I hope he's still there, I haven't seen him in a while). The best way to get an overview of OSU is to get on a Campus Loop North or South bus and ride it once around the university. The busses are free and you don't have to show ID. If you can, catch a bus up (actually down, you have to go south on High Street) to the Short North. It's safe to walk down there during the day. Check out the art shops, the more upscale bars, the dominatrix shop, watch the guys at the gay strip club dance in the window, and grab a cup of coffee. Oh yes, we are an odd bunch here in Ohio. Okay, so I've never actually been into the dominatrix shop because it looks a bit creepy, but maybe you're a bit more brave than I am. If you don't feel like walking all the way down to the Short North, you can at least walk to the South Campus Gateway to look in the shops and grab a bite to eat. The Short North is about half a mile from the Gateway. Do NOT go into the smoke shop with the Playboy bunny and the joker painted on the side of the building. I made that mistake once... all I wanted was some clove smokes... I didn't need to see... errr.... not normal adult products.... We have a lot of music stores up and down High Street, so feel free to check those out. Make note of how many different places there are to eat around High Street. Some places are open 24-hours, or at least until 4AM. We have: American (we have a good deal of sub places... try Jimmy John's), Italian, Indian, Ethipoean, Korean, Chinese (do NOT eat at the "Number One Chinese Resturant" because they have had way too many health code violations), a 24-hour pizza place (Mad Dog's Pizza), a place that only sells chicken fingers, seafood, and many others! If you're not feeling brave, The Ohio Union has a good variety to pick from. If you want to try sake (Japanese beer) go to Bento Go-Go. It's on High Street before the South Campus Gateway. That's all I can think of for now. If I hear of any events going on this weekend, I will let you know. ?

OSU is not just a football atmoshphere, it's a football lifestyle. You go to any bar and you'll hear some drunk guy screaming about anything OSU football. It's the off season and every other day, the news has an OSU football story. It gets to be too much sometimes. OSU hates everyone in the Big 10 and we'll turn everyone into a rival... but, of course, the University of Michigan is still our biggest rivals. We even have a "Beat Michigan" week. Every year, an insane amount of people get drunk and jump into Mirror Lake to awaken the spirit of some dead football coach to ask him for his help in beating Michigan. This year, they had to break the ice to jump in and there were bloody footprints everywhere. Homecoming is NOTHING here... beating Michigan is EVERYTHING. If we beat Michigan, something is going to get lit on fire and a lot of people are going to get drunk. If we don't, people will cry and still get drunk. Students get pre-sale tickets to games, but people who have had passes to OSU games for 20+ years get first pick. You cannot get Michigan tickets no matter what... they are sold out years in advance. No, there is not a strong religious preference on campus. We have religious groups for just about every religion you can think of. We even have a strong athiest group who always holds meetings and has special panel discussions. We also have good Buddhist and Muslim groups. There are several inter-faith groups that get together and try to promote religious understanding and they hold several events per year. You can bet that if Christians start holding too many events, the athiests and inter-faith groups will respond in a big way. Oh, and the Christian groups are mainly moderate and liberal here. I would say most people here are Christian (we have a decent sized Ethipoean Christian population too), but remember, this isn't the Bible belt. Everyone thinks Father Dan is psycho and no one agrees with him. I don't know where most grad students live. I know one of my profs (grad student) lives in Upper Arlington, a couple peole live in/by the Short North, but I see most people wandering around High Street. I don't know if they're undergrad or grad students, though. There is an insane amount of housing around campus, so I'm sure you will find something to your liking. My advice is to go through OSU off campus housing because they only work with people they know won't screw over students. Off campus housing site: http://offcampus.osu.edu/ University Village: http://www.universityvillage.com/ (provides free transportation to and from OSU) Married? Have kids? Check out: http://buckeyevillage.osu.edu/ (provides free transportation to and from OSU)

I was told New School starts sending out letters around March 15th. I was also told it's hard to get funding out of them. I made it clear on the application they would have to give me major bucks because I'm poor... so I'm sure I will be rejected. Good luck!!

I'm proud of you! Congrats on your admission offers! I'm also glad that we've been able to help you in some way, shape, or form. I always am willing to talk about the best and worst of life because someone else may learn something from what I've expereinced. Speaking about the worst of life... things have made a turn for the worst. I don't want to go into details, because I don't yet have all the details, but it throws a huge wrench into my "round two" plans. It involves my possibly being limited on locations where I can apply. Once I know more, I will let everyone know what's going on. :evil: :cry:

Quarter systems are fun. Classes are five hours a week per class for ten weeks. Most graduate students take three classes; although some departments make you take an extra 1-2 credit hour introducation class that really isn't much of anything (no work to do, just listen and plan your program). Undergrads take 3-4 and once in a while you'll find an insane person, like me, who takes five. If you have a major paper due at the end of the quarter, you better have a rough outline by week three. Quarters are very intense, but you still have time for a social life. Most departments have events they attend together (dinners, football games, basketball games, football games, football games... oh yes, and football games). There is somewhat of a theater community, but there's more of an "art" community. Like I said, there's a gallery art hop the first Saturday night of every month. Plus, we just built this huge art center with a nice film viewing room that can hold about 400 people. There's a place to hear live music across frm campus and they have rock bands every week. We also have a TON of local groups that rotate around the bars. If you're into local rock, then Columbus is a good place to live. I've been to a few shows and they're not too bad. At Shi-Sha lounge (coffee shop where you can smoke hookahs until 4am every day), they have a movie night on wednesdays and every friday they have a weird live music act for free. Usually, it just a couple of guys with guitars screaming about how much they hate Bush, but it's a good time. Most of it is improv and not meant to be taken seriously. I love to go to Shi-Sha because there are all kinds of people. At Bento Go-Go, they have live DJs spinning different types of electronic music, depending on what night you go. I love going there in the summer because I like electronic music. Columbus also has water fire on the mile (http://www.waterfireonthemile.com/) and several art festivals. OSU is a party school, so everyone is mushed together. However, there is some division. Most grad students take advantage of the coffee shops and hang out in the Short North because it's a little more classy (except for the gay strip club with guys dancing in the windows). You can get dressed up, have a nice dinner, and then go to an upscale bar. Undergrads stick to bars right across the street from campus and don't venture all the way up to the Short North unless it's gallery hop night. There's a small bad area between the campus and the Short North and it's not safe to walk at night (although, remember, busses are free). Okay, I don't know anything about the dorms. I also don't know any grad students that actually live in the dorms. Here is a link to check them out: http://housing.osu.edu/halls.asp?type=4 ... on=gradpro Here is pricing: http://housing.osu.edu/gradpro_fees.asp

I'm at OSU and one (the Ph.D.) is at another university. She was quick to fix my George Mason problem (it was the first time she e-mailed me since I came to OSU despite my efforts to e-mail her before) and all I got was a "problem solved, good luck" or something to that effect. I was hoping for something more since she was my main mentor. I don't get it... why would she stop talking to me? I opened one of her letters and it was awesome. The other recommender is here at OSU (Ph.D. canidate) and her dad died right after Christmas. I feel bad for asking her again. She usually gets back to me when I e-mail her, so she might be busy (like I said, it's finals week here). I could go to her office and see what's up, but I feel weird just barging in on her like that since she isn't teaching anything this quarter. She's really cool, though. Maybe I will ask one of her friends (a prof for me this time) if she's heard from her. I'm not into stalking.

I feel the need to talk a bit more about Ohio weather. If you have bad sinus problems, Ohio is not for you. Monday is was snowing and today we have Severe Thunderstorm Watches looming about. I remember last fall in November we had Tornado Warnings one day and then the next week a Winter Storm Warning. This is Ohio. Plus, our summer storms are fun. A few times over the summer, when I left for school, it was nice and sunny. Then, after lunch, this HUGE severe thunderstorm would roll in, destroy us all, and then 10 minutes later it would be sunny out again as if nothing happened. OSU is a huge campus and by the time you get from one side of the campus to the other, the weather can change. One time, I was riding the bus to the other side of campus and it was sunny when I got on the bus and three minutes later, there was a huge downpour and I had to get off the bus in lighting, heavy rain, and our streets starting to flood. By the time I walked 50 feet to the building, I was soaked to the bone and my bookbag was full of water. Our bathrooms don't have blowdryers in them, so that was no use. I had to go to my car after class and turn on the heat (in 90 degree weather) just to dry off. Of course, the sun was only half out that day, so I couldn't get dry in the sun. Other times, it will thunder a lot and get black, but nothing happens. Needless to say, our weather is annoying. It's pointless to watch the weather and try to plan for the next few days because, more times then not, the weather predictions are wrong. I remember a few times it was supposed to get warm or cold, but it didn't because some high/low pressure system missed us or hit us. Also, remember, we have a lot of ice here instead of snow. Oh, and if it is freezing cold, it won't snow. It will be cloudy or sunny and in the teens because that's just how Ohio works. This isn't to scare anyone away from coming to OSU, I just wanted to make sure you know what you're in for if you decide to come. Some places of the country may not have seasons or weird weather. Plus, out in the plains, you can see storms coming for miles and miles. Here, even though it's flat as flat can be, you just don't see those storms coming. Even on the weather radar, they pop up and go away very quickly. Okay, so that's my rant about the weather! I hope this helps someone! I know people who actually ENJOY our weather. One kid came up here from down south and he thinks our weather is the best thing ever! No kidding... I think he's crazy.... ---------------------------------------------------------- There's one more thing everyone here should know about. When I first enountered this, it scared me. On every single nice day (and on days when we have student visits), we have Father Dan out on the quad. Now, Father Dan is harmless, but he might be a bit creepy at times. He stands out there, with his Bible, and preaches about how all women are sluts and all Jews are going to hell. If you're a woman and you have on shorts or a skirt, he will single you out and yell at you for being a sinner. Oh, and you better not wear your jeans too tight! He hates that! This guy is crazy, but I've actually gotten used to him. He is good for a laugh. If you're having a bad day and walking around, just the sound of him screaming will make you giggle. I actually notice when he isn't around sometimes because everything can be so quiet. He's sort-of part of the landscape. OSU cops leave him alone and everyone either ignores him or laughs. Everyone knows who he is and everyone talks about him as if he's just another thing that comes along with going to OSU. So, if you come for a visit, and hear this crazy guy out on the quad screaming his lungs out about God, sluts, and Jews... you'll know who I'm talking about and you can laugh it off just like everyone else.

I have three finals on Monday and I can't concentrate. I'm sick as well (my boyfriend thinks I got sick because I'm so stressed over grad stuff), so that doesn't help matters. I'm going to do a "Round Two" and send out applications to M.A. programs with later deadlines. I know, it's crazy to go through this all over again just to get in SOMEWHERE, but there are a couple good programs that have later deadlines and I want to make sure they get my application. To everyone else stressed: you're not alone. We're all tired, sick, and stressed beyond belief. I'm glad we have a place like this where we can all come, vent, and comfort one another. Oh look... Severe Thunderstorm Watches... yay! Maybe I can watch the weather and track that for a while.

OMG, Mnemosyne, I soooo hope you get in! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you! U of toronto has such an awesome program! Best of luck! 8) I was told by a prof that if I didn't hear anything from the other schools by Saturday, to consider myself rejected and do a second round no matter what. I've only heard from one of my recommenders (she's on board) and I'm going CRAZY. I need another one! Ugh! Someone just get back to me, for crying out loud! This is my future we're talking about here, and all you people need to do is change names of schools on letters you already wrote! At least tell me yes or no to give me peace of mind!!!! I'm feeling a bit better today, but my boyfriend is trying to get me to take it easy. He thinks I got sick because I'm so worried about this stuff. I have three finals on Monday and I haven't started studying. I need to get moving. I just don't have any motivation today, I'm tired, and I still feel somewhat icky. Maybe I shold just wait until tomorrow... one final per day. That dosen't sound too bad considering I will have the whole day to take a crack at things.

Congrats to everyone who got accepted!

Remember, you are in Ohio and we have the worst bipolar weather. One day you might not be able to ride because everything is icy and the next day may be fine. Our storms can get quite nasty as well, so make sure you can keep your bike inside. Oh, and DO NOT chain your bike up to a lamp post or our OSU cops will lock it up themselves and make you pay a fine to get it back. If you don't OSU will take the bike or someone will steal your tires. Natural food stores... well, I have heard people talking about them and I get flyers in my mailbox, but I've never been to one. Organic foods are semi-popular around here. We do have the North market (http://www.northmarket.com) which is right by the Short North. We also have a natural foods restaurant/bakery. OSU has a department of agriculture and I know they make their own ice cream and sell products at different times of the year. Plus, the Kroger stores around here (huge 24-hour grocery stores where almost everyone shops) have an organic section where you can buy organic products. It's a decent sized section and I recently started trying organic foods... yummy! I'm sure natural/organic foods won't be hard to find around here. How far does $12,000 stretch? Well, depending on where you live, it should give you the basics you need to survive. Keep in mind OSU does not have any sort of meal plan, so you're on your own for food no matter what. This can get expensive since OSU students eat out all the time. Think of it this way... you will have $3,000 a quarter. A quarter lasts 10 weeks, then a finals week, plus you need to add in a few more weeks for breaks. Columbus is not as expensive to live in as Cleveland or Dayton. If you need an idea about how expensive apartments are, go to: offcampus.osu.edu and do a search. Remember: Buckeye Village and University Village have busses that run to and from campus. Also, check out the "East Residental" route for CABS if you want to live where OSU busses to take you to your house: http://www.tp.ohio-state.edu/cabs I hope this helps! Feel free to keep the questions coming!

Yes, sadly, crime has increased in the area. Around Christmas, there were a TON of break-ins. Tonight on the news, there was a story on this creep who has been breaking into women's apartments (mostly college students) and watching them sleep. One woman said he woke up to him touching her leg. My history prof got beat up and robbed a few months ago. My boyfriend has started dropping me off and picking me up when I have night classes. However, one girl in my class got robbed in the middle of the day on campus a couple of weeks ago. They stole her laptop. I had a creep follow me around the Ohio Union on Monday, but I gave him a dirty look and he left me alone. However, if you stay in a group, I do not think anyone will bother you. If you live in an apartment close to campus, buy one of those $20 magnetic alarm systems where if they magnets break a loud noise will sound. That should scare people away. Also, know that our homeless are not as bad as people make them out to be. Most are nice and won't bother you. One even sings to everyone; he's actually pretty cool. Sure, we have our troublemakers, but most wil leave you alone. The campus is HUGE. There is just no other way to put it. We have our own bus system (CABS) because it's impossible to get around the campus at times without one. There is a hospital on campus and that always makes me feel good. There are a ton of places to eat without leaving campus... we have everything! If you want healthy, we've got it. If you want Wendy's... well... there are Wendy's EVERYWHERE around here. If you come to OSU you must love Wendy's and football. North High Street also has a ton of places to eat, so the choices are endless. Our campus is nice. It's not drop dead beautiful, but it's peaceful and pretty laid back. OSU is a half liberal, half conservative campus, so you won't find many protests. Everyone seems to get along okay and when I first came here, everyone was so helpful in making sure I knew where to go. For the first few weeks, you will need your map; so, don't feel stupid walking around with one. Parking is bad at times... You have to be super careful when you drive because people speed alot around campus. Be careful walking as well because sometimes people don't stop so you can cross the street. Off campus is okay, but it depends on what you like to do and whether you have a car or want to take the bus anywhere. Like I said, there are always new places to eat since there are so many around here. The "Short North" is our art district and every first Saturday of every month they keep the art shops open and have a gallery hop. It is a lot of fun! I love going to the Short North and sitting outside on summer nights at a coffee shop. The Gateway District is coming along nice as well. It's right by campus and has some bars, shops, places, to eat, and a movie theater. They just built it this summer, so it's brand new. North High has a lot of bars, but there aren't a lot of places to dance. The bars either have a rock theme or hip-hop theme. A couple do electornic music and Bento Go Go (sake bar/Asian food) has some techno nights. There are other events around here, such as The Pet Expo is going on this weekend. There are also a fair amount of concerts too. Of course, we have a hockey team and baseball team here in Columbus... and you can always go to OSU games. I, personally, like to go to Bento Go Go and coffee shops. I hope this helps! If you want to know more, let me know!

I have lived in Ohio all my life and I will graduate from OSU. If you have any questions about the area, I would be happy to try and answer them! If I can't answer your questions, I will ask someone who can or investigate myself! 8)

Well, I have quite a list, but I'm trying to narrow it down the best I can. Still no word from my other two recommenders. Here are the ones that seem like they may be winners: Eastern Michigan University (Sociology)- I will apply here for sure! University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Applied Sociology) Seton Hall University (International Relations/Professional Communication) William Paterson University Of New Jersey (Sociology or International Policy) I'll probably apply to these two no matter what: DePaul University (no letters required) (Sociology) University of Baltimore (no letters required) (Negotiations and Conflict Management) I think that's a good list. I might try to knock one of those schools off the list, and I can't apply to Seton Hall or U Maryland, Baltimore County if I don't get all three recommenders to agree to my plan. I'll be okay if that happens and I'll just add another school or go with the four I have. I think I have a good plan. I've worked on it long enough, sheeze! Based on this, I expect New School to reject me and George Mason to MAYBE take me for their Masters program. UMSL is anyone's guess and Long Island University is having a hard time making a decision (never a good sign). Ugh! Last day of classes and I couldn't go because I am sick. I have a headache, slight fever, I'm dizzy, I'm tired, and my stomach is icky. I think it's my sinuses. Luckily, I could just e-mail my papers to my profs. Oh well... I tried to get up and go, but it just wasn't happening. I hope I feel better tomorrow. I have one more "last class" and I need to go.

Awesome! I sent you a message! ? I got one recommender to sign on to my "round two" plan. I hope I at least get one more! If I get all three, I can apply to Seton Hall. Ugh! I can't concentrate with all this stress. I have two papers due tomorrow and I just finished the first one (four pages, but it was an article review, so that's easy). The second one is only three to five pages, but we didn't go over the material for the paper, so it will be hard to know what he wants on this one. Oh well, I got an 'A' on the last two papers without any problems. I guess it's my fault for procrastinating... well, it kind of was, BUT I spent last weekend going through other MA programs and was so sick over it, I couldn't think about anything else. Okay, I better grab some tea, a bite to eat, and get going on this thing. It shouldn't be too bad; I'll just fill it with quotes! Quotes are great! ?

OMG... I'm so there! I have everything it takes to get in AND get the one assistantship they have. They want research experience and SPSS experience; I have both! They probably have already given it away, but I can try. Plus, no letters of recommendation or GRE scores required! They're kidding, right? I know DePaul is a great school, but to let those two things slide... it blows my mind. I read titles of past thesis papers and they seem flexible. Thank you so much Anonymous! Mnemosyne, I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!! I am smiling at your good news! Congrats! 8) Shelly, you can handle it for two short years. Also, keep looking! Wayne State has a specialization in Urban Sociology if you want to look into them. They're not that expensive, either.

Shelly, I think you should go for it! I don't think it will be waste, and if anything, you will have all those pesky theory and stats classes out of the way! Plus, you will gain research experience! I think it's a good choice and you should apply and visit. Eastern Michigan University is getting me a bit excited. I think they still have funding left! "Round Two" may work out for me after all! I've gotten some really nice e-mails in my box. I'm just waiting for a couple more before I send out apps. 8)

Okay, everyone do some voodoo for me tonight. I e-mailed a bunch of departments and my recommenders. I also sat down and talked to my boyfriend about everything. That helped a bit... UGH! Finals are coming up too and I have two papers due wednesday. FUN!

I just hate Sundays since the mail doesn't run. I'll admit, though, I look forward to the week more than the weekends since this whole grad thing started. This week won't matter since I don't think I'll hear from the rest of my schools until next week or later. Plus, if I do a small "round two" I won't hear anything until April.

I'm starting to narrow down my list. I made an Excel spreadsheet and I'm looking at everything side-by-side. Now, when I get home from having my coffee, I will e-mail my recommenders and beg them to do some more letters. If they say "no," then I need to find a couple other people to do them. I can only think of two and I don't know if either one would say "yes," so I hope my original three are up to the task. In a way, I don't see why they would say know when it takes two seconds to edit their letters. However, I already said I was done, so I'm going back on my word. UGH! This, to me, is the hardest part of this whole thing. I hate to bug people.

Thank you, Guest, for all your input! First, you asked what I did from 2001-2003. I got a paralegal certificate, hopped myself up on anti-depressants, tried bisexuality, went to weird goth clubs, got attacked with a baseball bat with nails sticking out of it, worked a ton of odd jobs, moved out of my home because I couldn't forgive my mom for what she did to me, and cried myself to sleep almost every night because I wanted to go back to college so badly. Before I went to Wright State, I applied and was accepted to several universities across the nation; then my boyfriend got a job in Dayton and I went there. Wright State was good to me. John Carroll kicked my ass and taught me how to study, but it wasn't until I got to Wright State where everything came together. Sure, the semester I was pulled out, like I said, I was getting all A's and had my duel major working for me. However, I was being pushed in a direction I really didn't want to go and my advisors didn't want to hear my input. Needless to say, my SOP starts with Wright State. This could be the problem. I have be committed to Sociology since my senior year of high school when a teacher gave me a book and said, "here I think you might like this better than Psychology." Oh boy, was he right! However, I didn't include this story in my SOP. I haven't published any papers, but I went to the American Sociological Association Honors Program and presented my research. I do mention this in my SOP. It was a great honor. I was a TA for Sociology 101 at Wright State. Again, I mention this in my SOP. I held review sessions (which turned into lecture sessions) and then played review games with the students. There were 200 people in the class, but I got to know many of the students. Some even came to my office hours! I kept grades (I was the only one, the prof did not keep them) and graded assignments. I then filled out the forms to give everyone their final grade. After this, my statistics prof wanted me to TA for her, but then I had to move to Columbus. I wish I would have gotten the chance to teach stats. I'm good with SPSS and I love teaching. My SOP has been looked at by others and I have read it over a million times. It looks at my history starting at Wright State, tells about my specific interests, and then tells the reader why their program is best for me. My SOP for George Mason points out specific professors I want to work with. A prof I have now that has his Ph.D. from Brown told me to include it in my SOP. I figured I didn't have anything to lose, so I added names so they could actually palce me with profs to work with. Wow, I am amazed that everyone is trying to help me so much! Thank you! I'm going to take the list I have and look through the programs with a fine tooth comb. Then, I'm going to e-mail my recommenders and beg them to do a few more schools for me. I'm also going shoe shopping which I hate but I really need a new pair. I still need to break into those girl scout cookies!!