harvardlonghorn

From what I understand the General exam (Computer-based) can be taken pretty much any time, whereas the Subject/Literature exam is only offered on specific dates/times. Also, I think if you're taking the Paper-based General exam, that is also only administered on specific dates/times. I definitely want to focus only on the General exam and not class and the General Exam. It's going to be hard enough taking the Subject exam whilst completing/procrastinating on applications and writing my Master's thesis

I haven't taken the GRE yet either! Aargh!! I have a seven week break between the spring and summer semesters, so I plan on taking a GRE crash/prep course and the exam at that time. Fingers crossed!!

I noticed there was a fall 2013 forum alive and kicking in the History section and a pang of jealousy came over me. Is anyone else out there gearing up for the Fall 2013 admissions cycle? I am finishing up my masters degree this fall and seem to be at a loss on the best possible approach. When are we supposed to contact POIs? Are we required to contact POIs? I feel like I'm trying to figure out how to join a secret society and the stress is already getting to me!! I'm slightly OCD, so I have written (and ripped up) far too many "academic game plans" and I think an electronic forum might be a better solution. At the very least, it will help me save the trees. I would love to chat with anyone prepping for the upcoming application cycle, as well as past applicants!!!

I am currently working on my Masters in English Literature and anticipate graduating in November 2013. I will be done with my class requirements fall 2012 and solely working on my Masters thesis. My concern with submitting applications for fall 2013 is that 1) my application will only reflect my gpa through summer 2012 which would likely still be a 3.67 (A-). If I continue to earn A's in my final two courses and my thesis, my gpa would be a 3.76. I know this is only a small difference but it is the small differences that determine acceptance vs rejection. 2) If I submit in fall 2014, I could take a few extra courses and finish with a 3.82 and make the Dean's List. It would also give me additional time to focus on both GRE exams. The downside to waiting an additional year is I feel like I'm stuck in limbo. I am 31 years old. I received my bachelor's degree at age 20, nearly 11 years ago. I worked for several years before returning to graduate school. There is a part of me that feels if I wait until fall 2014, my focus will no longer be on school. Whereas, right now my focus is entirely on school and succeeding. For those of you that have applied (and reapplied) to PhD programs, did you feel you fared better by waiting an additional year?