butalas

Hey this sounds super interesting! What are you looking at specifically in terms of social theory on antebellum culture?

I experienced similar misfortune with my lit GRE score, but still managed to get accepted to some really great programs. Another piece of advice: one of my recommendation writers, a professor of mine who I am really close with, specifically addressed this in her letter. That is, she told me she said something about how I simply cannot take these crazy tests. Of course, she truly believes in my ability to study literature/conduct research at a high level: she wouldn't have defended me so strongly if she didn't believe that to be true. But anyway, it might be worth mentioning to your letter writers that you scored poorly on the GREs, and hopefully they will write some nice words pardoning you. It's always better to address these things directly, rather than submitting some questionable numbers and hoping the committees either pass by them blindly, or by their own deftness, magically see that your strengths lie elsewhere.

Go for it! I have some friends who live over there and it's definitely a nice/safe area.

I would be glad to help. I also would be more than happy to send my SOP/WS/whatever-you-want if you think that it would help spark some new ideas. Disclaimer: I applied to 9 schools, was rejected from 4, waitlisted at 1 (I eventually turned them down) and accepted to 4.

Indeed. I ask about the languages because most comparative lit programs require 1 or 2 languages besides English upon entry (someone correct me if I'm wrong). This could be a huge plus for your studies if you are looking to study American AND a non-English literature.

oh, and good luck!

Hey there! From your list, I applied to UPenn, Boston University and UC Santa Cruz and was only accepted by Boston University. Also, I applied for the MA program at each. My focus is in 19th C American lit and critical theory. Also, my undergraduate GPA was certainly below yours (3.6 in lit). But, I do need to state that I had a very strong writing sample, SoP and letters of recommendation--I really think these components of the application are the most important. UPenn would have been a great fit for me, but maybe they were a bit too prestigious for me anyway. UCSC, on the other hand, wasn't such a great fit. I really felt that it made sense why I didn't get into certain schools--my interests and the school didn't match up so well. So maybe that's my advice--work on your writing sample A LOT and find those schools which REALLY fit your intended program of study. Hope this helps!

From what I remember, UC Santa Cruz seemed to be pretty focused on comparative, although I can't comment on whether that includes Scandinavian/Icelandic. Do you speak a Scandinavian language?

If you want to do this, there are a few things you should consider. While you will certainly need a car to live in Westchester, I would highly advise against using it to commute to school. Driving in New York isn't so bad, but parking is. And I mean REALLY bad. The best option is to then use commuter rail (Metro-North) which will take about 30 minutes-1 hour to get to Grand Central Station. From there you can take the 7 cross-town to Times Sq. and transfer to the 1, which will take you to Columbia. It's totally do-able, and thousands of people do it everyday, but be aware that you will really not have the feeling of living in New York. I think it would be much better to live in Queens close to a subway connection if you are looking for a "quieter" New York experience. The commute would be a bit shorter and cheaper (Metro-North tickets are about $15 for a round-trip, although I'm not sure how much a monthly pass is, but I think it's around the $200 range) and you would still be living in New York. Living outside of the city will create a strong barrier between you and the city and you will never really feel like a New Yorker. Hope this helps!

Readwritenap makes some really good points. If you plan on going for your PhD, then a two year MA program is really the best option. It will give you enough time to really develop as a graduate student (I'm speaking from assumption, not experience). Plus, if you decide to go to BC, then we will meet there!

I think most never even apply; hence her "other" life where she is applying to "Graduate School"--the general concept of it, not an actual university.

Although I don't think it true for most of the people on GC, she does sort of embody the current generation's view on graduate school. That is, the view that graduate school will save you from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; that it is a continuation of your undergraduate experience in which academia played a secondary, if not tertiary role next to partying, frat house gatherings, and the like. She is one of those people who talk about applying to grad school because they don't know what else to do with their lives. Those people really give me the jeebies.

The "mind-dump" idea is a great one--just let it all out. I'm sure you have a lot of thoughts and a lot to say...so say it! For me, I work best either in the early morning or just after dinner. They are both relaxing moments of the day that allow me to "let it flow." Small bits at a time; don't think about the quality of the writing; steady progress. Cramming produces incoherent work and muddled ideas. Just try to set aside a few hours each day (again I suggest early morning when there is just you, coffee, and the essay--nobody around to bother you) and you will steadily climb that mountain.

I don't purport to by any kind of wizard in this area, although it seems that *almost* all of my emails receive some sort of response. I just e-mailed the cuny grad center for feedback with the subject line "Recent Rejection." I received a response and was told that they would be happy to answer my questions after May 1st (also I directed the email to the wrong person).

Yeah it's great! Also, just be aware, it can be VERY addicting.