toasterazzi

I believe Binhamton's is February 15th as well.

Haha nah. I think you're pretty sane. I've only made the rounds to all of the sites collectively once thus far. But I've checked one of them like ten times by itself, so there's that...

I currently use a Macbook Pro. I'm pretty solidly in the Apple camp when it comes to computers. It's a matter of personal preference for me. I've had my current computer since 2011. I used to have some qualms about the Macbook Airs, but I think that if I were to get another Mac laptop in the future, I'd probably seriously consider an Air. They pretty much have everything I'd need for what I've been doing. I do love my Pro though. And it's held up quite nicely *knocks on wood.*

Sounds about right. Time to set up shop.

Yeah I saw the accept/deny link so it seems to be fairly official hehe. Also, yay for possible colleagues!

Ahhhhhhhh! So I'm hoping this isn't some random glitch because I haven't gotten an email or phone call or letter or anything yet, but a little while ago, I took a random glance at the results board and saw a few posts from people saying they'd been accepted at Ohio State. So I just checked my own page on the app status site and it says, "Congratulations - you have been offered admission!" Ahhhhhhhh! *flails Kermit-style*

Congrats!

Just knocked out one more app, and I have two more to go. Definitely ready to be done.

I almost had a small heart attack last night after receiving an email from a school that I applied to roughly a month ago that started with... "We appreciate your interest in the English department." Mind you, this email came in at around 1am as I was falling asleep. Luckily, it ended up essentially just being a generic status update, but it definitely threw me off for a minute.

I have a couple more apps due within the next few weeks, but I'm feeling fairly calm about the whole situation. I've definitely avoided revisiting app materials though. I can only imagine that I'd fine some ridiculous error to bang my head into the wall about lol

I don't know about the best exactly, but I know a lot of people use and respect the Rosetta Stone software. It's a little too pricey for me, but I've heard it produces good results. I use Duolingo, which may not go as far in depth as some might want depending on individual needs, but it keeps me sharp.

I love the love for YA I'm seeing in here. It's one of my main research interests .

I've done three apps so far. I think I'm doing four more, but a few of them aren't due until the end of January/beginning of February, so I'll get to breathe a little bit after this next one.

Yeah there are some programs that require a MA and some that won't give you any credit if you already have a MA, but most I've looked at seem to fall somewhere in between where it's not required but having it might get you some course credit toward the PhD.

I didn't take the subject tests because I didn't have the money for it and none of the programs I'm applying to require it. That being said, from what I've heard, most people score pretty terribly on the test. So I'd imagine that you'd be fine.

When I did my research on how to write a CV, I found that it seems to be ok to list upcoming presentations that have been accepted. And I've shared my CV with 3 of my profs with an upcoming presentation listed on it, and they didn't have any complaints about it.

In my department, there've been a couple people who've gotten together while we've been here. And there's one new couple that looks like it's on the brink of happening. It's not impossible. And I think you CAN make time for a social life while also maintaining your grades if you really work at it. That's what I do anyways. And I'll also add that I met my fiance online when I was 23. I think that's a decent route to go if you really think you'll have a hard time meeting people in your area. He did ultimately end up moving to my town within a few months of us talking and we've been together ever since. We'll both be 27 by the time we get married, and it'll probably be at least another couple years before any kids come along. I definitely want a family, but I also think things take time and there's not as much of a rush needed as it might seem like at times. That's just my two cents.

Well, it was a regional conference so I figured it would be on the smaller side. Though, from what I've heard, the attendance at PAMLA has been increasing every year. I only attended one session that was in a hotel room, and I thought that was a bit weird. I thought all the other rooms were fine though, and the fact that some of the sessions were on the boat was pretty cool to me. I presented in the first session of the first day and there were maybe 8 people in the audience, but I kinda expected that given the time. Also, I tried to keep in mind that there were 10 or so sessions for each time slot, so people were pretty spread out. There were some sessions I went to that were pretty full though. I didn't really mind that it wasn't a packed room for everything though. To me, it made the sessions a bit more intimate and more people got to/felt comfortable enough to express their opinions than I think would've been heard in a larger group.

Definitely happy that I got my presentation out of the way in the first session. Also, I'm loving this weather and scenery

Just a few days away now. My excitement is really starting to pick up. I've looked at the program, and it looks like there's be some great presentations. Yay for learning and whatnot

Ah yes, that's Pusheen dressed up as Harry Potter. I think it's appropriate for the season

That's how I'm trying to look at it as well It's currently 38 degrees where I am. Today's high is a toasty 47 degrees lol. We're supposed to have 50 and 60 degree weather with rain for a lot of the next week and a half. So the weather in CA will be a much appreciated change of pace for me hehe.

Nice. I'm definitely excited about getting a chance to escape the chill of the midwest hehe.

I remember it coming up in various threads earlier this year that several people were attending this year's PAMLA conference, and I figured it might be worthwhile to have a thread where we can all congregate and talk (read: freak out) about it. For my part, I'll be presenting in the one of the first sessions on day one in my first time presenting ever. Lucky me?

I'm in the process of getting my MA right now, and our grad students typically take 3 classes and teach 2 classes per semester. Some people do work throughout the semester and manage it fairly well. Though I would say that they only work on a part time basis (a few days a week at most) for their other jobs. I work in the campus bookstore during the school breaks, and I just took on a short term gig as scholarship essay reviewer for my university. I've seen people buckle under the stress of just the teaching and taking classes though so I'd say the capability to have an additional job on top of that probably varies from person to person.