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billogna

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Everything posted by billogna

  1. booksareneat: Chicago was actually an example--in truth I'm pretty obsessive about looking through school websites (though, as you all have suggested, I should probably go the extra mile and *ask* if I have a question [the MA issue]--go figure). The problem is that I don't have a very good consensus of the applicant pool--my competition. I have this feeling (perhaps misguided!) that 'brand name' schools carry more weight on an app. In addition I can't help but assume that I'm behind (which is why I can definitely get behind the advice to study study study) those from stronger programs. Spritely: You're probably right--I'm considering taking an extra year in undergrad (even though I have my degree in order) just to spend a little more time with professors writing and reading and building a better 'case' for admission. And if English PhD's are better about accepting MA holders...well, I'm definitely not against an English degree! spartaca: I feel you in the commitment department--I can't say the prospect of signing away five plus years of my life to research (and not changing my mind!) doesn't have me shaking in my boots. And I have to agree with what you said about your undergrad institution. It's definitely not that I'm ungrateful--these are the professors that got me interested in theory and literature in the first place. I'm just worried that I'm at a disadvantage. I'm pretty sure I'll take the MA route first. If nothing else, I'll feel better prepared (it might just change the lineup of PhD programs I apply to--and worse things could happen!). Thank you! How did I not know this place existed sooner?
  2. Let's be honest: I'm not applying to schools. I'm not sure if being in the midst of the app process is a prereq for this forum, but there you go. I'm here largely because I will very soon be in the throes of application and need some feedback before biting off more than I can chew. I'm not from a great school. It's not that I don't appreciate my departments (French, English) or the faculty (often brilliant), but--since we're being honest--Missouri State isn't exactly top-tier. Which leaves me at sort of a cross-roads. In my dreams I'd be applying to schools like Chicago (hell--if I'm dreaming I might as well apply to Yale) next year, but I'm afraid that my undergrad institution won't make me a competitive candidate for any PhD program. So I thought about instead applying to MA programs, thinking they'd be less competitive in admission (and in any case, bolster my 'creds' for more prestigious programs). But then I've also heard that already having an MA can hurt my chances for PhD programs. Dilemma. Just want to know if anyone is in (or has been in) a similar situation, of if anyone has advice.
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