hbeels

I have a question about how to get back in touch with professors... I graduated undergrad in May 2012, and I'm looking to apply to grad school Fall 2015 at the earliest. I've kept up with two professors, but allowed my relationship with another to lapse--I didn't know I wanted to attend grad school and didn't think to keep up with him to secure a LOR. He and I had a pretty good relationship, and I'm certain he'll recommend me well--I suppose I'm just not sure how to get back in touch with him. Since I'm not applying till next fall, this isn't the time to ask for an LOR, but I want to touch base at least. Does this make sense? If so, any suggestions?

Hi all, To give you a bit of background--I've been seriously considering a career in IR for some time. Recently I've decided to take steps towards applying to graduate school. I graduated with a 3.6 (3.9 in major) in history in '12 from a not-very-prestigious university. I'm interested in Middle Eastern history and am taking steps to learn a language and possibly teach English abroad for a couple years, if just to get some international experience. Of course I'm interested in attending an Ivy, but I suppose I'm wondering if it's worth the pursuit. I didn't have fantastic grades in undergrad and I'm not great with standardized tests. I know many of the schools claim to be holistic in their admissions, but it doesn't always work out that way. I was also wondering if anyone has any suggestions for IR related internships or work experience. I'm sure teaching abroad will have its own benefits, but I'm also interested in getting more directly related experience. Most of the positions I've found are strictly for already-admitted grad students or require an MA. Feel free to give me any other advice as well. Thanks!

Congrats, unforth! Nice work in the math section... I'm a little worried about my own scores in that, haha

In the 1830s, Mexico passed a set of anti-immigration laws to prevent Americans from moving into what is now Texas. Interesting turn of events.

Yikes! You're already way ahead of me! I haven't taken/haven't even started studying for the GRE yet (good life decisions going on here)... but I'm finishing up my undergrad this week, so I've been a little busy. I've done a ton of research on schools, but I have yet to contact any of them yet. Really, just been talking with my professors about my plans and making sure I have three or four good LORs in my back pocket. I'm considering visiting a few universities in the next several months, but I may decide to wait to do that until I find out where I've been accepted... don't want to get my hopes up. But in the meantime, working a BS job, reading books, contacting POIs, enjoying the summer, and shooting the breeze.

ok. definitely not my fault this time.

Its a shame that tone of voice can't be conveyed over the internet. That was a joke. I was using an absurdity to poke fun at both myself (for not being the most computer savvy) and, to some extent, the school for not making their websites very use-friendly... and I suppose to genuinely express my exasperation. I'm not actually judging institutions based on their websites. Promise.

I think I'm going to have to just bite the bullet and buy a little bit more expensive books. I customarily just get whatever is the cheapest and usually end up with marked/highlighted copies. And that drives me crazy. Have you noticed that the previous owners always seem to underline the irrelevant information? (insert giant sigh) I wish I wasn't so picky.

Oh man, this stuff drives me crazy. Some schools' sites it takes me a full half hour to find the information I'm looking for. I'm almost starting to judge schools based on their websites.

exploded

The author makes a good point, which another user (sorry, can't remember your username... starts with an "L") drew out well, I think. Grad school is rough. The application process is rough. That being said, the article quickly left the "grad-school-is-hard" content and took on a tone that was pretty demeaning--not just to this forum but to the "sort of people" that apply to and attend graduate school. But honestly, is this anything new? Haven't we all, at some point or another, excitedly told someone about our plans only to be met with condescension and assumptions about our "elitist" mentality?

And by goof, I mean good.

Ah! How I wish I had your goof fortune! I sell suburbanite-rich-white-folks overpriced pastries and coffee. All with a dangerously superficial smile on my face and a precipitously balanced artificial interest and delight in the intricacies of my customers' lives. Good times. Although, it has become a little more bearable knowing that the end is in sight.

Pauli is right--not all PhDs go on to--or even want to go on to--work at universities. There are many opportunities for PhDs outside academia... I would suggest trying not to limit yourself to a single, exclusive career path. Keep your options open! You'll be more likely to find something in your area of interest, and you will probably be happier in job X, even if job Y was your first choice.

graham crackers and corn flakes were invented to curb sexual appetite. people thought their bodies had only a set amount of energy--they didn't want to use it up having too much sex.