antoinette

Thanks damequixote, but I think I'm finally content with it after quite a struggle

Oklahoma State University. And I agree, it's unusual. The other schools that I'm applying to ask for at least a page. It is DEFINITELY testing my editing skills, ha!

I've heard really encouraging words about sending extra letters, but I've also read advice regarding the "top ten mistakes grad applicants make," and in bold, highlighted, flashing letters: DON'T SEND MORE LORs THAN ASKED FOR! And I thought, "Well, crap. I just did that." Good to know it's not so doom and gloom. And all 3 letters are really strong, so if they ignore one of them, it won't be that big of a deal. Thanks for the advice!

I've been getting conflicting information regarding this issue. I'm applying to a Master's in English for Fall 2013, and one school I've applied to asked for 2 letters of recommendation (instead of the usual 3). My academic advisor told me to go ahead and submit 3 to this school, so I did. Now I'm beginning to worry that this may hurt my application more than help it. It could appear obnoxious, show that I can't follow directions, and give the committee more work than they desire. So, is this the kiss of death? The department didn't specifically say "at least" 2 letters, but neither did they say "no more than" 2. Ugh. This school is my top choice, and I'm starting to panic.

OK, good to know

Ok. Would going over the limit by 30 or 40 words (280-290) hurt me? They do say "approximately"; I just don't know how much space that allows me :S. Thanks for your response.

This may seem like an odd issue to have. I'm applying for an MA in English for Fall 2013, and for one of the schools, I must submit a personal statement of approximately 250 words that describes the degree I want to pursue, reasons for pursuing this degree, relevant work experience, and career goals. Yes, I must address all of these topics in a mere 250 words or so. Such a small word limit has been more restrictive than easy. I'm struggling to address all of these aspects in the prompt as well as provide a sense of who I am through more personal examples and a unique and fresh introduction in under 300 words. Each draft always ends up sounding impersonal, bare-bones, and a bit mechanical, and I'm stuck. I've been spending too much time on it, and I need to send it soon. How should I approach this issue? What should I sacrifice? How seriously do committees take these word limits? I'm wondering if, by making such a short word requirement, the program expects applicants to write SOPs that are more "to the point." Any advice would be appreciated, really. I think I just need some outside opinions.

Thanks everyone for such great advice. It's nice to know my situation isn't abnormal, and you've mentioned some interesting programs to consider and offered resources for further preparation; mspiegel, that is soo awesome that Yale's lit theory courses can be accessed online, thanks for that information! I know I'll be checking that out.

Amanda C, It's interesting that you mention Nebraska because one of my professors this past semester also mentioned that Nebraska's English MA program is really strong. It seems like it's a school worth considering, I'll have to look into it. Going to school in Canada has always been a dream of mine, and nothing more, unfortunately, because I assume, as an international student, I would pay an exorbitant amount for tuition. Maybe I'm wrong. I should probably do more research because the what you've said about the Windsor MA program sounds great. Thanks for the advice!

"Discuss the interface between your research interests and your teaching interests." Great point, I will keep that in mind. Thanks for the advice and the much needed laugh . That clip was a riot.

I'm planning to apply for Masters programs in rhetoric, composition and pedagogy. The schools I'm considering are mostly smaller state schools. Right now I'm taking the year off (I just graduated with my BA in English, minors Psychology and Spanish this May). Later this summer I will start a 4-month internship in South America where I will teach English at a language school. Once I return I plan to apply to Masters programs for Fall 2013. As far as my qualifications go, I earned a 3.89 GPA as an undergraduate (honors), participated in the English Honor Society and was the president of another student organization, and I worked part-time for three years at my university's writing center as a Writing Tutor. This position was really valuable both personally and professionallly as it led me to my current interest in composition and the teaching of writing. I'm expecting my internship to give me valuable experience and direction as well. I'm going to apply for Teaching Assistantships (all the schools I'm considering offer them to MA students), so is my background adequate enough to be awarded a TA position? What makes me uneasy is that I know my university's undergraduate English program is weak. While I cultivated relationships with my professors and got as much from my program as I thought possible, I only received very introductory instruction (if that) in literary theory, for example, and I didn't have any "specialization". I guess I'm just worried that my undergraduate English courses were too general and not challenging enough. I'm not applying to Ivy Leagues/prestigious universities (or even top state universities for that matter), but I still don't want to be naive about grad school in English. What academic background is expected of a student entering a Masters in English?