MonoE

Hi there, I'm a medievalist in English who got admitted to a few schools this season. Here's my advice: First, show some initiative. What really helped me out, I think, was my self-motivated language study. I don't actually have Latin (a big plus for any candidate in medieval) but I had Greek, Old English, Middle English, and reading knowledge in a bunch of others. At once school, on my visit I was referred to as the 'autodidact.' I think that's a big reason why I got into that school. Since most undergraduate programs don't have the most rigorous medieval program, and since most graduate programs don't have super-extensive course offerings in medieval, market yourself as a self-starter, someone who is going to thrive in a good program and make the program look great with minimal pampering. Second: the writing stuffs. Your writing sample and personal statement need to be some of the best writing you've ever done. In my personal statement, I showed that I had done extensive research on the programs I applied to. In one statement for example (for one school I gained admission to), I listed the courses I would take to complete a dual master's in Medieval Studies. It's that kind of specificity that's going to make you stand out. And third, take yourself seriously, and present yourself seriously. These programs get a whole bunch of half-hearted applications, sometimes from people who don't know what grad school is about. You can immediately distinguish yourself with just a touch of professionalism and self-confidence in your writing and communications with the school. Present yourself as a competent scholar and an affable colleague. Really own it; self-doubt tends to shine through in writing. That's my two cents.

I just accepted Yale's offer and I'm so excited!! Let obsessive apartment hunting commence tomorrow. Let this also be a standing declaration that I'm looking for a roommate or two (I'm a guy, but I can live with anyone). I'm looking for something cute and reasonable north of campus; I will probably want to move in sometime in June, but if you aren't going to be in New Haven until the fall, we can work something out. E-mail me (hit the email button) and I'll be sure to get back to you. Let's coordinate our searches, people! --Eric