Applying for PhD after a loooong hiatus...

[jajabrooklyn]

Hello,

This is my first time posting on the forum. After seven years of working in the so-called real world I've decided to try to apply for a PhD program in English. Although, in general, I'm fairly confident I can bring myself up to speed once I get back into the swing of things, I'm a little concerned about my application and whether or not it will be competitive enough. Here's where I'm at...

-Graduated from R1 University in 2001 w/ a 4.0 GPA in English; took part in a competitive year-long exchange program in the UK.

-Took the GRE's in Oct and got a 640 on Verbal and 510 or so (I forget) on the math

-Still need to take the Subject test and am planning on reading as much as I can off of this list:

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/5187/gre.html

I met with the only professor I can remember from my undergrad and he recommended that I take a literature class to get in the habit of being a student again and to hopefully make new contacts as I don't have anyone else to ask to write a me a letter of recommendation since I've been told professional references mean little and I don't even remember my other professors. He also suggested I write a new writing sample instead of using something almost a decade old.

I was hoping there might be some folks on this forum who might have some advice for me. Perhaps you've gone back to school as an "older student" (is 28 older?) or you know someone who did? Also, how do you go about finding a faculty member who interests in some way reflect your own? So far I've just been clicking down the lists on the individual sites and that takes forever!

Sorry this post is so long, but I would greatly appreciate your help!

[lauras]

I just finished my 9 applications for grad school and I earned my undergraduate degree in 1999

I followed your professor's advice and I've been taking night classes at Harvard's Extension School. You should check your local university, I'm sure they offer something similar. It took me 3 semesters to get a half way decent sample together, but I must say, it helped me to focus my interests, write the personal statement and I had three current letters of recommendation. It sounds like a long time to "wait" but studying at night actually made work more bearable for me the past year and a half.

Taking all those standardize tests are also quite time consuming when you're working full time and taking classes. If I were you, I'd map out a 2 year plan for tests, writing samples and recommendations. Realistically, you probably won't be able to start a program until Fall '1,1 at the earliest, if you start planning now. It's worth it to invest the time now. Once you get in to a program and spend 6-7 years working your eyes blind, you want it to be at the best possible school, right?

I'll let you know how I did. This year is sort of a dry run for me and I sort of anticipate applying again next year.

[lauras]

Oh, and don't focus too much on reading that list of books. Read the Norton Anthology of Literature, especially the introductory chapters to each literary period, get a Princeton Review GRE prep, get some spark notes as sad as that may sound and rent a whole bunch of "Merchant Ivory Classics" from Netflix. The only things I read closely was Norton Anthology poetry, and the novels I wanted to read anyway, for my own enjoyment. I did a decent job on the GRE with that method, far better than I would have, if I had gotten lost in the luxury of reading all those books.

[Minnesotan]

I sympathize. I went back to school after quite a break, myself. However, I finished a new BFA when I did, so I did not run into the same problems as you.

Not helpful, I know, but it's always nice to have people with whom you can commiserate. =)

[jajabrooklyn]

Thanks so much for your comments! I really appreciate it.

UCSD is the closest university, but they only have ONE course in their extension program on American playwrights, which is not really ideal. I think I will contact the grad department and see if they'll let me take a course within the department, even though I'm not enrolled... Worth a try I guess.

And thanks for tips on resources for the GREs!

I'm sure you'll see a lot more posts from in the coming months... :-)

[Minnesotan]

Most schools will let you enroll in grad courses as a non-degree student. It's just that you won't get any funding.

[commoner]

UCs have a great Extension program. I'm trying to get into a class this spring myself in Santa Cruz. Really depends on how full the class is after enrolled students have registered. Remember that it is probably close to closing time so you may not be able to reach anyone until the week before the quarter starts, which is perfect. They'll know how full the class is by then.

As another elderly student (i got 8 years on you), I found it most beneficial to enter a CSU MA program. If you can breath, they will more than likely let you in. If you are considering taking some time to get back into things, you might as well be earning some initials for your name, right? You will generate lots of new writing, earn some recommendations, and it can only help you focus your research.

Good luck to you either way!

c.man, M.A.