Ohio State apps

[bachr1989]

I was wondering if anyone else is applying to OSU for fall 2012.

On the application info webpage, it mentions sending materials electronically to the e-mail address of the grad school coordinator, James Bach.

Just wondering if that's literally what we do, send in an e-mail with several attachments and a subject heading "Ph.D. Application." Seems a little too... what's the word? Simple?

And also, it says we submit the GREs to the Graduate School but says that we can send physical copy to the History Grad School Coordinator but does not mention GREs as something we send to him. The whole page is very misleading, totally confusing.

Anyone experience the same issue?

[Sigaba]

I was wondering if anyone else is applying to OSU for fall 2012.

On the application info webpage, it mentions sending materials electronically to the e-mail address of the grad school coordinator, James Bach.

Just wondering if that's literally what we do, send in an e-mail with several attachments and a subject heading "Ph.D. Application." Seems a little too... what's the word? Simple?

And also, it says we submit the GREs to the Graduate School but says that we can send physical copy to the History Grad School Coordinator but does not mention GREs as something we send to him. The whole page is very misleading, totally confusing.

Anyone experience the same issue?

bachr1989--

FWIW, my reading of the instructions is the same of yours--submit the required materials to the designated POC. Were I in your situation (and a part of me wishes that I were), I'd send the materials as PDFs--ideally with password protection to prevent alterations--attached to a cover email using an application that allowed for delivery and read receipts.

If you're still uncertain, you could clear up any issues by calling the department directly. You could phrase the call as follows: "I read the instructions on the webpage, and I am calling to verify that I'm understanding those instructions." (I would not phrase the call as "Are you sure this is the way you want me to submit the materials.")

Best of luck on getting into THE Ohio State University!

[sandyvanb]

I am applying to OSU as well, but I haven't started the application yet. It was on my list for tomorrow. Sounds frustrating though...

[iamincontrolhere-haig]

Give him a call! He's been very helpful about answering my questions. From what I've gathered, you send him everything the website asks for and he compiles it all in a folder in his email and distributes it to your POIs when the time comes. I don't think he's too picky about "official copies" of your GRE scores and transcripts--the Graduate Admissions Office receives those--just scan and email. Probably best to send everything in one email, though!

Also, be sure to emphasize the "the" in THE Ohio State University in your statement of purpose!

[2012hopeful]

Hi all. I have a similar question regarding references. It also mentions letters of recommendation under the items that should be submitted electronically to the Graduate Studies Coordinator. Does this mean our references should be e-mailing the GSC as well? Should they also be registered with the online application? I sent an inquiry to the folks at OSU already, but, as I have yet to hear back, I was hoping that someone here might be in the know. Thanks!

[TMP]

Your LORs will be notified to submit their letters after you've submitted your application. Weird but it was that way last time I applied to OSU. No problem at all, even if I submitted it right on December 1st.

Edit: Then again... now I'm not sure. Those LORs are supposed to be confidential. I suppose that your LOR writers can send him their LORs to the coordinator separately... I'm guessing they're trying to be more efficient with the process by collecting as much material as possible from applicants instead of waiting until the Graduate School forwards on applications.

Edited November 14, 2011 by ticklemepink

[iamincontrolhere-haig]

I spoke to the GSC and he told me that letters should be submitted in two ways: through ApplyWeb and via email (in an attachment, on letterhead).

[bachr1989]

OSU is the only school I'm applying to with this much of a hassle haha.

[2012hopeful]

Thanks haig et al. for the helpful and timely responses! I agree with you bachr that the non-standard operating procedure is a bit of a hassle, but I suppose I'm in favor of any effort on the part of the department to review our complete files sooner.

[bachr1989]

http://admissions.osu.edu/apps/pdfs/refer.pdf

I just stumbled upon this pdf. Do we need to have our letter of rec writers fill this out?

I never heard anything about this.

[bachr1989]

Nevermind, ugh. Just freaking myself out. Please disregard.

[sandyvanb]

I spoke to James Bach today and he said emailing him everything wasn't a requirement, it is backup just in case something doesn't come through. I'll probably do it anyway...

[oryantin]

Does anyone know how flexible they are for late GRE scores? In fact, it is very clear on the web site of Graduate School that incomplete applications are not considered for fellowships but TA'ships or RA'ships may be more flexible. If it is %100 percent true, I will not apply.

[TMP]

Why not apply anyway and see what happens? "Fellowships" are usually university-wide and money from other departments and GRE scores are used to compare applicants.

You would still have a shot at the department's own package.

[oryantin]

Why not apply anyway and see what happens? "Fellowships" are usually university-wide and money from other departments and GRE scores are used to compare applicants.

You would still have a shot at the department's own package.

because of the application fee and shipping fee from turkey that costs a lot?

[maeisenb]

Email them and ask. I don't know your exact financial situation, but a little extra spent up front could save you a lot down the road. i.e. Paying 100 bucks for shipping extra stuff could work out to save you thousands in stipend money long term.

[jimbach]

Hello everyone - I'd like to clarify some things that are unclear - applicants to the History program need not send duplicate copies of anything. Anything you attach to your application is accessible and need not be email or mailed. That includes letters of recommendations. However, if you want to email me your supporting documents as a safeguard, that's fine.

Also, for the first time, the university is not requiring official transcripts from applicants. We will accept unofficial transcripts that can be faxed or emailed. Other programs within the university still might require official transcripts but the History department does not, so save your money. One provision is the transcripts must be in English - this is a university requirement, not a departmental one.

But if you have any questions just email me. I try to get to them within a day or two.