Fall 2013 English Lit Applicants

[claire56]

Proflorax, thanks for your feedback. That helps a lot.

Another question for you or anyone else who may know.

If a school asks for a 15-25 page critical writing sample, does it make a difference to them (generally, to your knowledge) if you send a 20 page paper, or if you send two very good 10-12 page papers? They usually don't say on their websites, but I wondered if you all think sending two 10-12 pagers makes it look like you're not in the big leagues writing long papers? For the record, I have a good 20+ page paper, but I may like my shorter ones better...don't know yet.

Same question for the schools that ask for just a 10-12 page writing sample. Could I conceivably send two 6 page papers? Even though they're way short, I did write a few short papers during my M.A. and during my undergrad years that I think could be polished up for good writing samples.

What would you all do? What do you plan to do?

Thanks in advance!

[claire56]

Another question about the SoP.

To your thinking, how many scholarly texts is too many to mention? I hear it's a good idea to maybe mention one or two that has/have influenced your thinking or helped shape your research idea. But how many is too many? I was thinking of mentioning two. One related to one research idea, and a second related to the other. Think that's fine? Or should I be title-dropping more? (And for the record, it would be titles I have actually read, not just things I'm throwing in...). But I don't want to meander into annoying/pretentious territory.

Thanks...

Edited June 11, 2012 by claire56

[asleepawake]

Proflorax, thanks for your feedback. That helps a lot.

Another question for you or anyone else who may know.

If a school asks for a 15-25 page critical writing sample, does it make a difference to them (generally, to your knowledge) if you send a 20 page paper, or if you send two very good 10-12 page papers? They usually don't say on their websites, but I wondered if you all think sending two 10-12 pagers makes it look like you're not in the big leagues writing long papers? For the record, I have a good 20+ page paper, but I may like my shorter ones better...don't know yet.

Same question for the schools that ask for just a 10-12 page writing sample. Could I conceivably send two 6 page papers? Even though they're way short, I did write a few short papers during my M.A. and during my undergrad years that I think could be polished up for good writing samples.

What would you all do? What do you plan to do?

Thanks in advance!

I think the conventional wisdom is that it is best to go with a longer sample, as it proves you can do work of that length. However, especially if you are applying with only a BA, you may not have a 20-30 page sample that you are confident about. I don't think sending two 10-15 page samples would be the worst thing you could so, especially if both are excellent, but it might be a good idea to e-mail programs and ask first. Otherwise, can you extend one of these 10 page works into 15-20?

I think that a 6 page sample is simply too short no matter what the guidelines, though.

[claire56]

Thanks asleepawake. That makes a lot of sense.

[cowglands]

I can shoot some PMs to interested parties regarding my subject study methods and exam experience. I scored 90%+ with like 2 months' prep time.

Full disclosure, I have only unfunded MA offers this year (ie, didn't get accepted). Compare to Stately above.

I would love any study methods or information you can provide. Please!

[id quid]

I'm having one hell of a time with recommendation letters. I know one professor who would be very happy to write me a very strong letter. Another professor I know would write me a strong letter, if I meet her criteria for students she wishes to recommend. The third I am iffy on; I was a transfer, and I didn't have a chance to make a positive impression on very many professors in my field. It worries me a little, but I figure two strong letters -- one by a star in the field, another by a rising star in the field -- and one slightly impersonal one will be alright. Right?

I seem to have a lot of things working against me here. I may pull my apps back to strictly Master's programs, and maybe even strictly Master's programs abroad.

My confidence is definitely shot, and I haven't even put in an application yet!

[Two Espressos]

Wow, the fall 2013 cohort is a talkative bunch! I can't wait to see what this board's like in the heart of application season!

[claire56]

How important do you all think it is for one's writing sample to match one's stated research interest? The writing sample I've been intending to use is one of my best papers from my M.A. program, and though it is American Literature (my broad area of interest), it's American Romanticism -- Herman Melville. it does not in any remote way relate to my interest for a PhD program. I'm interested in the Harlem Renaissance, modernism, post-modernism, feminist literary theory, women, gender, sexuality, etc. It's just that the paper on Melville (and humor in one of his works) is, to me, my best critical analysis.

I've been thinking of writing a new paper that's about 15 pages that is related to my area of interest. I don't have anything old that I think is good enough.

Do you think an applicant raises her chance for admittance if she submits a writing sample very matched with what she wants to do in the program?

I actually think it would be fun to write a new paper; I already have an idea. Yet, I feel a little silly going to the trouble if it really doesn't matter to most programs, if they're really just looking for your ability to think critically and don't care if it "matches" your interest or not.

Thanks in advance.

Edited June 13, 2012 by claire56

[Augusta]

claire56, as I've been researching different programs, I've found that some schools actually state in their admissions requirements that the writing sample should reflect one's research interests. Of course, there are many other schools that don't say anything like this. I suggest you check with your programs' requirements and, if necessary, contact them directly to ask.

Based on the advice I've received, I suspect you shouldn't worry about making sure your sample touches on every single one of your interests, especially if your paper could turn out a convoluted mish-mash of assorted ideas as a result. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[margarethale]

I was a transfer, and I didn't have a chance to make a positive impression on very many professors in my field. It worries me a little, but I figure two strong letters -- one by a star in the field, another by a rising star in the field -- and one slightly impersonal one will be alright. Right?

I seem to have a lot of things working against me here. I may pull my apps back to strictly Master's programs, and maybe even strictly Master's programs abroad.

My confidence is definitely shot, and I haven't even put in an application yet!

Would it be possible for you to get a recommendation from the school that you transferred from? If you built a good relationship with the faculty at your original institution, then it would absolutely be appropriate for you to ask them for a letter - especially since your transcripts will show that you were a transfer student.

How important do you all think it is for one's writing sample to match one's stated research interest?

From what my past professors have told me - important. I applied during the 2011 season with a statement of purpose that didn't match my writing sample and I didn't get into a single program. This season, I really worked on fine tuning my SoP and my writing sample and made sure that the one reflected the other. I was much more successful this go around. From what my professors told me, having a SoP that reflects your writing sample makes your application as a whole look more cohesive (which makes you look like a more appealing applicant).

Given how competitive graduate literature studies is (most programs in the top 50 have between 2-4% acceptance rates), if there is something that you think could help you get accepted, you should do it if you're serious about going to graduate school. This is most definitely the time to go the extra mile.

[cowglands]

Just because I am happy to have found this thread, and other people in similar (though often more prepared) situations as me, I thought I would share this.

We are going to have a lot more bad days in the coming months: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/13-simple-steps-to-get-you-through-a-rough-day

[claire56]

From what my past professors have told me - important. I applied during the 2011 season with a statement of purpose that didn't match my writing sample and I didn't get into a single program. This season, I really worked on fine tuning my SoP and my writing sample and made sure that the one reflected the other. I was much more successful this go around. From what my professors told me, having a SoP that reflects your writing sample makes your application as a whole look more cohesive (which makes you look like a more appealing applicant).

Given how competitive graduate literature studies is (most programs in the top 50 have between 2-4% acceptance rates), if there is something that you think could help you get accepted, you should do it if you're serious about going to graduate school. This is most definitely the time to go the extra mile.

Thanks for that feedback (and thanks to Augusta as well). What you say doesn't bother me at all, because I actually want to write a new paper. I'm genuinely excited about my interest, and it wouldn't be a chore for me. My next concern is this: is it going to bother the committees that I'm writing something new? I do have old papers that take a feminist critical approach, but they're either too short or not good enough. (I wrote this one paper for a course I took called Feminist Criticism, and I think the paper sucked, but it's not a reflection of what I'm capable of nor does it reflect a lack of interest). I really want to write a new paper.

And assuming they don't mind my writing a new paper (and I'm assuming most won't), what do I put at the top where I have to put a professor name and course name? I want the paper to be MLA formatted with proper heading. But I can't rightfully say I wrote it for such-and-such course for such-and-such professor if I didn't.

Lastly, they are going to know I didn't write it while in grad school (in my M.A. program) because the book I want to write about was published in October 2011 (I graduated from my program in May 2011). Even if one could say that I don't have to state explicitly that I didn't write the paper for a course, some particularly attentive person might notice the dates thing.

Thoughts?

Thanks

[antecedent]

Just because I am happy to have found this thread, and other people in similar (though often more prepared) situations as me, I thought I would share this.

We are going to have a lot more bad days in the coming months: http://www.buzzfeed....ugh-a-rough-day

That just made my day.

[sunshan]

Hi, everyone! Does anyone know when we can register for the English GRE in October or November? The GRE website isn't letting me register, but I want to have a plan, haha. Also, anyone else taking it this fall?

[Augusta]

sunshan, I believe registration for the 2012-13 season doesn't open until July. Give it a few more weeks, and you should be able to sign up.

Good luck, by the way. I suffered through the exam this past April, and it was definitely challenging.

Edited June 13, 2012 by Augusta

[claire56]

Hi, everyone! Does anyone know when we can register for the English GRE in October or November? The GRE website isn't letting me register, but I want to have a plan, haha. Also, anyone else taking it this fall?

Yes, I'm taking it in October. I'm taking the general GRE in August and the subject test in October. I'm also writing a whole new paper for my writing sample. Ugh. So much to do. But I've decided to just engross myself in all of this from now until end of January next year. Then maybe I'll go on a date or something. lol.

Edited June 13, 2012 by claire56

[asleepawake]

Thanks for that feedback (and thanks to Augusta as well). What you say doesn't bother me at all, because I actually want to write a new paper. I'm genuinely excited about my interest, and it wouldn't be a chore for me. My next concern is this: is it going to bother the committees that I'm writing something new? I do have old papers that take a feminist critical approach, but they're either too short or not good enough. (I wrote this one paper for a course I took called Feminist Criticism, and I think the paper sucked, but it's not a reflection of what I'm capable of nor does it reflect a lack of interest). I really want to write a new paper.

And assuming they don't mind my writing a new paper (and I'm assuming most won't), what do I put at the top where I have to put a professor name and course name? I want the paper to be MLA formatted with proper heading. But I can't rightfully say I wrote it for such-and-such course for such-and-such professor if I didn't.

Lastly, they are going to know I didn't write it while in grad school (in my M.A. program) because the book I want to write about was published in October 2011 (I graduated from my program in May 2011). Even if one could say that I don't have to state explicitly that I didn't write the paper for a course, some particularly attentive person might notice the dates thing.

Thoughts?

Thanks

I really don't think there is any reason why adcoms will care if you wrote your paper for a class or not. I think it is pretty expected that as students we write for conferences and to our interests in ways that may not always fit into our courses. The only downside to submitting a paper that was not written for a class if that you will not have received the instructor feedback that you might in a course. You may think it's better than it is, or you may not realize just how good it is. Maybe you can workshop it with some other students from your MA program.

As for MLA, I imagine you'd remove the typical class header when you send it off, anyway. I certainly wouldn't submit anything with the kind of header I'd submit in a class, but then again, I'm using part of my thesis. The paper should still be in MLA, of course.

[claire56]

I really don't think there is any reason why adcoms will care if you wrote your paper for a class or not. I think it is pretty expected that as students we write for conferences and to our interests in ways that may not always fit into our courses. The only downside to submitting a paper that was not written for a class if that you will not have received the instructor feedback that you might in a course. You may think it's better than it is, or you may not realize just how good it is. Maybe you can workshop it with some other students from your MA program. As for MLA, I imagine you'd remove the typical class header when you send it off, anyway. I certainly wouldn't submit anything with the kind of header I'd submit in a class, but then again, I'm using part of my thesis. The paper should still be in MLA, of course.

Oh, is that right? You're not even supposed to have the class heading deal on it anyway? Didn't know that. When I applied for my M.A. program, I left it on there. But it's fine with me if it's not supposed to be.

And also, out of the 11 schools I'm planning to apply to, 10 just say "a writing sample." One does say "it should be something you've written for a previous class." So, for that one, I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't want to use my old papers; don't like 'em enough or they're not related enough...

[Imogene]

It's definitely ok if your writing sample doesn't come from a specific class - I think programs may put that kind of language (about including a writing sample from a course) just to make sure that you know what kind of writing sample to submit. I'm working on a new writing sample that will better reflect my research interests now, and I've been out of grad school for a while.

Think about it this way: if you were in a program now, what class would you be taking, and what kind of paper would you submit in it? Maybe write a paper for a theoretical class .

But, it IS a really good idea to make sure that someone else, qualified, reads your paper before you submit it. If you can't get a professor to read it and give you feedback, then find a peer who you respect and who has knowledge of the topic. And if you can't find anyone like that, then you should ask some folks on this forum to read it. I know that I will be in that boat later this summer (heads up all you Mod-Brit-Fem specialists).

[eriksmegs]

As for MLA, I imagine you'd remove the typical class header when you send it off, anyway. I certainly wouldn't submit anything with the kind of header I'd submit in a class, but then again, I'm using part of my thesis. The paper should still be in MLA, of course.

Many of the schools will tell you what they want submitted in the header (generally your name/application number, etc.)--for schools that didn't specify, I just used the same sort of format as for those that did. Also, while I think you should leave your paper in MLA if it was originally written using MLA, there may be some cases in which it's okay not to use MLA. For example, my writing sample was originally written as an English/history paper (for an interdisciplinary summer research grant--so I agree it's okay to use a paper not written for a class), and my citations were in Chicago format. While I cut my paper down so the writing sample contained the sections most heavily focused on literature, I left the paper in Chicago format, and was still accepted to several programs. I just wanted to throw that out there in case anyone is in a situation similar to mine.

[claire56]

I have yet another question.

I am very new to the whole applying to PhD programs thing. Not that I think most of you have been doing it for years, but I imagine some of you have been around this board, or at least kept your eye on it, for longer than I have.

I was wondering...is it very unusual for a person to get into a program during the season of his/her first attempt?

I see a lot of posts from people who talk about the mistakes they made during their first attempt, and how they rectified it in a second or third year.

How uncommon (or not) is it for people to get in during their first attempt? And I, of course, do not mean get into tons of schools. But just get in to a school at all...?

[S.Y.]

WOW! So many of you are applying with an MA. That makes me really worry.... I'd like to chat with anyone about the application process. I know SOP is important and I'm set on what I want to study but I'm like--GOODNESS, I'm competing with all these people for six spots!!! How can I EVER stand out Well.. That being said, I do want to retake my GRE... as an international student albeit with a BA from UC Berkeley, Verbal is still difficult (at least for me).

[pinkrobot]

WOW! So many of you are applying with an MA. That makes me really worry.... I'd like to chat with anyone about the application process. I know SOP is important and I'm set on what I want to study but I'm like--GOODNESS, I'm competing with all these people for six spots!!! How can I EVER stand out Well.. That being said, I do want to retake my GRE... as an international student albeit with a BA from UC Berkeley, Verbal is still difficult (at least for me).

just popping in to say: don't worry about the no-MA thing. Some schools prefer students with a BA only, others prefer students with an MA in hand, and still others--like the program I'm headed to, which I think accepts about half with MAs and half with BAs--don't lean any which way (instead, they have two different tracks depending on whether you have a BA, which means you enter in "full standing," or an MA, which means you enter in "advanced standing").

From what I've heard, in terms of admissions across-the-board, there are advantages and disadvantages to belonging to either category. I don't have an MA, and many of my friends who are in grad school didn't have one either when they applied--I don't get the sense that this contributed to any of the rejections or acceptances I received.

[margarethale]

WOW! So many of you are applying with an MA. That makes me really worry.... I'd like to chat with anyone about the application process. I know SOP is important and I'm set on what I want to study but I'm like--GOODNESS, I'm competing with all these people for six spots!!! How can I EVER stand out Well.. That being said, I do want to retake my GRE... as an international student albeit with a BA from UC Berkeley, Verbal is still difficult (at least for me).

Just wanted to chime in with pinkrobot and say that not having an MA is totally fine when applying to grad school. I was accepted without an MA and I know plenty of people from my undergrad who went on immediately to get PhDs in English Lit in fantastic programs including Ivy League institutions. It's definitely not a "must have" by any means. Like pinkrobot said, some schools set aside a certain number of spots just for students applying fresh out of undergrad. There's no need to worry at this point.

[t1racyjacks]

Agh! I'm freaking out and it's only June. Applying to fall 2013. Tried in 2010, wasn't accepted, decided to wait one year. Now I am *determined* to do a phd topic that I really want to do. Only I am not sure who else wants to.

I'm afraid the stuff I have determined to do is very weird. Um, I want to work on the philosophy of literature, specifically with regard to the relation between cognition and affect. Many people working on affect are not really in english (they're in philosophy). I don't really want to take a strictly scientific point of view to it for various theoretical reasons, so anyone overly focused on cog sci is out. I've looked at English programs and thus far I've only found FOUR with people whom I can work with :S

My choices run as follows:

1. UC Berkeley

2. BU

3. UT Austin

4. JHU

I really really really very badly want to get into Berkeley though. The reason for this is that I really want to work with a professor there -- like I cannot emphasize how much. Any ideas for increasing my chances? The prof was nice enough to read my SOP draft 1 and he says to send him the next draft. He liked the writing sample but asked me to read Wittgenstein (which I am doing, only right now I'm suffering from both insomnia and panic and can't read OR sleep and it's 3.47am here). The thing is, I'm an international student with an MA. I'm from NUS -- I don't know how this would affect my chances of getting into such a prestigious grad program. But I really want to get in. Will try devious schemes. Don't know -- would publication help? I could try getting something published. The prof at Berkeley has more confidence than me and says he would "be surprised if didn't get in" but since he's not on ad com I do not know if he has power.

Also Berkeley has errr, an SOP guide which I've completely ignored. I find such templates annoying, restrictive and useless. Is this a very bad decision? No one I've sent the SOP to seems to care that I've ignored the template (I've footnoted that I've seen the template in my SOP, and didn't like it precisely because it was against the philosophy of lit, and my work etc).

Do not know if I have to take the GRE. Think I'm in the 73rd percentile for lit or so, and the 95th for english (my math is crap though, like 45 or something). My friends suggest retaking it for a better score, but I *hate* such things and really don't wanna take it again... however if that is what it takes...

sorry for rambling but am in a mess now