Getting feedback from schools

[lyonessrampant]

So, I emailed Northwestern and the department sec. said he couldn't give me any info because it was against dept policy but that the two general problems they have are low test scores (he recommended 700+) and a writing sample that isn't as edited as it could be. I emailed Princeton. . . no word. UMichigan English department said "we do not give that information. Please feel free to apply again next year." Awesome. Anyway, those of you who have gotten specific feedback from a department, how did you go about doing it? I feel like SOME feedback is critical to addressing the weaknesses of my app for next year, so any advice would be awesome. Thanks!

[zoberg]

Somewhat OT, but I sort of lose respect for unis that are anal about test scores.

I'm a horrible test-taker, but I have 3.85 GPA and a killer CV (in my opinion).

Suck it, University of Whatever.

[booksareneat]

Email the DGS. In my experience, half of them don't give you much and the other half are happy to tell you something (improve your writing sample, get an MA, something).

[lyonessrampant]

Would that be the person in charge of admissions for the humanities for example? Or the dean/director of graduate studies for English? It is sort of confusing since most schools have both those positions. Thanks for the help!

[booksareneat]

No problem. In my experience, it is the Director of Graduate Studies. Sometimes, it is hard to figure that out from the website, but it's easy to find the graduate secretary. Once you find them, you could call and ask to the DGS (even if it isn't by name).

[lyonessrampant]

Thanks books!