Fall 2014 applicants??

[aGiRlCalLeDApPlE]

I mean, if it's fully funded and it wouldn't disrupt your life too terribly, it sounds like a good idea to me.

You actually read my mind when you said  "disrupt your life". That's what I was thinking about. It will for a little bit, but I guess it's worth it. 

[MissHavishslam]

You actually read my mind when you said  "disrupt your life". That's what I was thinking about. It will for a little bit, but I guess it's worth it. 

 

With the (SUPER) competitive nature of PhD programs, I say take ANY opportunity that comes your way. The more experience that you have the stronger your applications will be, especially research like that. Definitley do it!

[ghijklmn]

By the way, Rose: have you considered applying as a Near Eastern Studies PhD rather than Comp Lit? I'm not sure what the numbers look like for NES, but for example, in German at Northwestern about 50% of applicants are accepted rather than 8-10% in Comp Lit.

[aGiRlCalLeDApPlE]

By the way, Rose: have you considered applying as a Near Eastern Studies PhD rather than Comp Lit? I'm not sure what the numbers look like for NES, but for example, in German at Northwestern about 50% of applicants are accepted rather than 8-10% in Comp Lit.

I don't know about that cuz I have a job here at the dept. of English lit. and I'm committed to get a PhD in something related of course. I'm not sure if a degree in NES will be relevant. 

[ProfLorax]

Found this, had to share. When researching programs, universities, and professors, you'll find this to be incredibly true!

 

[toasterazzi]

Yep. Looks about right. I find myself being (perhaps overly) critical of schools based on their websites. It just doesn't make sense to me how some places, my current school included, make it so ridiculously difficult to find information.

[dazedandbemused]

Yep. Looks about right. I find myself being (perhaps overly) critical of schools based on their websites. It just doesn't make sense to me how some places, my current school included, make it so ridiculously difficult to find information.

 

Dude, there are so many schools to choose from that sometimes that's not even a bad thing. There were schools where, if I couldn't find the page talking about admissions after five minutes, I was done. Mind you, this was after searching "(name of school) english PhD program" on google and still not finding a single word about admissions or applications. Hell, there was a really great school that I refused to apply to because the worst professor I have ever had in my life got his PhD there and I didn't want to be somewhere that would give him a degree. It's completely ridiculous, but when you're trying to compile a list of 10-15 schools out of over a hundred, sometimes arbitrary stupidity totally helps.

[toasterazzi]

Hahaha that totally makes sense to me. I've gone through several schools at this point, and I'm currently working with a list of twenty schools or so after having axed several others for some reason or another. My pet peeve is when the schools don't have course information available. That bugs me so much lol.

[MissHavishslam]

Dude, there are so many schools to choose from that sometimes that's not even a bad thing. There were schools where, if I couldn't find the page talking about admissions after five minutes, I was done. Mind you, this was after searching "(name of school) english PhD program" on google and still not finding a single word about admissions or applications. Hell, there was a really great school that I refused to apply to because the worst professor I have ever had in my life got his PhD there and I didn't want to be somewhere that would give him a degree. It's completely ridiculous, but when you're trying to compile a list of 10-15 schools out of over a hundred, sometimes arbitrary stupidity totally helps.

 

 

Hahaha that totally makes sense to me. I've gone through several schools at this point, and I'm currently working with a list of twenty schools or so after having axed several others for some reason or another. My pet peeve is when the schools don't have course information available. That bugs me so much lol.

 

Totally agreed! I have found myself searching a website for 15 minutes just to find the application deadline...I would assume it would be on the same page as the admissions info but nope--let's just stick it on a chart and hide in a dark hole in the graduate school website...

Edited April 3, 2013 by MissHavishslam

[toasterazzi]

I feel like it's a test to see how dedicated we are lol.

[ProfLorax]

I had two different bookmark folders: one that contained the links to the English Department website for each program and one with links to the application itself. That probably saved literally hours of searching over the course of six months. 

[dazedandbemused]

I had two different bookmark folders: one that contained the links to the English Department website for each program and one with links to the application itself. That probably saved literally hours of searching over the course of six months. 

 

Seriously, I did the same thing. It made it so much easier to locate information. I also made a spreadsheet with every single application requirement filled in so I didn't have to keep referring back to the website, although it doesn't hurt to double check. Also, watch out for the time that the apps are due! I had an application that I assumed was due at 5 p.m., but I checked the website the night before just in case. Turned out it was due at noon and I never would have made the deadline if I hadn't checked that night.

[toasterazzi]

Yeah so far I have a bookmark folder, a word document and an excel spreadsheet. Trying to stay on top of things for the win!

[Gauche]

Just a word of advice for those who are ahead of the game: I did the same thing in regards in looking through schools' websites and writing down pertinent info on a spreadsheet including placement info, funding offer, application requirements, etc., but it turns out it sort of worked out to my disadvantage sometimes because some schools update their info a little late in the season. I gathered all of my information during late spring through the summer for fall applications, and while I was applying, I noticed that a few schools changed the deadlines to unfortunately earlier times. So it's always good to do a last minute check on the websites in October or even November to make sure the information is current.

[crazyhappy]

Just a word of advice for those who are ahead of the game: I did the same thing in regards in looking through schools' websites and writing down pertinent info on a spreadsheet including placement info, funding offer, application requirements, etc., but it turns out it sort of worked out to my disadvantage sometimes because some schools update their info a little late in the season. I gathered all of my information during late spring through the summer for fall applications, and while I was applying, I noticed that a few schools changed the deadlines to unfortunately earlier times. So it's always good to do a last minute check on the websites in October or even November to make sure the information is current.

Good call! Thanks!

[toasterazzi]

Oh yeah, I'll definitely be checking back in on schools at least a few times before application time for date changes, updated info, new publications, etc.

[MissHavishslam]

I am planning to start a chart soon! I like to fill them out early just to get a good picture of what I am tackling. I do, however, wait until Sept or Oct to fill out the deadline portions. I figure that most schools don't change requirements (SoP and WS restrictions) too often but that deadlines aren't set in stone until the application season is open.

[Portia]

Count me in as well. Seems I will only apply to Louisiana unis, which really puts me on a tight leash, but that's life. Also, I am going for an MA.

[toasterazzi]

Not that I think anyone here is hyperfocused on me, but I just wanted to point out that I changed my username. I know it always throws me off when people I've been talking to online for a long time change their usernames lol. 

 

Sincerely,

 

The Artist( ) Formerly Known as reluctantmidwesterner

[crazyhappy]

The Artist( ) Formerly Known as reluctantmidwesterner

lol!!!

[aGiRlCalLeDApPlE]

Are you guys with/against reapplying to one or two of the same list of schools for last year? What do programs think of those who apply once and twice and never takes the hint???

[Portia]

This is my first time applying, but I doubt I would re-apply if I got rejected. I have self esteem issues, lol.

 

I think it may actually work for you, if the school sees you are that interested in their program.

 

Are you guys going to contact the professors?

[crazyhappy]

Are you guys with/against reapplying to one or two of the same list of schools for last year? What do programs think of those who apply once and twice and never takes the hint???

I totally would as long as you tweak/make better your app. 

 

This is my first time applying, but I doubt I would re-apply if I got rejected. I have self esteem issues, lol.

 

I think it may actually work for you, if the school sees you are that interested in their program.

 

Are you guys going to contact the professors?

I am not comfortable doing so without an awesome reason--but that's because I don't think I would like it if I was a prof.  I did contact my old advisor from the French program of the school I plan to apply to just to get any advice and to let her know I plan on applying.  I know a lot of people do contact POI's though, and it can be very beneficial if done the right way (I would think).

 

edited because I realized I used the word "totally" way too much!

Edited April 5, 2013 by crazyhappy

[toasterazzi]

This is my first time applying, but I doubt I would re-apply if I got rejected. I have self esteem issues, lol.

 

I think it may actually work for you, if the school sees you are that interested in their program.

 

Are you guys going to contact the professors?

 

Haha back when I deluded myself into thinking Teach for America would be a great life choice, I applied two years in a row. They rejected me twice. I have a degree in Education...*sigh*...

 

Once I've officially narrowed down my list and read through some work from profs who interest me, I think I might contact a few. I'm not strongly opposed to the idea.

[thepriorwalter]

As someone who just quit TFA, allow me to tell your their application process is 100% objective. If you know the formula before going into the interview, you're in. If you don't, who knows. It was also the worst experience I've ever had. Consider it an excellent use of time that you didn't get in.