Requesting Thoughts on Minnesota

[88literatureguy88]

I was hoping some people attending/thinking about attending/generally in the know about Minnesota would have some information to share about the program.  What do you like/dislike about it?  What are your general feelings about the department?  What areas of study do you feel are the strongest at Minnesota?  How well respected do you think the program is?  Thanks for the help.   

[bluecheese]

Sent PM.

[nada.am]

I'd also be interested in hearing this. Bluecheese, would you might forwarding me your PM?

[lo.lee.ta]

Bluecheese, I'm so sorry, but would you mind PMing me too? I'm waitlisted at Minnesota and if admitted will have to choose to accept or decline sight unseen. Any info/insight you have on the program would be extremely helpful!

[bbspiff]

Bluecheese: me too, please?  I'm applying next fall and am thinking of Minnesota.  Last year they were on the US News "Best Literary Criticism" program list, and my interests have theoretical leanings.  But I know there's debate about the value of such rankings.

[rrk686]

I know this is an old topic, but I'd also like to request some information on Minnesota's program from anyone who might currently be attending. I'm curious about all of the original poster's questions, and a few more: How difficult is it to get summer funding? What about the dissertation fellowship? How is the health insurance? How are the working conditions for TAs (do you have access to working space, printers/copiers, etc.)? Is the department, including the department assistant(s), helpful and kind? 

Also, I'm curious about Minnesota itself. How do you like living there? How is the cost of living? Is it easy to commute to campus? Does the cold weather get unbearable, in your opinion? 

Answers to any of these questions would be much appreciated! 

[clinamen]

I second this! Would love all of this info as well ?