Tips/advice for a Fall 2016 Purdue MA hopeful?

[mittensmitten]

Hi everyone,

 

I recently came across this site while researching information about graduate school, and I'm so happy I found it! I have some specific questions about Purdue and rhet/comp MA degrees in general, and I'd appreciate any help and insight!

 

 

To start, I'm currently a junior majoring in Writing and Rhetoric and French Language and Literature at Oakland University in Rochester, MIchigan. I've been told that Oakland is pretty well-known for its undergraduate Writing and Rhetoric program, and I've indeed learned a plethora of useful and meaningful things thus far in the program. I've fallen in love with the field of rhetoric and composition and can truly see myself studying it even further and then teaching other students about the discipline. My professors are very encouraging of my academic pursuits and one of them actually graduated from Purdue with her PhD back around 2007, which is actually why I'm interested in Purdue in the first place.

 

My professor has told me stories about the experiences she's had there and about the program itself, and I really feel like it's where I can excel. She also warned me about how competitive it is and how there aren't a lot of MA students that get accepted, so I'm also looking into the programs at Ohio State, University of Miami at Ohio, and Michigan State since some of our previous students attend grad school there for rhet/comp.

 

Basically, I want to give my applications my absolute all. I've never wanted anything more in my life - I just want to get into a good program so that I can learn and follow my passion. I've yet to take the GRE and will probably do so this summer, and my GPA is currently a 3.92 and shouldn't dip below a 3.9 by the time I apply in the fall.

 

So, here are my experiences so far, and I'd appreciate it if anyone could tell me of other ways I can make myself more competitive:

 

I work at our writing center (I started my sophomore year) and have been able to present at a couple of conferences through my employment there, one national conference and one regional conference. I also participated in what we call our Embedded Writing Specialist (EWS) program where a writing center tutor goes into a basic writing class once a week to help the professor workshop with students, and next semester I'll be an official TA for an upper-level writing class. I also have a publiation in the manual we have for our EWS program. Additionally, I won a writing award the department offers and I'm the president of one of our writing clubs and the chief editor of our corresponding journal.

 

Beyond the writing and rhetoric stuff, I've studied abroad in Montreal, Quebec and will potentially study there again this summer or will possiblly go to France next fall. I've also won a few awards for my French performance and hope to start tutoring French at our university's tutoring center.

 

This is what I've achieved so far, and while I know that I should proud and happy for what I've done, I still feel like I could be doing more. I'm sure there are people applying who are waaaaaay more qualified than myself, and since I still have some time before applying, I'd like to maximize my potential. Additionally, I understand that there's the issue of funding, especially for MA students. I know they say to not to go to grad school if you don't get funded, but what if I were to pay for my MA and get funded for my PhD? Isn't that how it works sometimes? I have a nest egg of money that I could contribute to grad school since I have a full-ride for undergrad, but would that be a foolish thing to do?

 

Thanks so much for reading, and thanks in advance for any responses!

[Ambermoon24]

Hi,

 

I'm still an undergrad finishing up my last year, but I might be able to give some advice about what I've learned about the application process for an MA. Some of this I've learned from forums like this one, from professors, and from articles/research from sources such as the Chronicle of Higher Education. You sound like a strong candidate for grad programs, and it's great you have passion for comp/rhet. As someone who's finishing up my own application materials, the biggest thing I think I'd advise someone to do is to study for the GRE as early as possible. I started this summer, and I honestly think that was too late. I had some minor health problems and got behind on my prepping. Trying to get caught up and stay on top of 18 hours and a research scholarship complicated things too. I ended up not performing as high as I wanted to, scoring only slightly above average on one section, but almost perfectly on the writing. I'm not that great at standardized tests, so I don't think a lot of prep would have dramatically impacted my scores, but it might have lessened my anxiety. So, I'd definitely prep as early as you can. From what I've been told, it's not the most important part of your application, but you still want to score well.

 

Maybe it's just my anti-debt fears, but I'd personally never pay for an MA or a PhD in English. Employment is just not secure, and if a program really wants you, they'll support you either with a fellowship or a TA position. I'll graduate with my BA debt free because of scholarships, yet if a program chooses to not support me, I won't be attending. I'll simply reassess and look at all of my options. I'll either reapply or look at getting certification to teach high school. Ultimately though, I'll end up where I'm supposed to be. 

 

I hope everything I've shared is helpful. Good luck on the application process! 

[bhr]

As far as I know, Purdue and OSU both guarantee funding for all accepted MAs in Rhet/Comp, and MSU (and others) do their best to do so as well. The nice thing about R/C is that we can usually TA FYW for full funding, or, in your case, work in the writing center. I applied/got in to three of the programs on your list, (and am in a cohort with an Oakland grad) so feel free to PM me with any questions.

[rhetoricus aesalon]

From what you have listed, you sound like a very strong candidate for rhet/comp programs. Having undergrad experience in rhet/comp is still relatively uncommon, so to have an interest in it so early is going to work to your advantage. Going to conferences is excellent, too. You may consider checking out the Conference on College Composition and Communication (if you haven't already), as it is the largest conference in the field and it will give you an opportunity to see more of the research that is being done at different institutions around the country.

 

If you want to take your work to the next level, I suggest you check out (and think about submitting some work to) undergraduate journals that publish in rhet/comp. Again, this is not something you need to do, but it will be something that you'll be thankful for when applying to PhD programs, and it is also great to get a sense of the publishing process early since that will be your life one day. Three that I know of that welcome work in rhet/comp are Queen City Writers, Sigma Tau Delta Review, and Young Scholars in Writing.

 

I also notice that the programs you've listed are all top tier. I recommend adding to that list a couple more schools that are not quite so competitive. This might sound counter-intuitive, but the MA can really help you find a specialization within rhet/comp and make you more attractive to PhD programs later even if it isn't a top school. The most important thing is funding. It's great that you are prepared to pay for your MA, but if you are planning to go for the PhD, think about where you will be financially after 5-6 years of school after your undergrad is complete. Will you want to buy a house in your 20s or early 30s? Will you want to have a family? Will you want to travel overseas to reward yourself for being so awesome? Guard your savings like a dwarf guards their gold because there will be many, many things you will want to spend it on later. Your education (especially as a graduate student) should not be one, especially because programs ARE willing to fund good students like you.

[mittensmitten]

Thanks so much for the replies! It's all very helpful. Thanks for the tips about the GRE, Litgirl23, and thanks for the info, bhr.

Chadillac, thanks so much for the input! The info about the undergraduate journals is very helpful and I will look into that, as I will with Cs.

As far as other programs go, what would be a good list to start looking at? My professors have thus far pretty much just recommended top tier programs since alums from our school have gotten in, but I agree with you that I should also consider other schools. I've read that Arizona State, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida also have good programs. Are they also considered top tier? I'm finding that it's sometimes difficult to rank graduate programs since it varies so greatly from institution to institution!

Thanks again for all the help and guidance!

[mittensmitten]

Oh, and about funding, thanks! I will definitely have to reconsider how much I'm willing to pay and will try to follow the funds.

[xolo]

Plan your applications WELL in advance. I gave myself 6 months and it was not enough time. The applications are not trivial and you want your written documents to be publishable quality

[Between Fields]

Oh, and about funding, thanks! I will definitely have to reconsider how much I'm willing to pay and will try to follow the funds.

 

This is a situation where Yoda's maxim applies: do or do not, there is no try. Going to an unfunded MA in rhet/comp would be inadvisable. A funded MA is always better than an unfunded one, because it means that the department is invested in your success and you'll be getting valuable professional development opportunities through teaching. The good news is that rhet/comp revolves a lot around FYC and so there are usually assistantships available in those programs.

 

To add to your list, though: Bowling Green State University (in Ohio) and Illinois State University have good rhet/comp programs, and to answer your question: ranking doesn't mean as much as one would hope, look at job placement rates instead.

[rhetoricus aesalon]

As far as other programs go, what would be a good list to start looking at? My professors have thus far pretty much just recommended top tier programs since alums from our school have gotten in, but I agree with you that I should also consider other schools. I've read that Arizona State, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida also have good programs. Are they also considered top tier? I'm finding that it's sometimes difficult to rank graduate programs since it varies so greatly from institution to institution!

 

Preach! I am right there with you. Rhet/comp programs can be hard to rank in that sense because ... well, we don't rank them. Like Between Fields mentioned, looking at traditional rankings is almost completely useless. Plus, traditionally "prestigious" top-tier schools don't have rhet/comp programs because rhet/comp had its renaissance in large, public, land grant schools primarily in the Midwest and then the East. I'm probably telling you stuff you already know, but I feel like it's a general rule of thumb that the most "prestigious" (which I use to mean the oldest, most established, highest job placement rate) schools are going to be located in that area. They also tend to be the best funded programs.

 

But that certainly doesn't mean there isn't great stuff happening outside this epicenter of activity in the Midwest. In fact, I'd say some of the most exciting work in rhet/comp is happening outside that area. I'm from the West originally, and I got my MA at Oregon State, and I highly, highly recommend the program. The cohort is small (because there isn't a PhD program there ... yet), and you get very close to faculty. Plus, all grad students are funded, most with a TAship. The pay sucks, but Oregon is freaking amazing and cost of living is pretty low. I'd move back there in a blink of an eye if I could. (And that's the end of my plug for the program.  )

 

But in terms of what schools to add to your list--beyond the great ones you've listed and those that have been mentioned--that would depend on your specific interests within rhet/comp. My personal opinion is that funding matters first for the MA, not only because you aren't paying tuition, but (like Between Fields said) you will often also have access to funds for travel to conferences, receive training in teaching and the opportunity to teach different courses, etc. But if you have defined a research interest already, even if it's really general, we can probably provide more specific advice here--and your advisers could, too.

 

Another thing you might consider is that there are some programs (usually at those older "prestigious" schools) where you apply directly to the PhD program and not the MA. This is the case with Ohio State, where I'm at now, (and I know of at least Penn State) where you are placed on a 5-year track to the PhD as an incoming grad student with a BA. I'm almost positive that Purdue has separate MA/PhD applications--though I am only familiar with the PhD program there since I was accepted to it last year. If you'd like more specific information on my experience or if I can answer questions about either of these programs, I'm happy to talk through PM, too.

[thepriorwalter]

Are you only looking at dedicated rhet/comp programs? I think you might be able to broaden your application base for funded MAs if you take a look at English departments that have rhet/comp faculty, if that's something you're willing to consider. 

[ComeBackZinc]

It's a separate application process for MAs and PhDs. However, if you complete your MA here and are in good standing, and you develop a strong working relationship with faculty, you will almost certainly be offered admission to the PhD program. I would urge you to consider not deciding about whether to get your PhD before you start your MA. The pinch has come to rhet/comp writ large in terms of jobs-- it's still far better than lit, but since the financial crisis, it's become much more difficult. As you're likely aware, our placement record is competitive with any humanities program in the country, bar none, but that doesn't mean it's easy. One of the ways that we deal with it is to place some people into industry and some into alt academic positions-- a good number of our graduates have gone into non-TT writing center and admin jobs, which can be great gigs provided you're not hung up on tenure. Anyway: I'm just saying that the decision to pursue a PhD should be taken with trepidation no matter what the program, but getting a funded MA is a no-brainer if you're interested in the field. 

 

We fund all of our MAs; everyone who is offered acceptance into the program is offered two/five years of tuition waiver and stipend. The pay is not good, but the area is pretty cheap and after your first year you should be able to work three quarters time, which is much more doable, financially. It's a great place to be, though I will echo others in saying that there are a lot of great programs out there. So cast your nets wide, and let me know if you have questions. One thing I'll say upfront: the department has no formal waitlist, which can be very frustrating for people, because it can take a long time to hear anything back. Don't be insulted by the wait. The department feels that a formal waitlist can make people feel like they are less valued than those who weren't waitlisted. I'm not sure if that's worth the wait or frustration, but that's the rationale. 

[iExcelAtMicrosoftPuns]

 

 

To add to your list, though: Bowling Green State University (in Ohio) and Illinois State University have good rhet/comp programs, and to answer your question: ranking doesn't mean as much as one would hope, look at job placement rates instead.

Bowling Green's funding situation was a little weird for the MA last time I checked. And on second check:

"Most applicants to the Rhetoric & Writing Ph.D. Program have MA degrees, but under BGSU’s Continuing Ph.D. Option we occasionally admit extremely capable BA graduates who have strong backgrounds and/or interest in rhetoric and composition and the teaching of writing. ...

The Continuing Ph.D. Program tends to be more time-efficient than doing an unrelated MA and then starting a doctoral program. Unfortunately, in most years, assistantships are not available for Continuing Ph.D. applicants. An approach some BA applicants have considered is applying for funding in BGSU’s strong Textual Studies MA program, planning to take a couple elective rhetoric courses and then apply to the R&W PhD Program during their second year of MA work."

Since you're in the Mitten State (Woot! Michigan-native here!) I might recommend Eastern Michigan University. They offer funding in the way of Writing Center and Comp Class - they don't pay you a ton but it's do-able. They also have a really wonderful curriculum and faculty who are surprisingly well connected. 

One thing about paying for a Rhet/Comp MA - "don't do it" is good advice, partly due to financial considerations but more so, to me, because the assistantship is one of the ways you build relationships with faculty. 

Your MA LORs should attest to your ability to do good course work (research) but also your ability to balance it with a teaching load. Teaching is important.

Hit me with a PM if you'd appreciate more direct advice. :-)

[mittensmitten]

Wow, thank you so much, everyone! All of your advice is so helpful and I completely appreciate it.

 

I will definitely look into all the programs mentioned and will get researchin’. I’m also in the midst of making vocabulary flash cards for GRE prep and am trying to re-learn some math from high school (we’ll see how that goes).

 

To answer some of the questions posed that might help this discussion, I don’t have a specific area of specialty yet, but I’ve noticed that I’ve been gravitating toward a couple topics throughout the years. Since I’m also a French major, I’ve always been interested in working with ESL students and trying to better understand their writing process and ways to help them. I guess I can pull from my own difficulties with writing in French and being in a Quebec classroom not knowing what the HELL my professor was saying, and I find that I enjoy my ESL tutoring sessions in the writing center and I even wrote a paper about a specific kind of ESL tutoring for a global rhetoric class. So, for whatever reason, ESL tutoring/writing processes fascinates me.

 

Also, I like researching undergraduate writing and rhetoric programs. For those of you who might not know, my program at Oakland University is completely separate from the English Department and pretty much does its own thing. We’ve learned about all of the general hostility between English vs. Writing and Rhetoric/Rhetoric and Composition programs in this country, and I find the whole situation interesting and have done some research on it for both class and conferences.

 

Those are a couple of my interests that I could see narrowing in on throughout grad school, and I have a couple professors who do research and are prominent in those areas. From the list we’ve compiled, I think MSU would be pretty good for the ESL work with their MA program in Critical Studies in Literacy & Pedagogy, but I don’t know much about other programs. Also, I will definitely add EMU to the list since it’s very close to home! Anyone know anything about Wayne State in Michigan? One of the professors in our department went there for his PhD, but I know nothing about it.

 

And as far as keeping myself limited to just rhet/comp work, I think I don’t really have a choice with that. As I mentioned, our Writing and Rhetoric Department is not housed in the English Department, so I have no experience with literature. However, I am majoring in French Language and Literature and so have had exposure to French literature, but it’s all entirely in French and I feel like we don’t study it the same way one would study literature in their native language (we do a lot of comprehension questions mixed in with stylistic and analytical ones because they obviously have to make sure we understand the crazy long things, which we often don’t).

 

Again, thanks so much for all your help, and I will indeed probably PM those of you who offered! I feel like I’ve finally found a place where people actually know what I’m talking about and don’t ask me “what does rhetoric mean?”

[heja0805]

Hi everyone,

 

My professor has told me stories about the experiences she's had there and about the program itself, and I really feel like it's where I can excel. She also warned me about how competitive it is and how there aren't a lot of MA students that get accepted, so I'm also looking into the programs at Ohio State, University of Miami at Ohio, and Michigan State since some of our previous students attend grad school there for rhet/comp.

 

You sound like a brilliant human, and I have no doubt that you'll get into a fine program. Because no one has mentioned these programs, I just wanted to suggest the M.S. in Rhetoric, Theory, & Culture at Michigan Tech. And if you want to live in an even colder place, consider the University of Minnesota's M.A. in Rhetoric and Scientific and Technical Communication. As their names might suggest, these programs will have a stronger technological sensibility, but they're definitely not all about that. Both are fantastic programs. You might want to consider the M.A. in Rhetoric & Writing at St. Cloud State (my alma mater), if you want a stronger rhet/comp rather than tech comm focus. And I found the funding to be generous.

Also, I'm fairly certain the funding situation is rather bleak at South Florida, even for PhD students (something about 80% coverage of tuition, from what I remember).

To get involved, I'm not sure what to say because it already sounds like you're doing everything. But if you'd like to try to diversify yourself, volunteering in a local literacy program, for a local nonprofit, or for a cause you're passionate about can help you grow and learn about what interests you--and you can find ways to articulate your identity and what you leaned from that when it comes time to make an argument about yourself (i.e., masters applications).

[slightlymoreanonymous]

Hey Mittensmitten,

 

You sound fabulous, best of luck on your applications! I'm currently applying to MA and PhD rhet/comp programs (like Purdue!) and have a few more you might want to check out. Texas Christian University has a great department (I'm there now), plenty of stellar rhet people (especially if you're into digital humanities stuff), and offers full funding to their MAs and doctoral students. As for other programs that seem pretty great in terms of funding and faculty, Florida State, Nebraska, UT Austin, and Iowa State might be what you're looking for too. 

 

Oh, and as a Michigan person, you'd probably know...how is East Lansing as a city? I just met someone on the train the other day who was talking about nearly getting shot and how the city's become not exactly safe and wondered if he was representing things accurately.  

[iExcelAtMicrosoftPuns]

 

Oh, and as a Michigan person, you'd probably know...how is East Lansing as a city? I just met someone on the train the other day who was talking about nearly getting shot and how the city's become not exactly safe and wondered if he was representing things accurately.  

East Lansing is fine. Throw enough rocks and you'll peg someone from somewhere who almost had something happen to them.

That said - like any college town you just need to keep your wits about about you. Be safe, keep your head up, trust your intuition. 

[bhr]

Oh, and as a Michigan person, you'd probably know...how is East Lansing as a city? I just met someone on the train the other day who was talking about nearly getting shot and how the city's become not exactly safe and wondered if he was representing things accurately.  

 

I'm in Lansing now, and anyone who portrays the city as dangerous is delusional. Yes, the city itself has the normal crime problems that you see in other mid-size towns (Lansing itself is the state capitol, and has good and bad areas), but the area around the campus is relatively safe. There was one student-involved incident early in the semester, and the school did a good job of pushing out email/phone notifications on it. Find a decent apartment complex and you will be fine (especially if you avoid the undergrad party scene)

In comparison, I came from a small school in a small town, that happened to have two student on student killings in the last five years, along with a number of brutal assaults. I've heard nothing like that here, though there are the normal fights you see elsewhere, and the school did land on the Title IX list from the DoJ (along with 50-60 other schools).