Nervous about my chances

[sew8d]

I recently graduated in May from UVa and am applying to grad school for Spanish. My GRE was a 670v (96%) and 760q (86%) with a 6.0 (99%) on the writing. Undergrad GPA was 3.68, but with a 3.91 in my Spanish major. My concern is that I have no publications and I didn't do anything Spanish related in my extracurriculars as I was actually intending on applying to law school. In that regard, I did graduate with distinction in my other major despite it having a lower GPA. I have, however, studied abroad in Spain and am about to finish traveling through Peru/Guatemala. I also have some Portuguese and I´ve got pretty good letters of recommendations.

Is it crazy for me to be nervous about applying with that bit of background?

Oh, and fyi I´m applying to UVa, Vanderbilt, and UC-Boulder so far, and possibly adding Columbia to that list. I know deadlines are fast approaching, but I just can´t seem to decide on a 4th/5th option to round out the list.

Thanks in advance if anyone´s got anything to say - finding info about Spanish programs is hard to come by.

[a fragrant plant]

I recently graduated in May from UVa and am applying to grad school for Spanish. My GRE was a 670v (96%) and 760q (86%) with a 6.0 (99%) on the writing. Undergrad GPA was 3.68, but with a 3.91 in my Spanish major. My concern is that I have no publications and I didn't do anything Spanish related in my extracurriculars as I was actually intending on applying to law school. In that regard, I did graduate with distinction in my other major despite it having a lower GPA. I have, however, studied abroad in Spain and am about to finish traveling through Peru/Guatemala. I also have some Portuguese and I´ve got pretty good letters of recommendations.

Is it crazy for me to be nervous about applying with that bit of background?

Oh, and fyi I´m applying to UVa, Vanderbilt, and UC-Boulder so far, and possibly adding Columbia to that list. I know deadlines are fast approaching, but I just can´t seem to decide on a 4th/5th option to round out the list.

Thanks in advance if anyone´s got anything to say - finding info about Spanish programs is hard to come by.

I can't tell you your chances of being admitted but your GPA and GRE score are very impressive! You said you're traveling through South America at the moment - Have you done any volunteering during your trip? In addition to sight-seeing have you interacted with the local people? I heard that Graduate school does value travel experience so maybe you can weave it into your statement of purpose?

[fuzzylogician]

I recently graduated in May from UVa and am applying to grad school for Spanish. My GRE was a 670v (96%) and 760q (86%) with a 6.0 (99%) on the writing. Undergrad GPA was 3.68, but with a 3.91 in my Spanish major. My concern is that I have no publications and I didn't do anything Spanish related in my extracurriculars as I was actually intending on applying to law school. In that regard, I did graduate with distinction in my other major despite it having a lower GPA. I have, however, studied abroad in Spain and am about to finish traveling through Peru/Guatemala. I also have some Portuguese and I´ve got pretty good letters of recommendations.

Is it crazy for me to be nervous about applying with that bit of background?

Oh, and fyi I´m applying to UVa, Vanderbilt, and UC-Boulder so far, and possibly adding Columbia to that list. I know deadlines are fast approaching, but I just can´t seem to decide on a 4th/5th option to round out the list.

Thanks in advance if anyone´s got anything to say - finding info about Spanish programs is hard to come by.

It's not crazy to be nervous applying with however much background you have. Everybody is unnerved by the application process. Your stats are very good; what you didn't mention but will have a bearing on your success is if you have any previous research experience - honors thesis, RAships, independent study - that sort of thing. Travel alone is not enough to demonstrate ability to conduct research, though it will show interest and possibly dedication to the field. You also didn't mention how defined your interests are; maybe the fact that you only have 4 schools on your list indicates that you've been able to considerably narrow down your interests--that's both good and bad. I'd strongly suggest applying to more than 4 schools, because if you strike out you'll have to wait a whole year to have another chance to apply. On the other hand, well defined interests will help you demonstrate good fit with the departments you're applying to and increase your chances of being admitted there. But I'd still suggest finding at least 1-2 more schools to add to your list. Good luck!

Edited November 10, 2009 by fuzzylogician

[mudlark]

1. Very few people publish good, reputable humanities research in their undergrad. It is absolutely not a requirement for admission.

2. Nobody cares about your extra-curriculars.

Don't count yourself out before you even apply! Looks like you're in fine shape.

[gurumaster8899]

We are all nervous...its normal....don't doubt your abilities...just send your best possible application...and relax

[alexis]

I recently graduated in May from UVa and am applying to grad school for Spanish. My GRE was a 670v (96%) and 760q (86%) with a 6.0 (99%) on the writing. Undergrad GPA was 3.68, but with a 3.91 in my Spanish major. My concern is that I have no publications and I didn't do anything Spanish related in my extracurriculars as I was actually intending on applying to law school. In that regard, I did graduate with distinction in my other major despite it having a lower GPA. I have, however, studied abroad in Spain and am about to finish traveling through Peru/Guatemala. I also have some Portuguese and I´ve got pretty good letters of recommendations.

Is it crazy for me to be nervous about applying with that bit of background?

Oh, and fyi I´m applying to UVa, Vanderbilt, and UC-Boulder so far, and possibly adding Columbia to that list. I know deadlines are fast approaching, but I just can´t seem to decide on a 4th/5th option to round out the list.

Thanks in advance if anyone´s got anything to say - finding info about Spanish programs is hard to come by.

I went to UVA for undergrad too, always good to see a fellow wahoo. Wow your GRE scores are awesome, GPA is good for UVA, especially since (in my opinion) they don't do a whole lot of grade inflation. Every person I know who went to UVA undergrad & applied for a PhD/master's/med school/law school there got accepted. I'm not saying this is across the board, and I don't anything about the spanish program, but I'd say your chances of getting in there are good, especially since (I'm assuming) you already know professors in the program & have connections and LORs from there. Best of luck; I think your stats are really good.