Hindsight (is) 20(/)17

[TeaOverCoffee]

The application process was incredibly stressful for me to do while in my master's program, but I knew I wanted to continue a doctoral program immediately after my master's. 

There has been such good advice given, so this may become redundant, but I want to explain what I did. 

My writing sample went through four extensive edits with my advisor. Without her, I probably would have had a mental break every week. I am fortunate to have such a caring, supportive mentor through my master's degree. 

I had a fairly specific SOP, by which I mean it was tailored to each program. This required a lot of research, but it also helped me better understand which programs were the best fit. I did not, however, mention what I wanted to do for my dissertation or anything because I don't think I have been exposed to enough in my field to fully decide upon that yet. I think we went through three revisions, but I'm going to be honest, my SOP is really fantastic. 

My GRE scores were absolutely abysmal, so my other materials had to be exceptional. I'm fairly satisfied with my writing sample and SOP, and from my understanding, I had stellar recommendation letters. Otherwise, I don't think I would been accepted to any programs. 

I emailed the DGS of nearly every program with any questions that I had (ones that couldn't be answered from the websites). Several of them actually cc'd POIs for me, which is the only reason I spoke to any POIs--despite how much I wanted to email all of them. It was reassuring to speak to all of the wonderful, enthusiastic faculty members who went out of their way to email me, especially when I occasionally feel like an imposter in graduate school.

And I'd finally like to reiterate the absolute importance of fit--faculty, location, the program and courses, the graduate student environment, etc. I think considering all of these things were a prime reason I was accepted to my top choice; UMD is such a good fit for me.

I don't know if this will help anyone, but I hope it does provide some insight for those applying to graduate programs next year. 

[Silabus]

To add to my previous comment about the Writing Sample. I just got an email from the lady on the Acceptance Committee at A&M. She wrote me saying that she "quite liked" my WS and secretly always wanted to write on the Piano in Vanity Fair.

So there you go guys. Send in the WS that best shows what you are interested in and maybe, hopefully, it resonates with someone. I'm really happy mine did! I guess I now know who was gunning for me in that committee. xD