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Thread: Who has applied to grad schools?

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    Default Who has applied to grad schools?

    I'm applying to grad schools right now for German literature/education. One of the deadlines is 15 Jan! So soon! The other one is in June. I'm trying to get my profs to write me recommendation letters, but of the 3 I've worked most closely with, one is on sabbatical (so.. kind of available..sometimes.. on campus like once a week, and answers his emails about once a week), one is on maternity leave (doesn't come to campus ever, answers emails after about a month), and another has been away for the holidays, but should be back for the winter quarter (starts tomorrow).

    Writing samples are supposed to be: at least 10 pages in English to show my writing/analytical skills, and a "shorter" essay in German.

    I have: a 7 page English essay on German film which is a good essay, but not 10 pages. And a good recent German essay that won me a scholarship to study in Berlin over the summer, but it's only 3 pages.

    My GRE scores: Quantative -- 580 (44 percentile); Verbal -- 600 (85 percentile); Writing -- 5.5 (88 percentile).

    I guess I just want some reassurance. Also.. I've been exchanging emails with a few of the professors from each of the programs I'm applying to (CSULB and UCI), and they're all very nice, helpful, seem like they want me in their program. The question is, though, if they really DO want me -- I want to make them want me as much as possible, because I really want them to offer me a fellowship. Should I inform CSULB that I'm also applying to UCI, and vice-versa? Will this make them more likely to offer me a fellowship -- you know, like if you tell a car dealer that you've been shopping around a lot, you might get a better deal..? Hahaha.. Anyway. I would really love some advice from any of you ladies that have done this whole applying/ getting into grad school thing.

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    I've decided to put off grad school for a year so that I can actually spend one year of my life NOT in school. I did start the apps though, and boy is it overwhelming. I feel for you. And will be asking you similar questions next year at this time

    Good luck!

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Not sure about your exact situation, but I am 3 classes short of my masters in psychology (mental health counseling) and make sure that you are really ready for the time commitment and financial as well. I surely hope I will make enough money with all the debt I incurred to get this degree. Good luck!!!!

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Hi Lola,

    I'm a professor (of creative writing) and so I've seen this from both sides. I wouldn't worry about the length of the essays--what I find is that usually a limit is put on these so that you don't go OVER them, but for the reader it is probably refreshing to see a good essay from someone that is shorter, rather than an essay that someone "padded" to make sure they were up to the limit.

    I'm not entirely understanding the idea of letting one school know about the other...I'm remembering that when I applied to grad schools I applied to four, and requested on the application that I be considered for an assistantship; I DO know that my mentor at the time let some of the grad programs know that I was applying a number of places, and this increased interest. But I didn't actively do it myself. It probably can't hurt to mention it if one of those recommending you has a close tie to a program you're applying to (ie if you do it in conjunction with one of your mentors, and he/she says "I'd snap her up because she's applying elsewhere") but otherwise I would just ask for the fellowship and leave it be. My thinking here is this way: if someone is on the fence between accepting you and another candidate, and they see you are being courted by another school, they could just as well think "Well she's probably all set but this other candidate may need our help more..." I don't know. It's tricky. I just finished writing recommendations for a number of students, and a few of them want to go to the school I went to--because I'm known at the school, I'm a little more careful about trying to pull my weight there unless I really am behind a student. So it puts the recommender in a bit of a spot if you want them to do that for you--

    These are just thoughts--I'm sorry to be rambling. It sounds like an exciting field to be going into and I admire you for the journey you are starting to take. It sounds, also, like you're off to a great start. Please let me know if I can be of help somehow. I'm rooting for you!
    JK Jim

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Thanks, Jhuka! That's very reassuring. I think I'll do that with the essays -- just submit my strongest work.

    I see what you mean about the "Well she's probably all set but this other candidate may need our help more..." thing. That could be dangerous. On the UCI application, they ask where else i'm applying, so I'll just write down CSULB and leave it at that. I'll mention in passing to the German director at LB I've been exchanging emails with that I've just submitted my application to UCI, too.

    I might end up having to ask one of my Spanish professors to write me a rec letter (for the German grad program, lol) if I can't get my German professors to stop beign so unavailable

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Wow. You go girl. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I know you'll do fabulous.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Quote Originally Posted by lolagetz View Post
    I'm applying to grad schools right now for German literature/education. One of the deadlines is 15 Jan! So soon! The other one is in June. I'm trying to get my profs to write me recommendation letters, but of the 3 I've worked most closely with, one is on sabbatical (so.. kind of available..sometimes.. on campus like once a week, and answers his emails about once a week), one is on maternity leave (doesn't come to campus ever, answers emails after about a month), and another has been away for the holidays, but should be back for the winter quarter (starts tomorrow).

    Writing samples are supposed to be: at least 10 pages in English to show my writing/analytical skills, and a "shorter" essay in German.

    I have: a 7 page English essay on German film which is a good essay, but not 10 pages. And a good recent German essay that won me a scholarship to study in Berlin over the summer, but it's only 3 pages.

    My GRE scores: Quantative -- 580 (44 percentile); Verbal -- 600 (85 percentile); Writing -- 5.5 (88 percentile).

    I guess I just want some reassurance. Also.. I've been exchanging emails with a few of the professors from each of the programs I'm applying to (CSULB and UCI), and they're all very nice, helpful, seem like they want me in their program. The question is, though, if they really DO want me -- I want to make them want me as much as possible, because I really want them to offer me a fellowship. Should I inform CSULB that I'm also applying to UCI, and vice-versa? Will this make them more likely to offer me a fellowship -- you know, like if you tell a car dealer that you've been shopping around a lot, you might get a better deal..? Hahaha.. Anyway. I would really love some advice from any of you ladies that have done this whole applying/ getting into grad school thing.
    I'm in grad school now and I remember the application process was pretty stressful, a lot of hoops to jump through. I don't have any other advice to offer you except to say that it's well worth it.

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    I'm trying to get my profs to write me recommendation letters, but of the 3 I've worked most closely with, one is on sabbatical (so.. kind of available..sometimes.. on campus like once a week, and answers his emails about once a week), one is on maternity leave (doesn't come to campus ever, answers emails after about a month), and another has been away for the holidays, but should be back for the winter quarter (starts tomorrow).
    Sometimes you have to camp out at their offices--sometimes their houses. This works in your favor though, as they see it as the necessary dedication to successfully pursue grad school.

    And definitely apply to multiple schools--it's foolish not to do so.
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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Quote Originally Posted by lolagetz View Post
    Thanks, Jhuka! That's very reassuring. I think I'll do that with the essays -- just submit my strongest work.

    I see what you mean about the "Well she's probably all set but this other candidate may need our help more..." thing. That could be dangerous. On the UCI application, they ask where else i'm applying, so I'll just write down CSULB and leave it at that. I'll mention in passing to the German director at LB I've been exchanging emails with that I've just submitted my application to UCI, too.

    I might end up having to ask one of my Spanish professors to write me a rec letter (for the German grad program, lol) if I can't get my German professors to stop beign so unavailable
    It sounds like you are doing this in a straight-ahead, intelligent way, and that will impress them, Lola. One small thing that might help: I recently had one young woman apply to about fifteen various programs, and another peer of hers apply to about seven. The first woman was completely organized...thought everything through for me, wrote everything neatly, told me which were coming by e-mail and organized envelopes and postage for me on those that were not. She made the process a breeze. The other young woman was disorganized and even forgot to sign some of her forms. Her stuff took me forever...makes you grit your teeth, especially when you're on vacation. I hear this from professors all the time (I think of this because you mentioned the profs being unavailable). Sometimes if you let them know that everything is arranged for them and they have to just add a few words and sign, you'll see them get enthusiastic. If you CAN'T get one of the German professors I don't think it is a big liability: the people reading these will just want to get a sense of your work ethic and how you are thought of--if that is positive that is most of the ballgame. If you think you'll get a better recommendation from the Spanish teacher that might be an advantage anyway.

    Please let me know how it goes and if there is anything I can do from this end. I'll be rooting for you. Good luck!
    JK Jim

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Quote Originally Posted by Casual Observer View Post
    Sometimes you have to camp out at their offices--sometimes their houses. This works in your favor though, as they see it as the necessary dedication to successfully pursue grad school.

    And definitely apply to multiple schools--it's foolish not to do so.
    Haha.. Camping out. I'm going to try that tomorrow. I'm only applying to 2 schools.. I'm pretty confident that I'll get into both, actually. And I don't want to waste an $80 application fee on a school I don't really want to go to anyway.

    Quote Originally Posted by shakti View Post
    I'm in grad school now and I remember the application process was pretty stressful, a lot of hoops to jump through. I don't have any other advice to offer you except to say that it's well worth it.
    Thanks for the encouragement! It's nice to hear that it'll be worth it.

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    Featured Member lolagetz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Quote Originally Posted by jhuka View Post
    It sounds like you are doing this in a straight-ahead, intelligent way, and that will impress them, Lola. One small thing that might help: I recently had one young woman apply to about fifteen various programs, and another peer of hers apply to about seven. The first woman was completely organized...thought everything through for me, wrote everything neatly, told me which were coming by e-mail and organized envelopes and postage for me on those that were not. She made the process a breeze. The other young woman was disorganized and even forgot to sign some of her forms. Her stuff took me forever...makes you grit your teeth, especially when you're on vacation. I hear this from professors all the time (I think of this because you mentioned the profs being unavailable). Sometimes if you let them know that everything is arranged for them and they have to just add a few words and sign, you'll see them get enthusiastic. If you CAN'T get one of the German professors I don't think it is a big liability: the people reading these will just want to get a sense of your work ethic and how you are thought of--if that is positive that is most of the ballgame. If you think you'll get a better recommendation from the Spanish teacher that might be an advantage anyway.

    Please let me know how it goes and if there is anything I can do from this end. I'll be rooting for you. Good luck!
    Thank you so much for your help. I'm not applying to fifteen schools -- lol, I would never survive! Just two of them.

    I think I will ask my Spanish prof for a letter. She's much more available, and she's one of my favorites. She's so nice, and I'm certain that she likes me a lot. I think a good strong recommendation from my spanish prof would be a lot better than a so-so recommendation from a particularly frazzled German prof.

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Sounds great, Lola.

    I know what you mean about the fifteen schools--I didn't think I'd survive all the letters either! But the student made it easy for me.

    I think it's a great idea to get the rec. from the Spanish teacher--sounds like that will be a great help. You might also want to ask her, because she knows the field, how she feels about your having one from a German teacher (you could put it in terms that you mostly want hers, because you have such a great relationship with her, but wonder also if she thinks it is important that you get the German one). She might just say that hers will be enough, but you might want to cover your bases on this.

    I like the way you are thinking this through. I can tell that you will be successful. Keep after it!
    JK Jim

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Thanks! Just for clarity, I'm going to have rec letters from one German prof, one Linguistics, and then the spanish, I think. I was going to have 2 of them from German profs and one from linguistics.

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    That's great, Lola--I missed that. So if you have the three, it sounds to me like you'll be all set (if three is all that is required), and the enthusiastic Spanish recommendation will be a great deal of help. If you have one German on board you probably don't need the other unless you expect the other professor to say something that will really help put you over the top.

    It sounds like you've been very thorough in the process. I've got fingers crossed for you!
    JK Jim

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Lola, it sounds like you're on the right path.

    I certainly know how you feel at this point - I'm also applying to grad school and my apps are due on the 15th as well. I'm finalizing my purpose statement and polishing up everything else.

    And I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one that had to hunt down teachers to get the letters of recommendation done!

    Good Luck to you and any other girls on here who are applying to programs right now! Definately keep us updated!
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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    I can share my experience, I was successful getting into grad school.

    GRE Q: 99% V: 98% A: 99% Special: 99%

    GPA 3.7 Major GPA 3.9

    I started two years before applying.

    I identified the programs I wanted to get into, found out how they published, and joined those organizations. I then volunteered in those organizations, worked events, published in their journals and applied for scholarships in those orgs.

    I became a familiar name and face.

    I researched out the professors, where they came from, what they had worked on, and what they looked like. When I met them at events I was able to speak on a variety of topics with each and every one of them. I carefully studied their presentations at said events, and was able to ask informed and knowledgeable questions at future events.

    I worked a summer internship doing actual research in my field, in a nationally recognized lab and was published in a peer reviewed journal.

    I wrote an impassioned letter with my application.

    I had alums and org members write letters of reference.

    I barely got in.

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Hearing how smart everyone is...and how good you've all done on the GRE makes me want to stop procrastinating and be more focused!
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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Quote Originally Posted by Svelt View Post
    I can share my experience, I was successful getting into grad school.

    GRE Q: 99% V: 98% A: 99% Special: 99%

    GPA 3.7 Major GPA 3.9

    I started two years before applying.

    I identified the programs I wanted to get into, found out how they published, and joined those organizations. I then volunteered in those organizations, worked events, published in their journals and applied for scholarships in those orgs.

    I became a familiar name and face.

    I researched out the professors, where they came from, what they had worked on, and what they looked like. When I met them at events I was able to speak on a variety of topics with each and every one of them. I carefully studied their presentations at said events, and was able to ask informed and knowledgeable questions at future events.

    I worked a summer internship doing actual research in my field, in a nationally recognized lab and was published in a peer reviewed journal.

    I wrote an impassioned letter with my application.

    I had alums and org members write letters of reference.

    I barely got in.
    How do you know you barely got in?

    Some programs are way more competitive than others...it depends so much on what your major is, where you're applying etc.

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Quote Originally Posted by scarlett_vancouver View Post
    How do you know you barely got in?

    Some programs are way more competitive than others...it depends so much on what your major is, where you're applying etc.
    Fourth and final round of admissions, two spots left... I got one.

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Quote Originally Posted by Svelt View Post
    Fourth and final round of admissions, two spots left... I got one.
    Holy shit. Well, since you said you did all this crazy lab work and stuff, i'll assume you weren't in the humanities! The programs I'm applying to definitely aren't the most competitive around. Can I ask what specific field you studied?

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    Physics/Optics

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    Default Re: Who has applied to grad schools?

    ^^^ Hahaha.. Yeah, see, a scary field like that. That's amazing that you were able to pull that off! I wouldn't even survive undergrad in a physics major!

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