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| For my program, it's very rare to find a school/program that asks for GRE scores, so I never bothered taking the exam or studying for it. Recently, I came across a program that I like a lot, but they do require the GRE, so I booked the exam. I don't have a lot of time to study for it (literally 3 days!) so I was wondering if anyone can offer any advice as to how to "cram" for this exam. I realize this is something that is supposed to take months of review, but I'd like to give it a try anyway. My professor who is writing my LOR is the one who recommended I apply to this certain school and swears she never studied when she took the GRE so I should be "okay" but I don't know about that.... | |
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| So I am going to using the big-boxstore gift card my grandfather gave me to go out and purchase a GRE prep book and I was wondering which one people would recomend.
Here are some details on what I am looking for: - I won't be writing until next spring, but I am looking to browse it a bit this semester before I hit the studying hard this summer just so I can evaluate what I need to improve on - I am in the humanities and I think I'll do reasonably well on the verbal but need a serious refresher on even basic math (My goal is basically 500+ on math, 700+ on verbal) - I am looking for one that can help a lot with the techniques of standardized test writing as I am from a Canadian province which did not have any standardized tests and I am in an MA program in Canada which didn't require the GRE. - Along similar lines, I am looking for one that comes with lots of practice tests, ideally computerized tests. I am a mac user, so mac friendly software is a plus (although I can access a PC if need be).
Thoughts? | |
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| One of the professors who I asked to write me a LOR is moving to another state to teach at another university as of Spring '10 semester (next week, in January).
On the online app back in November, I entered the information of her current position/university (which again as of January 2010 will no longer be her position). I'm afraid that they will try to contact her at the contact information I listed on the application and they wont be able to get a hold of her, or will find out that this person does not work there, and then they will think I lied about that. The email address I entered on my online apps is an AOL email so it's not connected to any university, so that if they need to contact her through email they would be able to. Also as of right now she did not write the LOR (at least to my knowledge) and therefore might use her new university letterhead when she writes it. I'm not sure if this will look suspicious to the adcoms. Not sure what to do here if either scenario happens. | |
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| On the financial aid application for one of my schools, it asks about my current assets and liabilities, including credit card debt. I'm not sure what to put - I'm currently carrying a small balance (a couple hundred dollars, incidentally ALL from grad school admissions expenses) and I always pay most of it off every month. Would they care about that?
Is it weird that they would ask about that? - Mood:determined
 - Music:Portishead - Deep Water
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| Email INSTEAD of call? Just to make sure everything is in? ~Karrie | |
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| As sad as it sounds, this is a REAL question. I've heard many answers to this question but mainly from non-academics, so I'd like to hear what you think. | |
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| Poll #1503823 A poll for Today-check all that apply by clicking the boxes.
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 30 Did you think about any of these things yesterday on Christmas Day? Check all that apply . | |
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| So I'm doing the whole work-for-1-yr-before-going-to-grad-school thing..
I have interviews at Rockefeller University and NIH for possible research positions. I've always been under the impression that sciencey jobs don't require as strict of a dress code as other jobs so I wanted to go with a nice pair of slacks with a blouse+jacket combo. What do you guys think?
My college's career office said (not to me, but just generally) that wearing pants might make a negative impression, but I'm terrified of the cold and a skirt seems so flimsy in northeast weather!
Thanks in advance and happy holidays! | |
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| I am a senior citizen and I recently made an appointment with an academic advisor at a local university because I'm interested in taking advantage of a policy there that gives a nice big discount for senior citizens like myself who want to take classes!
Anyway I ended up having an appointment with a bubbly 22-23 year old who didn't seem to be that much of a help. She started by asking me simple questions such as what my BA is in, and I told her that I earned a BA in Art History. She then asked me when I earned it and I told her in the 70s. She then asked me more simple questions such as the kind of classes I was interested in taking, so I mentioned to her mostly in the arts and my goal is to earn a MA in an arts-related field. The next question she asked me was whether or not I knew how to use a computer. I told her yes. And then she behaved like she did not believe me and started asking me silly questions such as if I knew what a "mouse" was and if I knew how to search for information on the Internet. I answered yes. After that, she went on and on about the different programs in the "Social Sciences" department and then concluded by telling me I should definitely consider majoring in "Gerontology" (the study of aging). She told me a success story of a woman "around my age" who just graduated from this program after being out of school for 30+ years. She then wrote down the names of a few faculty who I should contact in the department, and told me that my next step is to set up appointments with them. At this point she again "tested" me on whether I knew how to use e-mail to contact them, and spent about 5 minutes "walking-me through" how to send an email even though I told her I send dozens of emails per day. I was very confused about the major she "chose" for me. She obviously did not hear a word I said when I was discussing my interests in visual art, music, art history, etc, so why did she suggest a major in the study of aging? Is it because I am a senior?
I called to request another appointment with another advisor, but they told me I have been assigned to this specific advisor because all the other advisors for prospective students are completely booked and the only way to see another one is if there is a legitimate reason. I did not explain to them the situation, as I did not want to embarrass the young lady. Should I go in for another appointment with her and explain to her once more about my interests? Or should I figure out what I want to do without the help of an advisor?
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| All of my papers that I'm sending in for the writing samples are currently in MLA 6th edition, but I found a site that shows how to cite with MLA 7th edition. When did this happen? And do I need to go back and change everything to comply with the 7th edition rules? I've been out of school for 2 years, so I had no idea.
MLA 6th Edition Here's an example of how my Works Cited looks: Smith, John. Music Videos. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 1999.
And here's an example of an in-text citation: Music videos are an important part of culture (Smith, 22).
MLA 7th Edition* Smith, John. Music Videos. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 1999. Print. *difference apparently is the source title is not underlined but italicized instead and you include what type of source (Print).
In-text citations (SAME AS 6th edition)
Is this correct? | |
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| How do you cite your own paper? I wrote a paper a few years ago and I want to quote my paper and my research results in my new paper, but not too sure how. Any idea? | |
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| Some of the programs I'm applying for "strongly recommend" classes, but have no set entrance requirements as far as classes go. I haven't taken all these classes, but there are three that I am going to take during the summer.
What I wonder is, since I have already graduated with my bachelor's, is there a way I can let them know this is what I'm planning to do? I don't want them to think that I'm done taking courses, but since deadlines are before summer, they won't see it listed as "in progress" or anything.
I'm in biology/biomedical sciences. The classes I'm planning to take are biochem./analytical chem./calculus I....at LEAST the biochem. and cal. I.
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| I have a question for all of you delightful people that may or may not be crazy dream talk. I screwed up my nerve and decided to ask if anyone has ever heard of someone basically studying comics for a Masters, let alone a PHD. I recall reading somewhere academia frowns upon this kind of pursuit. Lord, knows I've not had any luck in my cursory looking for a school that could possibly offer this. Any idea perhaps? I've been suggested to look into cultural studies or women studies (I'd focus more so on the women superheroes and the relationship dynamics between themselves and their male counterparts) as starters. So does anyone think there's a place of possibility? Or is this, indeed, crazy talk?
EDIT: Oh my goodness, thank you so much everyone! It certainly feels more obtainable now that I have a better idea of where to start my search. It didn't dawn on me to think about media studies, much less American studies. I'm very excited about this all over again with so much encouragement from everyone!
Some minor clarification: It's western comics I would find my focus on instead of eastern. I'm also a current (first year) MFA student in Creative Writing at California College of the Arts, but during my Undergraduate studies I minored in English and Visual Arts. Though I wonder if my MFA would raise an eyebrow when it comes to viewing applications? Unfortnately my language training has been non-existent since high school (neither Undergraduate or current Graduate schools have foreign language classes) so it sounds like that would limit my search. Time to brush up on my oh-so-very rusty French! - Mood:excited

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| Merry Christmas Eve/Happy Holidays, everyone. I found a hard-copy of a writing sample that is reflective of my best writing abilities, HOWEVER, (of course there's always a "however", right?), the floppy disk (yeah remember those things?) that I had originally saved it to many years ago is for some reason "corrupt" and the file does not open. The paper isn't that long, I'd say 12 pages in length, but I really do NOT want to retype it all mostly due to time constraints. Any suggestions on how to get around typing it all again? Would scanning it, then transfering it to a MS Word doc work? I don't own a scanner so I'd have to make a commute out to someone who does have a scanner, and I don't want to go through that trouble if it's not going to work. Anyone ever experience this issue? | |
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| Is it appropriate to say something like "my research interests relate directly with core courses offered, such as CLASS NAME, which is a course I feel will help me with my research" (not worded exactly like that, but something similar)? | |
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| I did my BA in Communications. My research interests are more Sociology based. I was thinking of applying to some MA programs in Soc but since I have absolutely NO background in Soc , I've been looking for MA in Sociology programs that do not require a background. The majority of them require extra coursework for those who aren't Soc majors, which is fine. I'm just looking for the same type of programs but at TOP schools. Any suggestions? | |
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| I am in the process of updating my CV and am wondering if there is an appropriate way to list a thesis defense on there. Should it be under the degree or with presentations on on its own? I also presented my research at a grad student workshop at our university so am wondering what would be an appropriate way to cite this without it looking like I am trying to pad my CV - or should I just leave it off? I do have half a dozen other conference presentations.
Do most people separate the presentations by poster and paper, and then REFEREED and non, or would it be better to sort them into national and international (since I have two international conferences...)
Thanks in advance! | |
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| Hello. Another question, this time about the writing sample. (My apologies, my applications are due on the 31st and my goal is to submit everything within the next day or so, so that I can enjoy Christmas). For the required writing sample, may I use a paper that has a thesis and is supported with books/journal article quotes? My friend who is applying to a similar programme is choosing a paper where original research is conducted. I do not believe I wrote that type of paper as an undergrad.
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| Hello. My problem: I took a bunch of classes after I graduated for "Fun" but I'm looking for another way of saying this on my personal statement. One of the many suggestions I received from a current grad student is "If you took additional courses after your undergraduate degree, you need to explain reasons for taking the courses." But I don't think my reason will look very good in the eyes of the adcom. | |
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| The only thing I'm worried about is I'll mention who I want to work with and why just based on their "general research interests" that are listed in their faculty bio online, and it will turn out they don't have the same angle as I do. If that makes sense.? | |
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| In an SOP, what is an alternate way of saying "Your" when referring to the Program/School. And moreover, are you supposed to refer to the Program or the University name? I'm editing mine and I noticed I say a lot of "Your". For example, "Your institution is...." "Your curriculum is...." Suggestions, please? | |
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| On the online application when it says "List any awards, honors, performances, etc" and there is a text box for you to type in your answer, do you simply list these items or do you use a complete sentence to answer the question?
In other words, is this answer ok:
Award X in 2005, Award Y in 2006, Award Z in 2007 | |
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| So, way late I know. I've been swamped this semester, though I did manage to finish with a 3.9. Anyway, the point is, I'm running way late on finishing up my graduate applications. I haven't even had single soul look at my statement of purpose. Anyone care to offer feedback? ( Read more. ) | |
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| I am currently applying to masters programs in Public History/Public Humanities/History with an offered concentration in Museum Studies. None of my schools ask for a separate SOP and personal statement, and only one specifies a desired length for an SOP (5 pages or less). In situations like this, what is a reasonable length for an essay? Some schools do specify the statement be "brief"; what is your conception of a "brief" essay?
Thank you! | |
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| I want to submit a writing sample that is closely related to my research interests, problem is it doesn't use any type of theoritical framework and isn't really a 'thesis statement' type of paper. It's basically just a study I conducted. The paper is about 10 pages long and begins with very brief lit review, then goes on to discuss the methods and findings, then ends with conclucsions and suggestions for future research. I like this paper a lot except it's not like a typical college paper (at least any of the ones I wrote in college) and is more like a research study.
Do you think this is OK for a writing sample or should I turn in one I wrote in college that doesn't include any original research? | |
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| Hey guys!
I've been a lurker here for a couple of days now, and would just like to say thank goodness this community exists!
I have a resume but it has to be edited and I want to bulk it up a bit. My sections are currently divided by education, related/volunteer experience, and work experience. It fills up a page, but I want to fill it up a bit more. Do you guys have any other sections to recommend? Do you think a 'qualifications' section is appropriate?
Thank you all and happy holidays! | |
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| Do you mention this on your resume/SOP and if so, how? | |
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| Hi all,
Is there a correct way of going about listing language ability on your resume that is accompanying the MA application? Please note that this is not a CV.
I don't want to simply list all the languages I "know" because I have different levels for each. For example:
SPANISH: I am at an intermediate level in reading, but elementary in writing and speaking. GERMAN: I am only able to understand it at an advanced level, but elementary reading level, and cannot speak it or write at all. FRENCH: I can read it at a medium level, but cannot speak or write it.
Also, you do not include English in this section of your resume, right? It's assumed that English is your native language correct?
~Karrie | |
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| Does anyone know if the financial aid application has to be filled in along with the main app? The other univs dont require you to fill the financial bit for Ph.d apps because Ph.d is almost always funded.
Any thoughts by people who have done this before or have any leads? | |
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| Poll #1501553 Todays Poll .
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 82 When did you realize you wanted to apply to Graduate School . | |
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| I have been working with a professor from another department for over a semester closely - well, closer than with anyone from my department anyway. It was independent study, so he got to know me quite well. I emailed him just to ask whether he would be willing to write a couple of letters for me - I was definitely hoping for a yes, sure. But I still haven't heard back from him! It's been five days, so I don't really think there is any hope left. ( more under the cut )
It would be helpful to hear from people who have been in a similar situation, if there are any... | |
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| Do you mention diversity in the SOP? For example, do you mention your race/ethnicity? My adviser said I should mention it cause programs want a diverse student body. It just seems so out of place. | |
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| Hi all,
I graduated with a degree in Women & Gender studies and I am interested in applying for MA/PhD programs in Anthropology. I went to a small university that only offered a few Anthro classes, and only 1 in my field of interest (Biological Anthropology).
ETA: 2 of my WGS courses were cross-listed with Anthro, so I have a total of 3 classes, 12 credit hours, with an average GPA of 3.56 in Anthro.
I would like to take more coursework in the subject to secure strong, relevant letters of recommendation, and also to be better prepared to study the subject. I am running into a lot of problems. Some universities will not admit me at all for undergrad coursework because I already have a Bachelors. Others will let me apply to be a guest non-degree student, but this must be done almost a year in advance and I cannot register for classes until the day classes begin, at which point I assume classes would be full.
I e-mailed a graduate admissions counselor to make an appointment to discuss these challenges, but I was wondering if anyone here had any suggestions.
Thanks in advance, and I hope the suspense ends soon and you get acceptance letters from your dream schools :) Can't wait until it is my turn to stress out and send out applications. ;) | |
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| If you are the person on Yahoo! Answers who referred me to this blog, thanks!
So, I know it's NONE of my business but I'm really curious to find out about my little brother who took the GRE test and wont tell me all his scores. I only know about his Verbal Score which is 390. I'm trying to figure out what his AW score could be? Based on this Verbal score what do you think is his A.W. score?
The programs he wants to apply to place a heavy emphasis on his AW score but he wont tell me what it is! I ask because he wont tell me and I really want to encourage him to go to grad school but I know nothing about GRE scoring. He's that kind of person who needs TONS of support and encouragement from his family/friends to do things, so if you've taken the GRE maybe you can give me a ball-park idea as to what his AW score might be? I also know you can't really "assume" scores but lets say you had to, what do you think his AW score would be? Ana (Worried Sister) | |
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| So I have a question regarding returning for a MA or Ph.D.
Is it possible several years later to attempt to get into a program if one has a shoddy undergrad GPA?
I don't recall hearing anything about it, but I'm wondering if its possible?
X-posted to a_a | |
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| I am looking for some advice on the essay for my application. It is listed on the application like this, in 3 questions:
Question 1. What are your plans for graduate study and your future career?
Question 2. In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
Question 3. Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
My questions about this are:
1. Should I write three separate responses or lump the questions into one larger essay? 2. It gives NO word limit, what is a good rule of thumb to go by when you are not given one? 3. What kind of information should/could I talk about for question 3?
Thank you for any help you can give. This type of essay seems slightly different from the SOP's I usually see posted here so I just wanted to get some feedback on the best way to go about doing it. Thanks again! | |
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| So, I'm applying to 75% British schools. My top choice is a British school. I met with an old undergrad advisor the other day and he mentioned that it could be more difficult after graduation to get a job here in the states with a british degree (than with an American one). At the time I guess the comment didn't really catch my attention, but after the meeting I couldn't believe that I hadn't asked him to elaborate a little on that point.
So, I thought I'd ask you guys: do you think that it is significantly more difficult to get a job in the US with a British degree than with an American one? I also want to ask, since I'm applying for a masters, if you think it would make is significantly more difficult to to gain entry to a top PhD program in the US? If it matters, all of the schools I'm applying to are top-ranked in Britain.
Field(s): humanities/continental phil/ comp. lit
thanks all | |
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| I'm sure that this has been answered here before, but there are a lot of posts to wade through... How long does it typically take ETS to mail your GRE scores to schools? I have a January 15 deadline, and I'd like to give myself enough time to make sure the scores are sent and received by the university.
I'd appreciate any feedback. | |
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| Poll #1501190 Todays Poll
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 61 Who is the 1st person you're going to tell when you find out you GOT IN | |
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| I've been lurking around applyingtograd for the past two weeks now and trying desperately not to think too hard about all the applications I already sent off and let myself get neurotic about them. FAIL. Anyway, I've been more than a bit naive about this whole grad school process and I was flying blind while applying, too. I received a great deal of help from my advisor and professors but, well, they've been only on the recommendations side of the process for well over twenty years. So, in a fit of pre-holiday insecurity, while I sit on my hands for the next several months to hear back from the schools, I figured I would ask everyone here for their advice/opinion. My biggest concern is that I've just graduated from a small (but academically solid) college--it's not an Ivy or a faux-Ivy and it doesn't even have the name recognition of a state school. What kills me, of course, is that I wouldn't change my choice to go there for the world as it was an amazing experience and with wonderful professors. Then again, it seems like no one knows it. ( details under the cut ) So, if any of you know about these schools or even their specific programs (or even if you don't) your feedback would be very much appreciated as I now realize (belatedly) that I was flying dark through this whole process and I'm definitely in need of a bit of a reality check, one way or the other. Thanks! P.S. Who else is caught in the current SNOWPOCALYPSE? (Which my spell-check desperately wants to correct to "soporifically.") | |
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| I'm right now debating whether or not I should apply to some grad schools in Canada. I never attended school in Canada so I'm not sure what their grading polices are like. I recently had a brief conversation with someone who went to grad school in Canada and they told me that professors in Canada rarely give out "A's" or perfect scores. Is that true about the grading procedures in Canada? I know it's common to get A's or full points on assignments in the US (obviously for assignments that deserve this grade), but I'm worried that in Canada they are much tougher when it comes to grading. Any feedback from Canadian students? I really don't want to end up with a B average or lower in grad school, which is why I'm asking. I'm looking at applying to McGill, University of Toronto, and Concordia. | |
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| On many of the online app's I filled out, it asks you to say "how long" you've known the professors who are writing your LOR's. So for this 1 specific professor, I put that I've known her for 4 years. The other day she emailed me to tell me she sent out all the LORs, and she included a copy for me to read. In it, she mentions "In the 2 years I've known STUDENT, blah blah blah." But on the applications, I put that I've known her for 4 years. I didn't know you were only supposed to put the amount of time you've been in their classes! And now I'm afraid the admissions committees will think I'm being dishonest. And I'm afraid my other recommenders are going to do the same thing in their LORs. What do you all think? | |
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| Sounds crazy, but I'm jealous of everyone submitting apps right now! I decided recently that I don't have enough time to give to applications and so I'm taking a year off. ( tl;dr )Any opinions would be greatly appreciated! | |
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| Hey, I was referred to this community/site, so I hope I can get some feedback! Basically I have 4 questions regarding my resume that I need to submit as part of my application for graduate school.
#1: My resume is right now 1 page and a half. I really don't like how half of the second page is blank. The white space makes it look like I don't have anything to list and gives off a bad impression in my opinion. Do you think is ok? I tried REALLY hard to make it just 1 page but it's impossible.
#2: Should I include work experience not related to my field? I do want to because it shows that I held jobs during my time as an undergrad, but these are sales related jobs. This program that I'm applying to does not require any work experience related to the filed, but it does say that those with "professional work experience" will have a more attractive application.
#3: What is the rule about listing professional associations you are a member of? Do you have to list every one? I was kind of forced to join one in order to present at a certain conference, but I don't feel like including it in the list. Will that be a red flag for adcoms reading my resume, in that they might say "She presented at this conference but is not a member? This is weird. Maybe she's lying."
#4: I'm presenting at a conference next month and want to have a section called "upcoming presentations" on my resume. Is this appropriate? What is the proper formatting?
Click that Reply button and post your opinions! :-) | |
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| My mentor has been tremendously helpful this semester, giving me guidance, writing recommendations, etc etc etc.
I wanted to send her a small gift and a thank you card before the holidays... but there's just one thing: Her husband is on the admissions panel of a school to which I'm applying.
The gift I'm giving her has no commercial value. It's a small handmade thing I'm making to commemorate one of our classes. The card will be addressed to her. Could I write I hope you and ____ have a great winter holiday? Should I leave his name out entirely? I've been to their house, I know and have met both of them... but could that be construed as inappropriate at all? I don't want the gift to lose any sentimental or genuine value... or what I'm doing to be inappropriate.
I hope I never have to plan a wedding. I'm so bad at this type of should/shouldn't etiquette inappropriate/appropriate business. | |
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| I honestly thought I was going to do a lot better than that. Should I be worried? Should I retake the exam? Also, I had booked the exam for Nov.25 and rescheduled it for Dec.2. On my report it has next to November "absent/not available." Is that normal or should I call ETS and ask them why it says this? | |
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| Poll #1500897 How often do you think about your application
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 35 How often do you think about your application | |
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| I've seen people say you should explain "bad semesters" in the SOP, then some say just not to worry about it. Now I'm not sure what's best to do.
The semesters in question were in my second/third years, and they were back-to-back. One semester just looks bad, then the immediate next semester is all Ws because I had to drop out completely...so it was a whole year of surgeries, then complications I didn't see coming...then more surgeries, on top of two chronic pain disorders (I had to drop out that one semester because the surgery that semester left me unable to walk and sit for a month and a half).
I look at pages that say what to do/not to do in the SOP, but they say two different things about this. I did ask the head of the pathology dept. at the school I'm trying to get into (or, I should say, the school I want to get into and attend, if at all possible) and he said to explain it, IF it affected my grades (which it definitely did).
PS I didn't seek him out to ask anything. I was talking to my old bioethics prof. and mentioned that I wanted to get a PhD in pathology, and he just happened to be friends with the head of the pathology dept. at said school. He set up a "meeting" for us just to chat. :) | |
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