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November 15th, 2009
applyingtograd
[socialpsychg]
 | 02:51 pm - Social Psych SOP - Round 2
I've taken advice from her and my thesis advisor since my last draft, and significantly revised it. Any input or criticism (anything at all - even to just repeat what someone else said!) is absolutely appreciated.
I also have two questions (one related to my SOP, one related to Writing Samples) below the cut.
( SOP here! )
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applyingtograd
[quarktothemax]
| 12:43 pm - Another SOP
I would appreciate any input and criticism people could provide on my SOP. No need to be gentle... I've been through creative writing workshops, so I have skin of steal!
I would be happy to read anyone else's SOPs as well... I'll be critiquing some for the next few days, but if you really want me to look at yours, let me know what day it was posted, and I'll go look for it!
One specific question I have is whether or not I should mention the fact that I've been out of school for two years. I got married, moved back to my home town, and have been working at random jobs. That doesn't sound relevant or interesting, but I'm afraid they'll wonder what I've been up to.
Current Location: back room
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/growf/pengies/happy.gif) cheerful
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applyingtograd
[stilllifemoves]
 | 12:43 am - New draft of English SOP
I overhauled my last draft - thanks so much to those of you that commented! Something I'd like to see more discussion of even if you don't have anything to say about my SOP, is whether or not I should try to explain a low-ish GPA. My GRE verbal score is good, but I'm hovering close to a 3.5 in my major, slightly more than that overall (I think 3.6/7).
Anyway, here's the new draft. I realized a lot of the last draft was BS, so I tried hard to stick with what was honest.
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applyingtograd
[dannylarge]
 | 01:15 am - Chemistry SOP
I'm having some trouble developing a good statement of purpose for a Ph.D. program in chemistry. This is my current version I plan on submitting to my first choice of schools, along with the prompt:
( Input appreciated! )
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November 14th, 2009
_scientists_
[oxfordmuse]
 | 06:45 pm - Hello! =]
I'm new to this community. I'm studying to become an RN, and oxfordmuse is my academic journal. I will be posting information about answering chemistry questions as well as anatomy help- so if you'd like to take a look, please do! :)
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applyingtograd
[greenpenquills]
 | 02:27 pm - creative writing MFA statement of purpose?
hi everyone, my name is alana. this year, i'm applying to three MFA programs in creative nonfiction: university of arizona, university of new mexico, and university of iowa. i've been obsessing over my writing sample for the past couple of months. i've workshopped parts of it, showed it to family and professors, all that good stuff. i feel like i'm set with that at least in terms of material, although i'm still in the editing phase.
anyway, as i'm not taking the GREs and have gotten transcripts and LORs in order, all that's really left is the dreaded SOP. i'm having an unbelievable amount of trouble with them, specifically arizona's because it can only be 250 words. the other two are 500, but i'm stuck there too.
i guess my biggest problem is articulating my reasons behind wanting to do this and my goals after graduating. i feel like everything i write will sound generic and boring. my general story is no different than most. i started writing when i was really young, it's always been a passion, etc. i did decide to write a memoir when i was 9 years old and have kept journals most of my life for this reason, so that's sort of interesting. i wish that i could mention more specific reasons, like wanting to write a memoir about my struggle with depression and anxiety disorders my whole life, but that seems risky.
i know we're all sort of going through this, but i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. thanks!
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academics_anon
[liz85]
 | 02:50 pm - Making the plunge: PC to Mac
Hi all,
I am a first year doctoral student with a dying Dell. Some of this is due to 3 years of use and abuse (my average computer-life), and some is due to a recent virus. Anyway, it's probably time to invest in a new laptop since I can't get anything done in the lab and I can't spend 30 minutes everyday doing a system restore anymore.
I have a few classmates who are recent Mac converts and love it so far. I saw Papers and thought that'd be great for organizing all my articles. I'm nervous about switching to a Mac, however, because I use SAS for most statistical analysis. Is there anyone out there who has had a good experience using SAS on a Mac? It looks like I'd have to get Windows for it and have Word installed on both the Mac and Windows side if I want to be able to cut/paste from SAS into Word easily. I want to be reasonably sure this is going to work nicely before I shell out the cash.
There is probably some other software packages that are not Mac-compatible, but I figure anything beyond stats, writing, and talk-prepping I can do in the lab.
My alternate plan is to buy another PC but not from Dell. I guess the appeal of the Mac is apparently high user happiness and lower likelihood for viruses.
Any input is welcome (yes, even the comment snarkfests that tend to happen here...)
Thanks.
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applyingtograd
[speakwrite_]
 | 02:26 am - Rhetoric at Berkeley (Burkeley?)
I'm currently double-majoring in English and medieval studies, with the end of the whole ordeal (so to speak) coming up after next year's fifth-year victory lap. Most of the programs I'll be applying to will be English. I've taken a couple of courses in rhetoric, however, and have become quite smitten – though both of these courses have focussed on rhetoric in terms of science and medicine, I've toyed around with how to apply it to my own fields of interest.
That said, the Rhetoric PhD at Berkeley has really captured my interest. Has anyone heard anything about it? (Is anyone... applying?) I'm casting around for general impressions at this point, and I'm curious to know what thoughts are on the program itself, the prospects of the degree, etc. I presume selectivity would be about as rigorous (/intimidating) as, er, any other field at Berkeley. Sigh.
Thank you!
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applyingtograd
[flower303]
| 02:40 am - Editing and formatting writing sample?
Hi all,
I'm applying to English PhD programs, and I'm trying to edit my MA thesis so it will fit into the usual 15-25 page limit. The original version I submitted for my degree was around 50 pages, and compressing the formatting, omitting illustrations, and such brings it down to 37 pages. If I delete what I feel was the weakest chapter, it drops to 22. I had hoped to find a way to keep at least a little of every chapter, but I'm having a devil of a time doing so. Squeezing 25 pages out of 50 seems destined to look obviously abbreviated and incomplete. My advisor wasn't a ton of help -- he said to just submit one chapter -- but I can't wrap my mind around how that won't look kinda half-assed, for lack of a better word.
But, I understand that getting down to 15 or even 25 will require some tough choices. If I choose to submit just a part, or parts, how can I best frame the portion I select? Do I give an abstract of the parts I don't submit, or of the overall piece, or...? Or should I just cut as much as I can from each chapter and risk the whole thing reading like a Cliff's Notes version of something better?
Ideally I would submit a self-contained 15 page paper of course, but my thesis is really the best critical piece I have that relates to the area I want to study. Any tips about dealing with writing samples will be appreciated!
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applyingtograd
[jude_18]
| 01:03 pm - Question about gap year
Hi all,
I took a year off after I finished undergrad and worked in Google for their online adv program before I applied to do a Masters. Do you think that should be explained in the SOP.
Any help/ advise on this is much appreciated! :)
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applyingtograd
[anasella_emm]
 | 12:59 am
so I'm trying to bring down a 1,000 word statement of purpose that I submitted to other schools into a 500 word max sop for SUNY Binghamton.
and when i looked at the requirements, the wording confused me:
"This application requirement has a 500 word maximum, but one page may be sufficient. "
does that mean that it can be one page but over 500 words? O_o
any ideas?
Current Music: Phantom of the opera - Theme Instrumental | Powered by Last.fm
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November 13th, 2009
applyingtograd
[mysticblossom]
 | 10:52 pm - SOP Question
Alright, for those of you who don't know, I am applying to MFA programs in creative writing, and am currently working on my SOP. I understand, as I've said, that the writing sample is way more important, but this just happens to be one of the parts I'm focusing on right now. That said, I know that each SOP has to be tailored to each school I'm applying to, because each school will have different SOP criteria, requested length, and each school will want to know why I am applying there.
I wrote one SOP as a sample and handed it out to some of my professors. One mentioned two things 1) That the reasons I gave for wanting to attend that program and graduate school in general are vague, and 2) I don't mention specific professors I'd want to work with. She mentioned this as someone with a PhD in literature, and said that she believes at MFA programs, mentioning specific faculty that you want to oversee your work and such isn't as important because it's more of a workshop environment (especially in high res programs). However, this is just the direction she's coming from.
Now, at some of the schools I'm applying to, I've been attracted to them because of the faculty, and some I'm attracted to other criteria, such as visiting writers, classes offered, the department's philosophy, or any combination of criteria. I'm excited about all of the programs for different reasons. I plan to revise my SOP to include more specific reasons for wanting to attend an MFA program, because I know that I can, but I wanted to run the question to the board: for MFA programs in writing, is faculty as important? I know that for PhD programs it's very, very important, and I know that MFA programs want you to at least know who your professors will be and be familiar with what they're writing, since they might reject you on the basis that your work doesn't fit what they feel they can coach, but are they looking for me to have picked the school because of the faculty?
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_scientists_
[evultreefrog]
 | 08:00 pm - Science News Outlets
I am no longer in academia and have lost my journal access abilities. However, I still like to keep up on scientific progress. So, I was wondering what your favorite scientific news sites are? I recently stumbled upon Science Daily. / I like how it references articles so I can grovel from my friends who have journal access. Any other suggestions?
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gradstudents
[ilovechocolates]
 | 05:03 pm
Hi, my name is Nancy and I am currently a graduate student in the biomedical sciences. I am confronted with a difficult situation in the lab I am working in now, and would love to from anyone who has an opinion or advice on my circumstances!
( Read more... )I'm afraid that the grass is just greener on the other side, and I may have to just suck it up.
I would GREATLY appreciate any advice, recommendations, or input on what I could do! I need to make a decision by early next week, so it is a rather urgent situation...thank you SO much for your help!!!
Current Mood: ![[mood icon]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/charitycam/suns/angry.gif) stressed
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applyingtograd
[kuniklos]
 | 03:54 pm - How much is too much? Graduate debt!
This is a question I have asked both my advisors and I can't get a helpful answer. I'm a debt-a-phobe. I don't even own a credit card. I save for emergencies and I never buy what I can't afford. But there is one thing I can't afford: graduate school. And I need to resolve my issues about loan debt. I'm lucky I get to leave undergrad with only $5000 in debt which I'm sure I can pay off with not much worry.
Now comes the scary part. Graduate school. The two programs I adore the most and know I will get the most out of will put me in $50,000-$100,000 in debt. Tuition for both schools for two years will cost $50,000 before books and materials. Living expenses aren't even accounted for. One of the schools, the best one for what I'd like to do is in NYC. Lo-and-behold massive rent. I am not willing to commute because it effects study, sleep, eating habits. I'd have to stay in the city limits. But this program is the one I want most. The other is nice and in a much more affordable area, but I will lose valuable experience and contacts.
I'm an art history and archaology major. I am applying to both art history and archaeology/anthropology programs for the basically the same thing: medieval and viking material culture. Both schools prepare me for work in field, to teach as well as in museums. However, if I go by the rule of, "Will it increase my earning but X amount?" The answer would be no. It merely increases my chances at the job I want, not the pay I'd like. I will be lucky to start with 40k a year.
How do you decide how much is too much for your education? What do you consider? My advisors simply tell me that if I want something bad enough the price tag won't matter. But the price tag does matter, because I fear at that rate I won't be able to pay the rent, let alone stay ahead of the interest. I'm not even sure its worth the fees and trouble to apply where I might not be able to afford.
Help?
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_scientists_
[quistis218]
 | 11:16 am
Does anyone know how to obtain this book:
Lectures on Wastewater Analysis and Interpretation by R. K. Smith
ISBN 1-890911-10-0
Amazon has one used copy for 149.95 and I was hoping to get it cheaper. Thanks in advance.
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_scientists_
[jamesgunasekera]
 | 11:37 am - Please read about my research:
http://james.freehoster.co.cc/is.html
I will listen carefully to all your comments.
Abstract: Some inexplicable statistical variations in Nobel Prize laureates natal data are reported and discussed, and additional data is examined afterward. The observed strong correlation with Quaoar position (+5.69 standard deviations) is probably caused by correlation of Quaoar position with an unknown non-trivial solar, lunar or terrestrial cycle. It is well known that some space weather conditions influence human health, but the possibility of influence on long-term physiological and/or psychological characteristics since birth is still under question. If observed on other similar data, e.g. Wolf Prize laureates or Ramon Magsaysay awardees, the effect can be considered astroanthropological. Otherwise this study will help to better understand the reasons of astrological and similar beliefs, and to prevent circulation of such anti-scientific beliefs in future.
Comments: All databases and the source code are included.
I know that the majority of physicists and astronomers would say that these data don't make sense and therefore can't be correct. Though other examples of inexplicable data are well known, e.g. Pioneer anomaly, the Kuiper cliff, the Eridanus Supervoid.
Where could this article be published? If you have any idea, please share.
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applyingtograd
[raven_moon]
 | 11:16 am - Medieval History SOP, round 2
After some tweaking, and many of your wonderful comments, I have gotten at least a step closer. Actually, I think I'm pretty happy with this one...
( Here it is: )
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applyingtograd
[ieatpotatos]
 | 12:58 am - CVs in English
Hi, guys,
I'm busy rewriting my resume to resemble (however vaguely) a CV. Questions:
1. Should I describe each position I list under Related Work Experience the way I would on a resume?
2. For you English kids out there: Should I be describing my undergraduate thesis work with more than just its title and my adviser for the project?
Any help is much appreciated. Thanks a billion.
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