I'm sort of having a little bit of writer's block for this blog, plus school is taking up a lot of my time.
To fill you in:
My transcripts have finally arrived to Clemson! All I'm waiting on now is my last recommendation to be submitted to the school and then I can sit back, relax, and wait to see if I've been accepted or not.
I'm worried that I won't be accepted. I'm not worried about my application materials or never getting in to grad school, I'm just nervous that I will feel really disappointed in myself. Regardless of Clemson's decision, I've already promised myself that I won't give up on grad school. I legitimately do want to be an expert.
I have a "meeting" with a professor of mine this week to "talk about my future." This is a really great thing. [and also a really nerve wrecking thing]. I'm hoping that he will want to chat about grad school and I can bring up the fact that, for two of my applications, I still need another person to write my recommendations. In the post Recommendations I wrote that there are four possible professors that I would ask to write that last rec. In no particular order I listed him as #1 and a friend said he was the one I should pick. He's also the most intimidating, however nice, professor I've ever had. I will have to prepare for this "meeting."
A Question for my Readers
Do you have any tips for asking for recommendations?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Harvard Way
From the number of things I've heard about Harvard students, the fact (?) that stands out the most is that Harvard students go to school, not to get a job, but to create a job. I believe this could be a key difference between students who go to college because it is just the "next step" and between students who go to college because they truly want to learn and to be there. Some exceptions, many in fact, do apply, but for the sake of my argument lets just go with this.
Speaking of which...where am i going with this?
Well, as you all know I've been obsessing over graduate school (or finding a job once I graduate) for the past few weeks. And then I had an idea that these are two general categories that do not have to happen. Forget the specificities....the general does not have to take place. Nope.
Now, of course I want to teach at the college level, and probably would need some grad school in order to do that. But! But, I could also perfect the art of blogging, financially backed by my wonderful boyfriend of course (might have to check on this...since we're both broke ::smiley face::).
Lisa's 8 Step Model to Blogger Perfection
1. Spend the rest of the semester, and most likely well into the summer, developing current blogs.
2. Find the right niche(s), become an expert at blogging that niche.
3. Market, market, market.
4. Write a book. (Did you know Blogger has a publishing option! hmmm...interesting)
5. Publish scholarly articles on blogging.
6. Emphasize the benefits of blogging in the business and academic world.
7. Become a professor: blogging & English lit.
8. Stardom ensues!
While there is a hint of sarcasm in this blog post, I'm not entirely joking. This is a plausible, if not entirely possible, idea.
A Question for my Readers
Have you ever had blogger success/perfection? What was your plan?
Speaking of which...where am i going with this?
Well, as you all know I've been obsessing over graduate school (or finding a job once I graduate) for the past few weeks. And then I had an idea that these are two general categories that do not have to happen. Forget the specificities....the general does not have to take place. Nope.
i love bloggingI could create my own job. I love literature, I love research, and I love blogging. In the past I have made a few dollars (give or take) from advertising space on my blogs. The trick here is finding the right niche.
Now, of course I want to teach at the college level, and probably would need some grad school in order to do that. But! But, I could also perfect the art of blogging, financially backed by my wonderful boyfriend of course (might have to check on this...since we're both broke ::smiley face::).
Lisa's 8 Step Model to Blogger Perfection
1. Spend the rest of the semester, and most likely well into the summer, developing current blogs.
2. Find the right niche(s), become an expert at blogging that niche.
3. Market, market, market.
4. Write a book. (Did you know Blogger has a publishing option! hmmm...interesting)
5. Publish scholarly articles on blogging.
6. Emphasize the benefits of blogging in the business and academic world.
7. Become a professor: blogging & English lit.
8. Stardom ensues!
While there is a hint of sarcasm in this blog post, I'm not entirely joking. This is a plausible, if not entirely possible, idea.
A Question for my Readers
Have you ever had blogger success/perfection? What was your plan?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Epiphany
I just had an epiphany.
I've been asked a lot why I want to go to grad school, by teachers, parents, friends, applications etc. In fact, I ran into an old professor today who asked me if I've found a good reason for going. And while the reason has been there the whole time, I've just now understood how to explain it to others.
So far, I've only understood my reasons for grad school to be a goal of furthering my education with feminist studies in literature. However, this really doesn't seem like enough. I've had plenty of discourse in feminist theory, literature, and movements, and yet I feel that I have just barely scraped the surface of it all. But is that really a good reason to go to grad school?
For me, yes. For others, maybe not.
However, what if I put it differently. What if I said, "I want to be an expert in the field of feminism. Feminist movements, feminist literature, and especially modern feminism." When someone hears/reads the word "expert," they generally associate the term with someone who is well versed in every aspect of the field. This "someone" may have a Ph.D., at least an M.A., and may even be a part of some historical association that obsesses over the chosen field. Yes, that is what I want. More so than teaching college, I want to be an expert. I want to have libraries (note the plural) of feminist texts, feminist history, and even non feminist texts that have instances of female success.
The way I like to put it is "I'm addicted to dead women in texts." I'm addicted to finding instances of women who have either died or killed themselves and why. I blame it all on a professor I had freshman year who taught the book The Road by Cormac McCarthy. The mother killed herself and now I'm obsessed with femininity and death.
Yes, I could see myself doing all of these things. But more than that I want to be an expert.
So that's my epiphany.
And since we're on a more informal note, I'd also like to ask you to check out my 3 other literary blogs. I've created them for my classes, as a way to organize my thoughts and research for class. They are linked over to your right -------->
no question today, just thoughts
❤
I've been asked a lot why I want to go to grad school, by teachers, parents, friends, applications etc. In fact, I ran into an old professor today who asked me if I've found a good reason for going. And while the reason has been there the whole time, I've just now understood how to explain it to others.
i want to be an expert
So far, I've only understood my reasons for grad school to be a goal of furthering my education with feminist studies in literature. However, this really doesn't seem like enough. I've had plenty of discourse in feminist theory, literature, and movements, and yet I feel that I have just barely scraped the surface of it all. But is that really a good reason to go to grad school?
For me, yes. For others, maybe not.
However, what if I put it differently. What if I said, "I want to be an expert in the field of feminism. Feminist movements, feminist literature, and especially modern feminism." When someone hears/reads the word "expert," they generally associate the term with someone who is well versed in every aspect of the field. This "someone" may have a Ph.D., at least an M.A., and may even be a part of some historical association that obsesses over the chosen field. Yes, that is what I want. More so than teaching college, I want to be an expert. I want to have libraries (note the plural) of feminist texts, feminist history, and even non feminist texts that have instances of female success.
The way I like to put it is "I'm addicted to dead women in texts." I'm addicted to finding instances of women who have either died or killed themselves and why. I blame it all on a professor I had freshman year who taught the book The Road by Cormac McCarthy. The mother killed herself and now I'm obsessed with femininity and death.
Yes, I could see myself doing all of these things. But more than that I want to be an expert.
So that's my epiphany.
And since we're on a more informal note, I'd also like to ask you to check out my 3 other literary blogs. I've created them for my classes, as a way to organize my thoughts and research for class. They are linked over to your right -------->
no question today, just thoughts
❤
What to do with an English Degree?
These two-a-days may remain. Some days I'm busy, some days I'm a procrastinator. I didn't post yesterday due to a number of factors relating to school and procrastination, however I've got a great idea for my first blog post of the day; careers in English literature with just a B.A.
By the way, if you've just now begun to read my blog, check out my introduction to learn a little bit more about me: Technically...
As I have almost fully exhausted my graduate school search, I have decided to take a different approach to my English degree. No one ever said I have to either go to grad school or work as an HR rep. I don't have to do either of those things.
What can I do, really?
1. Publishing
2. Editing (my original career goal)
3. Journalism
4. Teaching (ideal at the college level)
5. Public Relations
6. Library & Information Services
7. Administration
8. Tons of other unrelated careers
Of course, teaching at the college level is ideal, however I am not opposed to teaching high school, AP (advanced placement) English. My junior year in high school I had a great teacher who probably sparked my interest in critical thinking in terms of literature. I would love to get my Ph.D. so that I can teach college level and not just intro courses. I want to teach a feminist literature class and classes in criticism. I am very interested in English criticism and how to effectively criticize a novel.
I don't have to teach to publish papers...and publishing papers is what I want to do. I don't care that there's not much money involved in that. I just want someone to recognize a brilliant (or moderately illuminating) idea of mine and repeat it to someone else. I don't have a problem thinking critically, I just need more training in it.
Editing is also something that I am very interested in. I love editing peers papers, but what I really wish I could do is give them better ideas. Not that my peers don't have great ideas, but sometimes their ideas spark ideas within me that would be a great addition to their papers/creative works. Editing would give me the chance to do that. Let me specify, though, that I don't mean copy writing work. I mean true fiction editing, working with authors to create great novels.
I guess editing goes hand in hand with publishing. I wanted to open my own publishing company, but with the invention of the Kindle and Nook, I'm a little worried that publishing hard copies is dwindling. Electronic publishing is so simple that almost anyone can do it, so it really makes no sense to start my life off with that. Working for a publisher, and eventually gaining a top position is something that I would love to do, definitely something I'd consider.
Journalism isn't for me. I'm too self centered.
I really don't think PR is right for me either. It's too business related and I really hate that.
The whole "library science" field seems a bit too boring and administration = nah!
A Question for my Readers
Do any of you have English degrees and are working outside of academia? If so, do you have any advice?
By the way, if you've just now begun to read my blog, check out my introduction to learn a little bit more about me: Technically...
As I have almost fully exhausted my graduate school search, I have decided to take a different approach to my English degree. No one ever said I have to either go to grad school or work as an HR rep. I don't have to do either of those things.
i really want to be a professorInstead I could pursue a career with my English degree that does not require me to go to grad school. (Granted, I really want to be a professor and teach in academia and doing otherwise would only be a last resort) I could go into a number of different fields with my background in English literature.
What can I do, really?
1. Publishing
2. Editing (my original career goal)
3. Journalism
4. Teaching (ideal at the college level)
5. Public Relations
6. Library & Information Services
7. Administration
8. Tons of other unrelated careers
Of course, teaching at the college level is ideal, however I am not opposed to teaching high school, AP (advanced placement) English. My junior year in high school I had a great teacher who probably sparked my interest in critical thinking in terms of literature. I would love to get my Ph.D. so that I can teach college level and not just intro courses. I want to teach a feminist literature class and classes in criticism. I am very interested in English criticism and how to effectively criticize a novel.
I don't have to teach to publish papers...and publishing papers is what I want to do. I don't care that there's not much money involved in that. I just want someone to recognize a brilliant (or moderately illuminating) idea of mine and repeat it to someone else. I don't have a problem thinking critically, I just need more training in it.
Editing is also something that I am very interested in. I love editing peers papers, but what I really wish I could do is give them better ideas. Not that my peers don't have great ideas, but sometimes their ideas spark ideas within me that would be a great addition to their papers/creative works. Editing would give me the chance to do that. Let me specify, though, that I don't mean copy writing work. I mean true fiction editing, working with authors to create great novels.
I guess editing goes hand in hand with publishing. I wanted to open my own publishing company, but with the invention of the Kindle and Nook, I'm a little worried that publishing hard copies is dwindling. Electronic publishing is so simple that almost anyone can do it, so it really makes no sense to start my life off with that. Working for a publisher, and eventually gaining a top position is something that I would love to do, definitely something I'd consider.
Journalism isn't for me. I'm too self centered.
I really don't think PR is right for me either. It's too business related and I really hate that.
The whole "library science" field seems a bit too boring and administration = nah!
A Question for my Readers
Do any of you have English degrees and are working outside of academia? If so, do you have any advice?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
On The Other Hand...
Borderline misleadingly, this blog is titled Confessions of a College Grad, not Pour Your Heart Out About How Bad You Want To Go To Grad School. After I graduate college, grad school is not the only option. I could also start my career in my second, yet much less desirable, field of study: Human Resource Management.
I am currently taking three classes that are required to obtain my degree: Staffing & Selection, Strategic Compensation, and Competitive Strategy. Today I was working on a Staffing Case where I have to recommend different staffing strategies for a company.
Trying to stay realistic and positive, I am going to list some places I wouldn't mind working at as an HR representative.
1. Google
2. ?
Clearly I need to research this through a little bit more. It's difficult to say where I'd like to work. The HR field is really interesting, but it doesn't beat English Literature. Really, I wouldn't mind working anywhere. I think getting an HR job involves applying to open positions and waiting until I get an interview.
Just writing this down is hard. It's not what I want to do, and I'm usually not one to settle.
A Question for my Readers
What else would you like to know about my possible career as an HR rep?
I am currently taking three classes that are required to obtain my degree: Staffing & Selection, Strategic Compensation, and Competitive Strategy. Today I was working on a Staffing Case where I have to recommend different staffing strategies for a company.
i enjoyHonestly, I really enjoy doing this type of work because it's all centered around problem solving ideals. I think my brain is brilliantly wired to truly enjoy solving problems. Unfortunately, I really do dislike business.
doing this
Trying to stay realistic and positive, I am going to list some places I wouldn't mind working at as an HR representative.
1. Google
2. ?
Clearly I need to research this through a little bit more. It's difficult to say where I'd like to work. The HR field is really interesting, but it doesn't beat English Literature. Really, I wouldn't mind working anywhere. I think getting an HR job involves applying to open positions and waiting until I get an interview.
Just writing this down is hard. It's not what I want to do, and I'm usually not one to settle.
A Question for my Readers
What else would you like to know about my possible career as an HR rep?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Stress of Waiting
Checking the application status every hour...
Checking your email every five minutes...
Checking the status of your transcript request every second...
I'm writing another post today because I missed my post yesterday. I'm also writing because I'm obsessing over the status of my application. Not because I'm stressed out about whether or not I've been accepted but because it has been over a week since I submitted my application and its supplements and it still says "awaiting."
Unfortunately, the university I'm sending everything to has a disclaimer on their website that says they are delayed in opening mail so I should wait 2 weeks to question the status of my materials.
This is what I get for procrastinating. My GRE scores have been received and one of my recommendations has been turned in. However, my second recommendation has not been completed yet and my transcripts have not arrived. I have no idea whether or not my personal statement and writing sample were received.
So here are my recommendations to you.
1. Know who your recommendations will be from at least 6 months before you plan on submitting your application.
2. Submit your application early enough so that your recommendations will arrive on time. Many recommendation requests are not provided to those writing them until you submit your application.
3. When mailing any supplemental information by snail mail, make sure to ask for a confirmation from the post office.
4. If your university offers an online transcript request service, only use it if you can electronically deliver the transcripts to the desired university.
5. Start early!
A Question for my Readers
Do you think I'm being paranoid? Should I double check on the status of everything that hasn't yet arrived?
Checking your email every five minutes...
Checking the status of your transcript request every second...
i think
i've lost it.
I'm writing another post today because I missed my post yesterday. I'm also writing because I'm obsessing over the status of my application. Not because I'm stressed out about whether or not I've been accepted but because it has been over a week since I submitted my application and its supplements and it still says "awaiting."
Unfortunately, the university I'm sending everything to has a disclaimer on their website that says they are delayed in opening mail so I should wait 2 weeks to question the status of my materials.
This is what I get for procrastinating. My GRE scores have been received and one of my recommendations has been turned in. However, my second recommendation has not been completed yet and my transcripts have not arrived. I have no idea whether or not my personal statement and writing sample were received.
So here are my recommendations to you.
1. Know who your recommendations will be from at least 6 months before you plan on submitting your application.
2. Submit your application early enough so that your recommendations will arrive on time. Many recommendation requests are not provided to those writing them until you submit your application.
3. When mailing any supplemental information by snail mail, make sure to ask for a confirmation from the post office.
4. If your university offers an online transcript request service, only use it if you can electronically deliver the transcripts to the desired university.
5. Start early!
A Question for my Readers
Do you think I'm being paranoid? Should I double check on the status of everything that hasn't yet arrived?
Financing
If I do get accepted into a graduate school program, a new problem arises. How will I pay for it? Like I said before, I am broke.
As I continue to find more ways to finance graduate school, I will update this list.
A Question for my Readers
How have you financed graduate school?
i still need moneyEven with a T.A. position, I will still need to have money to live off of and pay for any extra expenses related to school. I have a few options. I can take out a student loan. I can work throughout college and pay for it all myself. I can also apply for grants and scholarships. Obviously, the most favorable option would to apply for scholarships and not have to pay anything back. I have done some research on various loans/scholarships/grants, including another outline of the T.A. position in order to clarify various means of paying for college.
| Type-Name | Amount | Requirements | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma Tau Delta Senior Scholarship | Max $3,000 | Essay 2 Recs Transcripts |
Past Due [I am currently waiting to hear back from this scholarship] |
| Sigma Tau Delta Graduate Scholarship | Max $3,000 | Essay 2 Recs Transcripts |
November 22 |
| Sallie Mae Fixed Payment Loan | Any | $25/monthly in school payment | Whenever |
| Sallie Mae Interest Payment Loan | Any | Make full payments while in school | Whenever |
| Clemson Teaching Assistantship | $11,374 (1st year) $13,724 (2nd year) |
Application, Research Assistance, Administrative Support, Tutoring |
February 1 |
As I continue to find more ways to finance graduate school, I will update this list.
A Question for my Readers
How have you financed graduate school?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Recommendations
An old professor of mine, who is providing recommendations for me, shared an interesting story with me yesterday which got me thinking about recommendations. He said that he applied to 9 different graduate schools and got rejected from 8 of the 9 come to find out that one of his recommendations was really bad. He said it wasn't until he was accepted into a graduate program that he found out about his bad rec. Someone from the department actually told him about it and let him read it.
Another one of my professors said she had a friend who received a very short anonymous phone call stating "one of your recommendations is bad," before hanging up very quickly. Regardless, I have full faith that all of my recommendations are very positive and accurately describe my academic abilities.
However, the recommendation process alone can be daunting and scary, even if you know you have great recs.
The scary part is actually asking for recommendations. I got lucky with my first two professors. A year ago I went to an old professor and said I had a question. Before I even asked the question he said "yes, I will write a recommendation for you." Now, that wasn't even my question but it was reassuring and really great to hear.
My second professor had office hours that I regularly went to last semester. One day I was talking about grad school and she asked if I needed a recommendation. Again, it was nice to have the tables turned and not actually have to come out and ask for a rec.
Unfortunately, UNC-Wilmington and UNC-Charlotte want 3 letters of recommendation (Clemson only wanted 2). I have to ask the dreaded "recommendation" question. There are 4 potential faculty members who I would love to have write me a recommendation. Without naming names I will briefly describe them below (in no particular order).
Faculty #1
He has a Ph.D.
I took 2 classes with him.
I made an A in each class.
We have a pretty good student/teacher relationship.
I talked a lot in class.
He will definitely want an explanation for my reasons for grad school before agreeing to provide a rec.
Faculty #2
He has a Ph.d.
I took a summer class with him and made an A.
I'm taking another class with him this semester.
I didn't talk much in my summer class, but plan to be an active participant this semester.
The class I'm taking this semester is cross listed as a graduate level class.
I had to request to be in the class this semester and he said he would love to have me in the class.
I feel that getting a recommendation from this professor would be wonderful because he would be able to describe how well I handle classes with grad students.
Faculty #3
She has her M.A.
I took an online class with her last summer.
I made an A in her class.
The class was specified to my interests in feminist literature.
She is the academic advisor for the honor society that I am treasurer of.
I know she would give me a great recommendation.
Faculty #4
He has a Ph.D.
He is also widely known in his field of study.
I took a class with him a year ago, made an A-, but I didn't talk.
I'm taking a class with him this year and plan on participating in the discussion more than ever before. Not only with a lot of comments, but with thoughtful ones.
Getting a recommendation from him would be great, but may be generic since I know him least of all of my professors.
A Question for my Readers
Which faculty member do you think I should ask for a recommendation?
Another one of my professors said she had a friend who received a very short anonymous phone call stating "one of your recommendations is bad," before hanging up very quickly. Regardless, I have full faith that all of my recommendations are very positive and accurately describe my academic abilities.
However, the recommendation process alone can be daunting and scary, even if you know you have great recs.
asking is the worst partAsking is the worst part. Currently I have two professors who have provided me with recommendations for a scholarship and my Clemson application. I will definitely continue to ask them for recommendations for UNC-Wilmington and UNC-Charlotte.
The scary part is actually asking for recommendations. I got lucky with my first two professors. A year ago I went to an old professor and said I had a question. Before I even asked the question he said "yes, I will write a recommendation for you." Now, that wasn't even my question but it was reassuring and really great to hear.
My second professor had office hours that I regularly went to last semester. One day I was talking about grad school and she asked if I needed a recommendation. Again, it was nice to have the tables turned and not actually have to come out and ask for a rec.
Unfortunately, UNC-Wilmington and UNC-Charlotte want 3 letters of recommendation (Clemson only wanted 2). I have to ask the dreaded "recommendation" question. There are 4 potential faculty members who I would love to have write me a recommendation. Without naming names I will briefly describe them below (in no particular order).
Faculty #1
He has a Ph.D.
I took 2 classes with him.
I made an A in each class.
We have a pretty good student/teacher relationship.
I talked a lot in class.
He will definitely want an explanation for my reasons for grad school before agreeing to provide a rec.
Faculty #2
He has a Ph.d.
I took a summer class with him and made an A.
I'm taking another class with him this semester.
I didn't talk much in my summer class, but plan to be an active participant this semester.
The class I'm taking this semester is cross listed as a graduate level class.
I had to request to be in the class this semester and he said he would love to have me in the class.
I feel that getting a recommendation from this professor would be wonderful because he would be able to describe how well I handle classes with grad students.
Faculty #3
She has her M.A.
I took an online class with her last summer.
I made an A in her class.
The class was specified to my interests in feminist literature.
She is the academic advisor for the honor society that I am treasurer of.
I know she would give me a great recommendation.
Faculty #4
He has a Ph.D.
He is also widely known in his field of study.
I took a class with him a year ago, made an A-, but I didn't talk.
I'm taking a class with him this year and plan on participating in the discussion more than ever before. Not only with a lot of comments, but with thoughtful ones.
Getting a recommendation from him would be great, but may be generic since I know him least of all of my professors.
A Question for my Readers
Which faculty member do you think I should ask for a recommendation?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Fun Stuff
I've been blogging a lot lately on the academic life of my top 3 grad schools. Today, I'm going to change it up a little and share some social information on each school.
UNC-Wilmington
School Mascot: Sammy the Seahawk
School Colors: Teal, Blue, Yellow/Gold
Football Team: N/A
Honor Society: Sigma Tau Delta - Alpha Alpha Upsilon
A Fun Fact: UNCW is less than 10 minutes from the beach.
Clemson
School Mascot: Tigers
School Colors: Orange, Purple, White
Football Team: Yes!
Honor Society: Sigma Tau Delta - Gamma Tau
A Fun Fact: Clemson's campus has outdoor webcams, showing the weather and other interesting scenes.
UNC-Charlotte
School Mascot: The Charlotte 49-ers
School Colors: Green, Gold
Football Team: Expected in 2013
Honor Society: Sigma Tau Delta - Beta Sigma
A Fun Fact: There is a Barnes & Noble on UNC-Charlotte's campus.
A Question for my Readers
Which school sounds like the most fun?
kick backNow, I know that in grad school I won't be able to take too much advantage of the social life, but every once and a while I will let myself kick back and relax, even if it's just for five minutes.
and relax
UNC-Wilmington
School Mascot: Sammy the Seahawk
School Colors: Teal, Blue, Yellow/Gold
Football Team: N/A
Honor Society: Sigma Tau Delta - Alpha Alpha Upsilon
A Fun Fact: UNCW is less than 10 minutes from the beach.
Clemson
School Mascot: Tigers
School Colors: Orange, Purple, White
Football Team: Yes!
Honor Society: Sigma Tau Delta - Gamma Tau
A Fun Fact: Clemson's campus has outdoor webcams, showing the weather and other interesting scenes.
UNC-Charlotte
School Mascot: The Charlotte 49-ers
School Colors: Green, Gold
Football Team: Expected in 2013
Honor Society: Sigma Tau Delta - Beta Sigma
A Fun Fact: There is a Barnes & Noble on UNC-Charlotte's campus.
A Question for my Readers
Which school sounds like the most fun?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Application Process
The application process for applying to English literature masters programs is fairly standard. All three of the programs that I am applying to ask for roughly the same material. In fact, I believe the UNC system uses the same online interface for their electronic application. The biggest difference are the deadlines. I've decided to outline the necessary forms and required submissions for the three schools that I'm applying to in order to reference some general information.
UNC-Wilmington
1. Submit Official Transcripts
2. Submit Official GRE Scores
3. 10 Page Writing Sample (electronically)
4. 500 Word Statement of Interest (electronically)
5. 3 Recommendations
6. Complete Electronic Application
Clemson
1. Submit Official Transcripts
2. Submit Official GRE Scores
3. 10-12 Page Writing Sample or 2 Shorter Essays (snail mail)
4. "Brief" Statement of Interest (snail mail)
5. 2 Recommendations
6. Complete Electronic Application
UNC-Charlotte
1. Submit Official Transcripts
2. Submit Official GRE Scores
3. Statement of Purpose (electronically)
4. 3 Recommendations
5. Complete Electronic Application
I felt very stressed out about reaching Clemson's February 1st deadline because I had not deeply considered out of state schools. As far as the status goes for each application,
I strongly recommend emailing the graduate coordinator of each program you apply to. This really helped me clarify some of the vagueness related to some of the submission material.
A Question for my Readers
Which program do you think I have the best chance of being accepted to?
UNC-Wilmington
1. Submit Official Transcripts
2. Submit Official GRE Scores
3. 10 Page Writing Sample (electronically)
4. 500 Word Statement of Interest (electronically)
5. 3 Recommendations
6. Complete Electronic Application
Clemson
1. Submit Official Transcripts
2. Submit Official GRE Scores
3. 10-12 Page Writing Sample or 2 Shorter Essays (snail mail)
4. "Brief" Statement of Interest (snail mail)
5. 2 Recommendations
6. Complete Electronic Application
UNC-Charlotte
1. Submit Official Transcripts
2. Submit Official GRE Scores
3. Statement of Purpose (electronically)
4. 3 Recommendations
5. Complete Electronic Application
I felt very stressed out about reaching Clemson's February 1st deadline because I had not deeply considered out of state schools. As far as the status goes for each application,
Clemson's online portion is done!Clemson's online portion is done, with the exception of one recommendation. I am waiting for my transcript and GRE scores to be sent. Tomorrow I will mail my writing sample and personal statement. I still need to find a third recommender for UNC-Wilmington & UNC-Charlotte, but I plan to do that by the end of February.
I strongly recommend emailing the graduate coordinator of each program you apply to. This really helped me clarify some of the vagueness related to some of the submission material.
A Question for my Readers
Which program do you think I have the best chance of being accepted to?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Double Dipping
I am posting twice today in order to make up for yesterday's lack of posting.
I have been presented with a topic I like to call "double dipping." Many different people have asked me my feelings on the subject and I would like to lay them out here. I will receive two bachelor's degrees in May. One is a B.S. in Human Resource Management and the other is a B.A. in English Literature. Both are from UNCW. After four years at the same school I have wondered if it's time to move on somewhere else, (1.) because I don't do well in the same city for too long and (2.) because I have had many of the graduate professors as teachers before.
Does this matter?
The City
I moved to Wilmington in the fall of 2007 to start my freshman year at UNCW. Since then, with the exception of that following summer, I have lived in apartments year round; never going home for more than a holiday break. [When I refer to home, I mean my parents house in Charlotte.] This poses a foreseeable problem. After a few years in the same town I start to get restless. Sometimes I feel confined by my living space so I change apartments or roommates, but this only ever satisfies my cravings for new experiences for so long. If I stay here, this may be something I find myself dealing with. However, I know that graduate school is a ton of work. So, I will most likely always be busy and may not have time to think about a lack of change.
The Professors
I've been told that sometimes it looks bad for a student to get her M.A. where she got her B.A. Well I say, looks aren't everything. Here's why...
A Question for my Readers
What are your thoughts on "double dipping?"
I have been presented with a topic I like to call "double dipping." Many different people have asked me my feelings on the subject and I would like to lay them out here. I will receive two bachelor's degrees in May. One is a B.S. in Human Resource Management and the other is a B.A. in English Literature. Both are from UNCW. After four years at the same school I have wondered if it's time to move on somewhere else, (1.) because I don't do well in the same city for too long and (2.) because I have had many of the graduate professors as teachers before.
Does this matter?
The City
I moved to Wilmington in the fall of 2007 to start my freshman year at UNCW. Since then, with the exception of that following summer, I have lived in apartments year round; never going home for more than a holiday break. [When I refer to home, I mean my parents house in Charlotte.] This poses a foreseeable problem. After a few years in the same town I start to get restless. Sometimes I feel confined by my living space so I change apartments or roommates, but this only ever satisfies my cravings for new experiences for so long. If I stay here, this may be something I find myself dealing with. However, I know that graduate school is a ton of work. So, I will most likely always be busy and may not have time to think about a lack of change.
The Professors
I've been told that sometimes it looks bad for a student to get her M.A. where she got her B.A. Well I say, looks aren't everything. Here's why...
looks aren't everythingBeing a double major in two unrelated fields doesn't allow a student, pursuing two degrees in four years, with much room for error. That means that I didn't have a lot of time to take random classes with possibly interesting professors. Every single class I took was a requirement that satisfied another three hours worth of credit. I never had any electives that weren't required for some purpose or another. I didn't have the luxury of spending an entire semester just taking English classes. Therefore, I didn't use up all of the English department at UNCW. At least half of the professors in the English department have never had me as a student. Should I deprive them of that ability? Nah. Also, it wasn't until recently that I've really started to shine in classes; fully participating in discussions, making the most out of professor's office hours etc. So, I have the opportunity to prove myself again at UNCW. I'm not worried about a little do-over.
A Question for my Readers
What are your thoughts on "double dipping?"
What If?
A friend of mine made a comment the other day which got me thinking. He said "I hope you get offers from more than one school and you have to choose which you really want. That would be a great choice to have to make."
[NOTE: The pros and cons below are listed out assuming I get the T.A. position for each school.]
If I received the T.A. position from all three schools, it would be very difficult to choose between UNC-Wilmington and Clemson. I would have to weigh the pros and cons in more detail and consider everything.
I've also decided to weigh a scenario that seems possible. What if I get offered a T.A. position from Clemson, but just regular admission from UNC-Wilmington? The pros are virtually the same, the only difference in the cons would be a higher tuition from UNC-Wilmington.
I believe I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
A Question for my Readers
Which program should I choose?
what if i do get accepted into more than one program?So, what if i do get accepted into more than one program? I've decided to weigh the pros and cons of choosing each school that I've applied to. [Clemson, UNC-Wilmington, & UNC-Charlotte] When applying to each school, I think I have a decent chance for acceptance, but then again grad school slots are so competitive that it's hard to say. This reasoning lets me slide by on thinking too hard on which school I like the most.
[NOTE: The pros and cons below are listed out assuming I get the T.A. position for each school.]
| Program | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| UNC-Wilmington | 1. I am familiar with the area. 2. I am familiar with everything associated with academics. 3. I am familiar with a lot of the professors. 4. I would love to continue my education at UNC-Wilmington 5. My boyfriend lives in Wilmington. 6. I wouldn't have to move my stuff. |
1. Cost of living may be the highest. 2. No new experiences. 3. Its 4 hours from home. |
| Clemson | 1. This may be the least expensive tuition with the TA position. 2. I would be relocating to a new area. 3. I will have the opportunity to study with new professors. 4. Clemson has a football team. 5. It's only 2.5 hours from home. |
1. I'd be living in a different state. 2. It's almost 6 hours from my boyfriend. 3. I would have to live alone or on campus. |
| UNC-Charlotte | 1. I could live at home for free. 2. I'm semi-familiar with the area. 3. I would be near a lot of friends. 4. New experiences. 5. New professors. |
1. This is just my back up school. 2. I'd be 4 hours from my boyfriend. |
If I received the T.A. position from all three schools, it would be very difficult to choose between UNC-Wilmington and Clemson. I would have to weigh the pros and cons in more detail and consider everything.
I've also decided to weigh a scenario that seems possible. What if I get offered a T.A. position from Clemson, but just regular admission from UNC-Wilmington? The pros are virtually the same, the only difference in the cons would be a higher tuition from UNC-Wilmington.
I believe I will cross that bridge when I get to it.
A Question for my Readers
Which program should I choose?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Timing Is Everything
Timing is a grad school factor that I had not considered until recently. Originally my plan was to graduate college, spend the summer working in order too save a little money for school, and attend grad school in the fall. However, with many looming deadlines and a few past deadlines I am also considering applying for the Spring semester. That way I could save more money by working longer and have a bit more time to "just chill" before heading back to school. Below I have outlined the pros of starting grad school in the fall of 2011 and the pros of starting grad school in the spring of 2012.
Pros of Starting in the Fall
1. less time off = less chance that I fall out of "school mode"
2. I love being in school, the sooner the better
3. starting school sooner means finishing sooner
4. less time waiting to see how I'm going to spend the next 2-3 years
5. Clemson only accepts applications in the Fall
6. if the world does end in 2012, at least I'll have 1 year of grad school under my belt
Pros of Starting in the Spring
1. more time off = more money saved up
2. I would have a longer break to relax
3. I probably would take the GRE again and have more time to study
4. I might not be more prepared to submit my applications, but I would at least feel more prepared
A Question for my Readers
Should I start grad school in the fall semester or in the spring semester?
Pros of Starting in the Fall
1. less time off = less chance that I fall out of "school mode"
2. I love being in school, the sooner the better
3. starting school sooner means finishing sooner
4. less time waiting to see how I'm going to spend the next 2-3 years
5. Clemson only accepts applications in the Fall
6. if the world does end in 2012, at least I'll have 1 year of grad school under my belt
Pros of Starting in the Spring
1. more time off = more money saved up
2. I would have a longer break to relax
3. I probably would take the GRE again and have more time to study
4. I might not be more prepared to submit my applications, but I would at least feel more prepared
i am drawn toward the fall semesterAfter compiling this list I feel that either semester would be fine, however I am drawn toward the fall semester. Applying in the spring would mean that I would have a very slim chance of being accepted to Clemson.
A Question for my Readers
Should I start grad school in the fall semester or in the spring semester?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Out-of-State Grad Schools
Yesterday’s post talked about graduate schools in the state of North Carolina. Presumably, these programs are cheaper than heading across state lines in search of my Master’s degree. However, there are plenty of schools out there that can offer me just as great, if not better, of an education as NC schools. Keeping in mind the chance for scholarships, I have decided to consider a plethora of out of state schools.
Noteworthy: I sent out a request to have information packets mailed to me from English departments with a Master’s degree option via this third party website: http://www.gradschools.com/search-programs/. I have decided only to consider the schools that have mailed me information, this narrows my search and makes this post shorter. [Please note, however, I still have an open mind to those grad schools that have not sent snail mail]
Choice #1:
Name: Clemson University
Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Necessary GRE Scores: “competitive”
# of Recommendations: 2
Required Submissions: writing sample, personal statement
Application Due Date: February 1st
Assistantship Payment: $5,000 (fellowship) $500 (stipend award) $11,374 (TA 1st year) $13,724 + tuition waivers (TA 2nd year)
Estimated Costs: $2,040/year(TA) $14,370 (non TA)
Choice #2:
Name: Boston College
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Necessary GRE Scores: “Generally we expect the verbal score to be above the high 500s, and the writing score a 5 or over.”
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: 1-2pg statement of purpose, writing sample
Application Due Date: Febuary 1st
Assistantship Payment: 1st year’s full tuition (15 credit hours)
Estimated Costs: $21,708 (@ 9 credit hours/semester)
Choice #3:
Name: Old Dominion University
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Necessary GRE Scores: ?
# of Recommendations: 2
Required Submissions: essay, 5-10pg sample writing
Application Due Date: February 15th (TA) June 1st (Fall) November 1st (Spring)
Assistantship Payment: ?
Estimated Costs: $16,254 (tuition/year)
Choice #4:
Name: University of South Florida
Location: Tampa, Florida
Necessary GRE Scores: Verbal: 600+, Writing: 4+
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: purpose statement, writing sample
Application Due Date: February 1st
Assistantship Payment: 80% of tuition + additional stipend
Estimated Costs: $13,963/year (tuition)
A Question for my Readers
Which out-of-state grad school should I choose?
Noteworthy: I sent out a request to have information packets mailed to me from English departments with a Master’s degree option via this third party website: http://www.gradschools.com/search-programs/. I have decided only to consider the schools that have mailed me information, this narrows my search and makes this post shorter. [Please note, however, I still have an open mind to those grad schools that have not sent snail mail]
Choice #1:
Name: Clemson University
Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Necessary GRE Scores: “competitive”
# of Recommendations: 2
Required Submissions: writing sample, personal statement
Application Due Date: February 1st
Assistantship Payment: $5,000 (fellowship) $500 (stipend award) $11,374 (TA 1st year) $13,724 + tuition waivers (TA 2nd year)
Estimated Costs: $2,040/year(TA) $14,370 (non TA)
Choice #2:
Name: Boston College
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Necessary GRE Scores: “Generally we expect the verbal score to be above the high 500s, and the writing score a 5 or over.”
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: 1-2pg statement of purpose, writing sample
Application Due Date: Febuary 1st
Assistantship Payment: 1st year’s full tuition (15 credit hours)
Estimated Costs: $21,708 (@ 9 credit hours/semester)
Choice #3:
Name: Old Dominion University
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Necessary GRE Scores: ?
# of Recommendations: 2
Required Submissions: essay, 5-10pg sample writing
Application Due Date: February 15th (TA) June 1st (Fall) November 1st (Spring)
Assistantship Payment: ?
Estimated Costs: $16,254 (tuition/year)
Choice #4:
Name: University of South Florida
Location: Tampa, Florida
Necessary GRE Scores: Verbal: 600+, Writing: 4+
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: purpose statement, writing sample
Application Due Date: February 1st
Assistantship Payment: 80% of tuition + additional stipend
Estimated Costs: $13,963/year (tuition)
i might have fallen in love with ClemsonAs I was researching these four schools I decided that I probably can’t afford to go to Boston College, I really don’t want to live or go to school in LA (I was planning on researching this school but i don't see the point), I don't think I want to move back to Florida (I lived there for 9 years), I could go to Old Dominion, and I might have fallen in love with Clemson.
A Question for my Readers
Which out-of-state grad school should I choose?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
In-state Grad Schools
Grad school is high up on my list of happiness factors. I have wanted to go to grad school for 2 years and I’ve just now become serious about figuring out how to get there. The problem is, there are so many different grad schools out there and so much information on each one. I’ve finally found a way to organize all of that information.
Like my dad says, a free school is the best school.
Choice #1:
Name: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Location: Wilmington, NC
Necessary GRE Scores: “Submit satisfactory scores”
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: Statement of Interest, Goals of Study, 10pg Writing Sample
Application Due Date: April 1st (TA); May 1st (General)
Assistantship Payment: $10,500
Estimated Costs: $5,808 (Tuition/year) $19,230 (W/ Expenses)
Choice #2:
Name: University of North Carolina Charlotte
Location: Charlotte, NC
Necessary GRE Scores: ?
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: Statement of Purpose
Application Due Date: May 1st
Assistantship Payment: ?
Estimated Costs: $5,558 (Tuition/year)
Choice #3:
Name: Appalachian State University
Location: Boone, NC
Necessary GRE Scores: GREV:500+, GREW:4+
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: Resume, Writing Sample, Letter of Intent,
Application Due Date: March 1st (TA), July 1st (General)
Assistantship Payment: minimum $3,500/semester
Estimated Costs: $5,747.74 (Tuition/year)
Choice #4:
Name: Wake Forest University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Necessary GRE Scores: ?
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: 2500-3000 word Writing Sample, Statement of Interest
Application Due Date: January 15th (Fall 2011) November 1st (Spring 2012)
Assistantship Payment: ?
Estimated Costs: $31,270 (I believe this is per year)
A Question for my Readers:
Which instate university should I choose?
a free school is the best schoolYesterday, I wrote about location, so today I'm simply considering graduate schools that are in the state of North Carolina. Tomorrow I will do the same with out of state schools because if I can go there for free (scholarship) then I would do that too!
Like my dad says, a free school is the best school.
Choice #1:
Name: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Location: Wilmington, NC
Necessary GRE Scores: “Submit satisfactory scores”
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: Statement of Interest, Goals of Study, 10pg Writing Sample
Application Due Date: April 1st (TA); May 1st (General)
Assistantship Payment: $10,500
Estimated Costs: $5,808 (Tuition/year) $19,230 (W/ Expenses)
Choice #2:
Name: University of North Carolina Charlotte
Location: Charlotte, NC
Necessary GRE Scores: ?
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: Statement of Purpose
Application Due Date: May 1st
Assistantship Payment: ?
Estimated Costs: $5,558 (Tuition/year)
Choice #3:
Name: Appalachian State University
Location: Boone, NC
Necessary GRE Scores: GREV:500+, GREW:4+
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: Resume, Writing Sample, Letter of Intent,
Application Due Date: March 1st (TA), July 1st (General)
Assistantship Payment: minimum $3,500/semester
Estimated Costs: $5,747.74 (Tuition/year)
Choice #4:
Name: Wake Forest University
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Necessary GRE Scores: ?
# of Recommendations: 3
Required Submissions: 2500-3000 word Writing Sample, Statement of Interest
Application Due Date: January 15th (Fall 2011) November 1st (Spring 2012)
Assistantship Payment: ?
Estimated Costs: $31,270 (I believe this is per year)
A Question for my Readers:
Which instate university should I choose?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Location, Location, Location
Just like accepting a new job, accepting a graduate school offer is easier when it's in the right location. For me, location depends on a few things. Ideally it would be best to live somewhere with a low cost of living. It would also be nice to pay lower tuition based on where I'm living. A third factor that influences where I choose to go to grad school is my family and friends. My dad says that I need to go to a grad school that is right for me. Well, my family, friends, and boyfriend are all a part of my life and therefore sort of a part of me. While none of these factors will make any ultimate decisions, they are something to consider.
Factor #1: Cost of living
A perfect school would be located in Charlotte or somewhere within driving distance. That way, I could live at home with my parents, pay no rent or other housing bills, and still attend grad school. A second perfect school would be located in Wilmington, where I currently live. I know that I would have cheap rent and bills because I wouldn't have a problem finding (or keeping) my roommate(s).
Factor #2: Tuition
I have definitely considered out of state schools. The problem with out of state schools is their tuition is substantially higher [at least double] for out of state students because we don't pay taxes in their state. That leaves me with the more cheaper option of remaining in North Carolina for grad school. A friend of mine told me that a lot of schools will give high paying assistantships to great students, so I'm not ruling out the out of state option.
Factor #3: The People
While this factor isn't weighted too heavily in my graduate school search, it still is something I'm considering. My family, friends, and boyfriend are really great support systems that I will surly rely on throughout my graduate school experiences. If I get accepted to UNCW, chances are I will go there. It fits many of my criterion of great graduate experiences. However, being realistic also means preparing for the unexpected or the small chances. There is a small chance (hopefully small) that I won't get accepted to UNCW. If I get accepted somewhere else I will definitely go, but that means long weekend trips back to Wilmington, assuming I have extra time and I'm not too busy working on my thesis.
A Question for my Readers
Which factor do you think is most important? Is there anything I'm overlooking when it comes to location?
Factor #1: Cost of living
A perfect school would be located in Charlotte or somewhere within driving distance. That way, I could live at home with my parents, pay no rent or other housing bills, and still attend grad school. A second perfect school would be located in Wilmington, where I currently live. I know that I would have cheap rent and bills because I wouldn't have a problem finding (or keeping) my roommate(s).
i love new townsThe worst scenario here, in terms of cost of living, would be moving to a new town. Granted, I'm all for a new town, I love new towns! However, that would mean moving on campus or living alone which are both undoubtedly more expensive than my other options.
Factor #2: Tuition
I have definitely considered out of state schools. The problem with out of state schools is their tuition is substantially higher [at least double] for out of state students because we don't pay taxes in their state. That leaves me with the more cheaper option of remaining in North Carolina for grad school. A friend of mine told me that a lot of schools will give high paying assistantships to great students, so I'm not ruling out the out of state option.
Factor #3: The People
While this factor isn't weighted too heavily in my graduate school search, it still is something I'm considering. My family, friends, and boyfriend are really great support systems that I will surly rely on throughout my graduate school experiences. If I get accepted to UNCW, chances are I will go there. It fits many of my criterion of great graduate experiences. However, being realistic also means preparing for the unexpected or the small chances. There is a small chance (hopefully small) that I won't get accepted to UNCW. If I get accepted somewhere else I will definitely go, but that means long weekend trips back to Wilmington, assuming I have extra time and I'm not too busy working on my thesis.
A Question for my Readers
Which factor do you think is most important? Is there anything I'm overlooking when it comes to location?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The GRE
Oh the dreaded GRE (Graduate Record Exam).
I took the GRE on campus back in November. I was crazy nervous through the whole thing. Since it's computer based, if you take the GRE you get to see your scores for the math and verbal section the moment you submit your test. Unfortunately the written scores have to be graded by a human and sent to your house a few weeks later.
I had my scores sent to my parents house so I could see them when I came home for Christmas. One day I sat down at the counter (notedly after I'd been home for a few days) and saw the ETS letter sitting there with my name one it. Mom said it'd been there for a while. After I told her what it was she hovered behind me like a crazy person waiting for crack. I opened it and my eyes went straight to my writing scores.
Before I tell you what my scores are, let me just say that after I submitted my test, I wasn't too proud. I didn't do horrible but I did exactly average, which isn't what grad schools want to see. Of all the grad schools that I researched, more than half of them wanted their applicants to have at least a 500 on the verbal section. I'm not horrible with words, unless I've never seen them before - and of course, I'd never seen any of those words on the GRE.
My GRE Scores:
Verbal: 460
Math: 540
Written: 5
At least my written scores are actually decent. The written portion of the exam is out of 6 points, most students get a 3 or 4. I was so happy to see that 5.
A Question for my Readers
How important are GRE scores? Do you think I should re-take the GRE?
I took the GRE on campus back in November. I was crazy nervous through the whole thing. Since it's computer based, if you take the GRE you get to see your scores for the math and verbal section the moment you submit your test. Unfortunately the written scores have to be graded by a human and sent to your house a few weeks later.
I had my scores sent to my parents house so I could see them when I came home for Christmas. One day I sat down at the counter (notedly after I'd been home for a few days) and saw the ETS letter sitting there with my name one it. Mom said it'd been there for a while. After I told her what it was she hovered behind me like a crazy person waiting for crack. I opened it and my eyes went straight to my writing scores.
Before I tell you what my scores are, let me just say that after I submitted my test, I wasn't too proud. I didn't do horrible but I did exactly average, which isn't what grad schools want to see. Of all the grad schools that I researched, more than half of them wanted their applicants to have at least a 500 on the verbal section. I'm not horrible with words, unless I've never seen them before - and of course, I'd never seen any of those words on the GRE.
My GRE Scores:
Verbal: 460
Math: 540
Written: 5
At least my written scores are actually decent. The written portion of the exam is out of 6 points, most students get a 3 or 4. I was so happy to see that 5.
i was so happy to see that 5After I took the test I told myself that if I made at least a 5 on the written portion I wouldn't re-take the GRE. It is quite an expensive test. I'm still thinking about re-taking it, especially if grad schools wont even consider me unless I have at least a 500 verbal score. Granted, the grad school I want to go to the most doesn't give their applicants any suggestion of what their scores should look like. I'm not sure if that is a good or a bad thing. I guess they're just keeping their options open.
A Question for my Readers
How important are GRE scores? Do you think I should re-take the GRE?
Monday, January 3, 2011
My Dilemma
As I mentioned yesterday I have two unrelated majors. They'd be related if I was planning on going into employment law, but I have no desire to be in the court room. I love to read. Even more than reading I love to write. While I am currently working on a book, fiction novels are only my second favorite things to write. What I truly love is writing essays; critical analysis of authors' work makes me happy. Writing them makes me ecstatic.
Pursuing a Career in English Lit.
If I were to pursue a career with my English degree, then I would apply to grad school with the hopes of getting my masters in English concentrating in women's literature. Depending on my level of satisfaction with a masters degree, I may want to continue on to get my Ph.D. I would do all of this with the hopes that I could teach English lit at the college level. My professors have inspired me and I dream of the day when I can stand in front of a classroom and inspire my students. [I literally dream of that, I want it so bad.] At this point the only barrier I have to applying to grad school is one recommendation, which I'm pretty close to receiving and, of course the money issue.
Pursuing a Career in Human Resource Management
If I decided to take the less expensive route then I'd be looking at HR. Honestly, I could definitely see myself working in Human Resources. My favorite character from The Office is Toby. It all fits really. But I have to let you in on a little secret. I hate business people. [Generally] I don't love HR, but I'm good at it. Training more specifically. I really do enjoy coming up with creative training ideas. I could sit at a desk all day, that doesn't bother me either.
Choosing HR would eliminate a 40k bill, a lot more school work, and a lot of other foreseeable stresses. But the biggest question is: Would I be happy? ... well I wouldn't be miserable now would I? What makes this decision more difficult is the fact that it's not all about money for me. I guess if I want to teach, it can't be all about money huh?
A Question for my Readers
Should I pick HR or English?
Pursuing a Career in English Lit.
If I were to pursue a career with my English degree, then I would apply to grad school with the hopes of getting my masters in English concentrating in women's literature. Depending on my level of satisfaction with a masters degree, I may want to continue on to get my Ph.D. I would do all of this with the hopes that I could teach English lit at the college level. My professors have inspired me and I dream of the day when I can stand in front of a classroom and inspire my students. [I literally dream of that, I want it so bad.] At this point the only barrier I have to applying to grad school is one recommendation, which I'm pretty close to receiving and, of course the money issue.
i am brokeI am broke. I had one job in college and I quit after six months when I realized that waiting tables just wasn't for me. I have about $14.00 in my savings account. I've never received student loans, so I don't have any outstanding debt, but grad school costs at least $20,000 assuming I get a teaching assistantship. If not, I'm looking at a bill of somewhere upwards of $40,000, not including living expenses.
Pursuing a Career in Human Resource Management
If I decided to take the less expensive route then I'd be looking at HR. Honestly, I could definitely see myself working in Human Resources. My favorite character from The Office is Toby. It all fits really. But I have to let you in on a little secret. I hate business people. [Generally] I don't love HR, but I'm good at it. Training more specifically. I really do enjoy coming up with creative training ideas. I could sit at a desk all day, that doesn't bother me either.
Choosing HR would eliminate a 40k bill, a lot more school work, and a lot of other foreseeable stresses. But the biggest question is: Would I be happy? ... well I wouldn't be miserable now would I? What makes this decision more difficult is the fact that it's not all about money for me. I guess if I want to teach, it can't be all about money huh?
A Question for my Readers
Should I pick HR or English?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Technically...
Technically I haven't graduated college yet, but I am in my final semester.
College up to this point
College: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Major #1: English Literature
Major #2: Human Resource Management
GPA: 3.4(something)
Classes Next Semester: Literary Landscapes; The Age of Milton; Victorian Literature; Staffing & Selection; Compensation & Performance Evaluation; Competitive Strategy
Activities: Treasurer of Sigma Tau Delta [English Honor Society]
Graduation Plans: Apply to Grad School
My College History
Sophomore year I declared my major as International Business with a minor in Spanish. Well, I made a C- in Spanish so I changed my major to Entrepreneurship Business Development. Freshmen are required to take a number of English classes for their required undergraduate study. I fell in Love.
...and there you have it, the reason why my majors are completely unrelated...something I constantly find myself justifying.
A Question for my Readers
Any advice for a soon to be college grad?
College up to this point
College: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Major #1: English Literature
Major #2: Human Resource Management
GPA: 3.4(something)
Classes Next Semester: Literary Landscapes; The Age of Milton; Victorian Literature; Staffing & Selection; Compensation & Performance Evaluation; Competitive Strategy
Activities: Treasurer of Sigma Tau Delta [English Honor Society]
Graduation Plans: Apply to Grad School
My College History
Sophomore year I declared my major as International Business with a minor in Spanish. Well, I made a C- in Spanish so I changed my major to Entrepreneurship Business Development. Freshmen are required to take a number of English classes for their required undergraduate study. I fell in Love.
i fell in loveI decided to double major in Entrepreneurship and English Lit. Junior year I decided that I just didn't have what it takes to open my own business and pursuing that major would be a waste of time. So, for the third time I changed my major to English Literature and Human Resource Management.
...and there you have it, the reason why my majors are completely unrelated...something I constantly find myself justifying.
A Question for my Readers
Any advice for a soon to be college grad?
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