Blueprints for a Ph. D...

[upagainstasigh]

So, I'm already worried about Ph.D programs. Yes, yes, I know I am just starting my Master's program, but thinking far ahead is really important. If I don't consider all of my options now and plan according, I could miss out. I already feel so behind. I've always known that I wantd my Ph.D. I remember being 5 years old, and knowing I was going to

Comments

advice from a three-time grad school applicant

[audesapere]

try applyingtogradKeep in mind that when you apply to grad school, you're applying to the program, not the school. Throw out ideas of "top 10" or "top 20" rankings, unless you're thinking about rankings for the particular program to which you're applying. Let go of the importance of name-brand schools or third tier or whatever. Lots of Ivy League schools have shit departments, and lots of fairly unremarkable institutions have one or two (or more) amazing departments

Re: advice from a three-time grad school applicant

[upagainstasigh]

Miranda,
This was very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to reply so thoughtfully. I am going to take your advice: check out publications (should of thought of that one...), look at the books you recommended, and be more open minded about the schools I am looking at (I was looking at the percentages for the department, btw). Semantically, you're also right about the "getting" bit. I mean no disrespect; it's the same rhetoric I used about my Bachelor's and that I am currently using about my Master's. Maybe I should start incorporating "earn" into my vocabulary...intially, it feels kind of awkward (probably stemming from a self-esteem issue about "earning" something). I'm glad it's nothing like going to Target, though. What would be the point?
Thanks again,
Jessica

anytime dude

[audesapere]

I'm glad it can help you! I must say that I used to (very long ago) refer to "getting my [whatever degree]," and you know what? When I started making a conscious effort to say "earn" and use that to describe the process, I found I became a lot more mindful of my studies, and less defensive about my degree / field (which I get a lot...you know, humanities PhD, living in a virulently anti-intellectual country like the USA & all). I also felt a greater sense of ownership about my own education. Which was really important to me. It does feel awkward at first, but, hey, in the end...you'll be proud of yourself. You should reflect that in how you refer to it, I think. It's good to hear from you!

Best,
M.

PS: As a former gifted student who never had many good teachers, I hope you will pursue that qualification! This might be fodder for another comment / post, but the only students who virtually always get screwed over by the school system are the gifted.

[roommates4eva]

You can check out Northwestern when you visit me. It's really close.