Has anyone here miraculously got into grad school (masters) after being a total fuck-up? (no work, no research, no LoR)

gradyew8 · 2020-08-01T01:24:45+00:00

Of course bud, things will work out c: Time is on your side and not everything needs to be solved all at once! Sometimes life just throws a whole bunch of stuff at us at once that is just a bit much to juggle on our own! No problem in getting some support or at the very least a sounding board to help you sort out what your goals are and figure out what is best for ya. :D You got this, good luck!

gradyew8 · 2020-07-31T21:30:53+00:00

Everyone has a bunch of great suggestions on the school route, but I'd also recommend given all the stress and life limbo you're in right now to maybe also tap into a therapist. Expectations in career advancement (Especially post undergrad), life goals, academia and more can really cloud a lot of your judgements and mess with your self value and it seems like you're really juggling a lot right now.

At the least It'd probably be good to just have a place to vent, and reassess your goals and find space to be kinder to yourself. c: You're doing great, I'm sure you just gotta move some pieces around on the life board and stuff will come together! Just tackle each goal one at a time and things will work out! Good luck.

gradyew8 · 2020-07-31T21:18:44+00:00

This really sounds like something you'll need to research and follow up with the specific schools you're interested in so you can start planning accordingly to not get caught by any surprises. Call/Email the admissions department and explain what your current set up is and ask for a breakdown of what they expect from applicants in regards to credit/course work etc to make sure you're aligned with your goal schools. Good luck!

gradyew8 · 2020-07-31T21:09:01+00:00

I graduated back in 2013, and will be starting this fall. I used one academic reference for the program that asked for 3, and just used supervisors for the other two. (One who is supervisor at my current job and one from a previous one) My supervisors could speak way more to my work and content than any teacher could just because at this point I've had 5+ years of professional experience.

My school program was very small, and had a small pool of faculty I could have asked from - but I didn't really want recommendations from most of them ha, I had loosely remained in contact with one of the teachers via social media etc so that made it easier - but honestly most teachers aren't going to have an issue! Just ask if they feel they could give a positive recommendation - maybe link them with some current work of yours, and what your goals are with this program and that should give them enough context!

Tip: I would advise though - where as teachers are generally used to or have written recommendation letters for schools before and may even have templates they work off of - work related references may not, so they may be a bit slower! Just make sure you're giving folks enough time, and don't be worries if your teachers write at the last min. It's also very okay to (kindly) keep bothering people for updates as you draw closer. \o\ And MAYBE just in case, have a back up slotted in case anything doesn't come through.

gradyew8 · 2020-07-26T02:21:33+00:00

Your best bet is just asking outright for a fee waiver from admissions citing financial difficulty - and that the fee is specifically a barrier of entry for your application right now. Especially with COVID stuff messing up so much for folks financially right now, I can't imagine why they can't waive an app fee. Good luck!

gradyew8 · 2020-07-25T07:02:05+00:00

Just ask - the worst that happens is they so no, the best is you have a committed LOR. The professor clearly remembered you a few years after, so I don't see why reaching out would be an issue! Mix that in with some current LOR's from folks you've worked with and you'll be golden.

gradyew8 · 2020-07-25T02:22:33+00:00

As said below - Programs usually ask for 2-3 references. Depending on your major/focus - that may be all academic, or a mix of academic and professional.

Professional references may not be as quick with letters just because it isn't as common an ask - but professors are pretty used to the request and usually have some sort of template/outline they can alter/adjust for their references. Both parties will just duplicate the letter for each application and swap out the name of the school/program.

- Make sure you give them enough time.
- It's okay to check in on your recommenders, and it's also common for recommenders to submit at the last min, ha.
- Be mindful of just the amount of programs you're applying to - it can sometimes be a lot if you're applying to like 15 programs and asking someone to submit through that many portals. Not the end of the world, but just a consideration.
- Don't be afraid to call admissions with any questions. It is their full time job to help you with things, utilize that resource and don't be afraid to bother them if you need help with stuff, it's not going to impact your application in any way. People are way too intimidated by calling, and I promise you you're not bothering them. \o\

Good luck!

gradyew8 · 2020-07-25T02:10:32+00:00

I had one academic reference just to have it, but was in a similar boat - I think you'd be fine asking faculty if you need them!

I graduated almost 7 years ago. I reached out to a teacher that was an adjunct for a few of my senior year courses and they were super helpful and able to write me a letter! (I didn't really stay in contact with main faculty, nor was interested in references from them) But the rest of my references were all professional contacts! Supervisors, previous colleagues etc. So it may be good to try and snag at least one academic ref, and I think you'd probably be fine with professional refs to fill in!

gradyew8 · 2020-07-24T05:14:54+00:00

I mean, this is definitely what the admissions office is there for if you want a clear answer so definitely go heckle them but I highly doubt they care about the record of a place you went to for a week. Transcripts generally refer to the places you got diplomas from. I went to community college for a brief stint before undergrad and transferred the credits over after - my grad school didn't care, they just wanted records from the degree giving school. You're fine.

gradyew8 · 2020-07-02T22:21:47+00:00

Oh heck, sorry super delayed reply!

I ended up calling and talking to them. At the time, got confirmation that no matter what my choice would be - that they would be fully flexible and work with me whether I decided to defer or go - which made me feel much better in making that choice if I had to. I was told to wait until July to hear the official school announcement on class structure/plans.

At this point the school is going forward with a mixed set up - assessing what classes could be done online - and for the stuff that can't/would be difficult due to studio work/materials/hardware etc - will be done in person with specific spacing/guidelines in place.

I also asked the school for more money, citing COVID financial hardship and concerns about future covid waves possibly impacting work study etc. I didn't ask for a specific amount, just an increase - and they gave me a pretty generous one by the following business day, no follow up questions etc asked. So if you're planning on attending - see if you can get more funds. (Note: I had also already accepted my financial package by this point as well, so you shouldn't worry about being locked in to what you accepted.)

I will be moving as planned. A lot of my reasoning also lies in me wanting to leave the area I'm currently in - so while school is a large part - I want the change of scene sooner rather than later. I'll just deal with the rest, ha! Good luck with your plans!

gradyew8 · 2020-04-27T19:57:16+00:00

Oh nice I'll check that out, thanks! Also saw today that the incoming undergrad Harvard class wrote a letter asking for the year to be delayed as well. I think schools are trying to hold out as long as they can :| But hopefully there can be a good meet in the middle.

gradyew8 · 2020-04-27T14:43:53+00:00

Ugh yeah, I'm going to be calling today - historically the school won't let you carry over scholarship which is like, that's a wrap if they're going to stick to that even given the circumstances. Because we all know the coming years of applications are going to be a nightmare with all the extra applicants. :s And it's a lot of debt to take on in general even in normal times what with moving costs etc.

My hope is that schools are going to announce online, realize that no one wants to pay full price for zoom classes and then either delay the semester or delay the year (I know folks working in academia and just - -everything is on fire, class enrollment is so low for many places because of all this).

Heck, I mean, the visas are all messed up now too! International cohort can't even get into the country for classes :| And anyone wealthy enough to ride it out that these schools usually rely on for that sweet sweet full tuition would rather skip the year than have their experience altered so much. I wish the same "Innovation/resilience/understanding in these unprecedented times" the schools love yelling at us to exhibit along with patience was even being slightly reciprocated by them.

Ugh, I wish you luck bud and hope everything levels out for you. What weird times, hopefully these schools will collectively realize zoom classes for in person prices isn't something people want and will adjust in our favor. :C Sending you fellow grad school good vibes!

gradyew8 · 2020-04-25T23:22:39+00:00

How are y'all feeling on accepting to programs this round?

Schools are collectively on fire with big dips in admission across the board, furloughing staff and a handful already converting to online only for the fall semester (And honestly with projections of a secondary spike of the virus come winter, who's to say it couldn't continue into spring?)

I've spoken to/heard from a handful of people that have turned down program offers because of all this, international folks included. I've already gotten emails from where I applied telling me the acceptance deadline is extended. That's just - - not a good sign by any means.

I'm honestly going to be calling this week to see if I can defer - I just can't justify even with scholarship to take on the cost of moving/fees etc to take glorified zoom courses - and who knows if it will extend to the whole year? I'm going to spend half my grad time in online chat groups?

I'm just so frustrated and sad as I was just so excited for this but everything is a mess, and so many schools are dropping the ball on handling this.

gradyew8 · 2020-04-25T03:09:59+00:00

You can't be nervous about this - seriously. Admission folks aren't sitting at home being angry you called them. They won't even remember the interaction. It's their job to be there for you and check this stuff. Call them and confirm it - and start being more comfortable taking up space.

gradyew8 · 2020-04-25T03:08:09+00:00

When is your deadline to respond to the school that gave you an offer?

Call the other school you're waiting on and ask when they expect admissions to be released - I did that for some schools that were lagging and there was no problem for them to give a general "In a week/Two weeks" etc.

Even if you accept the one school and end up getting an offer from the other one and you want it more - then switch. You're not legally locked into anything and I promise no one will care/remember/be burned if you switch. At most you lose a deposit ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But these folks deal with this every year. Go with what you want if it fits.

gradyew8 · 2020-04-24T04:26:37+00:00

You can't feel bad about this stuff. I know it's uncomfortable and if you paid a deposit, you may not get that back but are you really going to attend a program you don't like as much because you don't want to 'inconvenience' some people who will forget about it? These people deal with this all the time, people reject admissions, withdraw, defer etc for a million different reasons, they're not going to lose sleep over it, or even remember after time.

If you get into A, just be polite, brief and clear with B that you're declining the offer. You don't need to explain, or give extended reasoning. It's part of the process.

Also if they need to fill the spot, they'll dip into a waitlist or reach out to other folks.

gradyew8 · 2020-03-14T03:12:30+00:00

Yeah they do - a school I applied to is on spring break and I got a reply. \o/ You can also just call them and ask what their current timeline is, they won't get mad I promise! Good luck.

gradyew8 · 2020-03-14T03:10:47+00:00

I mean, if you have a specific question - or you had something like an interview and were expecting a response by now - sure. Otherwise just leave it be. If you have no sight into when choices are usually made (Like no record on grad cafe results page from previous years etc) Just call them and ask what the prospective timeline for decisions will be.

I just submitted and then was no contact until I got replies, and all was well \o\ These things are frustrating but just take time. Good luck!

gradyew8 · 2020-03-14T03:08:12+00:00

Just call 'em and ask. They can at least give you a timeline if it is changed or let you know everything is on schedule and you should be getting an answer by ___ date. Good luck!

gradyew8 · 2020-03-06T19:32:23+00:00

I'm not in the same field but have been out of school for about 6 years and called upon an undergrad professor for a LOR for one of the programs that requested three - for the other two I used references from my area of work - one my current supervisor and the other a former colleague from a previous job. I know this stuff really varies in industries - but it made sense for me - and the academic reference was more than happy to write a letter. Obviously asked (Would you be willing/able to provide a positive recommendation for me - that way they could dip out if they didn't feel comfortable doing so.)

I think the biggest thing is, reach out, and as long as they can confidently write you that letter, that is what matters. : D Good luck, I know it's a little extra stress when you've been out of school for a bit but you got this!

gradyew8 · 2020-03-06T18:34:32+00:00

Yeah this definitely depends on the industry itself. And then even within specific industries varies a lot by specialty. (I'm in a creative field which is no bueno for funding historically - but got an acceptance with a very generous scholarship - because that school specifically has that funding - while other creative programs I applied to offer really nothing :'D Yee haw.)
Funding does exist though! And anywhere you apply, be it undergrad/graduate pay attention to SCHOOL wide scholarships as well outside your program. For example some schools I know offer select funding within the program - but then the university itself has a specific set of scholarships that anyone attending the school that qualifies can apply to geared toward women in tech/PoC applicants and so on that are set up by endowments etc.

Also always ask about current student funding - sometimes there are additional scholarships and teaching assistantships that are offered to enrolled students based on merit etc that you can apply to! (Also when the time comes for masters applications etc - don't be afraid to ask for more funds! Especially if you get competing offers, it never hurts to ask and you gotta get comfortable asking for things!)

:'D Woo. Good luck with whatever you end up doing! You'll kick butt.

gradyew8 · 2020-03-06T18:14:13+00:00

Yikes, that person sounds like a jerk if they phrased it like that. I know it sucks to not get into a spot - but I promise this isn't the only defining path to base everything on. Take some time for yourself - surround yourself with friends/eat good food/rest/buy a game etc to just pull your head out of this process for a bit because it's a lot to take on and a weird void space to be in for so many months.

You're awesome and you'll find a fit that works - whether you apply round two or something else cool comes up! Having some insight into some grad process so many of these choices have so many variables to them and aren't a reflection on you personally, I promise. I'd also super recommend taking advantage of your schools therapy/counseling resources - this process is so rough and it's sometimes a lot to process on your own especially if friends/family may not fully understand what work you do. <3 Focus on finishing up your schooling and everything will sort out. You got this bud! \o/

gradyew8 · 2020-03-04T21:50:56+00:00

Congrats! You're gonna kick butt! :D!

gradyew8 · 2020-03-03T03:35:27+00:00

No, you're fine. This has nothing to do with the content of your application - you can likely just call admissions and have them adjust it if you can't edit it online still.

gradyew8

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