Go to graduate school

Got back from my writing class and my manuscript was critiqued. I felt invigorated after I left. The suggestions were supportive and valid. After having a friend read my story and tear it apart, I almost felt like I couldn’t write. But then I told him, “you are just one person.” I guess the reason why it’s still stuck with me is because he’s my friend and I don’t know, it left an icky feeling in my stomach. Now I know – never let your friends read your work (unless they are your writer friends who are supportive!). I’m still writing. I starting NaNoWriMo this month for the second year so it didn’t affect my writing but my ego was shot. I am in the throes of applications and there’s a part of me that wonders if any people on the committee will think the same thing he did about my writing. It’s not the worst thing that could happen. The worst thing that could happen would be my death. But I guess, there was something there that was too familiar in a bad way that rubbed me the wrong way. I’ll be fine. The more I revise my work, the better my work will be.

I just took the GRE and man, what a relief it is! I’m over it and I’m so glad I don’t ever have to look at that test again. It’s a little weird though because I was getting into the habit of studying for it, reading and memorizing vocabulary words, and taking practice tests I won’t know what to do with myself. But that’s a Lie! I have to work on my portfolio and personal statements next. I will be able to relax once I’ve sent in all my applications. At least that technical aspect of the application process is done.

I’m taking the test this Friday (October 23rd) and I’m not as petrified anymore. My vocabulary is solid. I just have to make sure I get at least the first three-four answers correct and then worry about the other questions. With the Math, honestly, whatever I know, I know and whatever I don’t know, I don’t. So I’m not going to stress myself so much about that aspect but I’m not going to completely breeze through and guess like a madwoman either. Educated guesses help and because I know the structure, I just have to pace myself well. And just like the verbal section, it would be best if I get the first three or four questions correct to have a decent score of 900 or more.

I’m almost there! Then applications. Fun!

I don’t get this. You ask people for recommendations and you don’t get a response. Should no answer be my answer? Don’t people have the common courtesy to decline anymore? Maybe I’m flustered because I want to get those materials in on time all at the same time even though some schools don’t want their materials by next year. But I don’t want to sit on materials until next year. I want to have all of those applications sent by Thanksgiving and not have to worry about anything until the Spring. It’s a little petrifying but man, why can’t people just be honest anymore? Just be real with me. That’s all I ask.

It’s been over a year now since I finished up my BA, and given the harsh economic climate (especially here in California) it’s been difficult finding anything worthwhile and long-term. So I’m thinking about maybe taking the plunge and going for grad school next year – yeah, I realize this is coming rather late, considering most fall 2010 applications are due in the next two months.

I spent some time looking at different programs and schools, but I’m not really sure what exactly I want to go for. My degree is in film (mostly theory, not production) and while I wouldn’t mind going in for that, I feel like I’d rather do something more practical like writing or journalism. And, of course, there’s always the problem of how the hell I’m going to pay for the whole shebang… I lucked out on getting rid of my undergraduate loans early, but I’m not so sure about picking up another $20-30k bill.

Any advice?

is about to start in short, hope it surpasses my expectations

I’m really scared about my writing. I keep getting feedback that makes me wonder, “Will I get in to grad school this year?” and “Will I want to apply next year?” I’m petrified. But I’m getting my materials. I just have to work on my story is all. I just started this process. I gotta keep going.

I’m in full grad school gear mode – applications, GRE studying, recommenders, got my list set, need to save for application fees, and set up a schedule to get my transcripts. I’m also writing my progress on a blog. And also about writing in general. I’m a busy busy bee! Very exciting.

I need to get through my last year of college. Already found the school…found the program…found GRE test time…now I just have to fit these all together. Hmmmm….

I am wondering if it wouldn’t be a better idea to change my focus and go for a distance program in an entirely different field. That way I could keep my job and maybe get school credit for it too.