I got onto my laptop this evening prepared to submit my Boston University app. I Fixed my resume in the way they wanted, I wrote the third personal statement, I had approval to send a recommendation request to someone. I was ready. And then I opened up my resume and found one, tiny, tiny typo. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but I don't have Microsoft word on my laptop so I've been editing everything on my work computer during my lunch break...I won't bore you with the details. Suffice it to say, I won't submit the application tonight.
So I moved on to Northwestern. That one definitely wasn't ready, but its one of the few applications actually open. So I logged on to upload a few documents. And found out that one I had written was optional.
The barrier to entry on these programs based on the applications alone seems so high. Its a full time job just putting together all the supplemental materials...and I have a full time job...and a part time job...and a (very patient) boyfriend. I sometimes wish I could just audition for a program without having to write all of this stuff to prove my desire to go to graduate school is stronger than someone else's or that I'm more worthy than the thousands of other applicants. All I can do is think of the eventual payoff that will hopefully happen- three years where I can focus on what I really love to do in a supportive environment. In the meantime, I'll be checking for the umpteenth time for typos at 2am...
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