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What influenced your decision to go to graduate
school?
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How did you explore graduate
schools?
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Do you have any tips related to
the application process?
I didn't realize how much I loved writing poetry until my junior year at
GCC when I took a required writing course with Dr. Potter. Senior year I
did an independent study in poetry, and was itching to learn more about
it. I applied in the UK because I had wanted to study abroad at GCC, but
my course-load did not permit that, and because I could complete my
degree in a year.
Since I wanted to study in the UK, I mostly did online research on
the top writing programs in the country. This was much more manageable
than the US, since there are a lot fewer universities! I applied to St
Andrews since it was consistently listed at or near the top, and was
thrilled to arrive and discover that two of the best poets in the UK
were my lecturers. There were only 7 students in my course, so I left
with an incredible writing community.
Send your application in as early as possible. I found out Thanksgiving
Day of my senior year that I was accepted, and with rolling
applications, it can't hurt to be ahead of deadlines!
The UK does not have teaching assistantships for master's degrees
generally, but I was able to work as an assistant to one of my
lecturers, who also happened to be a world-famous writer. He was the
editor for one of my favorite authors' work, and I couldn't believe I
was getting paid!
More information about
Alison's
experience with Scholastic and employment-related tips
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