Back In The Ring, Round 3

I'm back in the application game.  After taking classes in the spring and fall at UW, I'm now working on my application for them.  I'm reworking my Statement in big ways.  The Statement I wrote for Minnesota was basically a longer version of the one I wrote in my first round of applications with specific information added about the professor I wanted to work with.  Now I'm taking a slightly different approach and have cut much of my original writing.  My goal is to be well under 1000 words.  750 would be good, but I doubt my ability or willingness to go less than that and say all I think I need to.

This year I feel like I'm further down the path than I've ever been.  I have three more courses under my belt with two As and an A- (that was in stats and I'm darn proud of that A-).  I have communicated with more professors than before, and I'm putting myself out there more.  I've made a great deal of progress in the last year, and I have a better understanding of what I want to do than before.  I also have a better idea of what I'm up against and what my weaknesses are.  I have encountered some dead ends and rejections, but that is the nature of the game.  Rejection is a fact of the process--and really a fact of life.   A friend of mine recently put it this way, "Grad school challenges one's insecurities. Often. Think about it. It's a filtering system. People who did well at each tier advance to the next tier. Eventually, you've got a very dense concentration of bright people and high achievers. The competition just keeps increasing."

One opportunity I was interested in had a great number of interested applicants.  I put in my materials and didn't make the cut.  But I put myself out there and that's the point.  I have to take the risk to gain the reward.

I also have a companion in the process this year, something that has been invaluable.  We are both looking at ecology programs but in slightly different areas of interest.  She has been a tremendous help and support, and I have been able to support her as well.  We have helped one another with writing our statements, letters to professors, and CVs.  We check in frequently about progress (or lack of) and goals.  We listen to each other freak out every now and then and talk the other down.  We give a word of encouragement or kick in the pants when necessary.  I'm really grateful for her help.

I feel really good about my progress and my chances this year.  I'm living the dream and doing the work.