Graduate School

I'm thinking about using this space to chronicle my upcoming graduate studies (in addition to providing information on sociopolitical issues in Alabama). So, without further ado, here is the latest on my attempt to earn a master's degree in public administration from The University of Alabama.

I sent all my application materials (application, statement of purpose, transcripts, GRE scores) to the office of graduate admissions toward the end of May. (The deadline for application for the fall semester was June 1.) I'd contacted four individuals about writing letters of recommendation earlier in the spring; in early April, I sent them the requisite forms with a request to forward their recommendations to the admissions office. I was able to send one in myself (from a colleague and former supervisor here at the State Bar of Georgia). The others were all in Alabama. I figured they had plenty of time to get the letters done and send them in before the deadline.

The first week of June, I checked my application status on MyBama. It said that all materials had been received. At the end of the month, I had heard nothing regarding my admission status (neither a denial or an acceptance). So last week I called the office of graduate admissions. They informed me that my application materials had been forwarded to the political science department on June 3. They transferred me to that department, where I learned that the person who could inform me on my status was out for the week. So I sent her an email; she replied on Tuesday (July 12) that they had only received one letter of recommendation (the one I sent originally). They need at least two more (I should have had a total of four) before my application can be reviewed and a decision made. Needless to say, I'm a little peeved. I sent emails to the other three people along with the form for them to fill out. I'm thinking about calling them this afternoon, just to be sure they got it--since it's been two days and I haven't heard from any of them...