I started writing my 'statement of purpose' for my application to the University of Michigan today. I filled out the first few sections of the application, which were inane - I don't know, nor should anyone care, what academic awards, honors, etc. I have received. On the other hand, were I coming in straight from college, they would be a great way to show I was a good guy, even if I had no resumé to speak of. So I'll forgive them. I've also got my list of people to write me letter of recommendation, which is quite honestly the bane of my existence. I hate asking people to waste their time writing platitudes about me. But, the colleges love it, for reasons that are beyond me.

Erik commented:
The letters may also be a way to help make a decision about a borderline candidate. I found that BGSU gave me provisional admission long before all the letters were in. The same went for my GRE scores. Then again, maybe U-M finds the letters to be incredibly useful. Also, perhaps they're more important for a PhD candidate than a Master's candidate. Who knows for sure?
on Tue Nov 9 23:19:11 2004

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