First, success: I’ve already finished and mailed my two applications to UT-Austin and my deferrment materials to UNCG. Called UNCG and double-checked that they had all they needed and they said yes. They also said “we’ll be talking to you soon.” Oh really? cool.
Second, monkey wrench: So, once I got my essays done for UT, I thought, Hey, this is going to be a breeze flying through these other applications. I mean, how much more could I perfect my words? I reworked those essays only a few dozen times before getting the thumbs up from some very good reviewers. But ahoy, I started to fill out the U of Minnesota application and was quickly knocked off my high, big ass horse.
Things looked fine for the English deptartment. Portfolio? Check. Statement? Check. Scores, transcripts, curriculum vitae, letters? Check, check, check and Check. Money? Fine, have your check. Just have to to the Graduate School application…Piece of cake.
RRRRRRRRRRRRR. (*record scratching noise*) WTF? THREE ESSAY REQUIREMENTS? FOR THE GRADUATE SCHOOL? WHAT DO THEY CARE?
Why would anyone need/want to know that much about me, especially if they can’t admit me if the English dept. rejects my writing sample in the first place?!
Talk about your work ethic? Dude, isn’t this damn application process PROOF that I have a good work ethic? What other moron would be filling out writing school applications due the week before Christmas? Discuss how you represent a new kind of diversity to this school? Um, obviously I’m batty as hell and from another planet if I think I can drop my career and be a full-time poettess. Does that count?
And there goes my week, weekend, and few days after. Squeeze that in between 3 batches of cookies, a dozen presents to wrap, two friends’ birthdays, two Xmas parties, grocery shopping, and cat litter clean-up and you have one STRESSED OUT lady. 
Three, bright side: I *don’t* think there are any other crazy essay requirements my other schools are going to throw me, so once I’m done with this UM-M application, it should be smooth sailing from there. I’m keeping my application materials much more stream-lined this year, which is helping. Minus holiday hiccups, which will still put me crunched for time with these applications due Jan. 1. Even better, I have a couple due Jan. 10, so I can finish those over New Year’s holiday.
And then, my friends, I will party like it’s 2009.
