Hello Kinejapaners,<br><br>First, let me apologize if this message is a bit off topic. I know the listserv is primarily for discussions of Japanese film, but perhaps some other members might be thinking about making the plunge into graduate studies and find the advice of the accomplished scholars on here helpful.<br>
<br>I am twenty-eight and just completed my B.A. in English last winter. Over the last few months I have been seriously considering going to graduate school to study Japanese language and literature. No particular school in mind as of yet; I've just been researching various programs (<a href="http://www.stateuniversity.com/program/Japanese-Language-and-Literature.html" target="_blank">http://www.stateuniversity.com/program/Japanese-Language-and-Literature.html</a>). It seems that most schools require at least a 3.0 GPA. Some even list on their website "no exceptions." I absolutely understand this.<br>
<br>My conundrum: I don't have a 3.0. My final overall GPA was a 2.4. I fooled around a lot in college when I first started, dropping out without withdrawing, so, my transcript basically has semesters of "F's." <br>
<br>Recently, I met with an adviser about graduate school and she noted that without those "dead" semesters my GPA would be close to a 3.5. In fact, my final year, including all summer sessions, I had a 4.0. This final year included the bulk of my junior and senor level classes. I also have a fair amount of extracurricular activities dealing with creative and academic writing. <br>
<br>My question now is what route to take to get into a good Japanese language and literature program. My grad adviser said I should really try and ace the GREs, concentrate on good recommendations, and write a good letter stating my academic goals. I feel confident I can do all of these things, yet I'm still nervous. <br>
<br>In you guys and gals informed opinions, would it help to apply to a local graduate program for a semester or year (probably in English education) and transfer, just to show admissions that I can do graduate level work? I feel confident I could get into the graduate school at my alma mater. <br>
<br>Should I apply to a university that has an Asian studies undergraduate program and complete a second undergrad degree, then apply to their graduate program? <br><br>I know many colleges allow a student to enter graduate school as a non-matriculated student, but I think my low GPA prevents that. I also live in North Carolina, which is problematic, because they're aren't a lot of graduate programs that include Asian studies around here. <br>
<br>I've also considered going to Japan to teach English and really learn the language. Would that make any difference?<br>
<br>Well, I apologize for laying my lengthy burdens on the group, but maybe someone can identify with my dilemma. <br><br>Thanks,<br><br>Jerry<br>