in Training

GREat!

Well, the GRE is over, and am I ever glad. I studied a lot for it this time around, and what do I have to show for it? An improved verbal and quantitative score. My verbal score rose over 100 points to reach 55o/800, and my quantitative went up 20 points from the first time, to hit 710/800. I don't know how well I did on the analytical writing part, but I'm sure I will find out in a few weeks. Standardized tests are somewhat annoying, but I understand why fellowship organizations and universities use them. Ah, well...

The trip to Green Bay was nice, and Jill and I enjoyed a brief stint of outlet mall shopping after my test in OshKosh. It was a long drive, and I hope it was worth it! It was really nice of her to take me down there, and it was definitely awesome to be able to have a good night's sleep the night before at her parents' house.

It is a relief to have the test out of the way, and in a sense I feel like I will be able to focus more time on my research and writing. I'm working on a manuscript right now, and should know if I have been accepted to Orthopaedic Research Society's annual conference in a few weeks.

Off to OshKosh

I'm heading to OshKosh, Wisconsin tomorrow to take the Graduate Records Exam again. Actually, I'm going to Green Bay tonight with my friend, Jill, and staying at her parents house. I wasn't happy with the scores I got four years ago (I didn't study for it the first time) so I'm taking it again to have a better push for fellowships.

Applying for fellowships is a lot of work. I've been writing essays, getting letters of recommendations, proofreading, rewriting, studying, rewriting, organizing, rewriting... for the past two months! I definitely want to have the applications out the door. I'm crossing my fingers that I get at least honorable mention with some!! Having my own funding will definitely make me more comfortable and, plus, it looks better on my CV!

First post...

I have struggled in the past with keeping an online journal (livejournal). With my busy schedule as a grad student, I find it hard to take the time to even email my mom, let alone keep a blog. But, with new adventures to share and new goals to accomplish, I've decided to start a public blogger to keep my friends and family in the loop with the happenings of my life!

I'll use it primarily to talk about my training, update you with my accomplishments (and setbacks) in school, and just keep ya'll in the loop. For the most part, its going to be a journal for my own tracking, too.

Take care, take time, and smile ! :)

-Megan