One of my fellow doc students was text messaging while someone was speaking in class.

[Writer]

In fact, she answered a question and didn't even look at my professor as she did so, her eyes transfixed on her phone. Her speaking skills and basic attentiveness in class resemble a high schooler, and I have yet to be convinced of her overall interest in the program.

I don't even know what to say about this. I find it simply incomprehensible that she's there. When classes actually start, my professors are going to rip her head off. This is a highly competitive DOCTORAL program.

I'm sorry to seem so crass and judgmental, but a couple of us were flabbergasted by this. I guess it's just a matter of time.

[jobycom]

1. I saw that movie! Don't worry, she gets more serious and graduates

at the top of the class. And she wears pink a lot.

[Writer]

2. ((SNORT))

:P

[jobycom]

4. When I was in grad school

There was a cute blonde type. Seemed somewhat spacey, and out of class she kept saying she just wanted to get a PhD and meet some rich guy. We just laughed at her. Three years later she had her PhD and was engaged to a wealthy lawyer. Half of us never even finished. You just never know.

[Writer]

5. How in the hell do they get IN to the program?

THAT's what puzzles me.

[jobycom]

8. Grades, good GRE score, recommendations, and good letter of intent.

Same as everyone. That should be the first clue that maybe she's more than she seems.

[Writer]

10. I hope that's the case.

And that what we're seeing now is only preliminary behavior; that she'll get serious once classes actually begin.

[Wapsie B]

3. Sounds like she's bound for Fox News when she gets done.

[Writer]

6. If this PhD were somehow professional, I'd agree...

but this is cultural studies and critical theory. I think the only door she may see in the coming year is the exit door.

[Wapsie B]

7. Not to be too dense, but what does one normally do with a degree such as this?

Teach?

[Writer]

9. Most aim for teaching positions...

While a few aim for NGO's, think tanks, or more individual endeavors.