<p>hey</p>
<p>i want to get only a phd program in english, preferably in one of of the ivies or maybe a school like notre dame and just wondering if anyone knows what sort of grades/gres/personal statement info they look for??
i know this is very vague but i'm applying from the UK and i really just don't know how to gauge the american system.
so if anyone has any info about what sort of candidates get accepted (or refused) please let me know!</p>
<p>Well, I have a friend who, from what I can tell, said that the personal statement and writing sample are the most important pieces, followed by letters or rec, then grades, then GRE scores. I don't know how true this is, but I would be that if you want to get into a top program, you would need very high English lit and related subject grades, fairly high (3-3.5) other grades, and some decent GRE scores. My friend, who was admitted to top English and Interdisciplinary programs, said that basically the writing sample and the personal statement are it. I don't know how true this is, but he's the one who got into the places.</p>
<p>Hopefully someone can give you more informed knowledge, but from what I've read and people I've spoken to, this is what I can offer.</p>