Goal Setting: From "43 Things" to Four

Dear Sacred Friend,

Time to put the plan in motion! While perusing the internet for top goal setting apps, I came across a free one called "43 Things." On the homepage, you are compelled to list at least three goals before even signing up! Then they generate and display the number of people who share the same goal as you on their site.  This way you are encouraged to socialize and learn from one another. For example, you have the ability to "cheer" people on and read about how they are/have already achieved their goal; that is if they chose to "add an entry." 

Well, I signed up, but I realized I much rather document my goals and steps on Blogger. I feel this is a better way for me to share my path with others who might be interested...maybe...? Wish someone would have outlined it all pretty for me. Just sayin'! 

My Steps to Attaining a Masters

1. Relocate
2. Establish Residency 
3. Take the GRE
4. Submit Application

1. Relocate

Time allotted: planning-2 months; moving- up to 3 days

Deadline: Sept. 21, 2013

1. Budget for moving expenses (gas, food, hotel if driving cross country)
2. Pinpoint moving date and notify current job (July 2013)
3. Book One-way flight (if necessary) (August 2013)
4. Notify service/account of move (DMV, auto insurance) (August 2013)
5. Collect & gather important documents (August 2013)
1. birth certificate
2. social security card
3. passport
4. print new insurance policy
6. Bag and throw away/donate unwanted clothes and papers (Sept. 2013)
7. Notify friends and family of move (Sept. 2013)
8. Make driving CD’s (Sept. 2013)
9. Pack (Sept. 2013)

2. Establish Residency

Time allotted: 14 months

Deadline: December 1, 2014 

1.  Look up state residency requirements and follow requirements carefully (July 2013)
2.  Ex: SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS (TX)
   • Complete Core Residency Questions
   • Provide any/all of the following supportive documents:
   • Employer’s statement of dates of employment in Texas
   • Texas driver’s license or ID card (reflects an origination date, shows an origination date at least 12 months prior to the census date)
   • Texas voter registration card issued 12 months prior
   • Pay stubs for 12 consecutive months (significant gainful employment in TX)
   • Rental of residential real property in my name
   • “Employment conditioned on student status, such as work study, the receipt of stipends, fellowships, or research or teaching assistantships does not constitute gainful employment.”
3. Apply to at least 3-5 jobs daily (July-November 2013)
1. Reach out to networks 
2. Continue to make connections
3. Update resumes,create different versions, have them reviewed
4. Update Linkedin profile
5. Draft cover letters 
4. Draw up a lease/ rental agreement (October 2013)
5. Open up a bank account in state (October 2013)
6. Obtain driver's license (October 2013)
7. Become a registered voter (October 2013)

3. Take the GRE

Time allotted: 10 months

Deadline: August 2014

1. Study for GRE
1. Download GRE prep apps to phone and/or computer to make studying a part of every day life (October 2013)
2. Purchase 2014 GRE prep book (November 2013) 
3. Sign up for free classes via Princeton Review (when available)
2. Take a practice GRE Tests (Throughout but surely in May 2014)
3. Register for the GRE (June 2014)
4. Take GRE (August 2014)

4. Submit Application

Time allotted: 3 months

Deadline: December 1, 2014

1. Ask for recommendations (July 2014)
2. Begin writing the statement of purpose (August 2014)
3. Request official transcripts (October 2014)
4. Send recommenders supplemental materials (i.e resume, personal statement) (Oct. '14)
5. Contact students and professors at prospective school  (Oct. '14)
6. Arrange a campus visit  (Oct. '14)
7. Have your statement of purpose reviewed (Nov. '14)
8. Complete and submit application and keep two copies of every section for your records. (Nov. '14)
9. Verify that your recommendations have been sent
10. Fill out FAFSA and look into grants and scholarships (January '14)
11. Celebrate acceptance (April '14)
12. Appeal financial aid package or apply for alternative loans (April '14)

 "“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” ― Audre Lorde (1934-1992)