At first I thought, all despairing: "This must crush my spirit now," But I bear it and am bearing, only do not ask me how. -George MacDonald, Translations From the German I'm at it again. All the recommenders are sorted, the letters of intent drafted, and I've opened applications to three schools: Brown, University of Chicago, and Princeton. The great graduate entry push has begun. I'm Irish enough to be cynical and Irish enough not to quit.