Congrats on level 3, n00bz0r! Don't worry, buddy, we won't trade ya. That is unless a 10(b) comes along...

I really appreciate you taking the time to read it through and give your honest assessment!
I realize that 1-3 could be condensed. I thought that added some weight to the list. I really did not have to stretch to make the list "fit". In fact, I started with the first 3 and built up from there.
We are told to read the instructions everywhere. Most don't. Hell, I only do sometimes. And that's after I have screwed something up.
And, sez- very good analysis of the networking scene. It does take time and effort to cultivate and maintain those long-term relationships. Not everyone who goes to the "Big Name" schools bothers to use/be part of the networking system.
On a related note, I got to a point where my grad-school application was teetering in the very edge. I was told to get two additional references (much to my surprise, the two I had originally received did not come through for me the way I expected). I needed help and a contacted some people who had not been close friends, but I had kept in touch with over the years. When told them the situation, they stepped up. Big time! Did not hesitate and asked me
exactly what I needed them to do. If either of them
EVER needed anything from me, they would get
whatever they needed.
That is the power of maintaining and cultivating relationships. It is also a bit of a cautionary tale on knowing what people will say about you
before you count on them 100%.
