laurynap

@CeXra any luck?

Hey All Got the email with the status update notification. I called grad admissions to ask. Not admitted. Unfortunate and I am disappointed but can't let it get me/us down. Good luck!

Is this true? I am also under update pending. How do we know that update is a rejection?

Hey Grad Cafe Community, Just a quick question. If I am planning on applying to both the MA and PhD program at a school (I am fairly certain that they consider you for the MA if you are not identified as a candidate for the PhD anyways) but have to submit 2 separate applications, should I submit two different SOPs for the programs or would the same one suffice for both? I am guessing that even with my SOP for the PhD program, if they thought I was more prepared for the MA program the same SOP would have sufficed for them to make that decision? Your quick reply is appreciated! Thank you! Best, -Confused

oh like write a new piece summarizing them both? I guess I could, however some of my apps are looking for a 25-30 page WS so the lit review hits the mark without putting the pressure of writing such a long WS from scratch. I suppose I could for the schools requiring a shorter WS

Hi GradCafe Forum, In finalizing my writing samples for my applications, I just wanted to throw a question out there. I was planning to use my senior thesis literature review but just wanted to see if anyone has any specific thoughts about using a lit review as my writing sample? Thank you!

Thank you so much! Really appreciate the feedback. One other question for you if you don't mind. So I am now looking at MA programs in Soc as well. The only issue is that I know most of them cater to more of an Applied track which is not academia focused, however I see many PhD students coming in with an MA already and can only imagine that graduate school work better prepares one for a PhD program. However, if I am interested in a Soc MA and PhD program at the same school, would you recommend applying to both? Just one? And if just one, which? I know a lot of this can be political and tricky to navigate so just wanted to gain some insight. Thank you! Best,

Hey there! Thank you so much for this feedback. I found it very helpful. Over the past few months I have kind of honed my research interests and have a clearer idea, luckily, than I did before. I am now planning on only Soc programs, some MA and some PhD. Interesting that they are territorial fields! In that case, should I not mention how I double majored in both fields in undergrad? That was the program my university offered so you kind of were required to major in both fields. Not sure if this will hurt me at all in the process.. But that is all good to know! thank you so much.

Hello GradCafe Community, Apologies if this has been asked before but as I am working through the grad app process for several PhD programs, I was hoping to get some clarity on this topic. I see that some schools solely require a Personal Statement, some solely require a Statement of Purpose and some require both. I was hoping someone could help me with some questions on this; - If they require both, how should I differentiate the Statement of Purpose from the Personal Statement? - Can I use most of the content from my statement of purpose I have written and re-work it for a school that only requires the Personal Statement? Thank you! Appreciate any help.

Sigaba, That is a great approach. I really appreciate that, thank you!

Hey Grad Cafe Community, Long time reader, first time poster. I am entering my second round of applications, this time for a Soc PhD. Originally, I applied to Anth PhD programs fresh out of undergrad, which in hindsight, I fully understand and agree with not being admitted. That being said, after several years of "real world" experience and a more mature mind (I like to think) I believe I am in a better position to apply and (hopefully) get admitted. With that being said, I am just looking for general advice regarding applications, SOP, writing samples, the whole process. I am fairly confident this time around but as we all know, grad school can be difficult to get into for most disciplines. So any advice really (I know I am opening the flood gates here) would be particularly helpful. Looking forward to hearing from you all. Thanks,

Hey Grad Cafe Community, Long time reader, first time poster. I am entering my second round of applications, this time for a Soc PhD. Originally, I applied to Anth PhD programs fresh out of undergrad, which in hindsight, I fully understand and agree with not being admitted. That being said, after several years of "real world" experience and a more mature mind (I like to think) I believe I am in a better position to apply and (hopefully) get admitted. With that being said, I am just looking for advice for the personal statement/achievements and diversity page. I struggle in comparison to people I see who have completed research fellowships abroad, had "sexier" experiences since undergrad. Any tips especially from those who went in the professional world between undergrad and grad would be highly appreciated! TY!

Hi A.Buscariolli, I know this is an old thread but I am finding it helpful as I embark on writing my own SOC SOP. How did you fare? Are you currently attending a PhD program? Best, LP

Hey there community, I figured I would post here to get some general advice and guidance if you all wouldn't mind. Quick history: after graduating undergrad I applied to 2 Anthropology PhD programs and was not accepted. It was fine, I have bene in corporate America (bleh) but learning a ton ever since! It was probably best I was not accepted as my SOP probably was not as astute nor clear as it should be. I have been still passionate about pursuing graduate school in the 3 years since and am planning to re-apply for fall 2020. I have a ton of interests that span across Anthropology & Sociology that I have often found myself unable to even begin writing a SOP or anything as I am conflicted on what to study. I think choosing one thing really pigeon holes myself and I have had a tougher time this time around to get creative and really get clear on what I want to study. I just want to know how did you all exactly determine what you wanted to study (PhDs in Soc + Anth). It seems a lot of people have burning passions, so is that what is common or did you hone in on research topics that just interested you more? I would love any and all advice! Thank you!