Hevan24

I think you missed the point of my post too. Fit is critical, and research experience does not always equal the quality of research interests nor the originality of an applicant's ideas. Again, most elite programs, when they are narrowing it down to final slots, are not going to choose someone with a "top" score over someone who is a better fit/will make a more dynamic contribution to the cohort. Now, in terms of university fellowships and/or lowerish ranked schools, or departments that don't have much funding at their discretion, GREs may be more of a factor, but in programs/departments that fund every student they admit scores are less of a factor once they've established a cut off point. Why else do you see students mentioning how HYSPM rejected them with their "perfect" scores and/or "experience?" They probably weren't a good fit for the program, and there were applicants with more developed research interests in sync with what's going on in the department. You're also overplaying the role of "compelling stories." While there are always exceptions, on the whole grad schools seek excellent scholars; if they don't think you can fulfill that requirement, I doubt having a "good life story" will get you in. GREs aren't the deciding factor. That's why you'll even see a 750/760 Quant applicant accepted over an 800 applicant (which is a big difference in engineering programs). Again, if you have an 800 and you're a perfect fit, great; if your score is a little weak, but you have everything else, and your fit is amazing you'll still be fine. There can be many "well qualified and well suited" applicants, but they are not going to be the same in every area. Some will have better SOPs and writing samples, others stronger GPAs and LORs while others more will have stronger work/research experiences and test scores. A final applicant pool where everything other than the GRE is equal is a long shot; to say that the final decision will come down to who has the best score simplifies and disregards the holistic process most top ten schools use in their admissions.

I don't think you need a "stellar" GRE nor a "good life story" to get into a top program. Research interests, faculty and program fit, SOP, UGPA, and rigour of former programs/courses are all more important. An abysmal score may hurt you, but a decent to good score (12-1300s) will not keep you out of anywhere. An exception to this may be engineering programs (which require high Quant scores) and similar fields. Top schools look for scholars with original ideas who will add something dynamic to the program. A great GRE can help if you're deficient in another area, but adcoms are more likely to give weight to your trascript (which shows your ability over four or so years) above a test that shows your ability over four plus hours.

I went to NYU for undergrad. Had TAs in some of my classes, usually intro and MAP courses if the class had 100+ students. If the OP transferred from Berkeley, perhaps he took intro courses there? That might explain the lack of TAs at NYU and having them at Berkeley. If you're in larger, lower level classes you'll have TAs. I certainly had them in CAS. Gallatin does not use TAs because their classes are seminar style and small. I never took any classes at SCPS, but aren't their class sizes under a 100? Anyway, private universities use TAs.

My Ph.D. Admit Day is on the 10th (Tuesday), but I'm arriving that weekend. I've never been to Stanford, or anywhere in No. Cal, which is sad since I'm a native So. Cal girl. I've been all over of the country, out of the country, even did my undergrad in NYC, yet I've never managed to make it to the northern part of my home state What did you think of Stanford when you were last there (atmosphere, students, Palo Alto, etc)? It does look very beautiful from the photos and videos I've seen. If you do attend, are planning to do student housing?

Awesome! Are you planning to visit? When is your Admit Day(s)? Have you visited Stanford before?

Anyone else thinking of/going to attend?

Yeah, I was wondering about this too, especially on the shoe front. I'm going for an Admit visit which also includes tours, trips, meetings, and a reception. I think a lot might depend on schedule. My campus/residences tour, as well optional excursions, are on different days than my department and faculty meetings and reception. I was thinking the former day I could wear jeans/nice top or something similarly casual and something nicer for the latter? If your events on are one day, see if you can find out whether there will be time to change. Also, how close is your hotel to campus? Jeans probably won't work for a reception, so maybe stick with trousers and a top. If I wear business casual I'm going to wear a pencil skirt and a blouse, which means I'll either wear boots with a heel or pumps. Wouldn't that be too much for a campus tour? Maybe I can put on more casual boots and add edgier acessories to make it seem less stuffy in case I should avoid jeans altogether. This isn't an interview, so I don't think we have to be in full on mode. Part me still thinks I should pack my blazer though, to be safe, but I doubt I'll need it. My other concern is if I should bring a dress for the reception or maintain a pencil skirt/blouse look?

Housing decisions at SC will come down to how much you can stand/need. Must you have your own bedroom/personal space, or can you share? Most graduate students don't live on campus per se, but rather in student housing nearby in the neighborhood. But again where in the neighborhood (or more apporopriately, how deep into the neighborhood) you are located makes a difference; some streets are safer/cleaner than others, and you'll have to pay for the safety/cleanliness, as well as for a "nicer" building. Bascially, if you want your own bedroom in a two bedroom apartment, or a studio, and in one of the better/closer buildings and streets you're going to pay about $920 (though prices are ever increasing--two/three years ago, $920 was $815). Even these buildings aren't that great, but you can survive a year (most people I know get out of housing after their first year, and many others don't bother at all). The area is okay enough safety-wise if you keep your wits about and aren't out super early or super late (most of our crime reports concerned students out walking past midnight or before 7am. There's not much to do however except for the little University strip/center that has a Wendy's (great for a fast food fix), a grocery store (never bought my food there, but some students did so it seems okay), a sub par movie theater (again never went inside), Starbucks, and some miscellaneous shops. It's not much of a hang out, and most students get away on weekends/evenings to other places. There is a Ralphs nearby that has somewhat better food, and it's possible to walk or bike to it (but better to have a car). You'll often find students with families or friends (who live within a drivable distance elsewhere in So Cal) who bring food/supplies on the weekends for students to stock up. You can survive without a car, but be prepared to be limited or find lots of friends who drive (which shouldn't be a problem ). If you do get a car, pay for a permit because trying to get a space on your own isn't fun. I knew international students who managed without a car by doing group trips on public transportation or, again, by getting people with cars to take them somewhere, but many of them were only staying for a year or so; those getting PH.Ds got cars eventually It can get depressing and frustrating if you're stuck around the area with no escape, as well being dependent on someone to get away. Lots of out of state people and internationals do graduate housing the first year; it might be worthwhile to do student housing for a year to meet people and become adjusted to the school. Still, a lot of people live in many other parts of So. Cal and commute (which isn't that bad or hard), and you should still have no problem meeting people should you opt not to do grad housing. If you decide not to do grad housing, you have lots of options in the various cities/areas of LA county that I can go into more detail about if anyone's interested. Prices will vary depending on needs/wants again. You might even still be able to get away without a car (specifically if you live in the Pasadena area you can take the metro and 'SC bus to campus, and Pasadena has much more to do/safer than 'SC housing, but you'll probably want a car in the long run no matter what). You'll probably pay between $700-900+ for a place (maybe in the high 600s if you're really lucky but you'll need to really check out the location, building, and the apartment itself); but again all of this depends on what kind of quality you are looking for and what you can stand/deem as necessary. High 700s to low 900s is probably more realistic. I went to 'SC for my master's. Lived in student housing for the first year then moved out (one year was enough) and commuted for my second year.

Your SOP is not a biography. What do wish to study, why, and what from your past has led you here? Avoid cliche generalizations and flowery statements about education. Show the ad coms your analytical prowess, insightfulness, and creativity. Why should they pick you over all the other qualified candidates? Make yourself stand out. Let them get a sense of your personality, but don't be too offbeat or go off on anecdotes that have nothing to do with your potential as a scholar. Mention faculty with whom you wish to work. Be firm, direct, confident but not arrogant, and be genuine. Don't tell them what you think they want to hear, but what you actually want to say. Your GRE scores are very good. Unless there's a specific reason, don't spend the extra time and money on the Millers Analogy Test. With two years left, can you bring up your GPA? A 3.5 won't get you thrown out anywhere, but higher never hurt anyone either You have plenty of time left, and ad coms give weight to a steady improvement in the last two years especially. Also, if the classes in your program are "easy," is there a way for you to take more challenging courses in addition to or instead of the "easy" courses? Try to plan the most rigourous program possible (that interest you and in which you can get As/A-s ). While great GREs are wonderful, your transcript shows your ability over a long term period and will be given the greater consideration. What did you do before you returned to school? Was it education related or something else? The working at the writing center, published papers, and research with profs on campus will give you a major boost, but you also want to have something not overtly associated with education and English (yet can be related to/enhance your schoarly pursuits). You want the "standard" qualifications, but you want to be a little unconventional too. Again, this is about standing out, showing the ad coms you bring more to their school than what every other education applicant (with the same typical qualifications) brings--what special experiences, knowledge, and skills will aid in your research? E-mail anyone you're really interested in working with. It's good to make sure your research interests are still aligned with theirs (their Web page might not be updated to relect their current projects or provide enough details on their work--and even if the Web page does, e-mailing is still a good idea) as well as get a sense of what they think of your research ideas. E-mailing will also save you application time and money. Depending on their response and your subsequent conversations, you will know whether to apply or not. Your application should convey to the ad coms that you applied to their school because the work going on there excites you, and you feel that you can add to it as well contribute original research of your own. Take the time to choose faculty and programs that really fit with your interests; don't create "interests" because you want to go to grad school and/or because of a big name. In my own experience and from other people I know, fit and passion for a program can be crucial factors.

Your welcome and good luck! I also think your username is awesome.

Your welcome and thanks!

Hi t_ruth! I responded in more detail on the other thread, but my program is Learning Sciences and Technology Design/Psychological Studies in Education. Good Luck!

Hi everyone! I'm the Stanford admit. I didn't realize my results post would gather attention, lol. My program is Learning Sciences and Technology Design/Psychological Studies in Education. I think decisions are being made earlier this year. Admit Day(s) are at the beginning of March. mungdaddy: I would think the 12 point scholarship refers to tuition credits/units. Typically funding packages are tuition plus stipend/assistantship. Good luck to all!