What should I do this fall?

[mrprofessor1]

A friend recently told me about this website and thought that I could get some advice given my current predicament. I didn't make it very far this past application season. I only applied to four schools and I was met with 2 rejections and 2 wait lists. The wait lists were both at top 30 schools so I guess my applications weren't completely horrible. So now, I'm not exactly sure what I should do. I don't have a job lined up and I'm not sure how easy it will be to get one. My undergraduate university has offered me an unfunded spot in their program and I can leave after the MA (or sooner?) if I wanted. The loans (it would be possible for me to get funding the second year) and the program's ranking are what is causing me to question my options. Is anyone in a similar situation? Would it improve my application even if the MA isn't coming from a highly prestigious program? Does anyone have some advice for me? Thanks!

[hj2012]

It depends. Are there any weaknesses in your application (low GPA, lack of relevant coursework, etc) that an MA would fix? If not, I don't know if it would be worth the loans. If you decide to apply Fall 2015, I would recommend applying to a larger number of programs, and perhaps a couple funded MAs as well. Honestly, though, with just four schools it could have just come down to luck! And the waitlists are encouraging signs for next year...you might consider emailing the DGS at the schools you applied this year and asking for ways to improve your application as well.

 

My sense is that it would be better for you to go on the job market and make some money than go into debt for a year...but that's my $.02. You might also look into Americorps programs, as I know that many of these are still accepting applications.

 

Good luck to you!

[entdeckung]

It seems that a lot of people do something else for 1-2 years between undergraduate and applying to PhD programs that may help you with applications and don't require going into debt. I know NORC is always advertising research positions, as well as mathematica policy research and the urban institute. Those are programs that give you tangible skills you can bring to a program (e.g. learning SAS; learning STATA better) if those are weaknesses in your application.

 

The other thing I would recommend is if you have a senior thesis or other original work from undergraduate, trying to submit it soon for publication somewhere. I think having publications helped me overcome some weaknesses in my application (e.g. undergraduate gpa). And publication is something that can be done with advice from your mentors even if you're doing something completed unrelated to sociology or research next year to earn money.

 

Hope it helps! As the previous poster said, I think if you have some idea of weaknesses in your application, either from the DGS at somewhere you applied or from other mentors, then you can be more strategic about what opportunities next year will best overcome those weaknesses. But 4 programs is also a very small number-- most people I talked to applied to 8-13 -- so it may just entail applying to a greater number of programs.

[breaks0]

Mr Prof: Am in a similar situation, applied to 8 phd programs, only got 1 unfunded acceptance which w/my already large student debt load I simply couldn't accept, albeit alot of these were due to my finishing my ma thesis late and so only having about half those schools look at my completed app. For anyone rereading my sob story for the umpteenth time, am grateful for those who've offered advice so far and a couple people who have privately offered to help. That said, am taking notes on responses to your post and of course wish you luck over the next year.

[Whatishistoryanyway]

It looks like I may be taking a year off too. Although, I may find a way to take a class or two at my undgrad institution. I've been looking for a decent job for months now with no luck. So much effort into those online job applications and many don't even give you a response.

 

Also, like hj said, maybe you should contact the dgs at one of those schools. I emailed one earlier today asking for feedback on my application. Hopefully I'll hear something soon! Anyway, looks like some of us will be at it again next year.

Edited April 24, 2014 by Whatishistoryanyway

[Chris Bosh the Dinosaurman]

Try applying to market research positions (these hard to get but your social science skillset probably fits them well).  If you know you want to go to grad school next year and only want to work part-time, you could try working for a tutoring company.  

 

Taking a year off is often a good idea.  I didn't apply last fall and am very happy that I did this.  Applications sent after senior year are often better because you have your senior awards on your CV and you have more off-time to concentrate on your applications and your GRE during your gap year.  College is way more distracting than work!

 

Also, if you want some advice about writing applications, shoot me a message.  

[Hopeful0914]

I would personally take the year off. You'll never know what types of loans you may need in the future when your back is up against the wall (hopefully this won't happen but realistically it may).

 

I know many students who looked to their local community colleges to find a teaching job or something similar for their gap year. I would really encourage this as you can really add these things to your CV while doing something you (hopefully) love! I would strongly suggest calling or visiting places even if they don't advertise for jobs. Sometimes its all about luck and right timing. I found a job at a bookstore because I visited so much and joked that I should work there and the manager hired me (after a whole process but it happened)!

 

Good luck!

[breaks0]

Congrads hopeful! Bookstore or comm coll teaching job (even a low paying adjunct job) sounds pretty good right now, at least for a semester-year!