cooltime

Thanks for the insight! I didn't mean that it is far away from campus in general. Clearly, it's ON campus, but it's pretty far away from other residences and where the main centre of the campus appears to be. I'm worried that on weekends campus will be dead and life will get pretty dull. I mean, you have no neighbours there and you're literally on the edge of a cliff.

i second the request for experiences with green college. i'm looking into it, but the expensive meal plan is turning me off. the way i see it: - pros: it looks beautiful, built-in social life - cons: far away from the rest of campus, expensive as hell meal plan (and for one 10 meals/week!)

I've just been accepted to a Masters program with a very generous funding offer. However, I feel that my SOP overstated my interest in a particular area of sociology and I think a professor is interested in working with me for that particular research. I would love to help her with her research, but for my own, I think I would rather take a different slant, one that is only mildly related to what I originally stated in my SOP. Is this acceptable? Should I tell them I'm thinking these things now, rather than accept and once I get there switch my focus? My research would remain within the same research cluster, and I would probably end up working with the same profs, but as it is right now, there is a particular project they would like me to work on, it seems and I'm not sure how committed I am to the topic for my own research as well. I just need a little bit of guidance with how to frame this conversation.

i feel most at home in sociology, but that might be because it's all i really know. i've considered urban studies programs, but i'm not sure if i want to make that leap because as other people have noted my interests might change and i don't want to limit myself too much.

I think the poster meant that between the two schools they receive that many applications. If I remember correctly from last year, NYU received about 410 and let in 4 or 5. So the numbers are exaggerated a bit probably, but there probably is around 800 applicants for both schools. Thanks for the advice! I'll broaden my horizons. I certainly am not going to apply to just those two programs, because I highly doubt I will get into either. What are some ways to justify fit in a statement of purpose if one does need to stretch a bit to find potential supervisors within a department?

I'm having a bit of a dilemma with finding good fits right now. Copying this from the 2014 applicant thread: "My interests are in cultural and urban sociology, but focusing on environmental topics. I'm interested in government and lay responses to natural and man-made disasters. To narrow it down, I'm interested in the informal groups that arise in the wake of these disasters, along with government responses and policy (or lack thereof) re: natural disasters. I'm also interested in the sociology of tourism and the sentimental and emotional responses people attribute to places. So, as I think you can see, I'm definitely attacking these issues more from a cultural standpoint, rather than a purely environmental sociology perspective. My problem so far is finding programs that are a good fit. I've found two great ones so far: NYU (Eric Klinenberg and Harvey Molotch) and Yale (Jeffrey Alexander and Ron Eyerman). Other than that, all the programs I've looked into so far seem to be a bit of a stretch. Most departments with a focus in urban sociology seem to be tackling inequality and poverty; these issues would definitely come up in my research, but they aren't at the forefront. So, am I being too picky? Or should I be finding multiple programs that are as good a fit as I feel NYU and Yale are? Does anyone know of programs/specific scholars whose research sounds similar to my interests?"

will do. thanks for the advice! those are definitely my top two, but i am by no means just applying to those two. i highly doubt i will get into either of those. also on the list are: harvard, university of washington, brown, and duke.

I'm planning on applying for 2014 admission. Currently I'm planning on applying to a mish-mash of programs (a few urban planning, a few MA programs and a half dozen PhD programs). My interests are in cultural and urban sociology, but focusing on environmental topics. I'm interested in government and lay responses to natural and man-made disasters. To narrow it down, I'm interested in the informal groups that arise in the wake of these disasters, along with government responses and policy (or lack thereof) re: natural disasters. I'm also interested in the sociology of tourism and the sentimental and emotional responses people attribute to places. So, as I think you can see, I'm definitely attacking these issues more from a cultural standpoint, rather than a purely environmental sociology perspective. My problem so far is finding programs that are a good fit. I've found two great ones so far: NYU (Eric Klinenberg and Harvey Molotch) and Yale (Jeffrey Alexander and Ron Eyerman). Other than that, all the programs I've looked into so far seem to be a bit of a stretch. Most departments with a focus in urban sociology seem to be tackling inequality and poverty; these issues would definitely come up in my research, but they aren't at the forefront. So, am I being too picky? Or should I be finding multiple programs that are as good a fit as I feel NYU and Yale are? Does anyone know of programs/specific scholars whose research sounds similar to my interests? Anyway, stats: - GRE: 162V (89%), 155Q (61%... messed this one up), and 5W (93%) - GPA: 3.98, 4.00 Soc - no real research experience other than a research methods class - a few undergrad conferences - a few prestigious scholarships/fellowships

Does anyone know of any Sociology departments with scholars who have similar interests to Eric Klinenberg at NYU? I'm interested in the intersection between urban sociology (focusing on the effects of disasters/storms) and cultural sociology. I've debated between applying to Urban Planning programs or Sociology programs; ultimately, I think Sociology is a better fit for me, but I do like the overlap with urban planning/policy that Klinenberg's work has. So.. anyone familiar with high ranking programs that are doing similar research? I'm hunting around program websites as well, but I just thought I'd see what people here know about.

You're definitely right when you say that considering grad school in large part stems from the feeling that it's a natural progression after undergraduate studies. I actually had a conversation with a prof last week in which she asked "Well, why do you want to go to grad school?" and I couldn't really give a coherent answer. Your second point is something that I've been considering. It seems that in Canada funding is definitely better for terminal Master's programs, but tuition isn't waived a lot of the time, so the vast majority of the money goes right back into the institution's pocket. Even though I would save some money, it would still put me into a significant amount of debt. Going the route you mentioned is an option, but it seems a little deceptive to go into a program like that, knowing there's a large chance of dropping out after receiving your Master's. I've also worked so hard at my undergrad and just want to be sure I make the best decision regarding grad school, so that I take advantage of all the opportunities I can from the skills I've acquired. I know my GPA (3.96 overall and 4.0 in Sociology) and various accomplishments are very strong. I just really need to give myself time to consider my options.

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I think I would only end up applying for a PhD program if I did decide to pursue a career in academia or research. The question about doing a PhD without academia as a goal mainly stems from my present uncertainties and general curiosity, but I think if it ever came down to it, the only way I would ever apply for a PhD program is if my goals really did align with what the program best suits you for, which is clearly academia/research. RIght now, I'm only seriously considering Master's programs. I also think taking time off is definitely not out of the question for me. I think I would be able to handle a Master's program, but I also want to be in a good mental state before starting down a path that will undoubtedly be stressful at times. Urban planning sounds interesting, but I'm not sure I can see myself doing it. Urban and social policy seem a little more in line with my strengths, I think. So, that's probably something for me to seriously consider also. If I do decide to go the non-academia route, a professional degree is probably a more practical choice. SocialGroovements, thanks so much for your responses and advice. I will definitely have a look into those programs and conferences.

To be honest, I would say I'm experiencing a bit of a slump right now academically and personally, as in I'm unsure what I want to do or where I'm headed. So, I completely agree with you. And I would never even consider pursuing anything beyond a Master's if I continue to feel so unsure. My question still stands, though.

I'm an undergrad student right now and am considering applying to grad school for Fall 2013 admission. I've only taken nine sociology classes so far and really don't feel like there's a specific area I'm passionate about. More than anything, I think this is purely from a lack of exposure, which I'm going to fix over the summer and next year. Anyway, I'm interested in Urban Sociology, and am wondering what the best universities for this field of sociology are. I should also say I'm currently studying in Canada, but from my basic search, this field seems more established in the States. However, opinions on universities anywhere in the world would be appreciated. I'm also wondering if anyone has any knowledge of Urban Sociology, such are what the current major topics and issues being researched are. Basically, any info, including useful links, about this field would be greatly appreciated. I have been scouring the internet a little bit, but you guys seem pretty knowledgeable and it's interesting to hear personal experiences. Now, onto my basic questions that have probably been answered a million times on this board. As I said, I'm looking to apply to grad school for 2013 admission. I would absolutely love to study in the States, but realize that Master's programs are rarely funded, while many PhD programs are. I am not sure I would apply for a PhD program, and this is mostly because I am not sure I want a life of academia. So, my question for you guys is: if I apply for a PhD program without the intention of a life in academia, do my chances of acceptance decrease? Essentially I'm asking if these programs are mostly intended for those interested in academic/research-oriented careers. I'd like to hear opinions regarding the views of both high and lower ranking universities. I'm not completely ruling out an academic career, but I really think I need to find my niche before I can say for certain this is the path I want to take. Anyway, thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing your opinions!