adaptations

My boyfriend received accommodations for testing on the GRE and GMAT, and yes it was helpful to his score. As was already noted, it requires significant documentation (phsyco-educational evaluations etc.) to receive testing accommodations, which can be quite costly. Thankfully, his insurance company picked up the tab, but I suspect that is a pretty unusual circumstance. I'm sorry I can't offer specific suggestions on how to get accommodations if it doesn't fall into one of their "standard" reasons for accommodation. I will note that he sent them a ton of paperwork (more than 40 pages of evaluations including all evaluations from child-hood - present) and ETS' first response was "you are missing XYZ." He had to remind them to actually read what was sent, because it was already included. They re-evaluated his file and there wasn't any further problem.

This topic crosses over the business and other professional schools, so hopefully some folks here can help. I am helping my boyfriend identify possible masters programs and would love some suggestions for programs to consider. Some of the programs he has already identified are Bentley's "Human Factors in Information Design, Stanford's "Learning Design and Technology," and Harvard's "Technology, Innovation, and Education." He is looking for programs that combing business with the design or application of technology. Any additional suggestions, comments, etc would be much appreciated. Thank you, adapt

Balderdash... you a little excited to get started? I'm holding off on starting looking at applications until next month, but then again, I've already been through this so have a bit of a head start. Good luck.

As far as contacting professors, I wouldn't stress over it. I assume they already know you didn't get in last year, so you can explain that you are still committed and you've been doing XYZ to strengthen your application and you really hope they will recommender you again. I have a little bit more explaining to do since I got into some top programs and ended up turning them down. Even still, all of the faculty have been very supportive and willing to assist. Best of luck!

I'm in a somewhat similar situation, as I previously applied (although I had some solid success), and will be reapplying this year. I do not think starting from scratch is probably worth your time, as it is significantly harder to write a strong writing sample without the support, editors, and advisors that the grad school/academic environment offer. If you can polish your writing sample and incorporate feedback you received from the conferences, that is probably the best you can do. I would also focus on the GRE, as there is room to improve there. Given that I don't know your application, it is hard to say where you can improve, but I would think about each section individually - SOP, LORs, etc... and think of any small improvements you can make in each section (such as choosing new people to write your LORs). That's my two cents. Cheers,

Definitely do not take it personally. If the school is a good fit, just apply and hope for the best. Remember, faculty are crazy busy and they are hounded by tons of potential applicants and current students. I remember meeting a professor at a conference who asked me to send her my paper, but he was very honest and said not to expect a response. Between teaching, kids, research, etc, he admitted he had a really hard time responding, and not to take it personally, but he was still interested in the research.

I've been through this, sending 4 transcripts to a ton of different schools. Many schools want the transcripts sent direct, a few requested that I aggregated them and sent them all together. My suggestion is to make sure you read all the requirements very carefully! Also, send them in early so the school has plenty of time to receive them, and if there are any mistakes you'll have time to take care of it. I have found most schools to be very accommodating to accepting transcripts. In one case a school lost most of my file, and admitted it was probably their fault. They had me resend the materials, and it was not a big deal (although I stressed over it like crazy of course). Cheers, adapt

First, I think it would be helpful to know what type of program you are applying to (MA, PhD, etc...). Second, I think you can count your last 60 units of credit at the time you apply (which obviously won't include your final semester). I am not 100% sure on this, but I would include credit/no credit courses in your last 60 credits, and just take the average GPA over the courses where you received a grade. Also, make sure you get to studying for the GRE. Good scores on the test may help off set, to some extent, your poor freshman GPA. In the long-term, if you are looking at PhD programs and don't get into the ones you are hoping for, you may consider doing an MA, really focusing on getting a stellar GPA and that would help you get into a solid PhD program. Good luck!

I think this depends a lot on the program you are applying to. If you are looking at an masters, then a LOR from your supervisor will be just fine. If you are looking at a PhD program, the letter from your supervisor probably won't carry any weight. I have been told by a number of admission committee members (PhD programs) that they really only care about LORs from your professors, since they are assessing academic ability. Of course, I would recommend contacting professors in your field and asking, as this may differ by field (I'm poli sci). Good luck!

I think you just have to weigh your starting point versus your end goal. In my case I had a strong math background, but hadn't used it for years, so a month or so of studying was sufficient to dramatically increase my math score - because it was mostly re-learning. On the verbal side, I started at a higher point on my practice test, but found it took more time studying vocab and such to get a relatively small return - that said, the small return may make a big difference when looking at top tier schools (or maybe not). Having taught for Kaplan and taken a Princeton review course, I'm of the mindset that if you are diligent and dedicated to studying and make use of the available resources (even without taking a class) you can be prepared for the GRE in three months or less. For some people it may just be a few weeks of review to gain familiarity with the test, for me, I appreciated the two and a half months to really focus on it, and have the confidence when taking the test. Best of luck!

If you're serious about the GRE and starting with a 950, you'll need to devote some serious time to it. Certainly courses offered by places like Kaplan and Princeton can help, but they also cost quite a bit. You can also just buy their resources and dedicate yourself to regular studying. I know many people (including myself) studied for months. Having been an instructor for one of the previously mentioned test prep companies, I can suggest that you don't just take practice tests. Really focus on developing the specific skills/knowledge for both the math and verbal, in addition to building your vocabulary (this should involve daily work, drills, flashcards, etc.) If you are applying this fall/winter, you should have at least two months of studying left before you have to take the exam. Best of luck!

I will probably apply to around 15 schools. I don't consider any of them safety, and although many are my "dream" schools, I also think there is a realistic chance to get into one or two of them.

I am helping my boyfriend identify possible masters programs and would love some suggestions for programs to consider. Some of the programs he has already identified are Stanford's "Learning Design and Technology," Harvard's "Technology, Innovation, and Education," and Bentley's "Human Factors in Information Design." He is looking for programs that combing the design or application of technology for use in public policy, education, or business. Any additional suggestions, comments, etc would be much appreciated. Thank you, adapt

I think there might be some confusion, because very few of the top PhD programs include a Masters as a prerequisite. As was pointed out, during your course of study in a PhD program a student is typically awarded a Masters, but you do not need to have a Masters when you apply for the PhD program. If you want to be more competitive as a PhD applicant, earning a Masters degree first is a sound option, and gives you the opportunity to establish a stronger academic record. U of Chicago's CIR program is a good example for IR and is known for offering funding to MA students, which is often hard to find.

UCLA offers a strong program, for which I am sure you are a strong candidate given the information you provided. That said, applications are about a lot more than the numbers (SOP, LORs, fit with program, etc.) Also, I have heard that UCLA has had somewhat shaky funding for those accepted. Although you are probably a very strong candidate, I hope you are looking more broadly than just one program, given the uncertainty of admission and funding, so you'll have the best chance of receiving an admission with good financial support. Best of luck.

I'll focus on your question of whether or not to apply to a terminal masters to make yourself more competitive for a PhD program later. Given your background, you have a reasonable chance at getting into a strong PhD program, and so I would advise against the terminal MA as a first option. If you apply to places like Chicago are are denied to the PhD program, they will almost certainly consider you for CIR. The masters can certainly make you a stronger PhD applicant, but if you can skip that step and save a lot of money, there's not a lot of reasons to do the MA, assuming you are really confident you want to get a PhD and go into academia.

I hate to be a downer, but when it comes to PhD programs there really is no sure thing - especially if you are asking for an admission with full funding. My suggestion is apply to a number of mid-level "safety" programs that you would still be happy attending and then hope for the best.

Thanks for the good wishes. My final decision came down to a number of personal factors, and I am quite pleased with it. I do agree about not wanting to re-apply again, but the advantage is, I would only apply to a few very select places that I really love. With OSU's offer, I don't need safety schools and I don't have to stress about not getting in. Plus I have a very clear picture of exactly what I am looking for, so that helps. Best of luck to everyone - wherever you decided to go (or not to go). Ciao,

OK - here's a revision to my earlier post. Michigan officially said "no thank you" to me today. I turned down UCLA and Washington. I deferred OSU and I think I will defer GW, but I have to talk to GW first. So - this means I will not be going to grad school next fall I am delaying one year - I may send out a few more apps, or I may make the most of the offers I do have. Where I decide to go next year remains to be seeing, but at least I have one very good offer under my belt.

I have/will turn down UCLA, Washington, and GW. I also deferred OSU's offer.

Plisar, You really should forgo the PhD for the meantime. Do a masters first - that way you can have the fun of applying again

After looking at that picture, I think we should all go start a poli. sci. commune in San Diego.

Congrats Plisar! I have declined UCLA and Washington.

He didn't offer up a Karaoke version of "What a Wonderful World" for the Rochester folk? You will definitely have to request it next year.

I like food - I'm in!