LugubriousJones

I agree with this. A lot of people live and travel abroad after undergrad, and many of those I met while doing so ended up applying for different grad programs (some successfully, some not). OP, your 3-4 yrs living and working in Asia could be a great asset, but you should directly relate your experience, or some aspect of it, to your research goals and intended academic trajectory. Try to be specific (as mentioned, about language and other skills gained, issues you were involved with or observed, ways in which your academic purpose was strengthened and became more focused because of your experience). I remember an advisor telling a group of students not to go on and on about "oh, and now let me tell you about when I traveled here and how great an experience it was" etc., etc. I got the feeling that vague and/or rambling recounts of travel experiences was pretty common in SOPs (not that I'm assuming you were going to do that, just a warning). To answer your question, yes you can definitely count on your international experience to boost your application, but you have to work it into your statement with clarity, reflecting purpose and direction.

plenaries will be live streamed: http://videoarchive.asanet.org/ would be great if those going could share thoughts about lively discussions, interesting sessions, and any other updates on the goings-ons

Me as well

I'm very curious about what you humanities folks think about this article. It's written by someone with a Literature PhD who seems to think she made the biggest mistake of her life and is discouraging anyone also considering a similar path. She sounds very bitter, but she also makes a compelling argument. I had no idea the job prospects in these fields were so dismal (assuming the info in the article is correct). So how do you reconcile your commitment to pursue an academic career in the humanities with the knowledge that those careers are so difficult to achieve? I realize that there are many motivations for such an endeavor that are outside of pragmatic career track calculations, but isn't the info presented in the article quite daunting? I'm very curious about the thought process of those about to embark on their humanities PhD. I apologize if this topic has been discussed at length here before. If so, please refer me to the past posts. http://www.slate.com/articles/life/culturebox/2013/04/there_are_no_academic_jobs_and_getting_a_ph_d_will_make_you_into_a_horrible.2.html

Heard anything yet? I'm also waiting on decisions for UCLA. All I was told from the department (soc.) was that I would find out sometime before the April 15 decision deadline.

Something that helped me when studying: try to build up your stamina to think, concentrate, and remain sharp for 4 hours straight, with only brief breaks. So in addition to the practice tests, get used to doing 30 minute drills with 5 minute breaks, for a total of 3-4 hours each time. By the time you take the actual test you'll be used to the length and you won't feel intimidated or mentally drained toward the end. I was running a lot during my study period, so I had a physical/mental fitness regimen. This made it less boring and helped a lot with the stress. Come test day, sitting down and working out problems for a few hours wasn't a big deal.

You have a lot of time to set a GRE study schedule and significantly improve your score. I don't think you should already be preparing for this to be a weakness on your application. Get some good workbooks (I used the ETS book and Kaplan) and just put in the time with a lot of drills and practice tests. If you study well, which your GPA indicates, then you should "test well" too. Given the months you have, don't settle for this being a weakness.

Thanks both for your responses. Sounds like it was a great visit. I've heard similar info from students there. Wish I could've made it and met you and the others. Given the size and diversity of the dept., I'm curious about the academic interests of other admits. Btw, RabbitFood, did you go to the CUNY visit in Feb. as well? Good luck with decisions!

Hi People, I haven't seen much from those accepted to UCLA on the board this year. Anyone here considering? I believe the visit days are happening now. Unfortunately, since I'm based in another country, I'm unable to make it. It would be greatly appreciated if those who made it would share their impressions, either here or through PM. Any other thoughts on UCLA -- the department, funding, living in LA, etc. -- from current students, those thinking about attending, or anyone else familiar with the program are welcome here. I've had very encouraging discussions with faculty and students and am leaning heavily toward accepting. Would love to hear what others are thinking. LJ

I was just going to ask the same thing. Please share (or PM me too). Thanks!

Congrats. I like this one too: Anything is possibuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!! Looks like it was an exciting day on here (I'm not in the US so read all the news late).

nice. UCs are coming through for you.

Me too. Was expected but can't say it doesn't sting!

Brown acceptances are going out. My gf just got one!

Just sent you a message. All I know is that they gave some fellowships in the first round of acceptances first week of feb. how they plan to allocate more or make any further funding decisions is just speculation.

They have definitely given out 5 year fellowships that cover stipend and summer research, but I don't know how many. I assume they made the initial funding decisions already and are just seeing where things fall depending on how many accept. Best of luck.

socgrad2013 -- thanks! I'll PM SocialGroovements and others -- Thanks so much for this insight; it's all very helpful. I'm quite impressed with the faculty, and they are particularly strong in my subfield. I do wonder about the varying level of involvement of profs who are based at other universities, but it seems like they are available for mentorship/advising even if they aren't as active in teaching at the GC. I was also going to ask about the interuniversity consortium. Does anyone have any experience with this or know others who do? How easy is it to enroll in courses at other schools? I assume that enrollment priority goes to students in the department, so maybe it's not always so simple, but maybe I'm wrong about this.

Hey! I'm also unable to go to the visit day so appreciate any info/impressions from those who are able to attend.

I heard it was alright.

Congrats! I got my BA from Berkeley. Soc department is great, beautiful campus, bay area is awesome, etc., etc.

my partner just got into CUNY too! this may affect my decision...

People who applied to Davis -- I got a surprising acceptance today. I guess they're still churning them out (unless mine was the last), so if you havent heard from them there is still hope.

I'll claim the CUNY acceptance (and one of the UCLA). Got an email on Saturday evening NY time. Fellowship with 5 yr funding. Surprised I haven't seen more listed. As a note of encouragement, I was rejected across the board when applying straight from undergrad in 2006. After a masters and a few yrs of work and research experience, I significantly bulked up my application and it seems to be paying off. Good luck everyone!

Hi all, just coming out of lurkdom to show my solidarity with all the other anxious folks. My heart has been racing since the UC acceptances started to pop up. Good luck to all!