socialcomm

I agree with the others -- do the thesis. It may be painful in the short term, but in the long run it will be worth the time you put into it.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you said it differs by program. Unless you have insider knowledge, it's hard to say for sure what's happening in the different programs.

I have a background in psychology and communications. Only took one sociology class as an undergrad almost 15 years ago. Good luck to you!

Yay!!!

It doesn't seem I'm applying to any of the schools to which others are applying. I take that as a good sign based on everyones stats! I received confirmation from the three schools to which I applied.

Love this!

Agreed. I'm just going to concentrate on the helpful information/resources the site provides.

Haha... that made me LOL. How frustrating! I guess part of what you learn from this process is patience too.

Same here.... but it's just a small sample of the people applying right?

Contact is good! Anyone else?

Professional jobs for the past 10 years. Currently a senior analyst for a trade association.

My husband and I were married after his first year of his PhD program and in between my two MS programs.

Don't give up -- think positively. Maybe if we all email the person they'll send it in? Just kidding.

Yeah, I did this too. So we can be crazy together. Good luck everyone!

What an awkward situation to be in! I agree with PP, it sounds like you really don't want to take the test. Do you feel your scores reflect how well you can really do on the test? If so, perhaps you could tell the professor that -- you feel you did as well as you could on that standardized test. But it does sound like you have a good shot at getting in.

No, I think everyone brings something unique to the table.

I think it really depends on the program. I've talked to some people who did things like adjunct (at a local cc and other schools) through their PhD programs... so it is possible.

Just like last year, my husband will hear every detail of every correspondence I receive...

Bah, that's frustrating. I'd think you may need to call the schools if you're really interested in the school and the individual still hasn't gotten the letter in. At this point, can you ask someone else to write it?

Me too.

I have one LOR waiting to be submitted (deadline TOMORROW!!!) but otherwise everything is in and done. Let the waiting begin...

From what I've heard, it does help. Where is it coming from?

You could check in the results search to see when people started to hear in previous years. Or, if you've established any relationships with current students, send them a note to see when they heard back? But I agree, I think it'd depend on the school and what their own processes are. Good luck!

This exactly. And in addition to strong, you can even be specific and ask for a strong, positive letter.

This is very close to my situation. I worked while my SO got his PhD, he got a job, and now I'm applying to PhD programs in this area. The 'in this area' part is the struggle for me because while there are good programs in the area, it really diminishes the chances I have of getting into a program and being able to pursue my own career. I think if we were to do it over, at least from my perspective, I would have had us both get our degrees at the same time, even if it meant being in separate locations for a bit. If I don't get in anywhere this year, I'd have to wait until we find out if he gets tenure and if not, applying at all new programs at whatever location we end up at next.