phd_paula

Thank all of you so much for your advice; I was a little worried that I would receive some harsh criticism so it was very nice how thoughtful all of your replies are. I have a list of about 10 schools that I consider "good" fits: ranging from perfect to solidly acceptable in terms of having multiple faculty that align with my interests. My advisor at my old school left academia completely and I am unable to benefit from his advice-I do have a mentor but she is in another field at a school that I briefly worked at as an adjunct so I wasn't sure how helpful her advice will prove to be. I will definitely use my SOP to emphasize my growth over the years I have been gone from academia...and I guess fingers crossed, someone will give me an opportunity to "do it right" this time.

Quick background: double minority with strong GPA and GRE scores-went straight into a top 5 PhD program from undergraduate with no background in sociology and very little understanding of academia. Did very well in coursework, wrote a solid MA, and passed comps (one with honors) but was miserable for 5 years and made it quite clear to everyone in department. After advisor left, left program and have been out for 3 years. Finished a graduate certificate in an unrelated field, returned to teaching as an adjunct. Question: I want to return to PhD but not necessarily my old program (although they have indicated they will take me back with a faculty endorsement-its great being a double minority whose abilities far outpaced her efforts (sarcasm)). My question, how high or low do I aim when considering new programs to apply to? I want to do it right this time, choose a program based on fit not location, and then proceed through the program actually doing ALL the things I did not do right (or at all) last time. I want a fresh start BUT how will I be viewed by these programs? I have successfully (on paper) completed PhD level coursework, teaching, and comprehensive exams---does that put me ahead of the curve OR does it just raise questions about why I am not returning to my top-notch program to finish? Where do I stand now as an applicant? Last time I applied, I was accepted into all 5 schools I applied to (all of which were in the top 15 of sociology programs at the time)...but am I a stronger or weaker candidate 8 years later? Thank you for any advice you all can provide