alexis

I highly doubt there is an automatic cutoff throughout all of the graduate arts & sciences. Consider this: UPenn's psychology program publishes the range of GRE scores of accepted students from the previous year. Minimum: 540 verbal, 620 quant, 3.5 AW. That adds up to 1160. Now, not saying that the lowest person scored low on BOTH sections, but still--clearly some people got in with lower scores (though they probably also had other great credentials). I don't think anyone should not apply because they scored below 1250. It might apply to the OP's program, I don't know, but I cannot imagine the whole college setting a blanket-level cutoff.

Yeah, I think that's BS. I did a 3,000 mile long-distance relationship for nearly 2 years, very successfully. I have another friend who was on the east coast, boyfriend in CA, for over 4 years long distance (they were both in school), and they are still together another 4 years later. Yeah, it's hard to be apart, but you do what you have to do. It all depends on the people/couple. No one should generalize! Those who are saying that are the people who couldn't commit to a long distance relationship or had a bad experience and they like to tell the rest of us it "doesn't work."

Hmm. You've got me thinking, maybe I am confusing the SOP and personal statement. Most of my PhD apps say something like this: "The Personal Statement should include information about your relevant background and experiences, your research interests, and your goals." Seems like all portions are relevant--past, present, future--but maybe that depends on the SOP vs. personal statement part.

For me, I caught this before I sent my applications, so I'm going to use the updated percentiles in my application, since that's what the adcom will be seeing when the GRE scores are sent to them. This allows them to compare you to everyone who's recently taken the GREs--kind of puts everyone on an equal ground. I'm sure, though, it's a common thing for you to self-report your percentiles before you find out that they've changed, and it won't hurt you that you've done this. It will be pretty obvious when they see the slight change in percentiles that you were basing it on your percentiles from the past. But, if you want to make sure, you could check with the school.

I went almost through this exact same situation. My boyfriend (now husband) was a UK citizen, and we wanted him to move here for my senior year of college (he had just graduated) and have him get a job. That didn't work out. Unless your boyfriend how some great skill that's really needed in this country, like some genius engineer, believe me: it's near impossible. Granted, I don't know much about Teach for America etc, but I highly doubt it. You have no idea how many companies I called to see if they sponsored foreign workers, i.e. my boyfriend, who had a business degree. Sponsoring someone on a work visa costs a LOT of money for companies, so they have to REALLY want someone. And in today's economy, you're going to face even more roadblocks. So what did we do? We continued dating long distance for a year and a half. Then, we applied for a K-1 visa (fiance visa), and got married after I graduated from college. What you could do--and what we almost did--is have just a civil ceremony now (if you're sure he's the one and you would be getting married eventually), then in a couple years, have the "big" wedding that everyone is invited to. I understand about feeling too young and your family's hesitation. I got married at 22, but I am SO thankful I did. It means we can be together, and he can work here with no problems (he just got his 10 year green card, wooo!). Some of my extended family questioned my age, etc, but you know what? I didn't care. I knew he was the one, and everything was worth it. I don't question it for a second. You boyfriend, as I'm sure you know, can legally visit the US for up to 90 days, but can't work. You could do the K-1 visa route, which works best if you're currently residing in the US, but if you are currently in the UK, you could also get married there, then apply for a different marriage visa. FYI, K-1 visa also gives you more time. Once it's granted--we got ours about 6 months after application--he can move to the US, then you guys have 6 months to get married. Once you're married, he applies for his 2-year green card, which can take another 6 months. (You could get married the day he arrives in the US though--you just have up to 6 months.) This means he could potentially not be able to work for 6+ months. The visa process takes a LOT of time and money (ha, kind of like the grad school app process!) but it's so worth it. I hate to say it, but marriage is really your only option if you want him to live & work where you're going to school, unless he's going to go to grad school as well. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I know this post is already too long for the public forum, but I'm happy to help if you need any advice or anything.

I'm always super impressed with people who worked & went to college at the same time. I think you guys are awesome, usually indicates a very hard worker (and I would think adcoms would like that!). In my first semester in my current master's program (which is night classes), I worked 45-50 hours a week, plus an hour commute to school, taking 6 credits. I'm not doing that anymore, but I got a taste of the working full-time/school thing, which I was lucky enough to not have to do in undergrad (ROTC took up much my time instead...but it also paid my tuition). Still, just wanted to add my congrats to those of you who did it. I know it must not have been easy, and no one should question you for that!

Your thought process is exactly what I go through! Here's mine: 1. I can do this. I can get in... 2. I'll never get in. They'll never have me. 3. I'm not good enough, not smart enough, to be accepted at my dream school. 4. Heretofore, I'm a total failure. 5. Wait, did I just use the word heretofore? God, I really am trying hard to be a snobby academic. 6. Even worse, I probably used the word wrong, further exposing that I am ultimately just a wannabe elitist. 7. And I probably shouldn't call myself a failure until I actually get rejected. 8. Which I will. And it will suck. 9. *cue panic attack* 10. Well, glad that's over. 11. I need a drink. 12. Okay, okay, since I KNOW I'm going to get rejected, why not just apply for fun, right? What's the worst that can happen? 13. And maybe it is possible, I mean, my GRE scores are pretty good, even if they are below average for the ivy league, and my writing score, research experience, high GPA and other positives will carry me, I'm not that bad... 14. My hopes are feeling lifted... 15. And I'm back to number 1.

I think memorizing words & continuing to practice is your best bet...for me, with short term memorization, making up visuals for words helps me a lot (though it might not stick in the future, which is honestly fine with me, only needs to stay until GRE time!). There's a word for this technique, but can't think of it. For example, if I had the word 'compendium,' next to the word, I drew a picture of a pen on paper, since it has "pen" in the word, and it triggered my mind that the word meant 'brief, comprehensive summary.' I just used this technique with Barron's high frequency list for words I wasn't familiar/comfortable with. I'm not the best with vocabulary, but I swear this is the only way I managed to get a 600 on my verbal GRE. MANY of the words on this list showed up, and having visuals in my head triggered my memory of the meaning. Not sure if this helps, but thought I'd share my experience.

I soon as I opened my applications online, I started sending things in. The 'applyyourself' web app usually asks for name/SSN/other names (in my case, this is important because they'll be getting transcripts in my maiden name). The school then has your info (if you allow them to see it), even if you don't yet submit your final app. I'm hoping because they have all my contact info electronically, it'll make it even easier to match my documents, though I won't be submitting the final app until closer to the deadline. By then, I hope all my supplemental materials will have arrived.

I'm not sure if this helps, but some schools are actually wary of scores that are TOO high. My professor told me her advisor in her PhD program (this is recently) was on the adcom, and they wouldn't accept people who scored above 1480. Seriously. They had a "too high" cutoff. The reason? He said people who scored high ended up being "too weird." (This was in an I/O psych program.) I'm sure that's not the norm to just throw out any applications over a certain GRE score, but in that program, a more "normal" score was actually an advantage. I remember a post saying how even if you look at PhD candidates at Harvard, you won't find an average GRE score of 1600. Programs aren't looking for testing geniuses who ace the GRE...they're looking for an overall strong applicant who will be good at research & a good fit in their program. So, if you've done your best on the GRE, I wouldn't stress about it (though I know that's easier said than done)--I'm sure there are programs that will be a good fit for you out there.

Yes, waiving it means that the professor will feel completely free to write whatever they want. Then, if they want you to see the letter, they may give it to you. Their right to write what they want was never infringed upon. It was THEIR choice to share it, not the student's. The student did not ask or expect it. It's one thing to waive your right and then open a sealed envelope or something. This is entirely different. Soo...I'm supposed to contact my schools and say, "hey, I waived my right to see this letter, but my professor decided to show a copy to me anyway after the letter and the form was sent"? No way. I see how it can be interpreted both ways. But really, I'm not going to stress over this. My good intention was there--and as far as I know there is no set ethical standard about your professor offering you your letter after writing it--and I can't imagine a university penalizing you because of the decision of your professor to share.

Definitely a good idea to check with the schools, which sounds like you're already doing. I'm not sure what to tell you about the translation. I studied abroad in the UK, and they'll only send my transcripts to one address, so I had them sent to me in different envelopes. One of the envelopes was my copy (I just ordered an additional one). What you could do is have the various sealed envelopes (usually with a signature over the seal), and then use your copy for someone to translate. You could then send the translation with the sealed envelope to the university. (I.e., put them both in a new envelope). You'll probably have to check with each individual school, though; I would think this tactic is okay, since they are still getting their sealed envelopes along with a translation, but I'm not sure.

I don't plan on changing my SoP, so I agree with you there....but I don't think it's lying to read your letters if given to you. I was given the letter AFTER I already waived my rights & signed the form. I never asked for it, and by waiving my rights that means I can't contact the school to get a copy of the letter. I'm waiving my right to see that specific letter sent to that specific school. So I don't really see how this was lying--my prof just gave me a copy (without even asking me, just handed it to me). And there is NO WAY I could resist the temptation to read it, especially because he wanted me to. He checked with me later, and asked, "did you like your letter?"

Personally, I don't think it's too late. If you feel confident you can get everything done by the deadlines, go for it. I don't think it's too late to contact professors either. The get questions etc all the way up to the application deadline, I imagine. You should have at least a month to go before your first applications are due. If you don't have the funds to visit prospective schools, then there's not much you can do about that. However, I would think adcoms care way more about your credentials & research fit with their program than whether or not you were able to visit them beforehand. (You can always visit after you find out where you got accepted.) If things don't work out this year, you can always re-apply next year. I'm 25 and took 3 years off from school as well, so I kinda know how you feel with wanting to start the process now. I say "seize the day!"

Thanks guys! Oh I'm COMPLETELY thankful for the nice letter, sorry if I made it sound otherwise. It was complimentary, and like you coyabean, reading those compliments definitely help my self-esteem when I doubt myself. That's interesting reading the two different perspectives on letter inflation on the one hand, and adcoms overlooking the "best student in the world" letters. Fortunately, he didn't say anything to that extreme, so I'm hopeful it will be a letter that will definitely help. And he talks about the research I'm doing for him, and he makes me sound very promising in the research area. I guess it's really less about the letter and more an example of how much I'm stressing over irrelevant, nitpicky things during this application process. I get so frazzled that I can't just take a step back. When really, I am VERY appreciative of the great letter. This is definitely a good thing, and I will think of it that way from now on!

Two of my professors are giving me copies of my letters of recommendation. I didn't ask, and waived my right to view it, but they're giving me a copy anyway, which I actually really appreciate. I got my first copy today. Super props to my advisor for being so on top of my letters. But I think it's maybe a bad thing to have access to this letter! He did write great things about me and rated me in the highest categories for pretty much everything. I should be so thankful, and I am! But I find myself questioning it--did he paint too rosy of a picture of me, i.e. like I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread, and the adcoms won't take it seriously? Also, he wrote one standard letter...and referred to me pursuing a future in psychology teaching/research...though only half of my programs are psychology, the rest are business. I didn't want to correct him, I mean my topic *is* interdisciplinary, but the perfectionist in me starting freaking out. I didn't say anything and just genuinely thanked him. The letters were sealed up and ready for mailing at this point anyway. Is this the right approach? I'm hesitant to say anything about the letter unless I feel it was a major deal, like if he used the wrong name in referring to me or something. Gosh, just like me to take a great letter and to turn it into something negative! Has anyone else read their own letters and wondered the same thing?

I say go for it. There is no reason not to apply to a school that would be a great fit. You never know! Your sociology GPA is high and if the rest of your app is strong, you're not out of the running because of a 3.4 overall GPA, which still is a fine GPA. But, just to make sure, you also may want to see if there are some other programs not ranked as highly to also add to your list that might be a good fit also. Not really sure what to tell you about how many schools to apply to--I'm at the lower end, only applying to 5. Seems at least 7 is a good minimum to aim for though, and a range of schools (i.e. top programs vs. other good programs that might not get as many applicants). Not sure how competitive sociology programs are though, as that could dictate how many you apply to as well, and also how many programs there are that you're genuinely interested in.

Is anyone possibly participating in this? (http://www.nanowrimo.org/) I know it's pretty off topic from grad stuff, but I thought maybe some posters on here might be writers. I'm not in an english/lit field but do like to write. (Well, we all have to write a lot anyway, as current/future researchers!) My friend is encouraging me to do it. You basically spend the whole month of November to write that novel you've always thought about, but never did. The goal is 50,000 words, and the expectation that it will mostly be crap. Though I want to be involved, I'm making excuses for not doing this...grad school apps, grad school current work, stuff needing done around the house...but it would empowering to know that others around the world were going for it right along with you. Just wondering if anyone else here was doing it?

Same here. I had to try a variety of the confirmation fill-ins until I got it to work. That was a couple of weeks ago.

Unfortunately I don't know about any schools in Canada, but I'm looking to study OB as well in the US. For me, I'm applying to both management & social psychology programs. So, you may want to consider looking at some psych programs as well. There are also schools that offer the I/O degree.

Thanks for the advice. I'm feeling more confident now that I'm on the right track.

Frankly that sounds like a really good reply to me. He seemed interested in you, but made the point there were other labs, just in case you might be interested in them as well. I wouldn't see that as a sign that he wouldn't want you in his lab. He might not have seen your question about the CV and just replied to the main content of your email. If he's emailed you back, and you haven't replied yet, go for it! Ask him follow up questions if you have any, etc. Key words he used were "delighted" and "pleased to meet you." That's very promising.

I've been kind of going back and forth on how to incorporate my three years as a military officer into my SOP. On the one hand, I got leadership/management experience straight out of college, learned a LOT, and I think it will be helpful to have the experience, particularly for the business schools. On the other hand, my professor, who I really respect (and her husband is military) says that the academic community kind of looks down on working in the military or government. I.e., we're seen as not really creative thinkers, have to follow a bunch of rules and regulations. (Which has a lot of truth to it. Not exactly encouraged to think out-of-the-box.) I tried to be as honest as possible in my SOP, while also balancing these two points--I talk about how the experience, combined with my academic experiences, got me interested in my research topic, etc. But I also say that while I enjoyed my time serving, I also realized that my questioning nature was better aligned with academia. (In addition to all the other reasons I want to get a PhD.) I talk about how I wanted to come up with new ideas, etc, basically implying that the military wasn't the right environment for that. At the same time, I don't want to sound like I'm "dissing" my service or anything. The military was wrong for me for SO many reasons, but I didn't get into all of that. I did well and got good reviews; just not for me in the end. Does that seem like a good balance? Does anyone have any further insight into how military service is viewed at in the PhD level? I really do want to incorporate it in my SOP, as it is a crucial piece of why I got into my research interest.

I applied to 3 programs for my master's as well. Granted, that was in a different discipline than education, and I had geographic limitations as well. Now I'm in the PhD process. Like you, I wouldn't mind working if the PhD thing doesn't work out. So yeah, you could apply to more programs. But if those 3 are the ones you really want to go to, you're not too interested in others, and it's not a huge deal to you if you don't get in, I don't see a problem with that.

I agree with the others; definitely make sure you recommender attaches any form the school might have to his or her letter. Usually you have to sign it. (Like someone mentioned, usually it's to waive your right to view the letter. It's generally recommended that you waive this right, but that's a whole other issue.) The electronic ones are easiest. Just fill in the email address and contact info, waive your rights, and done! Then it's in the recommender's hands. Even the schools that have electronic applications usually have a form if your recommender wants to send a hard copy. I'm going through this right now--one of my recommenders did fill out the online form, but it wouldn't let him attach anything, and he had a nice letter he wrote for me (in his words) so he wants to send it to the school. I'm worried it's a bit unnecessary and not what the adcom wants, but if it's a good letter and he wants to send it, I'm certainly not going to tell him no! So I need to track down those forms as well. You also might get recommenders who hate the internet and like to do everything old school by mail. More of a hassle, but hey, whatever it takes to get the letters done. For the hard copies, I've given all my LOR writers pre-addressed envelopes. Some people pre-stamp them, but I always worry about correct postage, and with at least one letter, I have to send it in a packet myself. I've asked them to just sign over the flap after including the school's form and the letter, and then return it to me for mailing. That also saves them a trip to the post office.