pinoysoc

Put it! It counts!

I agree with @sociopolitic. A graduate director chastised me and pretty much said that my low GRE scores were a big factor because their department is quant-heavy. However, I found out that in some regards, it comes down to the right program (and fit) to give you an acceptance. First-year Ph.D. student and the program I'm attending now is the only I got into, but it's also the only program that's guaranteeing me two-degrees (also getting my MPH at the same time) by the time I finish.. So I win. LOL.

I have to agree with all three. In addition, I think you should take courses or electives that interests you and helps you shape your research interests. At the end of the day, it comes down to research fit with the department. Some students make the mistake of applying to brand name schools instead of thinking if they'll be able to do their research if the person they want to work with leaves the program. Also, try opting to get a year or more worth of research experience related to the research you want to do. That sets you apart in a sense that you have started "doing research." Also, try to TA or RA as much as you can. It's something that I wish I did differently, but I came from a school where the program was small and opportunities were limited.

Hey! I totally understand what you're going through. Department funding for MA programs are pretty much a guarantee as long as you're making good progress towards finishing in two years. That may mean different things for different schools, but usually it's: 1) No grades below a B; 2) You're on track to defend your proposal by the end of your first year; 3) You meet your job as a TA or RA (or both if that's how you're assigned); and 4) You have a good or better second semester review. The review is often the basis as to whether or not you get funding. Again, assuming you're making progress, it shouldn't be an issue. The department is supposed to find/help you get the funding. Let me know if you need more information or need to talk to someone!

Chiming in: Although I came with 1 acceptance out of 7 schools, I realize what make your choice easier are department visits AND gut feeling. I was devastated I didn't get into Penn State this year and entertained the idea of trying again next year for it, but I went with my gut feeling with UAB and visited. I realized that the department (UAB) was small enough for individualized attention. The faculty also had connections ALL OVER the school that includes the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Public Health, etc. that the opportunities to do my research was infinite. This was something the Penn State couldn't offer had I gotten in. Yes, they're more prestigious, but my visit made me realize that UAB offered a better environment in terms of learning and having access to opportunities that Penn State didn't have. Penn State is quant-heavy. UAB is quant-heavy, but balances it out by making qual-methods a mandatory course so you have training in both. They also told me that we can do our dissertations in any med sociology topic and support the scope of what we want to cover, but also offers the option to guide you if the topic becomes too narrow. Penn State flat out told me that my research is narrow.. (but hey... their lost on studying minority health disparities). They also told me that they're concerned about how I'll survive their quant-heavy program. In short, the department visit re-affirmed my decision with UAB and forego reapplying. But other things to consider include city-life, cost of living, etc. I got lucky since Birmingham is upcoming (just like St. Louis where I'm coming from). It has the right balance of academic life and having a personal life.

I just downloaded the app and you have my number! This is so exciting!

I think rank should be the last thing you think about when making a decision. You're applying to get the experience and expertise. Look at the here. It'd be nice to go to a high-ranked program, but why get in, and then struggle to survive in it? It's really up to you, but the value of a graduate school education is based on what opportunities you take on while being enrolled. Here's another good article to read.

You can also add Saint Louis University to that list. They have a great program that's very heavy on methods, urban sociology, medical sociology, and public policy. It's a good start as well.

Are you talking about recitation classes where it's a supplement to the larger introduction course?

Teaching positions are often filled through the basis of need. GA-ships are usually TA or RA. Those who get GTA-ships are TA's for introductory classes. It's also dependent on skill level. If you're further in the program, you usually get to teach your own class (which is the case for most doctoral students finishing up). Or if you're in the middle (i.e. second/third-year) you might be the lab instructor/assistant for classes that have a lab component to them. Of course, this is from a social science (sociology) perspective; and it will vary as well based on the academic field you're in.

I think what made the difference for me, anyway, was that my research focus was more fine-tuned. During my first time, I had this grandiose plan of studying macro-level changes and globalization and its effects on cultures. Yet, but by taking time-off, I realized that my true passion is medical sociology/sociology of health and illness/race and ethnicity and the intersection with the changing landscapes. What are your interests?

I don't think it should only be a research position. Look for practical experience as well. Having that experience in research is good since a lot of programs at the master's & doctoral level generates new information through research. You don't have to find a job in the BME field, per se, but find something close or relevant that you can use your undergraduate education in. In the process, you might be able to find a focus that will help you in your future applications. Does that make any sense?

Hey! Just wanted to offer some Grad Cafe advice. I totally get you feeling the fear of being "away" from recommendation providers. I suggest that you keep in contact with them to maintain a relationship with them. Have you thought of finding a job that's related to BME? What I found (that worked for me) is to only take on jobs that will add to your experience and won't detract you from your end goal of going back to school. Of course, when I did this, I had the luxury of living with my family until I got into grad school. You could also do it step by step. What I mean is, why don't you apply to master's programs first to get more experience and get used to the academic life for the Fall of 2019? Of course, you have to find a program that's funded at the master's level...because THEY DO EXIST! You just need to the leg work. Hope this helps!

Hey! It's up to you, personally. I ended up contacting programs because I didn't keep waiting and acceptances were coming in left and right and didn't want to wait for nothing. As for your case, maybe give it until after the weekend? From the little that I know, usually international students get acceptances first because they need to work visas. Hope this helps!

If you don't mind me asking, what's undergrad degree in? I would also suggest looking for research opportunities in your undergraduate field and highlight the training you got in Sociology to add to the company's or wherever you end up looking. Also, I received my MA from Saint Louis University last May (on-campus since it was the only option; I also moved from Guam). I got into UAB's PhD program in Medical Sociology for the upcoming school year. So I'll be moving to Birmingham at the end of the summer.

Have you thought about research at a private company as well? Usually, there's a lot of analyst positions within companies that can utilize your skills. At the same time, don't get too discouraged with your lack of experience with SPSS or not having a BA/BS in Sociology. Many companies usually train you to learn and gain more than what you were expecting/looking for in the first place.

Don't forget about yourself! Remind students that you're a student as well and have your own deadlines, things, etc. Also, don't spend too much effort if the students look like they don't give a rat's ass. You'll just lose energy and get discouraged.

Hey @speechfan222! It's been a while since your last post! If this advice helps, here it is: I suggest looking at Indeed and searching for "Research Assistant" as the keyword. This will be the most straightforward way to find experience that you also get paid for. Retrospectively, you can also start looking at universities in your area that have research centers that interests you. Usually, they have what they designate as "Centers for..." that houses different projects funded by different grants. This should get your feet wet in gaining research experience. As for medical research, have thought of working for the VA? Some VA Medical Centers have a research unit that does projects on the side. Perhaps, a medical school near you? Would you mind elaborating as to what your end goal is/stats? You can PM if you'd like!

Hey! Have you tried calling the department? more so, e-mailing them asking for an update?

gazelles graze

I did. I came from Guam where the University of Guam is the only school accredited by WASC located in the Pacific. It's super chill and got to know my professors beyond the classroom. Then I moved to Saint Louis University two years ago for my MA. Big jump for big fish in a little pond to what seemed like an ocean. However, I made the most of it. I'm now entering a PhD program in August and feel much better. Of course Stanford is an even bigger ocean, but it's all about perception. Getting a master's and PhD is no easy task so you shouldn't take it lightly. Of course, you also need to keep in my mind what's your end goal? Academia? Working for the private sector? PM me if you have questions!

I agree with this. Penn State's committee noted they had great concerns about my GRE scores and my ability to survive in their program. They also said something in the line of your research interests are too focused and don't see the value in it in terms of the department. It forced me to grow up and accept that you can't be with a program that doesn't want you or see potential in you. Matriculate into a program that sees value. For the first time in my life (after applying in three admissions cycles), I feel empowered because I finally believe in what I want to do. PM me if you want to talk.

In my honest opinion, I don't think so. I, for one, like seeing students succeed. However, just keep this in mind for the next time and try not to be open what they should expect. Try being broad about the exams covers.

Most likely rejections. I wouldn't get your hopes up. Sorry guys. In the same boat