[How Much "Real World" Experience before PhD?]

I'm debating about when it makes sense for me to take my next step. I'm still trying to figure out whether an advanced degree in sociology, education, or gender would be the best fit, but I'm leaning toward sociology (of education??). I'm at the initial stages of figuring things out, but I'm trying to conceptualize the time line.

 

I guess I'm wondering my chances of admission at some competitive schools given my situation.

 

B.A. with distinction (double majored in English & Sociology), GPA: 3.87, Phi Beta Kappa

Master of Arts in Teaching, GPA: 3.97

GRE: 165 Verbal (95th%); 160 Quantitative (78%); Writing 5 (93%)

Very strong recommendations

 

I began my first year of full-time teaching at a middle school in August.

 

My main concern is that I didn't do an undergraduate thesis and I don't have any work published. I've written plenty of extended papers, including one based on my original research for a sociological methods class. I wrote a "thesis" of sorts for my MAT, but it was about best practices for teaching Shakespeare, so not as relevant, though the methodology drew on what I'd learned in pursuit of my soc degree (interviewing teachers). I'm currently debating about whether to apply next year, so I'd have two years of teaching under my belt at that point. I guess I'm wondering if it makes sense to wait. I'd have more working experience if I waited longer, which would be relevant if I chose to pursue a degree in education and potentially relevant to a soc degree, but I don't really have an avenue (or the time!) to do original research between now and then anyhow...

 

Thanks for hearing me out! Any advice is much appreciated.

 

 

[When to apply? Expiring GRE scores?]

I'm in the beginning stages of figuring out what my next step is education-wise. I have my master of arts in teaching and am considering a more advanced degree.

 

My dilemma is when I would apply. I just earned my degree in May 2013 and began my first year of full-time teaching this past August. For a number of reasons, I'd like more experience teaching before taking the next step-- whether it be studying education, sociology, or gender.

 

GRE scores are good for 5 years, right? I took the test in August of 2011... I could have sworn I read on an admission website (though I can't find it now), that the scores have to be within five years of matriculation, but that seems sort of odd. I was on the GRE site and it says scores are good for five years and that currently all scores after July 2008 are valid... so would my scores be valid through the 2016-2017 admissions season?

 

My main concern is that I wouldn't be able to necessarily score as well again (165 verbal/95%; 160 quantitative/78%). I'd hope so on the verbal (I teach English!), but I feel like I lose more math each day.

 

Thanks for hearing me out!