autumn

I can only give you advice based on what I've read, what I've been told, and my personal opinion since I'm still working on mine, as well. I've heard it is good to address (without making excuses or dwelling) any weak points in your application that may give them pause. For example, I have two withdrawals on my master's transcript because I had to deal with an a family emergency. I'm mentioning it (very briefly) so they understand that it wasn't to safeguard my GPA or because I couldn't handle the workload. I made it clear that it was an aberration: I was working full-time, still attending school, and dealing with an acute family issue that has since been resolved. Of course, you do run the risk of highlighting something they may have dismissed initially. As for background information, I'm struggling with that, too. I didn't list past accomplishments so much as trace my progression from one discipline to another because I thought it served a purpose. If your background information isn't serving a narrative purpose, I wouldn't waste much space on it. Again, take this with a grain of salt. Good luck!

90th percentiles or above in all three or just in the relevant section (quant for sciences, verbal for humanities, etc.)? If I need the 90th percentile+ in quant too, I can kiss that goodbye.

I think the main problem is that there are no definite answers. Some schools have cut offs to weed out students; some don't. Some fellowships have cut offs (most, I'd imagine); some may not. It also varies between fields and GRE percentiles change each year, I believe. That's what makes all of this so hard. And then you have the well-meaning people who say "don't focus on it unless your score is worryingly low." Good advice but what exactly IS worryingly low? Now I'm worrying about that, too. Bleck.

That's what I'd like to know (as would probably everyone else).

Updates! I've emailed two professors. One (top choice) responded immediately; the other has yet to respond. I need to get cracking on the other emails but it's still so nerve-wracking and I have so much other work to do. I need to make that a priority this week. Have all of you contacted your PsOI? I've finished updating my CV. If a school doesn't require it, would it be a bad idea to include it anyway? My SOP is crammed with enough information already; I don't think it can cover the details of my CV, too. Do your programs require CVs? I've completed part of my SOP but I've been stalled for a week or so. That's another aspect I need to focus on this week. I'm scheduled to retake the GRE this weekend but I might postpone it. I haven't decided yet. How are all of you doing? - Les

If you don't mind me asking, how did you establish rapport? The faculty who have responded thus far have been polite and discussed the spots in their departments but there's no rapport. I feel like if I ask them about their work, it comes off as disingenuous since I'm also asking about the possibility of accepting students this cycle. Additionally, I don't really have a lot of questions about the programs because I did my research ahead of time. I'm struggling with this aspect and I'm probably not the only one. Would you share your experiences?

Wow. Was their response helpful? Is it your top choice POI?

That gives me hope. I emailed two faculty in one program; one responded in 2 hours and the other still hasn't responded. I don't mind if they take a while; I understand that they're busy. I just worry they won't ever respond. This process is so fun

I've seen threads/comments about how long you wait for a professor to respond before you send a follow-up. My concern is that if they don't respond within 24-48 hours, they likely won't. Is that true with POI emails or do they really just need a longer turnaround time?

Everyone who takes the GRE will have verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores. Some fields/programs (like psychology) often require a subject test. I don't know about engineering. Just look at the application requirements for the schools you want to attend and see if they require it. Good luck!

I agree. I have a master's, as well, and I spent my summer working on the GRE. My score is still not where I want it to be. So much fun...

I emailed my top POI today. Nerve-wracking!

Congrats on your thesis! This is my strategy, too. Obviously, I have a solid research fit with the programs to which I'm applying but I am definitely trying to hedge my bets a little, as well. Good luck on the GRE! Do you have it scheduled yet? - Les

Hi there! In my experience, the best information I've been given has come from students already attending my goal schools. As such, I figured it'd be a good idea to ask any current Comm/Media Studies students to post below if they're willing and able to answer questions and give advice to prospective students. You can post which institution you attend, if you're comfortable with that level of disclosure, or you can just specify the type of work you're doing. That should be helpful since I believe most of us are applying to a number of schools, based on research fit. Or, if you're a prospective student interested in speaking to current students, post which schools you are considering and current students can choose to contact you privately. I am considering the following schools: - UWisconsin-Madison - USC - UT Austin (RTF) - UMich - Northwestern - Brown - UC Irvine - UOregon - UWashington - UCSB - UUtah. I'd like to preemptively thank any current students who are willing to participate. I hope this will help the prospective students who are gearing up for the Fall 2015 cycle. Thanks! - Les

Sorry, can't help you there, but I did my undergrad at Arizona if you have any questions about it. Good luck!

Hey there! Different subjects, obviously, but I'm applying to Northwestern and UT-Austin as well. Have you started working on your SOP yet?

Hi all! I know it's still a bit early to start this thread but, considering USC moved up their deadline to November 1, I figured an early start couldn't hurt. In the past, applicants have used these threads to discuss application issues, air their anxieties, and receive advice from people in similar situations. We can share information, answer questions, and provide/receive support from fellow applicants. From what I've seen, these threads can be extremely beneficial so I hope we're all able to take advantage of it. I'll get us started. I'm looking into communication/media studies/screen culture programs with strengths in participatory culture, fandom, social media/technology, and television studies. As such, it's a pretty wide spread between communications, film studies, and other related humanities programs. I'm still refining my list of schools and programs but looking at 10 applications, at this point. What types of programs are you considering? What are your research interests? What have you done to prepare for application season? What are your main application concerns? I hope that all of the fall 2015 applicants will introduce themselves and make use of these forums. I look forward to going through this process with all of you! - Les

I agree. I double-checked their website when you emailed me and was thrown by the November 1 deadline. I started researching programs last year so I figured they'd stick with the Dec 1 deadline. 'Fraid not.

It's time to start preparing for the fall 2015 application cycle, so I thought I'd get us started with this year's Media/Film studies thread. In the past, applicants have used these threads to discuss application issues, air their anxieties, and receive advice from people in similar situations. We can share information, answer questions, and provide/receive support from fellow applicants. From what I've seen, these threads can be extremely beneficial so I hope we're all able to take advantage of it. I'll get us started. I'm looking into communication/media studies/screen culture programs with strengths in participatory culture, fandom, social media/technology, and television studies. As such, it's a pretty wide spread between communications, film studies, and other related humanities programs. I'm still refining my list of schools and programs but looking at 12-15 applications, at this point. What types of programs are you considering? What are your research interests? What have you done to prepare for application season? What are your main application concerns? I hope that all of the fall 2015 applicants will introduce themselves and make use of these forums. I look forward to going through this process with all of you! - Les

Congrats to everyone who was accepted this year! I'm applying to Media/Film studies programs (television studies, primarily) this fall and I was wondering if any of you would be willing to share some advice. Is there anything you wish you'd done differently? Anything you wish you'd done earlier? Any advice would be amazing. Thanks all!

Tomgold, welcome! I'm preparing for the GRE right now and there are a few online, self-paced programs that may help you (I'm using Magoosh). I'd suggest checking out the GRE/GMAT/etc. forum on GradCafe for more specifics on the GRE. I am applying for USC's PhD program, as well. What information did you need? Policyman, welcome! Unfortunately, I don't have any information on MIT but it sounds to me that your qualifications are pretty good. Hopefully someone else on GradCafe will be able to help with information about MIT.

All, Thanks for replying! I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one gearing up for the next cycle. Good luck to everyone and if anyone wants to respond here or PM me, I'd be happy to share in the ups and downs of this process. Thanks again! Les

Hi there! Are any of you getting a jump start on the Fall 2015 application cycle (due in less than 11 months!)? I'm working on my application materials, researching schools, and planning to apply to a number of Mass Comm PhD programs in December 2014. I have a good support system of friends and family but they're so far removed from academia that it's difficult to have honest discussions about program and application issues. I'm new to these forums and they've already been a big help, but I'd love to have a discussion buddy with similar interests/plans. Any of you out there with the same issues? I'd love to speak with you!

I'm new here too and I won't be applying until the next cycle, but I will be applying to a number of the same programs and I just wanted to say congratulations to everyone who has heard back and best of luck to everyone who is still waiting. I'm equally nervous and excited about being in your positions next year!