Thanks for all your feedbacks! Just got accepted into NYU! Still waiting on Columbia, but I am very pleased with NYU.
@mdiv2014: I'm working on my senior thesis on bills/legislatures that would most efficiently combat sexual assault in the military, so that pretty much shaped my personal statement letter.
I want to pursue a PhD in Sociology and become a professor/expert in the sociology of the military. First, I'm going to get a Master's in sociology for few reasons and then go for the phd. My #1 choice is Columbia because I liked their curriculum. But what are my chances if:
My GPA is 3.8 from a city college (but will become lower if it is converted to Columbia's GPA standards)
ROTC cadet
Student research assistant for a PhD student
working on a senior thesis on some issues in the military
honors student
volunteer at an emergency shelter for non prof organization
and..... a darn awful GRE score.. V:144 Q: 152
I heard that gre for MA in Soc does not really matter. Columbia did not specify a minimum. Should I retake it in 3 weeks (last chance) or just hope that my personal statement letter is good enough?