Sociolite

I don't normally post on these threads because most of it is complete academic posturing. But the one thing seems to strike me as problematic to the people that value rankings is the perception that rankings are weighted mostly towards quality of student. While it is true that rankings may reflect the tendency of those programs to recruit top quality students out of a perception of departmental strength (i.e. the matthew effect), the real underlying nature of a programs strength in rankings relies on its general professionalism initiatives. There are a lot of high quality schools outside of the "top 20" that will produce quality sociologists but may not have the resources or professionalization initiatives (publication directives, conference funding, general funding at the state level) which will alter the "prestige" of the program. I think it is kind of bullheaded to bash programs and their students. This is a relatively small field, and bridges that catch fire are not easily repaired.

Hey everybody! I accepted my offer to attend the U of A this coming fall. I've seen a lot of information regarding car vs. bike transport and I'm pretty certain I'm going to try to do without a car if I can since a grad stipend already affords a frugal lifestyle. My question is kind of unorthodox, I have read that Tucson has a considerable roach population. From what I understand this is an inevitable consequence of desert living, and while it's probably not something that's able to be eradicated I wonder if any locals have advice on pest control or how apartment complexes deal with this issue. Thanks in advance!

Thats ok with me lol. Seriously if you haven't tasted Troegs Nugget Nectar do yourself a favor and splurge on a 6 pack. I promise you won't regret it.

Until you wake up the next day and that malty syrup is still being digested in your stomach. Stuff is like liquid cement.

I'm riding the Nugget Nectar wave right now. Though I am an IPA fan mostly, I pretty much focus in like a cheetah hunting its prey when late February and March rolls around. Pennsylvania is lucky to have such a strong craft brew boom going right now with Troegs, Weyerbacher, Victory, and Yards easily accessible nearly everywhere. Bells is a great brewery. Two Hearted Ale is one of my favorites and a regular staple of my liquid diet.

I made a sport of debating people in undergrad regarding cost-effect analysis when I would show up to parties with a 6 pack of a rough and tumble IPA and would be scoffed at for my "fancy" beer. You'd be surprised how many people can't grasp that a $40 case of 8% abv beer is essentially the same as 2 $20 cases of Coors Light. Made for some good conversations and was always a good ice breaker because eventually a fellow craft brew enthusiast would make their way out of the woodwork to defend my cause. Met some decent friends that way. Edit* I don't like PBR, but if I was forced to drink an adjunct lager thats the way to go.

Figured another thread was necessary for the focus and excitement to shine through given the climate of the other one. Maleficent if you want me to take this down just let me know.

I'm actually with this application cycle so I haven't yet started, but it was a confident choice. Thank you gingin, goodbye brutal northeast winters.

Oh and if my sig didn't give it away…I am attending the U of A and really couldn't be more excited.

I will say that Darth's comments are a bit Cali-centric, in that it worked for him because of the California state budget and how state schools operate with funding as a result. I would say that in a majority of cases this doesn't work, and when you talk to schools that accept you they are very upfront about their ability to add incentives like summer funding. However a lab partner of mine in undergrad managed to secure a fellowship as a result of negotiations on decision day a few years back at a state school so it is really not entirely false.

A little bit of a deviation from the OP, but whats the boards consensus on thanking grad student admissions committee reps if they make themselves known to you?

Congrats I applied to UDel because I was fascinated by Tammy Anderson's work. They have a very diverse research line there.

What area code was the call from? Edit* I'm not being accusatory I just received a mystery call without a message and was wondering.

I think considering it a waste of time is a bit extreme. Does it improve your chances at getting into a particular program? Maybe. I think the most important impact of emailing professors is to answer critical questions about your application i.e. will said professor be accepting students or are they still investigating a particular line of inquiry.

Thanks Gin, unfortunately my conference abilities are limited with a full time job. Hopefully that will change soon though after this app cycle. Good luck as well.

Any East Coasters attending the NEO-USS symposium at Kent State at the end of the month? I will be attending with my undergrad mentor and presenting a paper.

I'll also claim a University of Arizona acceptance. First acceptance of the season. Its a home-run of a program. I have a background in Comparative Historical Analysis methods studying organizational and social movements. Extremely excited to hear more about the program.