northlandz

I am enrolled in a PhD program in Sociology but am oftentimes looking at employment opportunities. If I apply to a job and leave a professional reference (such as my adviser or members of my doctoral committee), wouldn't I be shooting myself in the foot if they are called in reference to a job? My professional references are in essence my employers (I receive graduate assistantships through members of my doctoral committee).

Oh, and my top choice has stated that I'm on a "short list" for funding and that, as a PhD student, it's "likely" that I'll receive funding. You have to love the ambiguity. I'll just go ahead and plan my life around "likely"

Applied to five programs and have been accepted to three (still waiting on the other two), but two of the three that have accepted me (including my first choice) are mum on funding. I'm so tempted to just accept the program that has offered me funding and be done with this insanity but I'm a better fit in a program that has accepted me but hasn't yet offered funding and a program that I've yet to even hear back from. Madness.

but somewhat different. I really can't enroll in any PhD program without funding. My top choice, School A, where I feel is the best fit for me, says that they aren't sure if funding is available for me and won't know until "late April". My dilemma stems from the fact that School B offers funding BUT wants a decision from me by April 15. Rolling the dice and turning down School B with the hope that School A offers funding a week or two later is the epitome of possibly cutting off your nose to spite your face. My question: Let's say that I accept School B's offer to be "safe" but a week later School A offers me funding, how does one go about getting out of the situation with School B? Are there penalties that I am unaware of for pulling such a move, or just the bad taste of having jerked people at School B around?

V570 Q580 I want to pursue a PhD in either Sociology (my undergrad major) or History. Obviously I am below the cursed "1200 line". Most SOC and HIST programs seem to put a greater emphasis on Verbal, and a 570 places me around the 80th percentile--not bad but not stellar. Any advice on retaking this cursed exam would be greatly appreciated.