Roll Right

I'm curious, who plans on attending next year?

Sorry about the double post. I think we should realize that you can work as a professor and a non-profit/think tank employee. Often times think tanks and non-profits are linked to a University. I can think of many examples here (think of the many research institutions that Notre Dame, Duke, or George Mason have. These are all directed by professors.).

I wouldn't feel bad about being in your 40's and completing a phd. I doubt that will hurt your job prospects. Honestly, the majority of work in sociology is found at the MA level. Teaching community college classes, working in data analysis, working as a research methodologist, program evaluations, etc. Having a PhD obviously prepares you for these jobs. A PhD also qualifies you for lead roles in research projects for companies like RTI, PPD or other research orgs. And, of course, you can work as a professor.

You can definitely work with professors at other Universities. I currently work for UNC as a contract researcher. I'm a sociologist, but I work for the anthropology department there. If you apply to a different phd institution after finishing an MA at an institution be careful. You don't want to advertise this too much with your current institution. I don't want to make it sound like you're burning bridges, but professors may expect or hope for you to continue your studies with them. I'm not too sure about this though.

Excellent advice.

Sounds similar to my interests. Keep in touch. Charlotte is an awesome city, one of my favorites. I still have some friends there. You'll do well, there are a lot of opportunities in NC for sociological work. Make sure you visit Wilmington.

Thanks everyone. Joops - keep me informed, I'm pulling for you.

Yeah, Rutgers has a very strict acceptance policy. Look into schools not based on prestige, but based on how well you fit, etc. Did you know that NC State is harder to get into than Duke? Be careful about picking safety schools. They may not be so safe.

Anyone attending next year?

Sorry Lev, didn't realize you would be offended by less than perfect punctuation on the internet. What was I thinking. As I said, I wasn't trying to be a downer. I'm trying to be realistic. This isn't my first rodeo. I've applied to PhD programs twice. I the first time I was turned down and went for an MA instead. Now I'm headed to a very respectable PhD program. I was simply giving insight based on my experiences. Anyone who knows what they're talking about will tell you that the admissions process will be very selective for the next 5 years. Places like Penn State didn't take any BA students in 2009 (at least no that I'm aware of) because competition was so stiff. That's a top 25 school. They took people with research experience and MA degrees. I'm not saying don't apply, I'm saying don't bet it all on the big dogs. Lev is giving good advise, and you should go into this process thinking you're good enough to get in anywhere. Just make sure you apply to schools that you know you can definitely get into. These aren't going to be top 25 schools simply because of the size of their applicant pools. Apply to two top 25 schools, then work your way down the prestige scale. Honestly, you'll make things happen for yourself at any institution. Just be practical about the application process and the schools you select. I mean, whats better? Applying to a bunch of high profile schools on a gamble, or actually getting into a mid-range school? Boston University isn't even in the top 20, and they receive about 200 applications a year. Schools like Duke get more than that. Look for advise that provides support and practicality. Don't let people just pat you on the back and tell you to go all in (cough-Lev-cough).

Heres my two cents: Don't apply to all top 25 schools, you'll be unlikely to get in with your profile. This isn't meant to sounds mean, its just the truth. I applied to top 50 schools, and I have a masters degree in sociology with 3 years of research experience and a stellar gpa. I didn't get into those schools. Its not because your profile is weak, its because the schools take so many applications in, and can only accept a few people. At that point it comes down to simple probability. You have to be lucky. I would talk about future research in your statement of purpose, but don't put too much emphasis on just that. It should relate nicely to the grad program you're applying to, and be sure to mention some professors at these programs in your statement that also share your interests. Contact professors at your school and tell them you want research experience and will work on projects for free with them. You'll get experience and you'll also make friends with important people. Beyond that, look around in your community. There are probably non-profit programs that need evaluations done, etc. Program evaluation is one of the biggest money makers in social science, and the majority of work is also found in this area. You'll probably have a hard time finding research positions at institutes like Research Triangle Institute without an MA, so try an internship route. Yes you'll be at a disadvantage without research experience, but then again, PhD programs like to take bachelor's level students so they can train them in their methods and stats courses. Its not necessarily a bad thing to be without research experience at this point. An MA is expensive, and while it will increase your chances of getting into a PhD, its not necessary. The extra expensive might not be worth it. I think you should be applying to PhD programs. Make sure you apply conservatively, don't apply to the top schools only, apply to schools that you know you'll get into. The economy is terrible, and competition is insane. Besides, the top schools aren't the only institutions with good scholars, you may find that a small school will be a better fit for you. Sometimes its better to be a star student at a small institution rather than another face in the crowd at a top level school. Hope this helps.

JUST GOT INTO GEORGE MASON AND BEING CONSIDERED FOR THREE YEARS OF FUNDING!!!!! FUCK YEAH!

Don't feel too down, I'm still waiting for Baylor and GMU. Let me know if you come do to NC, I may still be here.

Also have been rejected.

I recently emailed the department. I'll let you know what I hear.

Im assuming there were acceptances, and none of the board members were accepted. Or they haven't come forward.

Triumph of the Will.

Cinema is only a vehicle for messages. Symbols make up messages. It really depends on the message, the audience, and the quality of the symbols in the message. You can't say cinema in particular is a dangerous thing. What about books and artistic works? Books have inspired and driven people to do incredible and terrible things. Media in general is simply the mass communication of thoughts, perspectives and fact. You've got an argument to make here, but don't limit it to cinema.

Also, you should consult "Simulacra and Simulation" by Jean Baudrillard. He discusses the power of image extensively - how simulated reality has replaced real to such an extreme that "real" no longer exists. PDF online for free: http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/irvinem/theory/Baudrillard-Simulacra_and_Simulation.pdf

We're all just sittin tight...

who posted the acceptance to GMU? Please provide info.

No I don't believe cinema or movies are a public danger. The danger lies in imagery and monopolies on information - i.e. creating imagery to disseminate false information or trying to masquerade false images as the truth. This is postmodernism at its finest.

Thats extremely low for any area. I get 10,000 a year for an MA program and that doesn't come anywhere near covering the cost of living in Wilmington.

12,700 a term or for a year? Thats a small stipend if its for a year....