romaracer

Hello, I have a question regarding GRE scores and getting whether its worth applying to Stanford's Sociology and Harvard's Social Policy PhD programs. In short, I ran into health problems and due to them I scored low on my GRE. 149V and 154Q and delayed my application prep. I also had to take the exam late (November 4th). I have a strong desire to apply to these programs because of their cross disciplinary work with their social psychology departments. Also, my interest align very well with the programs and while I have only a month before the deadlines I am confident I can write a good SoP. I have published works and presentations that are relevant, strong research background (research officer for an international NGO the past 2 years), graduate of UC Berkeley's MPP program, and my recommendations lined up. I welcome any thoughts, as I need to decide to grid this month to complete the applications or to wait until next year.

Yep def agree with this. I am almost curtain I want to go to the school with less funding. Another quesiton. Should I write in my email details about why I need the money (related to parents health) or should I be general. I had some feedback saying that I dont want to sound like a sob story. My thought is that I should give as much detail as possible to differentiate from other potential students.

I wanted to see if anyone has any experience leveraging funding from a school with funding offers from other school. Or by simply asking for more funding? What was your plan? and where you successful?

Tough month indead. What is your plan to try an leverage Berkeley? I am thinking that I might email or call them soon, as money might be readily available. Insead of waiting till closer to the April 15th dealline and have all the funds alocated to other needy students.

I recieved it Monday. Sorry to everyone that is still waiting. I heard from Ford on tuesday (got in) then today I heard from HKS (Waitlist). I am doing a pro cons list for Ford and Goldman. Right now the only con I have for Ford is location (away from aging parents and girlfriend). Would appreciate some thoughts on comparing the two schools. I guess I should contact students and faculty.I also went to UC Berkeley for undergrad (economics) so I have a network of faculty already there. AGH.. decisions....

Got in with a departmental fellowship! ($8,000 for the first year). Michigan's Ford School offerend me $20,000 for the two years and they match my AmeriCorps award ($5k). Does anyone have any expereince leveraging other schools funding to get increased funding. Or am I just crazy to even think about going to the Ford school over Goldman?

I got in as well with funding. $20,000 for the two years, $5,000 a year. also they match my AmeriCorps award of $5,000. So is it a good idea to contact the fanicial aid department and try to leverage more funding. I feel like this is unethical. :/ I got into Goldmans School as well with less funding but its close to home. It would make my desicion a lot easier is if Ford gave me full funding.