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macattack

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  • Application Season
    2016 Fall

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  1. Hi TakeruK, Thank you for the insight! I sent along a brief (about 1 pg) statement of my research interests. My interests are closing aligned with her work, so the biggest challenge, as you mentioned, was avoiding being TOO specific in the potential direction of my focus. I did not end up citing outside sources.
  2. Hi all, I'm applying to masters programs, and have been sending out email inquiries to potential advisors stating my overall research interests. I received a quick, positive response from one professor, stating that she is currently accepting students but that she would like to see my statement of research interests. This threw me off a bit, as she is the first professor I have been in touch with to request one. I was under the impression (perhaps wrongly so) that at this stage it was best to avoid being too specific. I'm feeling a little concerned now, as this is one of my top choice programs and I do not currently have one drafted. I also want to respond as quickly as possible. Have any of you written something similar at this stage? Besides my SOP which I am currently working on, I have never formally summarized my research interests. The only experience I have creating something like a research proposal was for a senior project I did during undergrad. I am considering replying that while I do not have one now, I would be happy to write something if she would give me some time. Thank you in advance for your advice!
  3. J.R., I am interested to read how you framed your experience in your SOP. Thank you for the offer - please PM me when you have a moment. TakeruK, it is a tricky balance. I've discussed it with a few more people, and at the moment I feel most comfortable leaving it relatively vague; it's interesting to hear people's feedback.
  4. Hi TakeruK, Thank you for the suggestions! I appreciate your response and kind words. It was a negative experience in my life, that I've worked through and moved on from, and now I'm trying to best manage it's repercussions. My school does have alumni resources that I will explore and see if there is a graduate school adviser who may be able to offer advice. Considering the sensitivity of the topic, and that the people who would be reading my application would potentially be colleagues, I've thought about writing that I experienced a "trauma" leaving it intentionally vague. Your advice that the SOP would be an appropriate place to address it is helpful; I'm leaning towards including a few brief sentences there. Thank you again! I know this is an uncomfortable subject for a lot of people to discuss and I appreciate your maturity and insight.
  5. Is it necessary and/or appropriate to explain a drop in GPA on your applications? I'm applying to M.S. programs for Fall 2016 in Geology/Geochemistry. For the first four semesters of undergrad, my GPA fluctuated between a 3.9 and 3.6 average. Then, unfortunately (and sadly not an uncommon occurrence) I was sexually assaulted. This occurred during a summer session, when my GPA dropped dramatically to a 2.9, and for the remainder of my time my per semester GPA was in the 3.0 - 3.2 range. I graduated with a 3.4 overall GPA, and about a 3.2 for my upper junior/senior level courses. My question is, do I offer an explanation on my application, and if so, in how much detail? I want to avoid making empty excuses, but I was extremely distracted during that time and it's reflected in my GPA. Would it be best to provide a vague "personal situation/problem" explanation? Where in the application would this take place? Thank you in advance for any insight or advice!
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