liesandfish

Just my two cents! I had much lower scores (153 V/150Q and a 6 writing) and I was accepted and funded at 8/9 PhD. programs I applied to- including FSU. (I was rejected from Harvards Soc program). I had one of my letters of recommendation mention my lower scores in my letter with the backing up of my GPA, work ethic and other positive attributes. Additionally, I really think attending conferences and seeking out connections prior to my acceptances was important. I really made sure that in speaking with people from programs I was applying to- they could see that I am more then some shitty test scores. Also- I actually did retake the GRE and got the EXACT same scores the second time after a few more months of studying. I really don't think your scores are poor at all and I think with everything else that goes into applications you will be competitive to many many programs! Also, final piece of advice- I went in to the application season with my heart set on a school that ended up not even being in contention once I began conversations with faculty and had fantastic funding from other places! Funny how it works out. *AKA I agree with @Partinrn and @altikr25

Happy Commitment Day, Friends!!! I hope everyone is thrilled with where they end up deciding and I think we all deserve some cupcakes for this process!

Yes I am as well. Sent you a message.

I am!!

Sent you both a PM.

Sorry just saw this! I'm down to meet after the posters for drinks/food. The karaoke is a hoot, if you want to go- I won't sing but seeing some old folks groove is pretty awesome.

ACJS: how does meeting up after the posters on Friday night sound? Also- I have formally turned down all other offers to other schools- I hope someone gets some funding out of that!

Just did my analysis for my ACJS presentation- nothing like waiting....opps. Good luck getting your thesis done! The best feeling is getting the final approval. Next week I will probably see again who wants to meet at ACJS!!

Are we to this point? So quiet because decisions are being weighed?

Definitely! Plus I am sure they will appreciate and respect you not using funds when you know you are not going to accept. I think just be honest and polite- but absolutely. Also, remember most of the faculty have been in our shoes at some point, so they should understand the situation. side note: anyone going to ACJS in a few weeks? Want to meet up? @judiths good for you! 23 is not too young (and not tooooo long ago for me. ) age is not a factor when it comes to application and learning, in my opinion. My younger sister is already in a PhD program (same field-different interests thank goodness!!) because we took different life patches. She started when she was 22 into the program so I think everyone has a different way of getting here which makes us all work and thinking in ways that continue to expand the field. This is part of why I think competition is dumb, we all bring different things to the table- why not listen and grow to make our field even stronger?!?

I would plan a visit to IN, and if you hear from UD before that visit I think it is perfectly acceptable to be honest with IN and say that you will be cancelling because you accepted elsewhere. Obviously in a polite and respectful manner. Especially if IN is not paying for the visit, there is nothing wrong with scheduling it but changing your mind if you accept somewhere else. I think it is potentially rude to attend if you already accept somewhere else. Remember, it seems like a big deal to us but to the schools they do this every year, they know not everyone will commit to their school, its ok. Don't burn bridges but also don't feel obligated to continue a visit when you know for sure you will not be attending. If it helps, to all the schools I visited but declined, I sent an email once I made my decision to the people I specifically talked with, thanking them for their time and complimenting their program. I simply said I decided on a school that was a better fit for me but that I hope to see/work with/talk to them in the future. I think this same rule would apply if you booked a visit but then backed out because you ended up at a school that you know is a better fit for you. Sorry for the ramble, I have been writing a manuscript all morning and am dying for a break from grammar. HAHA.

All of the schools I visited (4) were solo. The visits went well, I liked being able to talk to who I wanted and no compete for answers/attention (ha I swear I'm not needy!) the other grad students in current cohorts did show me around and answer questions as well!

I have heard from all 8 (note to anyone else, this was way too many to apply to IMO). And yes, on decision! @crimqueen I wouldn't assume you didn't get in, you may be high on the waitlist. I know I have started sending formal declines to the schools I was accepted to which should open some spots for other people. Side note: I know I have said this before, but I seriously love the comradery on this thread. Everyone has been so wonderful, it makes me so happy to see how excited everyone gets for each other!

Fantastic!!! Congrats! So happy for you.

Yay!!!! I'm sure champagne toasts will be called for soon! Now you can relax and enjoy your weekend! Thanks for updating, I've been thinking about you all day (in the most non creepy way possible. )

Official word from USC- email and portal update. Finally all apps are back!

Good luck!!! You'll be great! Sending good vibes your way.

I second that! good luck, I'm sure you'll do great! Elm, have you made a decision? Who are you still waiting on?

@ThesisTerror724 makes total sense! Glad you still have other great offers. @Cedodge enjoy! We are suppose to have some nice weather around here this weekend!

Fantastic! Congratulations! What a great program and great news on funding for you! Looking forward to staying in touch.

Wait listed at Georgia State University, I'll be withdrawing my app as per my decision has already been made. But just an update for anyone else who applied, portal appeared update this afternoon.

Congrats @KnowVac !!! My guess is your formal offer will outline whether or not you can have a job and fellowship, but I know schools do things differently.

Does American have a separate soc/crim program? I didn't apply so I have no clue, but ?? Seems weird.

Congrats!!! Great choices!

Now that all my family and mentors have been told, I figure I may as well tell all you wonderful peers!! I officially accepted UCFs offer of a fellowship (too good to be true but it is!!) and will be attending in the fall. I have already notified some of the other programs I was accepted into that I am declining, in particular funded ones (FSU, UF, GMU) I will be notifying the others within the next week or so, as well as the final application I have out (as soon as I hear from them). Hopefully this frees up some slots/money for someone else! I want to thank all of you for the knowledge, guidance and support. I came to this forum very unconfident in my applications, and did much better than I dreamed, but all you knowledgable, insightful people have made me consider things I had never even thought about. I am so thankful for the comradory amongst us, as too often in this competitive world we are rivals when really support is better. I am very excited about the future and really hope to someday work with or meet you all in real life! (PS I'm not actually leaving here, I want to see where everyone ends up! Just letting y'all know my decision has been finalized and how much I appreciate all y'all!) *End of Sap*