lisalisalisa

@wnk4242 I see what you're saying, and honestly I don't think it would. Personally for me, when I applied, I had very little insight about the field. I merely talked about my interests (standardized testing, large scale assessments, etc) and why I wanted to know more about the theory/construction behind them and how it would relate to my future goals, etc. I completely understand where you are coming from and can see that it is kind of hard to write something about yourself and your future when you're not really sure what that really entails You should go back to asking yourself why you like meta analysis and from there think about the bigger, overall picture and how that relates to the quant field. Another good place for info is this thread I was just reading it today and the information provided there (although from a different program) is extremely relevant and useful!

@wnk4242 Hi, I am currently on my 2nd year as a master's student in a "quantish" style program (research, evaluation, and methodology). From my experience, meta analysis isn't something that is done a lot in the field; it seems to be more common in medicine and pharmaceutical studies. With that being said, in a quant program you will have several opportunities to take a plethora of quant classes and complete papers and projects within these classes. In doing so, you will gain better insight into what kind of quant analyses you are interested in. For your applications, I would focus more on why you want to get into the quant field and how doing so will further your goals of doing xyz or researching xyz. It doesn't necessarily have to focus on a particular quant method per se, but relaying how you will use your future quant skills to further you is a good place to start for your essays/objectives. I hope this helps!!

After posting this and doing some insightful introspection, I realized that I'm more interested in the educational psychology aspect (with quant methods mixed in) versus a purely quant program. I realized that as much as I enjoy quant methods, I wouldn't be truly happy in studying such topics for 4+ years (or however long the PhD program would be); I need some sort of theory and practical application mixed in there... But I digress. Anyways, my master's program is under the education department, and they are very good at providing (within their area) a variety of quant/qual, mixed method classes. If I wanted to take more purely stats and programming classes, I'd have to go to other departments like stats and bio stats. What kind of classes make up your program?

Hello! I am currently a master's student in research evaluation and methodology and am applying to PhD this fall for fall of 18'. I'm definitely interested in quant psych, am not really sure. I'm also really interested in applying to educational eval/measurement programs that combine some quant methods but focus more on ed.assessment/policy.

You make a good point, fuzzylogician. Thank you for your input!

So, I am in between jobs as I wait to hear back from fall 2016 grad applications.... Today I was offered a full-time position (that expects me to be there at least 6-7 months to a year). Training is three weeks and takes place in February. My fears are the following: A) I will hear back from schools during this time and will need to do an interview. B ) I will get accepted into dream grad program and will have to leave in a matter of 5 months or so... All of the programs that I applied to are out of town, with the majority being out of state. I am worried of repercussions for leaving a job so soon (if that were the case). I am thinking about taking the job because I really need the money to save up for the potential move for grad school and all the expenses that can occur. I know there are a lot of variables that can determine whether or not I make the decision to attend my grad program, however, I feel that I am taking a bigger risk if I don't take this position. If I were to continue looking for a job time will not be on my side... Has anyone been in this same predicament? Sincerely, Dazed & Confused.

Thank you, ZeChocMoose for your advice! It really puts things into perspective for me. Which is exactly what I needed since I felt that I was honestly wondering around aimlessly, lol. Thanks again and good luck to you!

Hi everyone, I am in a pickle here! Let me give you a bit of background... I just graduated with my BS last month and have been applying for master degree programs for this fall. I have also been applying for jobs in the meantime to try to earn some income. All of the programs that I applied to are not in the area that I currently reside, which means that I would have to move. Which is fine with me, since that is what I want. However, my issue is, if I'm offered, say a full-time job (which I just interviewed for, and there is a high possibility of me receiving such a job), I'm not sure if I should take it. I should start hearing back from programs next month, which is when the potential job training would take place. I also have to account for potential school interviews, as well as leaving my potential job in only 5 months... If I'm offered a job, should I even take it? Or, am I risking too much with my potential admittance into a grad program? Sincerely, Caught between a rock and a hard place

That's exactly my thought... It's 16 pages though, so now I'm wondering if I should send all of it or a sample? Hmmmmm

Hmm, those are things that I have not taken into consideration, but I will certainly do so. Thanks!

Hi all, I am applying to Fordham Applied Psych. Methods Program (MS) and they require a writing sample. However, after emailing graduate admissions, as well as searching high and low, I found that no where does it state the content or length of the writing sample. I have never submitted a writing sample to any other programs and so I'm at a tie so to speak with what to put in. I have two research proposals that are about 15 pages long, and a brief research intro that spans about 3. Each paper varies on topic. Research paper 1: oppositional defiant disorder (more clinical). Research paper 2: Case study 2 kindergarten students on various assessment outcomes; Research paper 3: basically an introduction to a research issue in elderly driving and technology. I'm assuming I should include a writing sample on something that matches my interest more, which would be paper 2. But, I'm worried about the length... Has anyone else been in the same predicament?