ACZOMI

Hello everyone, I am currently a sophomore at a top70 U. I have been interested in social sciences since high school and recently I am thinking about if I should apply to graduate school. I read many posts on gradcafe and other forums and realized that the Ph.D application is not as simple as I thought. So I think it's better to do a brief introduction to myself and I would really appreciate any suggestions!! [My Profile] (1)Undergrad in a top 70 University, honors student. I don't think my university has a famous undergraduate program, but the graduate school is great. (2)Majors: Sociology,Mathematics, Statistics. Overall GPA:3.88, with almost every A-F credit belongs to upper division; (3)GRE:V153,Q170,AW4.0. (I am a non-native student and I did not do much preparation before this test. I will undoubtedly retake it in the future.) (4)Beginning a directed research this semester. [My Shortcomings and Confusions] (1)Alma Mater. Not a really prestigious school in U.S. though it is the best university within the state. SO, should I transfer to another well-ranked college to get better resources/chances? (2)Research Interests. Sometimes I feel really nervous if someone (especially Professors) ask about my research interests. I have read many soc papers and books outside the classroom. I feel like so many topics in the sociology is interesting. What I enjoy most is the explanation of a social phenomena/structure, especially from a new perspective or applying a new idea. But I really don't know what is the topic I am particularly interested in. If possible, can I have your experiences about finding your research interests? (3)Math grades are not that high. I skipped Calculus 1&2 by AP, and in my freshman year I took 3 upper level math classes and the grade is around B+~A-. I enjoy doing math but I am not very intelligent and at the same time not a good test-taker, so my GPA is really affected by Math classes. (I think the math undergrad program in our school is great and much harder than soc). In the future I will take further math classes but I am so afraid that if my GPA would be destroyed by Math. I know quantitative skills are becoming more and more important in sociology, so I am worrying if the low grades would hurt my application. [Other Questions] What kind of classes should I take in the future, to get both a better "taste" and a better skill of sociological research? Statistical softwares or grad level soc classes or other social sciences or...? What should I do to better figure out if I should apply to PhD? For now, I really enjoy learning sociology, I enjoy understanding the society at the same time myself. Is there any differences between a recommendation from a Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor? How much would the recommendation weigh in the admission process? Thanks so much for clicking in and I appreciate any suggestions!