[Reapplying to the Same University - How to Tackle in SoP]

So I am reapplying to the program that asks for both a Personal Statement, and Research Statement. Last year I got to the interview phase. What is the best way to tackle this? I see several different avenues:

1. Mention is the beginning, proceed to the gaining more experience, getting a clearer goal part in the Personal Statement;

2. Mention along the way;

3. Not mention at all?

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

6 hours ago, vaporeon said:

@day_manderly Is the program you're applying to quant-related? Either way I think the 2nd score will be better, but if you'll be using qualitative methodologies, there's no question in my mind.

Oh, I didn't think about that! It's definitely not quant-related! Now I'm more confident in my decision to send 2nd, thanks!

[To disclose or not to disclose...]

I think the rule is to disclose only what is relevant to your future professional/academic plans, and to your intended project. People coming to you for advice - definitely relevant. You being bisexual - not sure (is you being bisexual connected with you having trustworthy air?.. it helped people open up, sure, but it wasn't a defining thing, right?).

I also wouldn't start with talking about this in SoP. In Personal Statement - maybe. See the difference here. Some schools (like UMich) ask for two separate essays.

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

3 minutes ago, vaporeon said:

@day_manderly I would say 2nd, but one thing to think about: does that 2 point difference in quant mean a much larger difference in percentile ranking? 

I think like from 50smth to 47 :(.

AWA's improvement also makes a difference though...

[Penn GSE]

Got my GRE scores, time to start a thread for my top choice!

I am an international applicant.

Program: Higher Ed

Interests: international higher ed
GRE Score: V166 Q152 AWA 4.5 (makes me incredibly sad)

TOEFL: 113 out of 120.
GPA:  no idea, my schools didn't have it, but I was a stellar student, especially while doing my Master's
Work Experience: impressive, relevant, in my field, as a researcher, corresponds with my interests perfectly

SoP: will reflect the above, mention professors I've contacted, my plans for my thesis, etc.

LoRs: probably glowing, but only one from someone with some sort of a name in the field (common international applicant problem)
Undergrad Institution (Public, Private, Ivy, etc..):  one of top schools in my country, but it's not even visible in international rankings

Grad Institution: one of top schools in another country (outside US, not English-speaking world) - in the international rankings, but not like top 100
What Other Schools Are You Applying To: Lynch, UMich, HGSE, UMass (probably, still have to contact somebody there), maybe Stanford, Vanderbilt, maybe Texas Austin

What do you think?

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

I have a small question of my own. I passed GRE twice:

1st time: V165, Q154 AWA 4.0

2nd time: V166 Q152 AWA 4.5.

Which one should I send? Obviously, there is no time to repass. The first one has stronger Q (by 2 points, but still), the second - stronger AWA. I'm leaning towards the 2nd. What do you guys think?

 

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

On 27/10/2016 at 7:38 AM, yellow1963 said:

Hello all, 

I am only applying to the fall '17 M.A. programs at NYU and Columbia because of their proximity to home which will allow me to live with my parents thereby cutting costs. I am writing to humbly ask if anyone can offer advice to offset a low undergrad GPA (2.95)? I finished undergrad more than a year early but my Bachelor's degree was not in education. I earned my teaching certification through an alternative certification program here in the States and have been teaching primary school at an international school abroad for 6 years. I have also earned a solid GRE score (170 V / 158 Q). I am working to compose a perspicuous, perspicacious Statement of Purpose and I will be receiving three strong letters of recommendation from supervisors. What else should I consider to bolster my application and show the admissions committee that I am both dedicated to and capable of successfully completing a rigorous graduate education program? 

I do realize this is a frequently discussed topic on the forum so please forgive me for opening it up again, but I proceed because I am not alone in my concerns and with the perpetual influx of new users to the board, this post may catch the attention of someone who has been in similar circumstances and can provide some little-known insight. If you have any helpful thoughts beyond what is typically recommended (explain low GPA in SOP, visit campus), please share them here or PM me. Your time and input are sincerely appreciated.

I would devote a certain amount of time to your CV to really showcase what you've done. That would be that, as everything else looks wonderful.

[The Complicated Case of a Writing Sample & Co-Authorship]

So here goes the problem. My professor and I came up with an interesting idea (the main point was mine), and we decided to write a paper. So I wrote my part in the summer. To specify, those are not clearly cut parts - it's more like I write a text, and then my professor adds/corrects/builds upon it. Now I want to turn the part that I wrote into a Writing Sample - but what will happen when the same material, however changed, appears in our peer-reviewed paper? Is there a proper way to tackle the situation? Is me being the first author solves it? Is there any way to publish a paper without specifying who the first author is? The part that was written by is not a co-authored piece of writing, because I wrote it by myself.

Or should I just forget about turning the piece into my Writing Sample, and write another one?

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

3 hours ago, Vulpix said:

For a PhD, I assume you're going to say what KIND of research in the field of international higher education.  But as a phrase itself, that sounds fine to me

Ahaha, no, I was going to start my SoP with a childhood story, and then be really, really, really vague about my research plans. Yes, now when I am looking at the phrase, it seems ok, too. Perhaps, application anxiety is already working its way into my brain.

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

Guys, I am trying to frame my interests correctly in my SoP: does 'research in the field of international higher education' sound good?

[Stanford GSE]

On 17/10/2016 at 6:45 AM, cokpala said:

I am also applying to Stanford GSE (ICE). It does look like those accepted have high GRE scores. I am interested in International Education in the realm of secondary education so I am not sure if there are professors doing research particular to higher ed, but it looks like there are five-six faculty members dedicated to ICE/IEPA (https://ed.stanford.edu/ice/faculty/icefaculty) and then other additional faculty members with interests in ICE. 

Yes, I've actually contacted a professor - to no avail.

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

On 12/10/2016 at 1:32 PM, Lisha said:

Hello!

How are everyone's applications going? I've been struggling to chip away at my SOP, making time during the work week is hard.

Just wanted to check in and see how everyone else was doing, and offer commiserations

I'm mostly cramming for GREs still. I am repassing, and my previous scores are ok, but I really want to have stellar ones, so... I've drafted SoP, but it needs a ton of work. What scares me is - trampampam - the Writing Sample!!! How does one make time for t h a t?

[The Case of Foreign Transcripts]

So I've been reading this, rather useful and highly recommended, blog by a science professor who reflects upon her experience with graduate admissions, and I've lit upon the following:

Transcripts are interesting to read because you can see a student's evolution of interests. Did they take an intro course in Science their very first term and immediately dive into the major? Did they meander around for a year or so, sampling a wide variety of courses before focusing?

And here comes the problem. Many countries simply do not offer one a choice when it comes to the study track. All the courses I took I had to take. They say nothing about me, except for the initial choice of the specialization I made when I was 17 (!).

Are adcomms aware of the peculiarities of different countries' curricula? Should an international student mention some extra important characteristics somewhere?

 

[Writing a sample]

On 24/09/2016 at 7:44 AM, Louie34 said:

Are most application samples double-spaced?  So is it 15 double-spaced or single?

I've got the same question. I still have to write my writing sample (as the majority of work I have written so far is not in English, and the only actual academic paper (to be published) is co-authored), and my school asks for 25-30 pages (!), so that question is highly relevant.

[Stanford GSE]

Is anyone applying to Stanford GSE? I've checked the results from previous years, and I've found out the following:

• looks like you need 160+ GRE for both V and Q, and at least 5 AWA
• they don't do interviews, just straight admits

Also, is anyone attending SGSE now? I am interested in International Higher Education. Do you happen to know whether any of the professors is doing research in this area? According to my research, if anything international is done, it's in the domain of secondary education. Is that correct?

[CV: Tip, Tricks, and Swapping]

I actually meant 'header' in lieu of 'footer'.

While what you are saying is certainly true, all of it, but the thread was created precisely because CV is often overlooked - both by students, and, perhaps, by adcomms. Yet, it IS in the application list, and a great one would do only good. Not to mention the boost in confidence one gets upon applying if there is one more document that is extremely well done.

[CV: Tip, Tricks, and Swapping]

Oh, and I already have a question. Have you inserted a section on the coursework you've done? Does it even make sense if one has worked as a researcher already and done much more there?

[CV: Tip, Tricks, and Swapping]

So, we all want our applications to be just perfect, don't we? CVs do not receive enough attention, me thinks. Does anyone have useful know-hows? Who'd like to swap a CVs with another person?

Tips & tricks I've encountered:

1. Put the most important/impressive info first. Mine has education, and then - straight on - relevant research experience.
2. Then, a CV should be as readable as possible. A footer and proper sectioning are a must.

Does anyone have any thoughts on proper CV architecture? Also, I personally would love to cross-check CVs with somebody; please, PM if you are interested.

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

17 hours ago, ClassicalEducator said:

Haven't posted in awhile, but I finally registered for my GRE and am for some reason intensely nervous about sitting for it! I have been prepping for months - since July - and my scores keep improving *knocks on wood* but I still feel so nervous. 

Side note - the problems with ETS added a completely unnecessary layer of stress but I suppose I will try to relax between now and my exam. 

I've also been picking away at my SOPs, working on my apps, whittling down my schools, and intermittently bothering my professors. I am awaiting the start of the fall quarter and resignedly working part-time as well. How are others managing to keep from going too terribly crazy right now? I can't be the only one.

Going crazy here too, bro. Still have like 4 schools where I haven't contacted a single soul, and I keep postponing due to heavy workload, and it scares me more every passing day. And GRE... Sometimes it's soooo good, but sometimes you just do 20 tasks and get only 10 correct, and that sucks big time. :/

I've just decided to do a bit for my application every day. The structure definitely helps.

[HELP finding programs/professors that fit my interest!!]

I just go from one school to another, and check professors one by one. Takes forever, but works. Following publication authors is good, too. Combined approach is even better.

How do you people contact professors? I mostly just send cold e-mails and wait. Is there a better approach?

[Seeking a Strong Writer to Partner for AWA Preparation by E-mail]

 

18 hours ago, Vil1inger said:

Hello,

If anyone has yet to contact you, I would like to take you on this offer! Let us message each other to work out details and potentially trade emails. 

Deal!

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

8 hours ago, so_it_goes said:

@day_manderly Truthfully, no, because other factors (location, other academic opportunities, etc.) will likely deplete that list before you even considering applying. The other reason this is helpful is because you can contact PIs directly and (some) can be rather straightforward in telling you if they plan on taking new students next year.

Considering you're looking at higher ed programs, this advice is especially important because of the significant variation in coursework/specialty of programs nationally. For example, if your interested in policy, some better known programs (ex: UConn, UCLA, UMD) may not be as good of a fit as others (ex: UVA, UIowa, FSU), strictly because of the faculty in the department.

Oh, ok. For some reason I thought you meant 5-10 in one university. Do you think reaching out to one Pl per university is enough? That is what I am busy doing.

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

On 21/04/2016 at 1:10 AM, Cat Time said:

Does anyone have an idea of what the GPA's/GRE scores of admitted POLS students tend to be? I know this isn't published, but info often has a way of getting out somehow!

 

I think what you have to do is go to the Results page and search POLS. Info on GPAs can sometimes be found there. Also, I found this information out there in the open for UPenn, maybe other universities also post it.

[Fall 2017 Applicants]

On 24/04/2016 at 5:56 PM, t_ruth said:

Your GPA seems fine. But as many of us have stated on this board, for PhD programs it isn't about the school, but about the PI. You shouldn't be choosing a PhD program based on the school--you should be finding five to ten PIs at various schools that you want to work with and contacting them.

Five to ten?! Isn't it a bit excessive?!

[Seeking a Strong Writer to Partner for AWA Preparation by E-mail]

I have an awesome offline partner for general GRE preparation, and now I am looking for a partner to prepare for AWA by e-mail. I propose the following:

1. We alternate days to send essays (or essay plans) to each other. Say, you receive an essay from me on Monday, and then you send me an essay on Tuesday. This way, you get to write 3-4 essays, and read 3-4 essays per week. If that is too intense for you, I am open to suggestions.

2. An essay is sent only after one partner has provided the other with feedback. Thus, I cannot send you my essay to read until I have critiqued your essay.

I am a fairly good writer, and I am seeking someone who is also good at writing in general, and is looking to hone GRE essay writing skills.