oldacct

I think MAs work for many people, but I would try to avoid it if at all possible. That said, changing fields can be difficult and it may be a good way to go. Like the above poster, there are some research centers and think tanks you may be able to work at. Also, see if there are any research opportunities with your past professors or anybody at your school in a relevant area. You may find that your mentors don't have research for you to work on but are connected to someone who is looking for help. You're going to need a writing sample. I would begin working on that by yourself since you won't be able to really submit anything co-written. If you don't think you'll need a full-fledged MA experience, taking sociology courses as a non-degree student may work -- but typically they are pricey. Depending on what programs you want to be accepted into, you'll probably want to retake your GREs. While a good GRE won't make your application probably, it will keep you in the running.

Best of luck!!!

I would apply to several programs both in the U.S. and elsewhere and make your decision once you have more details about the actual opportunities offered to you than theoretical ones. I say this because I have worried so much about certain programs, and in the end it didn't matter because I wasn't accepted or was accepted to much better places.

I did and honestly, it wasn't so necessary. I was nervous and read my POIs' articles even though I knew that their research interests wouldn't come up. During my meetings, I had forgot all about doing this because it was so irrelevant to what the purpose of the visits are about. I would prep in the sense that you should know what questions you want to ask. But even then, if you forget to ask something you can always follow-up in email. You can also schedule calls with students who you don't have a chance to talk with. Good luck!

Yes, it varies. But because of how grades are inflated in grad school, you should avoid get too many A-s. Some schools don't do grades just "high pass, pass..." etc.

You mean the amount of classes you are required to take per semester?

Yes, I was wondering who else would pick up on the fact these were released today.

I would recommend contacting current students and also ask how accessible the faculty is. I found it odd that they didn't invite MAs to an open house.

Did neither of you apply to MA while applying to the PhD? There was the option to apply to two programs. I did and found out a few weeks ago I was denied from PhD but accepted to MA. If it is still free to apply, I would just do it. Besides the time commitment, it is good to have options. That way you won't regret passing up a possible opportunity. I also doubt they would email everyone who didn't have MA. They don't want to get people's hopes up if they don't have a chance. Also, my offer was without funding. As far as I know, all their MA offers do not include any. Good luck!

I would agree. While I was hesitant to hear about other people calling early in the season, it is pretty late now. I think it is appropriate to call, and if you like UPenn's program more than other's I would not accept your offer until you hear a definitive answer back from Penn.

I've heard about some funding offers not be provided until after the visitation weekend. I think they use it as an extra motivator to choose their school.

I was nominated for a prestigious fellowship at another university and then turned to them with another more competitive offer. I then received another fellowship from them. I would say it is probably in your advantaged to not accept sooner, but rather later. Also, try to use other offers to drive Purdue’s offer up. The second fellowship I had received required that the recipient had NOT accepted admission yet. Specifically, this fellowship was meant to recruit students who may have other offers to persuade them to attend their school. I probably won’t call. It seems like a bit of a strange question and I think it reveals your hand a bit. Good luck!

I would go to both programs visitation weekends. You may find that mentors' and cohort members' personalities can sway your decision if you view the programs as largely comparable. Also, I would agree with montanem. If there are not substantial differences between the programs, go with the one you have a gut feeling for. Climates, proximity to family, etc may sway your decision too. And I think that's valid as long as the programs are similar in quality. If you don't think they offer the same education within your subfield, maybe go with the stronger one. Lastly, look at where they're placing their students. Are they desirable places to live?

I would keep in mind ranking. Unless Columbia and NYU have a sub-field advantage, I would probably go with Princeton. Also, which school has the best regarded faculty. While the financial packages are about the same, you'll want to think long-term about what institution will place you best. Also, cost of living, whether each program offers guaranteed (and subsided) housing, and how family-friendly they seem. Princeton offers a (very) small day-care allowance, I believe. It won't last very long, but it's just something to think about.

From a different field, but to echo a lot of the comments here my partner had a very low GPA (3.25, I think?) but had an otherwise killer application (including very high GRE scores). He was often encouraged not to apply to the best programs, but he did anyways and ended up at the top ranked program in his field.