Triangular

Hi all, The title pretty much sums it up, when do you think is too early to list a potential publication on a CV? I am in the very beginning stages of working with a former professor on an article and we do plan to get it published. However, this is a continuation of research I have been working on for over a year and have already put a great deal of work into, so I want the effort toward publication to be noticed by the admin committee. Does that sound too much like cv padding? I do mention it in my SOP, but it is difficult to resist the temptation to have a bit longer of a CV as a pre-PhD academia hopeful, I'm sure many out there can relate. Thanks for your help!

I'm in the same boat, one school is asking for a diversity statement but I don't really have anything I would call diversity experience. Can anyone comment on how appropriate (or not) it might be to talk about coming from a low SES background, first gen college student, etc. as a form of diversity? I certainly see it that way but I'm worried the admin committee might see it as forced or irrelevant.

Yes! I am interested in religion and media, so no matter which program it is I would want to study the same topic. That's why I think it might make sense to apply to both, but as you mention my fear is they will see it as indecisiveness about the PhD or something. I'm glad to hear someone else who feels that it could actually be a strength, and I like what you said about making it clear that the MA would not *only* be a method to pave my way for the PhD, so I will keep in mind to make it clear that I see the MA as valuable in itself, with or without the PhD at that school afterward. After all, it will certainly help increase my preparation for doctoral study moving forward. Thanks for your response and good luck deciding on yours as well! Though I think we have both answered our own questions that it could be a very good idea.

Hi all! Would it be possible to sneak my name on the list as well? I am applying to communication/media studies but it is very much with a sociology/anthro research angle. Glad to read anyone's who is willing to check out mine!

Hi All, I have been lurking for a while, but this is my first post. Just want to say first that the advice found here has been really helpful. I am applying to PhD programs in Communication & Media for the Fall 2017 semester. My top choice program has a lot of research going on specifically in the area I want to study, there are several faculty who can support it, I like the geographical area, culture of the department is apparently very supportive, and it just seems to fit all around. Since my background is primarily in religious studies not communication (though I do have social sciences/quantitative experience), I am worried that I may not make the cut on applications. This same school has a religious studies master's, I think there might be some funding available, and the faculty of that program often work with faculty in my target program on their research. If I were to be able to get funding, I would have no problem with getting a second master's (I have an M.Ed.) if that would help my chances of getting into this Communication PhD program in the future. In other words, I think it is such a great fit for my interests that it may be worth such an investment. My question then is whether applying to a master's in a different department (though with faculty doing similar research) would reflect negatively on my doctoral application in another department? Since the PhD program is my ultimate goal, I certainly don't want an additional application to have a negative impact. However, if they would not consider me for the PhD and would for the MA, I would be glad to do so in order to work with these faculty. Any advice on this, or anyone ever in a similar situation? Thanks so much for your input! *Mods, I was a little uncertain about the best place to ask, so if you feel this should be in another category, please feel free to move it!