ls19

Thanks for the response, Psygeek. And I absolutely agree, even at larger schools you have to be in with the right people to get publications. Also, what does SoP stand for? Statement of purpose? "In the end you want to say I want to communicate I want to be an academic researcher and this is why I want this PhD on this topic." Spot on. I hope that I get that across in my personal statements.

Hello all, I am a senior Psych/Sociology major graduating this December. I'm applying to PhD programs in the hopes of teaching at the university level and/or researching, either for universities or in the private sector. I feel confident that I could get into a good portion of the schools on my list (2-3 reaches, 3-4 in which I'm an above average candidate, and 3-4 where I am far above the average candidate.) However, I go to a fairly small liberal arts college in Texas. It is by no means a research school, but I've tried to make the best of it. Program of interest: Social Psychology or Experimental with social specialization Research interests: socialization, social identity and constructions, interpersonal relationships/communications, conflict Schools: University of Washington, UT-Austin, University of Wyoming, University of Nevada-Reno, Washington State, Portland State University, Oregon State University are the "for sures," but I have another 15 or so that could also make the list. Worries about applying: GRE scores, research experience/publications and number of schools to apply to. My scores were 159 verbal/152 quantitative/4.5 analytical. That puts me at above 80th percentile for writing, but slightly below 50th percentile for math. Much of the math section was algebra and geometry, which I have not practiced in several years, and my teachers in HS weren't the best. I tried to brush up before the GRE, but I don't know how much it helped. I feel like my verbal/analytical scores as well as my GPA made up for that though. My adviser has suggested possibly taking a master's level stats course at my school in the Spring. Some have suggested retaking the GRE, but I will be busy this semester and money is an issue. My other main worry is my research experience. I don't have any publications nor any formal presentations (yet). I will be presenting a research project I developed on my own at the university's undergraduate research forum this fall. If it's completed in time, I will apply to present at the Southwestern Psychological Association in spring 2018. I will also aim to present at the Honors symposium on campus during spring. Lastly, I will be submitting my research paper for study abroad as my honors capstone, which I also intend to present somewhere. What makes me feel slightly better at least, is that I have a breadth of experience: I've traveled to regional and national conferences (not to present, mind you), studied abroad in London, interned at a local mental health center for the past year, and have been active in the honors program since I entered school. I have been student assistant of the honors program for the past 3 years and am now the chair of the Honors Student Committee, after having been vice chair. Basically, although I may not have as much experience to show that other applicants might, the intentions are there and I'm certainly making progress in some areas. I'm hoping that showing the dedication will be enough, even if I am underwhelming in the research area. Not worried about: Undergrad GPA (~3.8) and LoR. All of three professors for my letters I have had several courses with. One professor of which, I studied abroad in London with this past summer. Another is my adviser and has worked with me closely on an independent research project of mine. The third was my professor for Personal Relations class and Writing in Psychology, as well as being the new chair of the department (which might reflect better?) The LoR might save me, as they will explain my situation better.