laekkauai

@SerenityNow! Where did you end up attending?

@Miss J, did you end up at Duke as your choice of program? And if so, how was your application process, financial aid, and current experience? Any insight on the program and life in Durham would be appreciated!

@Peachy812 do you have any insight on Duke's MEM minimum requirements? I'm applying this year too. I struggle with math and couldn't break 154 ☹️. I'm still going to apply with my first score since my retake was actually two points lower in quant and 2 points higher in Verbal. Wondering if a 315 composite is good enough given that the quant part is so low.

Ugh. Retook the GRE today and my composite score is exactly the same. Verbal was 2 points higher and Quantitative 2 points lower. My old score was 161V and 154Q 5.0AW. Do I even have a shot at the programs I'm looking at? - MS Sustainable Design and Construction at Stanford -Masters Environmental Management at Duke -MS Environmental Science at Indiana Bloomington

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone here would be willing to look over my statement of purpose? I have a social science background (work as a planner in an architecture and planning firm) but I'm applying to a Master of Science program in Sustainable Design and Construction within the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The program is a bit more planning/design/life cycle assessment focused, but I'm still worried since I don't have a strong background in STEM.

Thanks @rising_star -- I didnt see your response til now! I've emailed a couple programs. One suggested getting an MS in environmental science. Another didn't say either way, though said to contact them when I'm interested. I've spoken to one of my references, and she seems to think that it might be worth it to try applying directly to a PhD. My other mentor had suggested this earlier this year as well. I'm just really doubting my previous coursework (I definitely want to learn more in environmental chemistry and toxicology) -- though I know that PhDs are also made up of coursework to solidify one's area of expertise... Now considering applying to one PhD program to give it a shot since my GPA and GRE scores are within the average range that they posted on their website. Will also be applying to Master's programs as well.

I've been looking at 3 different MS programs related to environmental science/sustainable design. However, I only really am interested in one of the programs for both the courses and location (other two seem to be in less liberal states, and honestly quite worried as POC student in this political climate). Should I still go through with applying for all three programs? My dream program is probably also the hardest to get into.

I'm not sure how qualified I am to be applying for a PhD in Environmental Science/Policy. I already have an Masters in Urban Planning but it was more of a professional master's program. I'm looking into programs that are interdisciplinary and that offer research opportunities in the human dimensions of the environment. Since working in the architecture and planning industry for the past three years (and seeing how messed up the system is) I really want to get out and conduct research on my local environmental/development governance systems as it relates to actual data. Problem is I don't have prior research experience. I did slightly above average in my undergraduate and master's programs GPA-wise, and I have yet to take the GREs (scheduled, but haven't taken it yet). I think I have 2-3 professors from within the past four years I could reach out to for recommendation letters, and am considering asking a supervisor here in my company for the third. A professor from my time in my master's program has suggested going straight into a PhD and not getting a second Master's. However, I feel ill-prepared in terms of prerequisite courses/research experience. Is this the best way to go about it, then apply for an MS if rejected? I'd also like to know if it's worth a shot at applying at all given my relatively poor stats as a candidate. Thanks in advance.