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socio1251

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  1. Like
    socio1251 got a reaction from cranky in Soc Masters - Let's Talk About It   
    If you're aiming for PhD programs in the US, I think it's generally better to do an MA program in the US. If you want to do MA in Europe, Science Po's MA program has a higher yield rate for PhD programs based on my limited impressions.
    In general, I think it's really helpful to get an MA from a prestige university (such as Chicago, Michigan, UPenn, NYU) in the US before applying to PhD programs, at least this is the case for international students. It's certainly not impossible to get in without an MA as an international, but it's been very hard these days.
  2. Like
    socio1251 reacted to lkaitlyn in Let's talk about program rankings....   
    No offense, but if you're going to get a PhD so people think you sound "impressive" because of the prestige of your school, there's a much deeper issue there.
    Yes, though, the stipends are cushy there. But if your goal is R1 placement, forgo the cushy stipend to go somewhere livable but higher ranked than Yale.
  3. Like
    socio1251 got a reaction from julesevar in Looking for sociology programs that are strong in historical and qualitative methods   
    I'd like to propose CUNY Graduate Center, since I feel that at least half of the core faculty are qual. In fact half of my cohort specializes in political sociology or gender issues now. There are several qual workshops organized by students or faculties, including a society and protest workshop. The department also has a historical analysis course and a couple of qual courses in the department every semester.  You can simultaneously get a Women Studies or Critical Studies certificate offered by the Graduate Center(open to all phd students), too. One more plus, you can take ANY related course in other departments within the school or the consortium universities (Princeton, Rutgers, NYU, New School, etc).
  4. Like
    socio1251 reacted to Soc2020 in 2020 FALL APPLICATION VENTING THREAD   
    Finally, after countless weeks of lurking on the forums and getting rejected by universities, I got an offer from Yale!
    I was actually so devastated and frustrated by all the rejections that I just went on a two-day trip to countryside. Today was my second day and I just checked my e-mail at 8:00 PM EST (I live in a different part of the world) to receive an email from Yale GSAS to check the application status. I thought it would be another rejection so I logged on in the bathroom while brushing my teeth, and voila! A surprise! I am very relieved that I don't have to be so anxious anymore. I am also excited to work with the very professor who has been the inspiration for my Master's thesis and PhD topic..
    Although I haven't posted much here, this thread has been one of the few things that helped keep my spirits up the past few weeks. All the encouraging words to not give up hope meant so much to me, although not directed at me. Thank you very much. I hope all of you get great offers in the few days and weeks to come. I'll keep my fingers crossed for all of you.
  5. Like
    socio1251 reacted to Sosci3 in 2020 FALL APPLICATION VENTING THREAD   
    I agree with your advice, it really helps to keep busy. I just wanted to add generally to people that might be frantically checking their email and the results search every so often that sometimes we have to accept what we can't control and trust the process. I say this as someone who has applied in 3 application cycles, finally got my first acceptance this time (waiting to hear back from 4). We have to remember that there are a lot of really qualified candidates fighting for the same limited spots so sometimes these decisions can be arbitrary. The entire application process isn't easy by any stretch of the imagination, regardless of the admission decision, the amount of work (that im assuming) folks put in to get to this point is commendable and I hope that bring you all a little peace of mind as you wait to hear back.    
     
     
  6. Like
    socio1251 reacted to AgumonIsAPokemon in 2020 FALL APPLICATION VENTING THREAD   
    Been through this application cycle three times (2017, 2018, 2019). This is my fourth time and hopefully the last time. One piece of advice I could give is: keep yourself occupied. The daily routine (possibly hourly) of refreshing my email/gradcafe never felt invigorating, at least for me. It mostly consisted of anxiety. 
    During my previous three attempts, which were all unsuccessful (got into a masters course in 2017 though), the waiting game never did any good to me. I only applied to approx 4 schools each cycle but waiting is still waiting. Luckily, having applied to 11 schools this year, I have been pretty busy with work during the day. Hence, pretty successful in distancing myself from the waiting game (also, I currently live in East Asia so the time zone difference does help me). I do still check gradcafe say about 2 to 3 times a day, but keeping myself occupied with other things does alleviate the anxiety caused from the application process. When I am not working, I would go read a book, watch a movie, or improve on my cooking skills (still a terrible chef, but I am trying!). 
    The waiting game will inevitably be somewhat stressful but do stay healthy folks. ? 
  7. Like
    socio1251 reacted to limonchello in Good advice for upcoming campus visits:   
    Came across this on twitter and thought it would good advice for y'all on your upcoming campus visits. Read the whole threat & enjoy!
     
     
  8. Like
    socio1251 reacted to toolkitsocio in 2020 FALL APPLICATION VENTING THREAD   
    Hi!
    I created this with a hope to get people talking if it helps and also to let me know that I am not the only one going through these emotions. If such a thread exists please ignore this and let me know of it so I can join you there. That being said, I managed a total of 17 applications this year and now I am freaking out. The worst part of this period for me is not being engaged in anything else. I left my job to  just focus on these applications and have been without one for 5 months now. While the preparation was good and it hopefully gets me good results, I am in an ocean of uncertainty and anxiety!
    I want to find a job now but I feel it will only be an excuse to not think about this and therefore I will not be totally committed to the job and perform poorly. I can't even muster the strength to write another cover letter now. And this "blank space" is painful! I have no clue of the application now, who is reading it, have the decisions already been made, when will the acceptances come out, etc.
    Apart from the financial cost which has burned my pockets now, the psychological effect is overwhelming. I am not sure what I should do right now! Music, Meditation, have all failed in calming me down! 

    Should I just stop looking at my mails and application status repeatedly and forget that I applied? I am falling short of answers and solutions to this phase. Let alone the fear of what those 17 decision will be !
  9. Like
    socio1251 reacted to lkaitlyn in 2020 FALL APPLICATION VENTING THREAD   
    I was waiting for someone to create this. Gradcafe has seemed so dead this year. You're not alone! ❤️
  10. Like
    socio1251 got a reaction from julesevar in If I can make it there? New York, NY   
    I have lived in Brooklyn in a townhouse room for $550 (with wifi included, hydroelectric and heating are charged separately). You still can find a room under $800 in southern Brooklyn, Queens (forest hills or Elmhurst) or Little Italy (near Chinatown), if you really want to budget a bit. Cooking can save a lot of money, too. For me, I spent $2,400 a month without cooking. I even went small gigs a lot with this budget.
    So this was my personal experience as a grad student four years ago. I know most people will spend much more in NYC. Living in the city is definitely expensive, but if you work really hard, you may still be able to make it. 
  11. Like
    socio1251 reacted to Heidegger's Black Dress in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    First time posting, hoping to commiserate. I unfortunately went 0/8 this application cycle. 
    Based on my discussions with adcomm members/DGSs, a vague transcript from my previous PhD program was fatal. I attended the program for a year, achieved candidacy, but withdrew to care for a family member (father with PDS/Alzheimer's). My previous program had stringent residency requirements and proffered an ultimatum at the conclusion of my two semester sabbatical: return to the city - or within 50km - or have funding withdrawn. I chose the latter. 
    Unfortunately, and at the counsel of my letter writers, I forewent including this information in my SOP. Absent this context - and though my CV made clear my attendance period - many programs read my transcript as indicating I was just now withdrawing from a program I'd attended for four years. Justifiably, they were reticent to admit despite my otherwise favourable profile (4.0 GPA, several publications, many conferences, and a 170/168/6.0 GRE breakdown). 
    Dejected is a word to describe my current mood; soul-crushing annihilation is another! (Mostly kidding.) I'm not entirely sure why I made this post, to be honest. I think vocalizing the failure to a group of people who understand mitigates the sting - and perhaps prepares me for the embarrassing work of alerting all the "You'll get in everywhere!" people in my life as to my rejections. 
    To all the admits: congratulations! I hope to join you all next year. To the rejections: read like you're being paid to, publish like it's your job, and kick next year's ass.
     
  12. Like
    socio1251 reacted to Soc_foucault in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    I think it depends on your relationship with them, but I think a small gift is always appropriate (though not expected)! It's super kind of you to be thinking of them with gratitude
     
    I'm very close with my letter writers. I took one of them to a pinball arcade. For my other letter writer, I donated to a nonprofit that he really loves (Homeboy Industries). For the third, I got him a HydroFlask and wrote him a tongue in cheek card about how he doesn't have to use disposable cups anymore.  I think most people will just be happy that you're considering them and the effort they put in to help you. 
  13. Like
    socio1251 got a reaction from artvandaley in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    Me too! Would love to gain more insights from all of the successful SOPs! With no offer in my hands right now, I am considering re-applying in the upcoming circle. And I would really appreciate it if you are willing to share your SOPs via message!
    Thanks a lot in advance!
  14. Like
    socio1251 reacted to qeta in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    I visited three East Coast schools when the weather was on the verge of a blizzard. During the Brown visit, there was an actual blizzard that stranded all of us for a couple of days. I wore comfortable but stylish clothes, nice winter boots with good treads, and coordinating watches. There is a huuuuuge amount of walking involved during school visits, so paying attention to footwear is a must. Watches were good for keeping track of time while running to make meetings all the time in unfamiliar campuses. I wore a lot of cozy sweaters with woolen skirts (with elastic waists, lol), sometimes long-sleeved dresses, and tights. You will basically be wearing the same clothes from morning to night, so comfort and maybe an amount of unfussiness are good characteristics for your clothes to have. Also packed a lint roller and travel steamer, both of which were very handy.

    It's super-stressful to make the decision, but please try to enjoy the visits! You will be treated like royalty and seriously wooed by faculty, administrators, and graduate students. If you have been admitted, they really want you there and think very highly of your potential to become a sociologist. Also as I told myself prior to the visits, it was likely the only time in academia when I would have so many offers to choose from, so I'd better enjoy myself!
  15. Upvote
    socio1251 got a reaction from b_pud in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    I emailed UC Irvine admission office last week asking about their decisions. The DGS told me that it is not clear at this point if there will be subsequent offers made or when that might occur. I think for all of us not having received UC Irvine decisions, there may still be chances (or just silent rejections in the end).
  16. Like
    socio1251 reacted to syza in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    Geez, this thread went from high anxiety generating to deeply toxic. Feels good that I avoided the forums this time around. My condolences to all the real humans that had to sit through the toxic troll fest.
    Good luck with the arduous path of an academic life for those who will be starting the PhD this year, and my best wishes to those who will try again with applications next year around. I applied to 12 programs last year, and got rejected from all. This time around I applied to 10, and got accepted to 2 programs ranked in the 10s and 2 programs ranked in the 30s. I am really excited about this, especially given that I got into one of my dream schools! Amazing things can happen...
  17. Upvote
    socio1251 got a reaction from Dorkface in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    I emailed UC Irvine admission office last week asking about their decisions. The DGS told me that it is not clear at this point if there will be subsequent offers made or when that might occur. I think for all of us not having received UC Irvine decisions, there may still be chances (or just silent rejections in the end).
  18. Like
    socio1251 got a reaction from tobe_newbee in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    Hug hug* It is definitely a hard time for us. Hope we will eventually find the right place despite all these struggles!
  19. Upvote
    socio1251 got a reaction from SocFresh in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    Hug hug* It is definitely a hard time for us. Hope we will eventually find the right place despite all these struggles!
  20. Like
    socio1251 got a reaction from SocFresh in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    Hug* I'm an international student too and I didn't have time to get a better TOEFL either. For UCs, I've heard that UCI doesn't like international students because of a lack of funding while UCSD usually takes several international students. Hope we can all find the place worthy of our hard work and waits!
  21. Like
    socio1251 reacted to socchi92 in No acceptances so far..   
    Yes! Though I'm no expert, I thought I'd add my two cents. I got several acceptances, but my range of schools varied WIDELY in rank and fit was great at 8/9 of them. I applied to 1 school in the top 5, 1 school in the 5-10 range, 2 schools in the 11-15 range, 2 in the 15-25 range, and 3 in the 26-100 range. Was rejected at the top ranked one and one of the 11-15 ones. SOPs were tailored to each one in the bottom few paragraphs. I'll add that I did not attend a prestigious undergrad and my GRE scores were good, not stellar. 
    Also, if it is helpful in any way, I would also be happy to look over SOPs for future applicants. Again, I'm no expert, but if you want another perspective on it, DM me any time. I also have been writing down some of the things I learned about this process. I don't want to bore you all here, but if anyone would like them, just let me know and we can chat. 
  22. Like
    socio1251 reacted to socparty in No acceptances so far..   
    I agree with you with respect to two-year programs being more feasible for quantitative sociologists. In my case, I was able to crank out a quantitative public health article that sociologists  publish in and put together a 40 page thesis that was a strong writing sample, which was enough to open the door for admission to several top PhD programs. So that worked for me, but it wouldn't for everyone. When I was shopping for terminal MA programs I found more than I expected that offered financial support - some with full tuition remission in exchange for TA work, and some that offered a lot of scholarship money (but no tuition remission). I know resources are limited and not everyone can splurge on application fees, but I wanted to offer this as an option. With so many PhDs on the market these days, a lot of smaller programs have very productive junior faculty happy to work closely with good grad students. Might be an option for some here .
  23. Upvote
    socio1251 reacted to markhame in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    I agree but to be fair you compared it to a quarter life crisis. Usually when people say life crisis its referring to paralysis and stagnation. Maybe also self destructive behavior. While I'm sure its paralyzing and stressful to have a lot of good options it's clear why it might be seen as jarring by some to use that terminology for when your life is clearly moving forward in a pretty obvious general direction and things are going well but you're just stressed out. If I saw someone using that phrase I would assume they have few to no options or they do have options but don't really know what they're doing in life in a much deeper sense than "I don't know if I should go to Harvard or XYZ"
  24. Like
    socio1251 reacted to utley24 in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    Definitely not on the offensive (my original comment was intended to be light and half-joking), just voicing an opinion that, based on the number of likes it's gotten, is shared by many others here. Just think everyone needs to keep in mind how many people are coming to this forum with a lot of anxiety, disappointment, and rejection in tow.  
  25. Like
    socio1251 reacted to utley24 in Interviews/Acceptances/Rejections Fall 2019   
    I appreciate your attempt to be diplomatic, but on a thread like this with so many people dealing with rejection and their dreams crumbling, to randomly post about having a quarter-life crisis and crying over a decision about which elite school to go to is annoying at best and callous at worst. 
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