stevemont

Thank you both. I am trying to find a school that will allow me to take a grad class on a non-degree basis this fall. NYU does not permit it for Sociology, and Rutgers does, but they have no evening or weekend schedules, and I still work full-time (work in NYC, live in NJ). I agree that will help to bolster my case. As for my GRE scores, they were taken in '07 so they are current. Any other advice on what prep I should do since I am coming from a completely different field? Also, is my weak undergrad school a killer, or do I still have a shot at a top program?

I would like to apply to some PhD programs in Sociology (starting in Fall '09), but am not sure exactly how good of a program I am qualified for since I have no academic background in the field besides SOC 101 and 102 as an undergrad. Obviously, I would love a top 10 school with funding, but I don't know if I have a shot. Right now, UNC seems to be the best fit for me, but really, I am just curious to hear from those out there who are a bit more in tune with the world of grad schools (I have been out of school for 10 years) where they think I could apply with a realistic shot. Below is some basic information to help you provide your opinion. Thanks in advance to anyone who replies. Pros - 3.86 undergrad GPA, 710 Verbal GRE, 740 Quant GRE, 5.5 GRE W, success in current career (Vice President) Cons - weak undergrad school (Dowling College), unrelated major (marketing), unrelated career (advertising sales) Wild Cards - age (32 at time of application), married w/ child Also, for the writing sample, what are the requirements? I have been out of school for so long that anything I provide from my undergraduate study is basically a product from another person. I have changed greatly in the past 10 years. Again, thanks in advance for any advice/information.