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saffasrass

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Everything posted by saffasrass

  1. saffasrass
    I'm in the same boat on Chicago. They definitely don't seem to have made any moves yet, including sending out interview requests.
  2. saffasrass
    In previous years there have been interview requests sent out over a couple of days by Yale, not en masse like Rutgers did this cycle. So my hope is it's up to each POI to send emails to interview who they want.
  3. saffasrass
    She didn't mention how many interviewees (and I didn't have time to ask), but she did say to expect to hear back within the next month. I'm hoping it's within the next two weeks, but I'll take it!
  4. saffasrass
    So for everyone still waiting to have their interview, I just finished mine. It was very informal, and we spent most of the time discussing my research, why Rutgers, and what sort of methods I'm interested in. We had maybe 5 minutes at the end for me to ask questions, but it was overall just sort of a very natural conversation about what I'd discussed in my application and how I saw myself fitting in the department. Best of luck to everyone else, and feel free to DM me if you have any more questions!
  5. saffasrass
    A lot of programs seem to be working a bit slower than last year already, which is interesting to see. I'm mostly worried that some departments will be taking smaller cohorts since they're still dealing with the small 2021/Covid cohorts and then (sometimes) large 2022 ones, as well as potential funding concerns with all the talks of a recession looming.
  6. saffasrass
    Yeah I keep checking my email when I wake up hoping I'll have an interview request. I wonder if they're having to figure out some things administratively about how many spots they'll have with a potential union being formed and an increase in stipends.
  7. saffasrass
    It could be trolling, but previous results do show UNC Chapel Hill tends to send out acceptances in late January. If there's not another acceptance posted in the next day or two, I'd say it's likely fake. Don't give up hope!
  8. saffasrass
    I did interview at other programs previously, so I have some sense for what to expect -- but also both of those schools treated interviews differently. They were both very informal, however, and we spent most of the time discussing my research interests and how they'd fit with the department/my potential advisors. I say definitely don't overthink it, and just make sure you have a few questions you'd like to ask in addition to being prepared to discuss anything and everything in your SOP/other application material.
  9. saffasrass
    I actually didn't apply to Rutgers previously, so I'm afraid not. I did also notice the email wasn't from a potential advisor I listed, although their research does fit mine to an extent. I wonder if they're just sending all invites out from the same individual (initials are A.S.).
  10. saffasrass
    Same! Good luck to us both!
  11. saffasrass
    If the application portal has an option to send a reminder email to your LOR that's definitely one option. Some schools also do have a grace period for late LORs, although they don't advertise that. Best option, I think, is to just wait until 7 P.M. today or so and then send a reminder link/follow up email saying something like "hey there, you should be getting a new link for your LOR submission due tonight. Thank you again so much!" It's frustrating I know, but professors often wait until right before LORs are due to submit them. Good luck, and try not to worry too much about it!
  12. saffasrass
    PhD program deadlines should definitely be treated as hard deadlines. They might offer some grace for GRE scores or LORs to trickle in after you hit submit, but you're definitely too late now.
  13. saffasrass
    Looking back at previous years, most of the chatter started in mid/late December. I feel like we'll likely see more people trickling in as they switch from submitting applications to waiting for decisions.
  14. saffasrass
    That's awesome! Crossing my fingers you get into one of your five choices! I feel like Yale in particular would be a great fit for you (and me too!) I was invited to Notre Dame's group interview on Zoom, which did also have one-on-one sessions with potential advisors, and was waitlisted a week or so after. I also interviewed at my current institution. But yeah, I feel like most schools don't seem to interview in sociology. I'm working on wrapping up my last four applications today. Did you already finish yours? It's always interesting to see how wildly different each school's application process is. I'm so ready to be done writing about myself and my history for a while after this!
  15. saffasrass
    I'm currently at a small, struggling department in the Midwest. When I applied they were a top 50 program, but they've been sliding in the rankings, which is reflected in diminishing funding opportunities and an impending exodus of some junior scholars. Since being admitted, I've added a couple more co-authored publications, won some small fellowships, honed my research interests, gotten summer funding through two RA positions, and secured letters from my committee members who are well regarded in their sub-fields. So, I'm aiming high and targeting schools with strengths in gender, knowledge, culture, political sociology, and methods (or some combination thereof). I'm sending out 9 applications, and if I only get one, it'll still be a better fit than my current situation. I'm lucky to be single and childless, so the only things limiting geography of where I'm applying is not wanting to be in an anti-LGBTQ+ state in our current political climate. What are your research interests?
  16. saffasrass
    I applied the first time in the crazy mid-Covid 2021 cycle, so my experience was definitely a lot different than it was previous years and likely will be this year. But usually the earliest you'll hear from programs is very late January/early February. Schools that do interviews will start sending out invites then, and some schools that don't do interviews will send out acceptances in early February. The biggest tip in general for sociology programs is research fit honestly. Are there at least two faculty in the program who would be good advisors? Does your department claim your research area as one of their substantive areas? So a strong SOP definitely is very important. After that, it varies by program. So the main 'pro tip' is be well rounded and able to articulate what is is you want to research.
  17. saffasrass
    My sense is that if you have taken advanced stats coursework or conducted quantitative research you should be okay to skip submitting the GRE, especially if your quant score is not as high as you'd like. I know that many programs are keeping the GRE optional only because the university won't allow them to completely drop it as a requirement. If you're worried that your coursework and research experience isn't enough to speak for your abilities, you can also ask a LOR writer who is familiar with your ability to mention it in their recommendation.
  18. saffasrass
    Hey everyone, just wanted to bump this post in case anyone lurking has questions or concerns about applications, especially last minute before the deadline for many programs tomorrow. I applied and was offered admission for the 2021 cycle, and now I'm applying to finish my degree at another program that fits my research agenda better. So I both have some experience and am also going through the process again.
  19. saffasrass
    When I transition in my SOP into discussing why the new program is a good fit, and who I want to work with, I have a line that essentially says "while I cherish my time at my previous institution and the opportunity it offered me to hone my research agenda, here's why I'm a good fit for your program." I know for sure that one of my letter writers is also going to mention that I am looking for a more methodologically rigorous program, which also helps. So while I'm not directly addressing why my current program isn't the best fit, I'm hinting just enough that I have valid reasons for re-applying, and doing so in such a way that it doesn't take much critical thinking to realize that I've thought this through and it isn't me just hating where I am. You will definitely need to send your transcripts, yes. Don't hide that you went to another institution before. Just focus your message on why their program is a better fit for you than your last one without bad-mouthing them (or even hinting at it) in any way. LORs from current faculty would help a ton, but if you can't get one, be open with them about your reasons and solicit their advice.
  20. saffasrass
    So I can speak from experience (to an extent). I am currently a second year PhD student applying again to programs that are better research fits. I've secured letters from three members of my guidance committee, and they are the only three faculty at my school who know I'm trying to leave. You should be able to talk to your advisor(s) about the reasons you'd like to move to another department, and as long as they have your best interests in mind, they should offer you valuable feedback and advice. As long as your reasoning for wanting to re-apply is sound and you're open with the faculty you ask for letters, there shouldn't be any drama -- and if there is, it's unlikely you'll suffer any sort of consequences from your department as long as its culture isn't toxic.
  21. saffasrass
    For those of you who have been accepted and committed to a program (or are pretty certain where they will) that are still looking at this thread, I have two questions: 1) Where are you going to attend? 2) Do you know how large your cohort will be?
  22. saffasrass
    If anyone else here has been accepted to Michigan State, let me know! I'd love to chat.
  23. saffasrass
    All my love and support to everyone else currently in limbo, waiting for decisions/on a waitlist/not sure about funding. Hoping for good news for us all soon!
  24. saffasrass
    Still waiting on two decisions, and on three waitlists ? but at least it won't be too much longer before decisions have to be made. Congratulations on your acceptance(s) and making your decision! I hope it's a great fit, and I know you've got an amazing future ahead of you ☺️
  25. saffasrass
    This is exactly where I stand right now. Besides one program I'm waitlisted at, I feel like I could get into a program with a bitter fit in a more normal cycle. So the question is, do I settle if I do get accepted? But we also have to consider that who knows what next cycle will be like... some programs might not have gotten over their funding issues, and might keep smaller cohorts in order to prioritize current students. The uncertainty about next year is honestly the thing that's hardest to overcome. But there's still a bit less than two months before final decisions have to be made, so I can try to put it at the back of my mind for a bit longer.
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