I'm trying to prepare to apply to master's programs for next year, Fall 2021. I applied for this application cycle and got into 1/5.
I am a Liberal Studies major looking to continue on in academia and study English (rhetoric, critical and cultural theories). I applied to masters programs for this Fall. I only got into one program, it wasn’t one of my top choices and I did not get funding. They recommended their online program which is more affordable, I chose not to do either.
I will be speaking with my advisor but the earliest appointment available is the end of next week, I also at this point feel conflicted about the advice I have already gotten from them. Not completely their fault, now getting some outside advice I realize I didn't fully understand how to prepare (pick classes, do undergrad research, etc). I am an online student and I only have professors for 7 week courses; I didn't create some connections with professors but I am sure it is not the same as with in-person classes. So, I think there is a chance my LOR's were on the weak side.My gpa was a lot lower than I would have liked (3.0/4.0), I did not take the GRE because the programs I applied to did not require it. I may take it this time around to apply to more programs.
I have not graduated yet I am in my last semester--
QUESTION: I’m curious if it would be beneficial to stay in undergrad for another year to try and get a research position (I haven’t done any research) and do a minor to boost my gpa. I could do a minor in English and I’m thinking this would look good on my transcripts as well since I’m trying to get into English programs. I only took 4 upper division English courses. It would also possibly allow me to network/get better LORs. I am assuming this could help me get into other programs next round. I just don’t know if this sounds crazy and is a waste of time or if this is a good strategy. Is this worth the time and money? My gpa is low due to ADHD and mental health which I am working on. I’m determined to not let it stop me. I feel that I could do very well in courses for the minor.I want to do a PhD (and hopefully at a top program in my field-UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Irvine, Yale, Carnegie Mellon, etc.) and I have heard that where you do your MA can affect where you get in for a PhD; I just want to figure out what to do next and how to go about strengthening my applications so I have a chance at good MA programs. A few MA programs I am looking at are Colorado State, San Jose State, Carnegie Mellon, Pennsylvania State.Thank you!
