hopefulprimate

Yes that'd be great! I'll DM you.

I'm applying to PhD programs that have a focus in primatology and I'd be incredibly grateful if someone would be willing to look over my SOP + personal statement! I'd love to DM you a copy. Thanks!

I'm interested in nonhuman primate behavior, particularly hierarchical structures and how dominance shapes health outcomes. Applying to: UC-Davis (Animal Behavior, which is a graduate group in their Psych program I believe), University of Michigan (Biopsychology), CUNY (Physical Anthropology, NYCEP), and Stony Brook (Physical Anthropology, IDPAS) Undergrad Institution: Top ranking public school Years out of undergrad: 1 (by Fall 2021) GPA: 3.394/4.00 - Psychology (major), Environmental Studies (minor) Strength of LOR: I have one very strong recommender that I did research with, one from a pretty famous psych professor (but is a clinical psychologist, so outside of my research area), and I'm waiting to hear back from a professor about being my third. He's a geography prof, so again, outside of my research area. Research: - I was in a nonhuman primate focused undergraduate research lab for 2 years. - Have a publishing credit on a science blog post, and have a research paper currently under it's second round of reviews for the American Journal of Primatology. I doubt it'll be published by the time apps are due though. - I've done one digital poster presentation (digital b/c covid), and have a pub credit for a poster that was presented at a primatology conference, but I was unable to attend. Internship/Volunteer: - Volunteered at a local women's shelter doing child care - Was briefly a notetaker for students who received accommodations through the university's disability services I think my biggest weaknesses are my GPA and my lack of field experience. All the programs I'm applying to have some sort of rural primate research field site. I have reached out and made contact with potential advisors from each school. One at UMich said our interests align, but due to COVID, admissions are extremely competitive, so he may not be able to take a grad student- but said if I was on the admissions short list, to get back in touch. Another person from UMich mirrored a similar sentiment. Haven't heard back from anyone from UC-Davis. I have a zoom meeting with someone from CUNY. For Stony Brook, I'm awaiting a reply from one man, and another woman got back to me, but is on sabbatical so is delaying zoom calls at the moment. Edit: I did want to note, that I was set to go abroad to volunteer at an animal sanctuary that housed nonhuman primates, but because of Covid, I was unable to go. Not sure if I should include my intent in my application. I'd love to hear any thoughts. Thanks!