letsgetit21

Hey everyone! I applied to PhD programs last cycle and was part of the brutal back to back rejections most of us seemed to get. In the course of one day, I was rejected by 6 programs almost back to back in February! And rejected from the rest of programs later that week (with the exception of 1 wait list - which turned into a rejection in April!). I turned to applying to MS programs and was accepted into each program I applied to. I accepted a spot in a funded masters program. I don't like my geographic location (like absolutely loathe it) and I know I want a PhD, so I've reapplied to a much narrower group of departments this cycle. We'll see how it goes. Similar to what @THS mentioned, other departments on my campus are searching far and wide for people to TA courses (mine is medium sized and the MS students cover most TA needs). Though, I'm not sure about departments taking more students. This is a logical conclusion, though! Since most grad students are already working, some departments are turning to grad students in related disciplines and even hiring advanced undergrads to TA. Most of this issue stems from HUGE freshman intro courses which typically require TA support. (And graduate students are exploited laborers due to justifiable low wages - but that's a topic for another thread!)

I’m also in a funded MS soc program. I’d definitely start by talking to your program about where people end up. Here are a few places I know people from my program have gotten jobs (this is only graduating with the MS in Sociology): - adjunct Prof of sociology -full time lecturer of sociology (yeah, you don’t need a PhD to be a lecturer!!) - local food bank owner/operator, employee -policy analysis (local, state, & national govt) - NORC - Several nation wide non profits (you can find a large non profit in your area of interest. For example, I’m interested in sociology of higher education so I’d navigate toward ASHE, AREA, NEA, etc) - several internships available on Capitol Hill. Check with your Congressperson and Senator office

I would look at your ability to connect with faculty. And compare the 2 institutions on faculty mentorship and publication ability, tbh. If you're more likely to have meaningful relationships with faculty at the MA program, go there!

This is a good question. The advice I've received is that the more research experience on your application, the better. If you can still research while applying to PhD next fall, I'd say to wait. Otherwise, I'd recommend pursuing a Masters - so long as it's funded - wherever you have the best "fit."

I'd agree with @PopStudieshere. If this MA program is something you really want, I'd respond with Yes, I have been offered admission at University X with funding. However, I feel I'd be an excellent fit at MA University and I am open to considering all opportunities presented. Just like a job, if they want you there, they'll compete for you and telling them you've already been admitted elsewhere would just heighten the competition for you.

I thought the same thing at first, but I really found they were overall less competitive this cycle. An excellent fit on a MAster's program is likely to yield good results for PhD applications later on

It's really not too late. Most MA/MS Sociology programs still have their applications open. They're a bit harder to find than the PhD programs, but they're out there

With such a competitive cycle, I'm curious as to why so many of us are turning away from MA/MS programs in Sociology? Is there an inherent negative to doing so? My faculty mentors have consistently told me if I'm rejected from PhD programs and dedicated to the field then a funded MA program is a viable alternative. Why does everyone seem to be so against it? Personally, I've applied to 4 MA and or MS programs in Sociology as a back up to being rejected from PhD programs. Thus far, I've received one offer of admission into the Master's Program with a funded teaching assistantship & tuition waiver, and I'm awaiting results from the other 3 programs. Thoughts, comments, concerns, questions, quandaries? I'd love to discuss!

Personally, I am taking it as a rejection. That's what happened to me with other schools - acceptances went out and 2-4 weeks later I got a rejection

Can anyone confirm that they're the one rejecting their offer from IU Bloomington? Updated myself on the most recent results this AM and I don't wanna have false hope Thanks :)

It's been a tough 2 weeks for rejections, but IU Bloomington was my #1 - while I'm not accepted, I'm hopeful that I have a chance.

I'm writing this as a reminder that: "you are enough - you are SO enough - it is UNBELIEVEABLE how enough you are" - Sierra Boggess From the looks of the forum, several schools are making decisions this week. It's important to remember that, regardless of your admission decision, you are an accomplished individual! You felt accomplished enough to apply to a GRAD SCHOOL - making that decision alone was hard, I know. We all want in, we all feel that burning desire to pursue our education, and that fire alone will carry you into your next steps regardless of what happens this week. How I'm Managing My Application Anxiety This was a hard one. But, I've turned - many, many times - to this forum in order to not feel alone. 1. Remind yourself that you're not alone there are hundreds of people across the world waiting to hear back from these Sociology programs. 2. LIMIT YOUR TIME ON APPLICATION PORTALS!! A couple weeks ago, I was checking application status 9-12 times a day - so much so that I couldn't focus on my schoolwork for my last semester of undergrad. The applications were all consuming. I now limit myself to only check gradcafe & ALL application portals at 7:00 pm each day unless I receive (hopefully) and email from a school to check the status. Now, remember, if you have a hard time doing this, that's OKAY! Don't beat yourself up. Good luck, stay sane, and we'll talk soon.

I'm right there with you. But, it's not over until the last bird sings. Considering a MS from my undergrad if I don't get in this cycle.

Hey! Thanks for all that info, it's really helpful. Where have you been interviewed/where did you apply to?

Thank you for this! I've been seeing all the Rutgers interviews, and I keep getting nervous because I haven't heard back

Good luck in your interview!! I'm sure you'll do well - remember it's 99% confidence. Let us know how it goes

I haven't heard anything back yet, either. My status is still no decision.

Wouldn't that be nice! Hoping for a quick process though..... hoping...

Hey! I've applied for a lot of programs: UGA, UMich, UI Bloomington, Rutgers, UNC Chapel Hill, UT Austin, Ohio State, & UWashington. I'm still finishing up my Penn State application. I'm anxious to start hearing back from programs, just wanna know where I have/have not been accepted to.