jetsetter

I was interviewed but didn't get in. However, I'm hearing awful situations about Rutgers unable to adequate fund its cohort this year.

Hi all, anyone admitted to the Soc and Ed PhD program planning to attend this Fall? I'm on the waitlist and I'm curious!

No, not yet. I attended the campus visit event as well. I am not sure if the post on the results page is accurate, however.

NYU released acceptances about a week or so ago. I haven't received any news from them yet but I'm assuming I didn't make the cut.

I think for me, it was the decision to do a master's before applying to a PhD program that really bolstered my application. This had really consequential effect on the way I wrote and presented my research idea in my SOP (I came from a business background and I wouldn't have been able to frame things in a social scientific way). So if you're pivoting, a MA might be a good idea. Even then, I have been told by several POIs that having an MA is certainly an advantage and has the potential to override your undergrad GPA (if it's subpar, etc.). Unfortunately, MAs are super expensive but luckily, I was able to receive assistance to fund this decision. In this sense, you have "control" over whether or not to do a master's. Additionally, you can really try and ace the GREs. I think the whole standardized testing scheme is BS and really does not reflect your capability as a graduate student but certain departments really have a penchant for it and they use it to sift out applicants - which is unfortunate. The test is absurdly costly as well. BUT it is something you have relative control over. Lastly, I would recommend you thoroughly researching various soc programs and really homing in on faculty expertise for research alignment purposes. Review your literature and sharpen your SOP question. I think this can be a real game changer. You can also pick up some new skills along the way, especially if you're more quant.

I haven't received anything from NYU GSAS. I'm guessing it's a rejection :/

No worries, I think you'll be OK. Let's not forget, UIUC is the flagship state public school in Illinois so you're in good hands. That said, it is true that your network tends to be clustered where you do your PhD studies but that doesn't mean that you are bound to be regionally locked there. I think if you are able to produce great research, you are very likely to be hired anywhere. Good luck!

The answer to this question will ultimately depend on the following: 1) What your focus in sociology is going to be and what are you comparing this program to? If UIUC has faculty members whose research aligns with yours better and could provide better mentorship, then you might want to consider attending it. 2) When you say, is it "worth it", are you receiving full funding and stipend? If you have to pay out of pocket, then no, it's nor worth it (assuming this is a 5-year PhD). 3) What your purpose is in getting a Sociology PhD. If you really want to work in academia at big-name schools, then going somewhere with "better" name recognition may be worth considering. But again, this is not an end-all-be-all, it ultimately comes down to your research and publications. 4) Your geographic preference. UIUC is in the middle of nowhere and gets cold winters. Are you OK with being there for 5+ years. Hope this helps!

I haven't heard anything from UCI as well. But I seriously doubt I'll get an offer. I am guessing my application is just sitting in a no pile atm.

Don't overcomplicate it. Just send out those emails to the individual faculties and thank them for their time and that unfortunately, you have decided to accept a program elsewhere. Don't even mention that your choice was a better fit. You can also include one sentence about how you wanted to extend the courtesy of reaching out to them first before declining on the portal.

oh no! Hope you find that cat. Yes, by all means. Send me a list if you need to.

I'll forward you what I told a user in a dm. Feel free to message me for further details and specific questions. Happy to help. This is for everyone to see: I think my experience of the MAPSS program was overall positive. I think we have to approach those forums online regarding the program with a grain of salt. The reality is much more mixed. It is a good program if you know right off the bat that you'd apply to a PhD program soon after. Their numbers (90% PhD placement rate), while impressive, can be misleading. Those numbers only apply to students who they deem to be "competitive enough" to apply. Generally, you'd want to maintain a 3.8 GPA for top-15 programs. So it is from that pool of students they get their placement number. In my opinion, they do a pretty good job of advising you throughout the application process for the PhD. However, it can seem detached at times but I am not sure how much of that was due to COVID. If you're even a bit unsure about doing a PhD, I am not sure the MAPSS program will be right for you. It is a grueling commitment (no program does a thesis-based masters with the expected completion time of 9 months). On top of that, financial aid is awarded but simply not sufficient to justify the high price tag. You DEFINITELY should not do MAPSS if you just intend to go straight back into the work force. The Chicago name is good, sure, but a degree in social sciences is gonna be a hard sell. Lastly, think of this program as a pick your own adventure game. It ultimately comes down to how you select courses, etc. My advice is, should you choose this route, is to go in fully focused with a goal. Use these classes as a way to bolster your capstone thesis. You only get 9 courses so choose them wisely. I graduated undergrad with a business degree and the program was an awesome pivot to the social sciences. I have one fully funded offer so far and I don't think that would've been possible had I not done MAPSS.

Hum, I am not too clear with the timeline but I do remember being informed sometime in March back in 2019.

Are you talking about U Chicago? You may be under consideration for MAPSS. I am a recent grad from that program and the SS PhD programs tend to send some of their applicants to MAPSS.

I feels. I really hope you get into those programs, good luck! Solidarity, solidarity.