t_ruth

There wasn't that much data on there as far as I saw... For many of the schools I looked at, the scores of those rejected were higher than those accepted, which told me after a point, other factors matter more.

while the above is probably a bit harsh, I kind of agree. I'm hoping this board isn't representative of the real pool of applicants and I actually stand a chance (because right now it is pretty depressing to be at the bottom of the majority of the stats posted here)

UC Irvine has a similar request for dual statements. I'm facing the same dilemma.

I didn't know GPA affected jobs so much... From what I've seen, the job market is all about who you know. Have you tried a networking site like linkedin to leverage any connections you have (and your parents, family and friends have)? Also, what about getting a teaching certificate and teaching a year? There are always accelerated summer programs to quickly turn out teachers for needed areas.

I think the response you've gotten above is a good one. Just wanted to let you know you aren't alone. I also have a 6-month-old (and a three year old) and am applying for PhD programs for next year. The timing might be tight, but I think it is doable if you take the GRE ASAP - you can always give them your scores off the computer/phone before you get your official report in the mail (you get the computer score right away and I got my percentiles on the phone about a week before I got my mailed scores). Good luck!

I think your GRE is relatively strong, especially as a combined score, so I wouldn't sweat that. One thing, I graduated college at 19 as well, and have changed careers three times since then because I don't think I really knew what I wanted, so your age, while it impresses, might also raise an eyebrow re: dedication, kwim? Of course, you are not me, but in hindsight I realize 19 was so young...

most of the application systems I've used have a "send reminder" option.

that's what I assumed too.

thanks rising_star. Not sure I feel comfortable going that public with it, especially in its rough state oh well, it was worth a shot.

not sure why it sounds like a bad idea...especially if we aren't applying for the same schools and areas. It's not like I'm looking to copy someone, I already had mine written and was looking to exchange feedback/proofreading with someone (as my first post says). Geesh, all the SOP advising sites say to have someone look it over. Methinks people here are paranoid.

Would someone be interested in or willing to exchange statements of purpose and feedback? PM me and we can email each other. I've been trying to write one for weeks and finally was able to put a draft together! I have no idea why I was so stuck (that usually doesn't happen to me with writing). Thanks!

I've heard that rising_star, but my thinking is for those of us who are returning to school after a period of time (or coming from a professional degree), the GRE scores serve as a way to demonstrate our current academic competence, but I could be wrong...

It seems a lot of weight is placed on the quant section even for social sciences as they see it as a measure of analytical thinking, so if you have the time and the money, I'd retake. oh, btw, I think I sent you a PM or an email about the law to education thing. Nice to have someone in the same boat

I think that's true rising_star about the ranks to some extent; however, there are always going to be superstar schools (top four or so) where the name will look good on your CV no matter what you are studying and will always attract great people, and there are also going to be schools at the other end. I'm applying to one of those super prestigious schools and that is my reach, then I'm applying to schools in two categories, say 10-30 in the rankings and 31-50 in the rankings. I think within those groups I'm giving much more consideration to fit than ranking. If I applied to something that was tier 3 or 4, I might consider that a safety, but I don't think I'd be very happy going there, so am not applying to any of those.

neat! too bad there probably won't be any data this year yet.

Some of the schools I'm applying to ask for photocopied GRE scores so they can match them with the ones ETS sends. After reading this, I'm happy to do that for them!

I don't think I'm applying to any 'safety' schools, but 1 uber reach, 3 very good schools, and 6 pretty good to good. I'm in social sciences though, where I'm guessing there are a million applicants for every spot.

I'm certainly not listing everything, but in my case, some of my swimming teacher jobs were relevant because they were for profoundly mentally handicapped students in public school and as part of my job I developed an appropriate curriculum. Almost all my teaching jobs were special projects that are different from what most people have, so I feel they need to be there to present a complete picture, especially given my intended area of study. I think I've decided on that As for the scholarships, that's a good point. I have one smaller one from undergrad that I probably will take out. Not sure if I should list my undergrad's "faculty scholars" which was a full tuition merit scholarship? I didn't apply for it (it was an automatic). Does that take it out of the realm of notable? Thanks!

I'm going for Educational Psychology, so I'm thinking all teaching is more relevant in this field than others, that's the challenge. But I've had over ten different jobs teaching workshops, college students, and working as a teaching assistant. I have other jobs teaching elementary school, high school and swimming, and I suppose I can condense those...it's a strange area since teaching experience is also relevant professional experience related to my field, right? ETA: I just took a look at some more faculty CVs in my area w/these particular questions in mind and many of them are ten pages long! Many also include k-12 teaching gigs under their "teaching experience." That makes me a feel a bit better about spelling it out. Probably better to have it there than not, especially with a convoluted background like mine

It's not publications making it long, it's teaching and work experience. I've held lots of varied teaching jobs, and have been out of college for 11 years (plus I started teaching before I was in college). Should I just condense them into general categories of teaching? Oh, and do you list all your scholarships under "awards"? That makes it a bit long too...

thanks again! I loved that you included details on a paper you were acknowledged in. I have two of those, so I followed your format and included an "acknowledged in" section.

understood, thanks. I've seen both detailed and non-detailed CVs. I figured that since I was such a non-traditional student I'd have to describe how my 'relevant work experience' was actually relevant (not sure if someone in psychology actually knows what a Judicial law clerk is, kwim?). Also, mine is super long any way because of tons of teaching experience. Is it important to keep it short (right now it is three pages)?

Thanks! Can I ask why you didn't write more about your research experience, like the tasks you completed?

I was 100 points lower on my verbal test than in practices too so I feel you on the 'what gives?' aspect. From what I've seen, most programs have a min. somewhere under 1100, so you are at least good there. Probably best just to concentrate on the rest of your application now.

I have found samples for Ph.D. candidates already in school and for faculty of course, but haven't found any good samples for anyone applying. I'd love some links if you can share! Thanks!