Sociology1988

I would suggest taking the exam again after using the Nova GRE Math Prep Course Book (http://www.amazon.com/GRE-Math-Prep-Course-Novas/dp/1889057592). I took the exam yesterday and got a 550V and 800Q after using this book to prepare. It is VERY comprehensive and has a good amount of practice questions. Work hard and you can easily improve that quantitative score!

First of all, thank you all for taking the time to help me out here. Your insight has truly put everything in perspective regarding the competitive nature of graduate admissions. Here's what I've gathered: -shoot high, but apply to a broad range of schools and don't get my hopes up (be realistic with myself) -ask professors to work with them on their present research (this is in the works) -MA programs are helpful in many ways and should be considered, but expense might not be worth it FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS: 1. Would a professor at a nearby school ever employ a graduate of a different institution? Would I be wise to ask nearby departments if they need research help, apart from my university? 2. Hypothetically, if I were to get into a tier-2 Ph. D. program such as University of Florida (just using for an example, I mean no disrespect) with full funding, how often do people leave after receiving their master's for better programs? Is this looked down upon? Does leaving effect funding? When would I apply for other Ph.D. programs? Thanks again, and good luck to everyone awaiting replies from departments!

General Applicant Profile: Overall GPA.: ~3.89 GRE: Taking in late summer, assuming around 1250-1300 range, I'm not brilliant by any stretch, but expect a respectable score Writing Sample: Thesis written this summer Recommendations: Professors within solid program and large university Research experience: Absolutely none other than thesis Being that I have very little research experience, I am tremendously worried about applying to top universities this coming fall (hopefully top 25). Questions: 1. If you plan on doing research in the coming year (say Winter/Spring/Summer 2012), can this experience be documented on an application, although it is presently unrealized? 2. Are applicants coming right out of undergraduate programs at a severe disadvantage without such research experience? 3. How should I go about gaining such experience, apart from contacting professors at my university and begging to work for them? Is that essentially my only option? 4. Is it worth waiting a whole year to gain experience in order to get into a better school if I'm ready to go now? What jobs will look good? Where to look for such jobs? 5. Master's Program first? Anyone have experience doing this and know about how it effects Ph.D. admissions? Conclusion: I know these questions vary from person to person, but I am a very open-minded individual and am excited to hear what people have to say. I'm willing to do anything to better my chances regarding admissions, to ensure that I get the opportunity and experience that we all desire. Thank you all!