Fizzy Bubelach

Hi! I'm starting grad school in sociology. If anyone gets this, are any of you in town yet? I've been here for about 2 months, but just saw this post... Any of you going to the bar night tonight? (Aug. 4)? -Jon

I thin someone mentioned this, but try to get recommendations from people who went to the schools you are applying to. Call it nepotism, but it works. It just makes sense a glowing recommendation from a known entity is better than a glowing recommendation from an unknown. When I was talking to DGSs at the various schools they specifically cited the recommendation of my professor that they knew, and I have to imagine that all three of my LORs said roughly similar things. Sociology is a small world. These guys meet at conferences, collaborate, and stay in touch, so a recommendation from someone they knew goes a long way.

Duke. Found out pretty late, but was able to squeeze a visit to all of them...

Turned down Irvine, UMD, and UNC. Hardest, and particularly with one school, saddest decision I've made in a long, long time. Hope it works out for me!

No one has anymore thoughts? It's a pretty concrete example of Rank vs. Person/Specialty...I know there must be some (strong) opinions out there..;

Thank you for the replies! I hope I did not come across as ungrateful for my position. I'm very lucky. I have only great options. I'm just hoping that people on this board can help me think of some angles that I won't think of...consider it an exercise in the strength of weak ties...we do want to be sociologists don't we? Thanks again!

Haha! Thanks goodmp, Thanks for replying and the graph! UNC is absolutely a great program. And the people I've spoken to in the program love it. It's definitely going to be a tough choice, though, I suppose, it's something that, in the end, has to come down to just me. Still, I'm hoping that by posting, I'll get a lot of input and someone will bring something up that I hadn't thought of. Thank you again for the response! And maybe I'll be seeing you next year in Chapel Hill

Sorry for the repost, but I just found out I got into University of Maryland as well as University of North Carolina Chapel Hill! Before that, I was set to go to UC Irvine. I saw one poster mentioned UCI's strength in social networks. This is my main interest as well. I'm interested in social networks, social movements, radical groups. Along those lines. Right now, I'm leaning more towards something non-academic post graduation, and I saw someone mentioned that academic jobs are a bit tougher coming out of UCI...I don't think this will be a factor for me. Here is my pro/con list UCI: Pro -Probably the best in networks right now -The faculty seems really collaborative both intra- and inter-departmentally -Weather? Con -I'm an east-coaster, so far from home, friends, family -Far from serious girlfriend who would like a job in DC UNC Pro -Really highly ranked program -Generally strong department -Chapel Hill? Con -Not sure how much work is being done in social networks. Talked one professor, but not sure how much is actually going on -Still far from friends, family, etc. -Chapel Hill? UMD Pro -Ties to government and proximity to DC, where I can see myself working after graduating-Close to friends, family, girlfriend etc.-Seems to have growing faculty in social networks. Spoke to a few professors. There's a network group on campus, data visualization lab, etc. Con -Not as known for networks as UCI-Not as highly ranked as UNC I want to make a decision as soon as possible to give others a chance to get off the wait-list. I would be grateful for any input! Tough calls, though I can't complain. Thank you!

Hi Dr. Jimmy, Thanks for the reply. I'm trying to cast a wide net on opinions for this one. It's a tough call for me because of the work Carter Butts is doing at UCI. Also, you were right on the Cost of Living between CH and Irvine. The funding is roughly the same... Any body else want to take a shot? THANKS AGAIN!

Sorry about that. University of California-Irvine & University of North Carolina- Chapel-Hill

I just found out I got into University of North Carolina Chapel Hill! Before that, I was set to go to UC Irvine. I saw one poster mentioned UCI's strength in social networks. This is my main interest as well. I'm interested in social networks, social movements, radical groups. Along those lines. Right now, I'm leaning more towards something non-academic post graduation, and I saw someone mentioned that academic jobs are a bit tougher coming out of UCI...I don't think this will be a factor for me. Also, my funding offer was higher for UCI (~30%), but part of that could be living expenses? Not sure. Does anyone have any thoughts??? I never thought I was going to be in a position of choosing between schools! Thank you! ________ Edited the names of the schools