sociology27

This is just second hand babble, but I think these types of interviews aren't like tests, or interrogations. They're probably going to want to know, why sociology? why emory? and if you can talk a little more about your research interests. That's my guess. I think if you have solid answers to those questions you'll do fine. But take what I'm saying with a grain of salt because I've never done one before. I can't imagine they're going to ask you very specific theory questions though. good luck.

Harvard did last year. Notre Dame maybe.

aaannnd there's another one... anyone??

Someone posted a U. of Chicago acceptance on the results board already!? This seems really early. I didn't apply there but I'm curious if this is for real. Anybody want to claim it?

Yeah, I guess I'm not really sure about the vague label they throw out there... are they really saying anything outside the top 20 is low status? Like you, I'm applying to three tiers... 5 in the top 20, 5 in the 20-40 range and 2 in the 40-60 range. I know I'll be set (as much as one can be) if I get into any of the first tier, and I know I'll be in trouble if I'm in any of the third. I'm just kindof lost with the second. Though I don't think I'll be teaching at a community college (which I have no problem with in actuality, and prefer to landing a position in a small, rural liberal arts school), I'm wondering if I can land a job at a large, PhD granting institution. The more I've learned about the selection process the more 1) I'm grossed out by the hypocrisy and 2) I'm thinking I should've applied to more top tier programs. I'll try to hold off the neurosis until I at least hear back from the schools... "try" being the key word. Thanks for your comments.

I applied to a good amount of schools in the 20s and 30s because of fit... but I've been wondering recently how good of placement I can expect if I go there. I'm not looking for ivy league placement or anything, but is it fair to say that going to a school ranked in the 20s/30s will still give me a good chance at a placement at a PhD granting institution? Or will going to someplace ranked near 30 make it very difficult to get place anywhere in, let's say, the top 60? Thoughts? Similar concerns?

Karlito- There's no trace of my writing sample in mine either. Also, it says that the recommendations were not submitted, although the online application confirmed their submission. I think the system is just backed up and they haven't updated it. The fact that we both submitted our stuff, yet cannot locate it in the credentials section leads me to believe that it's a system glitch.

I just found out that a paper I wrote and submitted will be published in an undergraduate journal. As it is my first and only publication, I would like to make sure it is noted in my application. Does anybody have suggestions about the best way to accomplish this, as I've already submitted my apps to all my schools? Help would be appreciated.

For people applying to U. of Michigan... when you go on the U-M Pathways thing and check your application status... does it have the status of both your transcripts and recommendations as "not received"? That's what it has for me and it has me worried. My actual application has my recommendations submitted and I know that I mailed my transcripts a month ago. So I'm wondering if this is just a glitch in the system...

I'm just commenting that it's nice that we got 2 pages going! The soc. board has been dead for a while, so it's nice to check it and actually see updates. I'm with socgirl on this. Maybe getting a position is difficult; but the challenge makes it more rewarding in a way. Plus, even if I come out making 55k; I'd be pretty happy considering I'd have no debt, which is a big plus that should be considered. But I think the general point that people shouldn't go into this for the money or job security is well founded. If you don't love this stuff, and can't be happy doing it knowing you might never rise above middle-class, then it's just not for you. I'm perfectly fine not keeping up with the Joneses. 55K is plenty. Anyway, that's my take.

I'd be willing to look it over and give a few comments if you'd like.

We've got about 2 months before we hear anything from anyone, but I assume that most people have submitted their apps. Anyone care to share where their applying to (that rhyming scheme was unintentional)? I'd be curious to talk to some people applying to the same schools, so I'll start (with the hope this isn't the end of the thread). UC-Berkeley Harvard NYU U. Michigan Northwestern UCSB CUNY-grad center University of Virginia USC Rutgers Notre Dame Boston University WIDE net anyone else...?

Hey, I've seen this on the general forum but I was wondering what everyone here thinks. Do admission committees google applicants or are they restrained to what's in the file? If anybody has answer to this it would be much appreciated.

The only sociology program I know to do interviews before decisions are made is Harvard.

I agree with allhandsonthebadone's assessment. I'm gonna pay probably close to 1400 on application fees and GRE scores. It's cutting pretty deep into my savings. But I think the investment is worth it if I get into even one place. Keep in mind, these are all places I fit. But once that is calculated, without really knowing my chances, I'll take as many shots at the prize as possible. Financially, I think it's a good investment given the possibilities for funding.

sorry, I'm not looking to make any more edits on my SOP and don't really have to the time to edit someone else's. I posted that a while ago. Good luck

I was told recently by a former professor that I should NOT mention professors I want to work with in the SOP because of internal department politics. But I've heard all along the way that I should be as specific as possible about the people I want to work with. I don't know what to believe. Suggestions?

Faulkner!.. 12, possibly 13. What schools are you looking at?

If anybody is interested in trading and reviewing SOPs let me know. I'm only looking for those applying to sociology PhDs, no other programs please. I just would like someone with a background in sociology as that's what it's going to be for the real thing. So, if you have a statement and want some comments and are willing reciprocate the favor, let me know.

thanks for the advice... and I'll look into Northwestern.

Does anyone have a copy of this guide they are willing to let go for some cash. (paypal account required). Again, the name of the guide is ASA Guide to Graduate Departments of Sociology. Either the any edition 2009 or later is welcomed. Let me know. Thanks.

thanks lambspam, but apparently there are none left. Do you still have yours from last year? If you wanted to get rid of it, and have a paypal account, I think we could work something out. If not, still, thanks for the suggestion.

wow, there are a lot of typos in this thing. Nevertheless, still looking for replies! thanks

Hi everyone, I'm applying for sociology Phds this year and could really use some help. My background in in Econ. and Poli Sci but I had a change of heart and decided to go the Sociology route for a PhD. Because my lack of a strong background, I don't know which schools are associated with which areas of specialization. Soooo, I'm really looking for suggestions. I'm interested in the cultural turn and its affect on sociological theory. I want to look at the theory itself but also the sociology of the theory and how/why some of its core ideas have been adopted in certain disciplines (as well as locations) while others have not. I'm also interested in looking at the culture of nationalism and how it affects individual identity, values, norms, and beliefs. Lastly, I'm interested in symbolic interactionism, actor-network theory, and how both can be integrated with structuralism and the cultural turn in order to bridge the historical gap between the two. In short: -Cultural turn -Cultural sociology -Cognitive sociology, semiotics, symbology, and symbolic interactionism -Nationalism -Foucault, Barthes, Latour, Frankfurt School -Discourse analysis, qualitative methods I've discovered a few schools that fit my interests (Yale, USC, Notre Dame, Michigan), but am looking for at least 5 others. Any help would really be appreciated.