sjcras

Remember, we are not going to graduate school to enjoy the campus, the community, or the local culture. Of course, it's a big bonus to feel that those things excite you too, but we can't have it all, and ultimately you should commit to an institution because you believe you can love and explore your field the way you want to most at that school. I believe that the way you said you felt when you visited your future undergraduate campus, which you described as an epiphany moment; is how you should feel about your field (not necessarily the school). That's how you should feel about the professors you plan to work with, and about your own abilities and future if you enter that particular program. I don't know if I'm trying to convince you or me, so take this for what it's worth. With that said, If it truly feels wrong to you, then in all likelihood, it is wrong for you.

Thanks so much, and best of luck to all of you as well!

I also inquired about my rejection from Northwestern and received a much appreciated response that said: The faculty agreed I was well qualified GRE and GPA were strong Writing sample showed considerable promise Lack of MA in Religion was "not really a factor" However, there was a "lack of focus and concreteness" in my research plans that made it hard to make a case for me as a match over other applicants. The letter finished by saying that given a different pool I may well have been chosen and that there is nothing "intrinsically lacking" in my app. So again, the answer to my question seems to be yes and no. The lack of MA can hurt indirectly if it means you are less knowledgeable/articulate about what you specifically want to research.

Just had to update you all that apparently it is not pointless, I just received an acceptance from UC - Riverside. So, while it may be pointless if one is attempting admittance to top tier programs, if you are also attempting admittance to new and relatively unknown programs there is indeed a point. The fellowship they offered me was quite generous as well so now I need to figure out what to do. Of course, I still take what you said to heart and my decision will be based on my feelings about the professors and what the program and I might be able to offer each other.

Should I be deterred by the fact that he's in the Sociology department and not Religious Studies? This also confused me when I was looking for programs originally.

I just wanted to say thanks for all of the responses. Not only were they extremely prompt, but they have really helped me gain some perspective. I'm still waiting to hear from two schools (though I can't say I'm optimistic) and if those don't work out, and I choose to apply again in the future, I will definitely be going the MA route. With that said, I would love to hear any suggestions you might have for someone who one day hopes to be accepted to a PhD program that specializes in Sociology of Religion (especially Religion and Society/Culture in N. America) or something close to that. To give you an idea, UCSB was just about the only program I really believed was a close to perfect fit for my interests. I base this statement both on the areas of study offered, as well as the interests and publications of the professors.

I am wondering if it was a mistake for me to apply to PhD programs in Religious Studies without a related MA. I have a 3.9 GPA from a Master's of Education (M.Ed) program and received a 680 V 640 Q on the GREs so I thought I had a chance, but this is seeming more naive to me all the time. For this round of apps it's pretty much a moot point, but given my record I'm wondering if next time I should give up on the PhD idea and just go for the MA. By the way, I'm looking to study something like Sociology of Religion or, more specifically, modern religions in America and their intersection with society and culture (broad I know). Any input is much appreciated! P.S. - A lack of experience may also have hurt me on my statement of purpose because I doubt I was as articulate (or as savvy to the academic language) as those who have attended MA programs.