lunababy5

I'll be at UVa this fall!

I feel you all on the Boulder rejection. that one hurt For those of you waiting on Rutgers - were you interviewed?? I had my interview a week and a half ago and was told then that decisions would be made in about 2 weeks, so they should be coming soon!

Here's some advice I would offer: 1) Like you, I was really nervous for my skype interview. The skype aspect takes a little time to adjust to and doesn't feel as natural as being in-person does. I would recommend that you practice having a conversation through that medium with a friend beforehand and have that friend give you feedback. For my interview, I remember feeling simultaneously self-conscious because I could see a video of myself on the screen, and uncertain whether I should be looking at a video of my interviewer's face or the camera hole to make 'eye contact.' Get used to it ahead of time so you can relax and focus your energy on the interview. 2) Your application should have already answered the big questions like "Why Sociology?" or "Why this department?" It probably did if you are being interviewed. In my opinion, I think interviews are used either to answer questions that were raised in the application, or simply to get a feel for the person behind the application. Review your application and be ready to talk more in-depth about what is there, as there's only so much space in the application to talk about it at length. Be ready to address weaknesses, but don't assume that's the only reason they want to speak with you. I have a low GRE Math score and was prepared to talk about that, but they never even mentioned it. 3) I was perhaps overly prepared to answer the usual questions (why soc, why this department, etc.) that when I got asked "If you weren't doing a PhD in Sociology, what would you be doing instead?" I was stumped. So prepare for that possibility as well! 4) Remember that at the end of the day you are choosing them as much as they are choosing you. This is an opportunity to learn from them what you couldn't gather from their website. Ask questions with enthusiasm and genuine curiosity. 5) At the same time, present yourself as an asset to the department, describe how you will complement the working being done there. Everyone has weaknesses. If you got an interview, they already believe that you show potential. Build upon that. Good luck!

Hi all, I am applying to doctoral programs in sociology this fall (for Fall 2014). I am looking to widen my net as I finalize my list of programs that have a concentration or strong faculty in the area of gender. My list so far includes: Santa Barbara, Berkeley, Santa Cruz, U Toronto, Boulder, Rutgers, CUNY Graduate Center, and U Virginia. I know there's no such thing as a 'safety' school, but I'm open minded about considering programs that are less well-known for this purpose. I'm also open-minded about location. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!

I also have been corresponding with the administrative assistant - she has been available and helpful to me with any questions I have, however the funding topic is pretty sketchy and vague so far. When I probed a little further, I was told I am on a waiting list for funding and that everyone will be formally notified about funding in early April. She also said that in the past, funding has opened up for students who werent offered in may and June. I get the impression that, for now, we are all on this hypothetical 'list' and decisions about allocating have yet to be made.

"We are not able to offer you funding at the time of this writing, however, should funds become available, I will be in touch immediately." I also interpreted that to mean that others have received funding, but maybe we will hear something soon! Hmm...

Received my acceptance by e-mail this morning! Around 10 AM inviting me to the open house Friday, March 16th. Information on funding and open house coming soon.