Ladril

I do not doubt the strength of your credentials and connections, but having been through the process and watching several others having gone through it as well, I can tell you it's very easy to underestimate the strengths of the people you'll be competing against, as well as the random variation of the process. Trust me: the importance of choosing a department with a good fit and being careful not to apply only to top programs cannot be overly stressed. If Victoria is your safety option then you may be adopting a good strategy, as I said, I don't really know about it. Another thing to keep in mind is that sociology programs are currently taking in fewer applicants than they did in previous years, so the success stories of past applicants are not necessarily going to come true in 2013. But I suppose I should take the hint about you not wanting advice from a stranger.

I can see that; you were mostly looking for a chance to take potshots at foreigners. How can I tell? Not once in your postings have you said: "how can I prepare a better application"? No, it's way easier to blame the foreigners for your situation. FYI I'm also 35 and married with children.

@xdarthveganx: BTW, I just looked at your signature, and you're aiming only at programs where it is usually very difficult to gain admission. The only one I know nothing about is the University of Victoria, but even British Columbia is very competitive. No matter how strong your application, you should apply to at least one which is not a Top 40 institution (in the case of US schools). Just a word of advice. * Note: the New School may be outside the top 40, but it's hardly a safety school.

Don't know if it's ranked, but University of North Carolina-Charlotte has very good reputation.

Also, aren't these marketing PhD programs among those that only accept 2 or 3 students each year? If that's the case, the odds of getting into one are very small. Why be disheartened? Side note: I would have viewed your post with more sympathetic eyes if you had not felt the need to make snide remarks about foreign students. It is well known that American universities are always more reluctant to admit foreign students than domestic ones. Xenophobia won't help you solve your problems.

I'll be attending OSU for a PhD in Sociology this Fall.

I have heard of it because the school where I did my masters had a program in Africa and Asia Studies. A friend actually went there for a doctorate. I don't think it matters really - all schools of the University of London are excellent.

Don't believe people sit on their offers for no good reason? Read the following: http://science-professor.blogspot.mx/2008/03/omg-you-dont-suck.html

Being on this forum has allowed me to feel what going to Alcoholics Anonymous must feel like.

I think some of us read those posts differently between the lines. What people are saying is not: "hurry up so you can open a slot for me", but rather "don't sit on an offer you know you're not going to accept". This happens much more often than it should.

I got two acceptances (one of them already declined) and am still waiting for one program to make a decision. Their response is "still considering the application" which I believe may mean I'm waitlisted.

This seems a good place to link to this blog post: http://science-professor.blogspot.mx/2010/03/go-ahead-reject-me.html Hope it helps.

You are practically in. It is very unusual for a graduate school to turn you down after you have been recommended for admission by a department. However, you should let them know you have other acceptances and their deadlines, just so that the notification of acceptance does not come after them. Also, offers of financial aid usually only come after being officially accepted by the graduate school. My experience is more US than Canada, but I suppose it applies to your case. EDIT: re-reading, I remembered you said this is your top choice. Congratulations! You're in. Funding may still be a concern, though, so you may want to remind them you have other offers so they don't delay too much.