Rice Sociology PhD 2011

[Happy to be here]

So, I decided to send one of my applications to Rice. They've got an excellent sociology of religion emphasis, among others, and the idea of a brand new phd program is exciting. I wonder how many others are applying there as well? What are your thoughts on going to a brand new program? I've thought about some pros and cons, but what do you think?

[ZoeWeber]

I found out about the program thanks to your post, too bad I didn't saw it earlier. The program looks terrific so kuddos to you for applying there. I think new programs can bring you more liberties. You have less chances to hear "that's the way we've been doing things here so it can't change". They are probably up to many creative proposals. Perhaps the lack of experience can be a cons but their faculty seems to be prepared for the challenge

[Happy to be here]

I found out about the program thanks to your post, too bad I didn't saw it earlier. The program looks terrific so kuddos to you for applying there. I think new programs can bring you more liberties. You have less chances to hear "that's the way we've been doing things here so it can't change". They are probably up to many creative proposals. Perhaps the lack of experience can be a cons but their faculty seems to be prepared for the challenge

Agreed, there will be some sense of establishing "tradition" which would be an interesting process to be a part of. I think for a department to come together enough to kick off a new phd program says a lot about the challenges the faculty are willing to deal with. It would be a fun experience to go there.

One random thing about Rice. It says on their website that there will be an accepted student visitation get together on Feb 24-25. YET, they also say "Rice will send a notification of acceptance no later than April 1." Soooo, perhaps they mean to send out there stuff in early Feb so as to give at least a couple weeks to plan a trip?

[going crazy]

So, I decided to send one of my applications to Rice. They've got an excellent sociology of religion emphasis, among others, and the idea of a brand new phd program is exciting. I wonder how many others are applying there as well? What are your thoughts on going to a brand new program? I've thought about some pros and cons, but what do you think?

I've also applied to Rice (Race/Ethnicity, Urban Soc., and Soc. of Religion). After talking to one of the faculty there are some serious positives: a very generous stipend, no TA-ships only RAs, and the faculty are super-motivated to make this a top program so they're going to make sure students publish their brains out before they graduate.

On the downside, the program is new and unproven and the department (along with Baylor, Notre Dame, Purdue, and for some UT Austin) are in danger of getting a reputation for being a Soc of Religion school which may stigmatize job candidates in the future. I'm mulling this one over as well should I be admitted.

Edited January 22, 2011 by going crazy

[coqui21]

I've also applied to Rice (Race/Ethnicity, Urban Soc., and Soc. of Religion). After talking to one of the faculty there are some serious positives: a very generous stipend, no TA-ships only RAs, and the faculty are super-motivated to make this a top program so they're going to make sure students publish their brains out before they graduate.

On the downside, the program is new and unproven and the department (along with Baylor, Notre Dame, Purdue, and for some UT Austin) are in danger of getting a reputation for being a Soc of Religion school which may stigmatize job candidates in the future. I'm mulling this one over as well should I be admitted.

I wouldn't worry so much about the supposed stigma issue. Baylor is the only school that you list which might be experiencing this, and that's only because they're so lopsidedly soc. of religion (and i think they require faculty to have a religious affiliation?). All of the other programs that you mention have a substantial number of well recognized scholars in multiple research areas (Rice included).

[stevebaker]

I saw a post about being invited by Rice for interview in late Feb. Does it mean that those who are not invited have already been rejected?

[Happy to be here]

I just got an email saying I was a finalist for admission to Rice. They're doing interviews in late February and flying people out to Houston. (This is a great opportunity, but nerve-racking too, interviews are always tough.) Not sure about what it means in terms of who is accepted and rejected. In fact, it's not even a true "acceptance" per se, just a notification as a finalist for acceptance.

Edited January 26, 2011 by Happy to be here

[barilicious]

I just got an email saying I was a finalist for admission to Rice. They're doing interviews in late February and flying people out to Houston. (This is a great opportunity, but nerve-racking too, interviews are always tough.) Not sure about what it means in terms of who is accepted and rejected. In fact, it's not even a true "acceptance" per se, just a notification as a finalist for acceptance.

AAHH CONGRATS!! So exciting! Best of luck at the interview, and I hope you start getting even more acceptances soon!!!