The relationship between undergraduate university and graduate acceptance

[Social Psyc Researcher]

So, we can check the average GPA and GRE stats for most students accepted into graduate programs/ specific universities... but many of us don't know what the stats are in regards to other important parts of the graduate application. This poll was created to help reveal the numbers in regards to some of these other areas. Let me know if you think I am missing other important factors.

Thanks!!

[franks98]

I had to go with 'none of the above' because while I just got a first author on an upcoming conference presentation (MPA) and am author on some publications in preparation, I don't yet have those credits to my name, nor do I yet have my undergraduate degree. Just found out today, though, that I have an interview with a great program with a POI who is very famous in the field. My GRE was also pretty bad (GPA though is pretty good)! What I think has gotten me to this point has been strong LORs, strong SOP, thoughtful responses to emails from my POI, and some good ideas on research.

[franks98]

Oh.. and I'm also at a state university that no one outside of the state probably knows about... And, I was a high school drop-out (seriously!). I hope I can give others hope!!!

[TheDude]

This is nifty.

I am also another alumni of an undergraduate university no one will have heard of....but the main character on a TV show went here. That's seriously the one claim to fame!

I grabbed first author credits on posters at conferences at the local and regional level. At the world level (?) I nabbed a second author on a poster. Second author of a a manuscript under-review, and worked on research with fellowship funding.

I think the pole has some holes because I'm sure other applicants who are third or fourth author of national/world conferences and on published manuscripts probably look more appealing.

Edited January 21, 2011 by musicforfun

[Social Psyc Researcher]

Franks -- I noticed that we have some overlapping research interests, do you mind my asking where you have been invited for an interview?

I had to go with 'none of the above' because while I just got a first author on an upcoming conference presentation (MPA) and am author on some publications in preparation, I don't yet have those credits to my name, nor do I yet have my undergraduate degree. Just found out today, though, that I have an interview with a great program with a POI who is very famous in the field. My GRE was also pretty bad (GPA though is pretty good)! What I think has gotten me to this point has been strong LORs, strong SOP, thoughtful responses to emails from my POI, and some good ideas on research.

Edited January 21, 2011 by Social Psyc Researcher

[franks98]

Franks -- I noticed that we have some overlapping research interests, do you mind my asking where you have been invited for an interview?

Just PM'd you!

[franks98]

As I had said in personal conversation, I think with social psych, perhaps more than other domains, it is so much more about that mysterious "fit" than anything else.