Post-Rejection Advice, please

[CNDSoc]

After spending a few hours at my office desk zoning out, I decided to ask for some advice:

This is my background. Sorry it's so long!

I recently finished my MPhil at a good UK university but decided to take a year or so off from academic to refine my research interests. This worked out exceptionally well, because I gained some good research experience (I work with SPSS all day) and was able to read journal articles without the pressure of impending deadlines.

I applied to 8 depts this year, 6 of which are top-20 US sociology depts. The other two are Case Western and UBC. All but one application was sent to the US because my undergrad Canadian dept prefers to hire graduates from top American schools.

I was rejected today from my top choice (UT-Austin), was rejected from Indiana & Wisconsin (okay, Madison was a long shot), and expect to be rejected from the other top soc programs (also long shots). This was my second time applying. The first time I believe I was unsuccessful because I attempted to rush into graduate studies without a clear focus (I’m sure I came across as immature in my SOP). This time my stats were good, my SOP was “strong” (according to my mentor who is a prof at my undergraduate institution), but I still haven’t made it. According to Evelyn, my application was well received, but they didn't have room for another Sociology of Health student.

This is where I need your advice:

At what point do I give up on top-20 depts? In the past I’ve had good luck with Canadian and UK applications, but I’m much less likely to be given a job in a Canadian academic institution with these degrees -- you might disagree with me on this, but this is what profs at my undergraduate dept say.

Also, if my application to Case Western is successful, should I go (i.e. am I likely to find an academic position after graduating from Case)? Although my fit with Case is great, I'm not sure what the dept is like, or their reputation. Would it make more sense to go back to the UK or to a Canadian dept (or even to Asia with NUS, as my dad would prefer).

I suppose what I’m basically asking is... at what point do I stop?

I appreciate any advice or ideas.

Thanks

Edited February 11, 2011 by sararuwani

[maximus82]

What are your GRE scores like? I know it's just one part of the application, but if you can improve your scores, you'll improve your chances of getting into a top 20 school.

After spending a few hours at my office desk zoning out, I decided to ask for some advice:

This is my background. Sorry it's so long!

I recently finished my MPhil at a good UK university but decided to take a year or so off from academic to refine my research interests. This worked out exceptionally well, because I gained some good research experience (I work with SPSS all day) and was able to read journal articles without the pressure of impending deadlines.

I applied to 8 depts this year, 6 of which are top-20 US sociology depts. The other two are Case Western and UBC. All but one application was sent to the US because my undergrad Canadian dept prefers to hire graduates from top American schools.

I was rejected today from my top choice (UT-Austin), was rejected from Indiana & Wisconsin (okay, Madison was a long shot), and expect to be rejected from the other top soc programs (also long shots). This was my second time applying. The first time I believe I was unsuccessful because I attempted to rush into graduate studies without a clear focus (I’m sure I came across as immature in my SOP). This time my stats were good, my SOP was “strong” (according to my mentor who is a prof at my undergraduate institution), but I still haven’t made it. According to Evelyn, my application was well received, but they didn't have room for another Sociology of Health student.

This is where I need your advice:

At what point do I give up on top-20 depts? In the past I’ve had good luck with Canadian and UK applications, but I’m much less likely to be given a job in a Canadian academic institution with these degrees -- you might disagree with me on this, but this is what profs at my undergraduate dept say.

Also, if my application to Case Western is successful, should I go (i.e. am I likely to find an academic position after graduating from Case)? Although my fit with Case is great, I'm not sure what the dept is like, or their reputation. Would it make more sense to go back to the UK or to a Canadian dept (or even to Asia with NUS, as my dad would prefer).

I suppose what I’m basically asking is... at what point do I stop?

I appreciate any advice or ideas.

Thanks