Do I have a shot anywhere with this GPA and GRE?

[Scott4775]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time writing on this forum; I have been lurking around for a little while trying to gather as much information regarding applying to graduate school as I can, and I must say, this forum is an invaluable tool to help people like me!

I apologize if I may be posting in the wrong section, but I would just like to post a few details about my situation and if anyone has anything to help me, I would greatly appreciate it.

I am a recent college graduate who is planning on beginning my graduate school application within a matter of days, and I am extremely nervous about the whole process because I don't feel I am a very competitive candidate. I graduate with a B.A. in sociology with an overall G.P.A. of 3.1 and a major G.P.A. of 3.96. My G.R.E. score was 1030. From what I've gathered about grad school admission, it's hard to pin-point whether someone will get in, but do you all think I have a shot anywhere? I know I may not be competitive enough for a top-20 institution, but I was hoping some of the state schools, specifically the University of Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina for example. Oh, and what I'm looking for is an M.A. in sociology.

The reason my G.P.A. is not where I want it to be is during my undergraduate years, I had to deal with an illness that negatively impacted my performance for a long time. While that is no longer a problem, I did have to overcome that obstacle, plus a few more personal ones to get where I am today, which I hope I can use to highlight my application for the committee.

Thank you for taking the time to read and if anyone has advise, I am much grateful!

[orst11]

I think a lot of us would recommend that you retake the GRE, but given that you are just looking at an MA, some programs are more lenient when it comes to the GRE. I will note that while a program may say it recommends a 1000 on the GRE, actually averages for incoming students may be higher. I say this just so you can emphasize other parts of the application you can have more of an effect on, such as your SOP or recommendations. With that said, your major gpa will help you. How was your GPA your last 2 years in comparison to your first 2? Are you looking at continuing towards a PhD?

As far as estimating your chances this is hard to say and maybe you will get a better reply from someone in the sociology forum: http://forum.thegradcafe.com/forum/46-sociology/ . I know that UNC is definitely a long shot given it is actually a top 10 program in sociology, UTK and Alabama are definitely possibilities. I think again maybe check out the sociology forum and they may be able to recommend a few more places as options. Just by doing a quick search via google you can see within the geographical area you listed schools in, there are quite a few options for an MA in sociology so don't get to discouraged on here. The majority of the people do give excellent advice.

[Scott4775]

Thank you for your advise! This helps a lot. I would like to pursue a Ph.D and have no doubt about my ability to diligently work at the graduate level, I just need someone to give me a shot.

I may very well take your advise and see about retaking the GRE...I think I may be able to do better the next time around despite my test anxiety.

My last two years of undergraduate was very good...mostly A's with I think two B's and nothing lower. My first two years, I had a few F's and D's, which were not in my major (I switched majors a lot during my first two years).

Thanks again and best of luck to you!

[orst11]

Well an upward trend is good, some would argue that it is better than just consistent okay grades across the board. If a PhD is your goal, you do have a few options:

1. You can pursue a MA somewhere and do well, then retake the GRE.

2. You can apply to lower ranked programs and hope to gain admission to a PhD program

3. You can retake the GRE now, score better and apply to higher ranked programs as well as the ones you listed

4. You can pursue a MA somewhere and do well, and hope that the experience will help you gain admission into a PhD program

Really the list can go on and on. Just curious were you only looking at schools in a geographical area because there are quite a few similar ranked programs in the region you listed (UK, NCSU, Miss St, etc.) where you probably stand a shot at? Of course you will want to make sure you can find faculty that match your research interests. Also, if you are currently in TN and are unsure of your chances at a PhD at the moment there are quite a few MA programs it seems in the state. You always have options you just may need to apply to a few more programs than top applicants. Good luck.

[noodles.galaznik]

I just want to say you'll never know what will happen unless you try, so I'd recommend getting in touch with professors at those programs to see if you're a good fit and if your stats are competitive, and if you would need to retake the GRE. Also, I'm going to second the advice that says shoot for an MA first and retake the GRE if you aren't certain how your chances are for the PhD.

Edited October 3, 2011 by noodles.galaznik