Overreaching?

[allhandsonthebadone]

Just for context my stats are a GPA of 3.87 (3.93 for my last two years) and a GRE of Q: 750-800 V: 750-800. I do also have original research background in my undergraduate thesis. Other than academic awards nothing else.

I plan on applying to at least ten schools. I feel that I really could get into any school with my background and I created a bit of a system where I weigh perceived fit, ranking, prestige, location, and cost (which will become first when I get responses) in respective importance. All of the schools I have decided to apply to so far are in the top 10. Despite applying to a lot of places part of me wonders by not spreading things about by selectivity if I am setting myself for a 0 for 10 application session. Then again I hear people say that one shouldn't have safety schools.

I suppose its part of the normal second guessing one has during this process but a little feedback or support would be great.

[Darth.Vegan]

Well then....

I have a 3.92 from a flagship state research school (not a special school by any means trust me)

I started in community college, had a 3.2 and transferred with 30 credits.

I am currently working on an honors thesis, working as a research assistant, and taking a graduate level research methods class.

Will have 1 1/2 years of research experience before I apply next fall.

I also got a departmental merit scholarship.

Haven't taken the GRE yet, NICE SCORE BTW!

But I feel like I am in the same boat as you. Most of the programs I am applying to are top 20, my #1 choice is enviro soc at Madison.

Your lack of research experience seems to be biggest drawback for you, do you have other research experience that you didn't elaborate on?

I would suggest picking 2 or 3 schools that are lower in the rankings but fit your research interests well ( this is the most important factor)

How many schools are you planning on applying to?

I am applying to 12 PhD. programs and 3 terminal masters programs.

3 of those are lower in the rankings (univ of oregon, new school, and Brandeis)

I may suggest doing something similar, especially without the extra research experience.

Edited October 24, 2011 by xdarthveganx

[sociologyplease]

This is my first time applying, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I am finishing up a M.S. in another field and I suggest applying to a variety of schools, if you can. It's a ton of money, and you totally shouldn't apply to any school that you would not consider going to, but if you can find a school that has someone doing work in your specialization that might be a less well-ranked, I would add it in.

[socspice]

Many schools in the top 10 (and even below that) are getting close to 300 applications for very few slots. It makes sense to me to apply as broadly as you are able (as long as you'd actually consider going to each school to which you apply). The application process isn't just about your stats -- it's that ever-elusive "fit."

[tt503]

I suppose its part of the normal second guessing one has during this process but a little feedback or support would be great.

I think everyone feels this way. Don't feel too glum about it. Just try to finish your apps and then put it out of your mind for awhile. It isn't the end of the world if you don't get in. I'm doing my second Master's and still waiting for the golden ticket. :-)