A thread for those not applying exclusively to the Top program...

[thatsociologist]

Congrats to all those who have been accepted so far. I saw that someone had mentioned in another post about getting a thread like this started. This is for anyone who is not waiting to hear back from Stanford/UCLA/Harvard ect. It can be difficult to gain perspective for the mid-tier/lower-tier dwellers in this forum, so where are you awaiting decisions, where are you excited about hearing from?

I'm still waiting on a few programs and am expecting rejections for a few as well. I am just ready to have all my decisions so I can go to Plan B or start planning for next year. Anyone else?

[abc123xtc]

I'm not applying to a top tier program either. However, I am applying to masters this round, and I am hoping to apply to a higher ranked program for my PhD. The only school I care to hear from right now is George Washington University (I already got into my second choice, so I don't care about the other programs I applied to). Where are you hoping to get into?

[dizzid]

This is probably not indicative of most applicants but I did not take rank into consideration when I compiled my list of schools to attend but instead looked through the program websites, bulletins, faculty, and location. I also took the time to meet with a few coordinators/POIs and phone chat with all but 2 who were on my potential list. THAT part of the process actually helped me remove a few schools from my list...

That being said, the first and ONLY school I've heard from so far is also the highest ranked program on my list at #39.

I'm still technically waiting to hear back from Mason, Pitt and Temple. Originally I also applied to UF but realized about a week ago I screwed up my application and it won't actually be considered aka Rookie Mistake...

I don't think I'm getting into Mason because I know the coordinator knows what my FSU offer is and they can't match that.

Pitt - I'm super curious but not necessarily jonesing because FSU clearly wins the battle in terms of rank and location.

Temple, oh how I've wanted to attend this school and live in Philly for over 10 years. This was originally my #1 pick because I've had a love affair with this university for what feels like forever. At this point, I sincerely hope I end up teaching there since I couldn't go for undergrad and probably won't be going for PhD. I'm cool with that

[abc123xtc]

dizzid, research and POI actually mattered more to me than ranking too -- but a good ranking doesn't hurt either.

[thatsociologist]

Dizzid, I didn't take ranking into account either, but it seems, at least on this forum, so many people did or do once their acceptances come in. It all comes back to that hierarchy system of education. I personally feel the fit and location are the most important things. I couldn't see myself on the West coast, so I never even considered those top programs.

I personally am hoping to hear from George Mason and Loyola Chicago for sociology and GWU for a different reason.

[sociologyplease]

I also applied to programs I could see myself fit into above all else. I have a super specific and narrow research topic that I've already done three years of research on, and I don't plan on changing my topic. If a program looked like they could support the topic, even a little, I applied- regardless of the rank. So far I've only been accepted to one program in the 50's, which initially concerned me, but given my career goals, the faculty I'll be working with, and the insane funding package I was offered, I'm very happy with my choice.

Edited February 28, 2012 by sociologyplease

[abc123xtc]

I personally am hoping to hear from George Mason and Loyola Chicago for sociology and GWU for a different reason.

Have you heard back from GWU yet? I'm waiting to hear back from too. I think acceptances might be out this week (or next at the latest).

[lexicana]

Dizzid, I didn't take ranking into account either, but it seems, at least on this forum, so many people did or do once their acceptances come in. It all comes back to that hierarchy system of education. I personally feel the fit and location are the most important things. I couldn't see myself on the West coast, so I never even considered those top programs.

I personally am hoping to hear from George Mason and Loyola Chicago for sociology and GWU for a different reason.

Hey Sbboe, it looks like we have some things in common. I also applied to Loyola Chicago for sociology. I am hoping we hear from them this week. I visited LUC last fall and it looks like a great place to be.

I also applied and was accepted to a social work PhD program. I am curious as to what you actually prefer, sociology or social work PhD. This is a question I am struggling with. Any thoughts?

[thatsociologist]

Hey Sbboe, it looks like we have some things in common. I also applied to Loyola Chicago for sociology. I am hoping we hear from them this week. I visited LUC last fall and it looks like a great place to be.

I also applied and was accepted to a social work PhD program. I am curious as to what you actually prefer, sociology or social work PhD. This is a question I am struggling with. Any thoughts?

I got an email from LUC this morning stating that they were looking at applications now. So I am hoping we can hear something soon.

As for the Sociology vs. Social Work PhD, I think the Sociology degree would have more portability within Academia, but the Social Work degree offers up an unique lens of research and helping individuals. Right now, I am torn with this too. It is really going to depend on where I get accepted and with what packages. I feel like I could go either way because both are going to give me the opportunity to do what I want to do...So I am waiting and will see. You?

[kbirch]

Lexicana & Sbboe,

I also applied to LU-Chicago for applied sociology. I heard that we might not find out till mid- to late-March. I hope we hear sooner!

[lexicana]

Sbboe, as you stated I like sociology because it seems broader and as you put it more portable, however, my main interest is doing research that helps people. So, at this point I am leaning towards the social work PhD. Once I hear from Loyola I will be ready to make a final decision. If I don't get in then I will happily move forward with a Phd in social work. If I do get in I will need to do a little more thinking.

Good luck to you.

Kbirch, good luck to you also.

[dizzid]

Lexi - are you going micro or macro with Social Work? I work with ALL social workers, the ones that run the programs, write grants, organize agency meetings are macro. The ones that deal/interact with clients on a day to day basis \ are micro. They have two completly different approaches to dealing with the same problems.

[lexicana]

Dizzid, I am most interested in doing research related to social work (and teaching eventually) rather than working directly with clients or even running programs or an organization. If I had to choose one, however, it would be macro. If I could not find a teaching position I would look at more macro level types of jobs.

[thatsociologist]

I like the idea of doing research around employment and the politics of social welfare policy. If I went into Social Work, it would most definitely be Macro practice.

If I could not find a teaching position I would look at more macro level types of jobs.

Same.

Edited March 2, 2012 by Sbboe