Things I should know before applying to grad schools

[psyched_trojan2015]

Hello,

 

I'm using my friend's account, so don't be confused with any previous posts. I really like the serious forums members here...

 

I'm currently an up-and-coming junior at USC as well, working on my B.S. in Policy, Planning and Development. I'm also taking the Non-profit specialization route. I spent my first two years dabbling and totally focusing my time in the film school, even taking on an internship, but now I must start from scratch because it's not really what I want in life. I'd love to work or even manage my own non-profit organization and work in Education Policy (MPA/MPP) but I'm also interested in Social Psychology. I'm not sure if I have room to minor because the B.S. is so jammed packed...I don't think it's worth staying an extra semester for a minor. I'm actually going to be involved in a research project next summer and I get to formulate my own topic, so I hope to combine my two interests together to publish and present at a conference; it's going to be great! I guess I'm asking for general advice for applying to grad school for my intended career path(s). 

 

I know GPA is important, so I'm keeping my best to maintain at least a 3.5. I've been on the Dean's List since I've started college...my cumulative GPA is a 3.54...I'm sure it will stay or even improve by the time I graduate. As far as GRE scores go...well, I don't really know. I'm positive I can achieve at least a 1200 with practice. Again, I'll be taking on the research next summer, which should be interesting. And I'll be taking on another internship at a nonprofit organization to fulfill my degree requirements. I'm also close with my Latin and Sociology professors, both of whom said they'd write me recommendations. I'm going to work on getting close to a Psych and my Policy course faculty members. I hope I'm on the right path so far...

 

For grad school, I really would like to go elsewhere. My advisors tell me to apply to USC again...but I want a change of pace. I'm thinking about Berkeley for the Education Policy route...but I'm very interested in Teacher's College, Columbia. If I went into the Psychology route, would it be reasonable for me to get my PhD? What can you do with an MA in Social Psychology?

 

Thank you for your time in reading this long post!

[Monochrome Spring]

I haven't applied yet, but from what I know...

 

First of all, you should take note that the GRE has changed. It is out of 340, not counting the writing score. The following is assuming a total score of 1200, for 600 on each section. An old score of 600 on the verbal would now be around a 160, or 83rd percentile, which is good. An old score of 600 on the quantitative would now be around a 148, or 35th percentile, which is dismal. Of course, you don't have to necessarily go 50/50 on those scores, and an old 1200, depending on how you divide it, could be a great score.

http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/concordance_information.pdf

 

I would be very clear with your advisor for the summer project that you want to publish your findings and present them at a conference. Depending on the field, upcoming conference dates, the publication process, it might not be possible for you to have that before you apply to graduate programs. I'm assuming that you will be filling out applications this fall 2013 for fall 2014 programs, and that you will going into your senior year and are finishing your junior year.

 

If you are going into your junior year and aren't applying until fall 2014 for fall 2015 programs, I think you definitely have time to get more faculty connections, do research, publish (depending on field), and present at a conference or two.

 

Even if all of those are great, your application will also heavily depend on the recommendations that your advisors write, your statement of purpose, your personal history statement (if required), and any other additions to your application that aren't just numbers.

 

Your field is quite different from mine, but I hope that helped with some general information. Maybe read around the field-specific forums to see what others have recommended for applications.

Edited May 28, 2013 by keawood