Kisses of Death in the Graduate School Process

[Khy]

Hey guys,

So while doing research on what/what not to include in my PS, I came across this article I found helpful. It includes a variety of thing to include and to avoid while going through the application process, including info on LOR. Anyway, heres the link:http://psychology.unl.edu/psichi/Graduate_School_Application_Kisses_of_Death.pdf

 

Now, I've a question for you guys about making reference to the faculty, or research focus' of the university. I came across a faculty member at a university I'm applying to who's research aligns with my interest, but she's an assistant professor, would it still be good to mention her?

[Cpoco]

I personally think so. With the word "associate" in his/her title doesn't mean that person does not have profound academic connections with the program. At least in my department, I know someone who is the case.

[Applemiu]

Now, I've a question for you guys about making reference to the faculty, or research focus' of the university. I came across a faculty member at a university I'm applying to who's research aligns with my interest, but she's an assistant professor, would it still be good to mention her?

 

Yes it would - as long as she is on the tenure track (which I assume she is).

[ToomuchLes]

The article provides very good suggestions for all graduate applicants, not only psych majors. I really did enjoy reading it ^.^ and got a few good chuckles out of their KOD examples.

 

One of the suggestions that I wish they elaborated on was demonstrating your fit, not only with your POI but the department and the overall institution as a whole. In some programs, you might work with other departments, not just your own. For example, I've spoken to several POIs and they mentioned that I will be working with the cohort in both the History Department and the African-American Studies Department. Therefore, in my SOP I mentioned how the History Department is focusing on A, which is one portion of my research interests, but also the African-American Studies Department is focusing on B, and together, my research themes are covered in all sides. I also included a brief sentence that mentioned the archive availability at each school. I simply visited their website, looked at their library access (if they shared with other schools, their strengths/weakness in comparison to my research), and if I had questions I contacted the librarian specialist.

 

Finally, although not mentioned in the article, I think its invaluable to mention in 1-2 sentences what you, as an applicant, are bring to the department/institution; similar to how they instruct you to talk about your diversity. I talked about how I was raised on a different continent, and with my focus being 19th century American history, I offer a different perspective than the one taught in the US. Likewise, I spent some time in a refugee camp, and understood how history can be partisan to audience its intended for. I chained together these themes with my research interests. 

 

Again, Im merely an applicant, so we'll see in a few short months how successful I've been, but these are some suggestions Id like to make. 

 

 

Hey guys,

So while doing research on what/what not to include in my PS, I came across this article I found helpful. It includes a variety of thing to include and to avoid while going through the application process, including info on LOR. Anyway, heres the link:http://psychology.unl.edu/psichi/Graduate_School_Application_Kisses_of_Death.pdf

 

Now, I've a question for you guys about making reference to the faculty, or research focus' of the university. I came across a faculty member at a university I'm applying to who's research aligns with my interest, but she's an assistant professor, would it still be good to mention her?

You should definitely contact the professor, and if you can, have a phone interview with them. I talked to every single of my POI on the phone/skype/email and they talked about their priorities, duties, and also mentioned the department politics. I think this part of the application is superduper important, and will provide the prof a face (or voice) to your application; thus earning you some perk points ;D

[Khy]

Thank you guys for your responses!
I think its important to mention that I am applying for MSW programs, I noticed most of the posts involving POI involve those for PhD programs, is it still as important to contact POI's for masters' programs, also, should I be asking if the prof. is "accepting" new student for the fall? Is that only applicable to PhD pursuits?

[ashiepoo72]

Don't contact POIs unless you have important questions that cannot be answered by the department website (this goes for PhD applicants too). If your program admits people directly to an advisor, and said advisor needs to approve admits, then you should probably contact the person you're interested in working with and see if they are taking on new students. I'm in an MA program now, and when I applied I did not contact any professors. All I did was discuss my area of interest in the SOP and experience with historical research/methodologies. You should read the department website in detail and see if they recommend contacting POIs. If you're still unsure after doing that, it wouldn't hurt to contact the graduate advisor and ask their advice.

 

Best of luck!

[Applemiu]

I think its important to mention that I am applying for MSW programs, I noticed most of the posts involving POI involve those for PhD programs, is it still as important to contact POI's for masters' programs, also, should I be asking if the prof. is "accepting" new student for the fall? Is that only applicable to PhD pursuits?

 

Actually for a master program or MSW program I don't think there is the same urgency to contact advisors; follow ashieppo72's advice.

Edited November 15, 2014 by Applemiu

[Khy]

Thank you guys for your advice! 

What is the university you're looking at doesn't have faculty with your research interest, should that stop you from applying? I plan to go for a PhD after MSW and know that would be a factor then, should it be for masters programs as well?

[Crucial BBQ]

Thank you guys for your responses!

I think its important to mention that I am applying for MSW programs, I noticed most of the posts involving POI involve those for PhD programs, is it still as important to contact POI's for masters' programs, also, should I be asking if the prof. is "accepting" new student for the fall? Is that only applicable to PhD pursuits?

Not sure about social work but I know that with biology a Master's w/thesis/research component the prof/advisor still pays for the research.  

 

When in doubt, contact the program director and ask. 

[trogdorburninator]

Since MSW are professional programs, they are rarely funded, and so its unnecessary to contact a specific professor to ask if you will be able to research with them (and therefore receive funding for your degree). Additionally, depending on what kind of social work you want to do, and where you are going, there will be a lot of requirements to fill and professional field placements rather than research placements with professors.