Thinking of crossing out top schools from my list

[mseph]

Before I start, I am dealing with some emotions of failure, so please be advised. Continue reading only if you don't mind.

 

I already gave the list of schools I am applying to letter writers about two weeks ago, but I think I will revise it. I know this is last minute, but I realized I need to be more realistic. I was encouraged from browsing forums and reading threads here, stating that there is still a chance to get into competitive schools with a good fit, so I included some to my list (2 in top 20 and 9 in top 50, total of 13). But more time I spend thinking about this, I will not have a chance in many of these schools. I think now I should include more schools out of 50 rank but still have a good research fit for me. 

 

The problem is, I am embarrassed to tell my writers of these changes. I feel like they would've already known that I will not have chance in many of these schools but did not necessarily tell me. I am scared that they would be judging me, thinking, "You finally woke up from your dream." I am not saying that they are such horrible people. All my writers are great professors, who are very encouraging and supportive. But I am still embarrassed and afraid of their judgement. I regret that I gave them the list two weeks ago. I regret that I did not face the reality earlier. 

 

Well, enough with emotions now. I will jump to the question. How would you approach this problem of revising list of schools close to deadlines of applications? I am still thinking and working on which schools I want to apply to. Should I give them an update that it will be revised? Or should I contact them after I finish the list? 

 

And thank you to those who read this thread. 

[cooperstreet]

I mean, lower ranked schools graduate students with much worse job prospects than higher ranked schools, they also have funding problems. So just apply. Its just money.

[mseph]

You mean do not revise the list? How about adding low-ranked schools but still keeping high-ranked?

 

I've heard it too, more prestigious school you graduate from, more job prospects you will have. And less opportunity for the others. But isn't there still at least some chance of getting a job even if you graduate from low-ranked schools, depending on what you do and how you do in grad school? Because I do not mind going to low-ranked schools as long as they can train me better at my field. 

 

Thanks

[cooperstreet]

There is some chance, but its less. And lower ranked schools can't train you as well as higher ranked schools. If they could, they would be higher ranked!

[mseph]

That actually makes sense..! Perhaps I will leave it pretty much as it is, even though I am still thinking of just a slight modification. 

[AuldReekie]

First of all you need to relax. This is a stressful process and for those of us not brimming with confidence one that can leave you racked with doubt.

 

Try not to worry about what your referees may think of you, I'm sure they want you to succeed. By all means apply to a few more lower ranked schools if they are a good fit for you and it's possible financially, but it sounds like you've applied to a reasonable range of places. 

[puddle]

Seriously consider what you are getting yourself into when you apply to a school under the top 20. The top 20 programs probably graduate 10-15 phds each per year. That means 200-300 people on the job market from these schools alone. The job market is already flooded with previous year graduates who haven't secured jobs yet and with non-tenure-track professors seeking tenure-track positions. Think seriously about whether applying to a school ranked out of the top-20 will really open the opportunities you need to get the kind of jobs you want when you graduate.

 

That said, if you want to change your list of schools, don't hesitate to tell your letter writers. Generally your list should be constructed in consultation with professors who may be able to help you select things that are within the realm of possibility for you & include some that are "reaches". Good luck.

[Guest]

This is just general advice...

 

But, it shouldn't be a big deal about wanting to revise your selected schools. Before I gave one my Political Science professors a list of schools, I met up with him in person to get his input on my selected programs. I had programs such as Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, University of Toronto, and a couple of UK schools on my list, which are notorious for their Global Affairs programs. My professor's input, my atrocious GRE scores,  and the insane expense of some of these programs caused me cross some of them off my list. So the list that I initially showed this professor totally changed. He even recommended me a program to add on to it in place of the programs that I crossed off such as University of Denver.

 

You're right. Sometimes, we do have to be realistic to ourselves. For Georgetown, I had a feeling that my GRE, very little work experience, and its low acceptance rate were going to be hindrances. So, it got crossed off. It's good to have some top programs though...and then some safe schools if you know that one factor will hold you back from getting into the top programs...especially the Ivys. 

Edited January 18, 2015 by Guest