Re-Applying?

[laurielaker]

Hi All,

 

Trying to get a good head start on applications this year. A bit of context about me, first of all. I'm a dual British and American citizen, currently working for my undergraduate alma mater as a writer in their communications office. My education background is as follows:

 

High/Secondary School - I.B. Diploma, United World College of the American West

B.A. - Colorado College, English focus.

M.A. - Dartmouth College, Politics & Literature focus.

 

By the time the 2015 application cycle comes around, I'll have had nearly two years worth of full-time work under my belt. I applied six schools and courses last year, with no successes. My GRE scores, from my senior year at my undergrad, aren't the best, and my application materials were a bit lackluster if I'm honest. 

 

That said, I'm determined to try again. I'll be taking the GRE again this year, as well as the Literature subject GRE, planning for better prep and scores. Additionally, I'll be spending a few months on my essays, statements, and other materials. With all those improvements in mind, combined with my work experience, I think I'll be a far stronger candidate for admission this time around.

 

I'm wondering if anyone has had similar experiences, of re-applying, and what their successes and failures were like as a result? Thanks!

 

 

[ritapita]

I guess my first question is when are your applications due to the schools you are applying?  Most programs are due by January 15th, and if that is the case, I would say you were not actually ahead of the game, but rather a bit behind.  Can you clarify this first before we give too much feedback?

[laurielaker]

I guess my first question is when are your applications due to the schools you are applying?  Most programs are due by January 15th, and if that is the case, I would say you were not actually ahead of the game, but rather a bit behind.  Can you clarify this first before we give too much feedback?

Sure things, and good for me to clarify!

 

I'll be applying this coming autumn and winter (2015), with a view to starting my PhD/D.Phil in Fall 2016. So, not this current cycle!

Edited December 26, 2014 by laurielaker

[FinallyAccepted]

I applied to schools last year, and didn't get in.  I applied again this year.

 

I don't know about your discipline, but in psychology, it's not all that uncommon not to get in the first application cycle just because all of the programs are SO selective.  There's actually a poll and forum topic ("Shutout Count") on it in the Psychology Forum section.  Last year I applied, not realizing this; as the application season wore on and I learned about my peers on GC, I realized that it was naïve to assume I'd get in because I was a strong candidate with great test scores and great grades (and a masters degree).

 

So as long as you're actually doing something and then reapplying, you've always got a shot, but if you weren't going to change anything (test scores, work experience, research experience), there probably wouldn't be much point.

 

Mine is a strictly psychology perspective, and I haven't actually gotten in this second time, but I hope this second time is a charm for us both.

[laurielaker]

I applied to schools last year, and didn't get in.  I applied again this year.

 

I don't know about your discipline, but in psychology, it's not all that uncommon not to get in the first application cycle just because all of the programs are SO selective.  There's actually a poll and forum topic ("Shutout Count") on it in the Psychology Forum section.  Last year I applied, not realizing this; as the application season wore on and I learned about my peers on GC, I realized that it was naïve to assume I'd get in because I was a strong candidate with great test scores and great grades (and a masters degree).

 

So as long as you're actually doing something and then reapplying, you've always got a shot, but if you weren't going to change anything (test scores, work experience, research experience), there probably wouldn't be much point.

 

Mine is a strictly psychology perspective, and I haven't actually gotten in this second time, but I hope this second time is a charm for us both.

 

Shana, thank you. That's really good to hear that someone else has re-applied. My discipline is English, for the record. I, too, believe that with the changes I'm planning to make to my new application - better test scores and new, improved, personal/research statements - I'll stand a far better chance in the coming fall than I did last time.

 

Anyone else have any thoughts on this? I'd really appreciate any and all feedback, advice, hints, experiences, etc.

 

Cheers.