Feeling a little unsure, my 2nd round of apps, any feedback? :)

[chris564]

So, as the title suggests, this is my 2nd year applying to grad school. I spent some time reflecting this past year on grad school and honestly, it's something I really, really want to do. In light of this, I took time this year to upgrade some of my credentials. My undergrad is in Sociology, so I enrolled in a Post-Baccalaureate diploma to prove my dedication and capability in Communications, and not only came out with a 3.4 GPA for the semester, but a professor who agreed to be a reference at the school that is my top pick (Simon Fraser University). Not only do I now have an internal reference, but a former professor asked for me to help her as a research assistant for a research project between the months of September and October which has given me some great, directly relevant research experience this year too. I also did quantitative, qualitative, social research methods,and statistics in my undergrad as well. I've also completely refocused my research proposal and statements of interest, making them more focused and targeted. Lastly, I also contacted a professor who responded very positively to my statement of interest at SFU, and has agreed to be a potential supervisor. I even included a mention of this email exchange as a note on my statement of interest. So I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but I do feel I've strengthened my application quite a bit this year overall, and definitely at SFU.

 

Only thing is, my GPA is just slightly lacking. It's 3.32 over my last 60 credits (most programs seem to require 3.33) and I think this, and lacking some of the above, made me less than desirable last year. I know I have strong references, that was something else they said was a strength in my feedback from the advisor. I heard from the advisor that I was short-listed last year, so I'm really hoping these improvements will be enough to put me over the top. But if there is anything else you could offer to help me give it my best shot this time around, for anything I might have missed, I'd strongly appreciate the input. It is my dream to do an MA (and possibly a PhD later in life) as I'd love to teach!

 

I should add, I'm applying to Canadian schools, if that helps for context.

Edited January 22, 2015 by chris564

[CaitlinMarie]

Hi there!

First of all, congratulations on pushing through the disappointment! I also had a similar experience the first time I applied to grad school (as so many people do). However, the key is to find new and creative ways to make things happen, get that research experience, and improve your qualifications. After I was only offered admissions into one PhD program in the US without funding, I decided instead to attend grad school at a fully funded program abroad, specifically in the country I was hoping to focus my research. I have now been offered admissions to a great Comm PhD program in the US!
 

Anyway, my point is that I think what you have done so far is very admirable and honestly many professors will recognize your persistence and determination. This may not directly translate into guaranteed admission, however I think it will set your application apart as the adcomm will see that despite rejection and the lower GPA that you persevered to improve your qualifications. This is an essential graduate (and academic) trait.

As for further steps to take, it honestly sounds like you have done most of what you can do. Contacting faculty, developing those relationships, and reiterating them in your SOP is very important. My advice is to continue maintaining those relatinships. If you only applied to one program, I would also suggest looking into some other programs which have later deadlines. Applying to grad school is a numbers game, so the more applications you send out, the better your chances of admissions. However, if most or all of the deadlines have past, don't worry! Take time to acknowledge all the hard work you have put into your application and to improving yourself as a young scholar and teacher. For me, the best advice I think any prospective, new, or current grad student can receive is to stay as positive as possible (obviously easier said than done). Remember: "Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you"

[lyrehc]

Does Canada require the GRE?

 

I know that many programs look at the whole package rather than just one factor. Test scores, GPA, research/publications, interactions with the department and references all play a part.

[chris564]

Nah, no GRE here, at least not on the requirements that I have seen listed.

 

Thank you for your responses. I did not consider the notion that they may view my persistence and dedication as a positive, so thank you The MA is a goal I am trying very hard to work towards, and I do feel like I did the best I could last semester to really bolster the strength of my application. Most of them are in, if not going in soon, so I suppose there isn't too much else to do now but joining the waiting process like everyone else! As you suggested CaitlinMarie, I will definitely keep in touch with those contacts, the one professor who offered to be a supervisor wants to meet with me after he returns from sabbatical in July, so fingers crossed there! And yeah, now it's time to kick back and make peace with my efforts. Thanks again for your reply!

[CaitlinMarie]

Nah, no GRE here, at least not on the requirements that I have seen listed.

 

Thank you for your responses. I did not consider the notion that they may view my persistence and dedication as a positive, so thank you The MA is a goal I am trying very hard to work towards, and I do feel like I did the best I could last semester to really bolster the strength of my application. Most of them are in, if not going in soon, so I suppose there isn't too much else to do now but joining the waiting process like everyone else! As you suggested CaitlinMarie, I will definitely keep in touch with those contacts, the one professor who offered to be a supervisor wants to meet with me after he returns from sabbatical in July, so fingers crossed there! And yeah, now it's time to kick back and make peace with my efforts. Thanks again for your reply!

Best of luck! Please do keep us posted!

[chris564]

Ahhhhhh freak out time!!

I kind of caved and sent an email to the grad program coordinator at SFU asking when we can expect to hear back, and he mentioned likely Monday March 9th which is actually a lot sooner than I had expected. Although he said "the committee expects to make final decisions then". It's funny how the mind works, reading that I'm like, so did I not make it past the first cut? Am I not part of the final decision?? Some of the other schools I have applied to have been more revealing in their emails (saying as much as "expressed interest") so I'm not used to such water-tight statements. Ugh, I hate what this worry does to me. My fingers are crossed on this one... 

[The Pedanticist]

Ahhhhhh freak out time!!

I kind of caved and sent an email to the grad program coordinator at SFU asking when we can expect to hear back, and he mentioned likely Monday March 9th which is actually a lot sooner than I had expected. Although he said "the committee expects to make final decisions then". It's funny how the mind works, reading that I'm like, so did I not make it past the first cut? Am I not part of the final decision?? Some of the other schools I have applied to have been more revealing in their emails (saying as much as "expressed interest") so I'm not used to such water-tight statements. Ugh, I hate what this worry does to me. My fingers are crossed on this one... 

 

This is interesting, since I met a professor in the comm department at SFU at a conference last week.  

[chris564]

This is interesting, since I met a professor in the comm department at SFU at a conference last week.  

Interesting how? Did they dish out any dirt? Lol. Have you applied to SFU as well? 

[The Pedanticist]

Interesting how? Did they dish out any dirt? Lol. Have you applied to SFU as well? 

 

No.  It was interesting because the guy is a philosopher who works in a comm department (just like me) and because the conference was in the south.

[chris564]

Blugh, my internal reference at SFU just sent me an email. My heart skipped a beat since I wasn't expecting it and thought it could only be good news. Nope, turns out he just wanted to confirm that he had submitted his reference and to wish me luck. Which is something I knew about...two months ago Why would he follow up so late?? Darn near gave me an anxiety attack! In any case, I thanked him sincerely and told him I would keep him posted. Who knows, maybe my name came up in the department and it reminded him