Went another route - In case I don't get in

[MarkMc]

So while I sit here in misery, being outscored by the braggers in some of the areas (I don't think my 95th+ percentile score is high enough with nauseatingly attractive 3.7 GPA) I thought about what my other options are.  Then.  It occurred to me.  The one thing I thought before I started into a MBA/MA program.  Education is there to learn.  It's there to enjoy.  We can all compete and get stressed out by the process - but what good is that?  So, I filled out an application to my local community college for an AA in Latino Studies.  It will be nice background for some of my MA work, teach me a new language, and take me back to learning for the sake of learning.  I'm hoping it takes the edge off of the Doctoral process, too.

[sjoh197]

I was actually looking into some things at my local cc too. I can't move cities for the foreseeable future... So I was only able to apply to one program. (a very good fit, but still not a good chance in the numbers game)

The worst are the "4.0, 330+ gre, I have multiple published papers and personal connections... Omg I'm never going to get into any of the 13 schools I applied to" people.

[MarkMc]

What types of programs were you looking at for the graduate level?  And yea - I feel you.  I had to whittle down my list based on cost, location, and flexibility (I need to work in the near time and I'm hoping to maximize their contribution, equating to looking at lower tuition). I only applied to NYU since they sent a free application after I took my GRE (my non-impressive GRE - it was to the former Poly, which is now their School of Engineering).

[sjoh197]

I applied to UHs geology program. There is a professor whose work there is very much what I want to do and I really like him as a person too.

My partner just got an amazing job in Houston and we moved here in June. My options were limited, but UH the professor had research interests that aligned with mine down to the locale of where my previous work has been.

I know that high gpa and gre doesn't equal acceptance, but it certainly makes those of us with lower gpa's or scores a little skittish and a little less sympathetic.

Edited January 18, 2016 by sjoh197

[MarkMc]

You're right that a high GRE and a high GPA doesn't equal an automatic acceptance, but it does far in sorting candidates into viable/not viable in the first round, and moving files to the top of the stack.  Research in many fields is quite diverse and even if not directly related can often be overseen by someone in the department who understands research methods. 

 

Ah yea - Geology is a toughie - there aren't a lot of programs around and they probably aren't as flexible as what I'm looking at (that will allow travel for residencies, etc.)  You may be able to court the professor to help your application move along, no?

[AD]

Shit myan...i too think have to look for job in my country!!! Broke and without money ....i think i just self evaluated myself!!!! thinking of doing Farming ....