Comments | applyingtograd: Pre-Application Inadequacy Freak-Out

bobbiejane in applyingtograd

Pre-Application Inadequacy Freak-Out

Aug 26, 2009 20:26

I am applying for Fall 2010 graduate programs in geography. Looking through the admissions information for the schools (all state universities not in my state of residence), I can forsee these issues:

( The Questions )

letter of recommendation, sop, research, advisor, geography

Comments 8

(The comment has been removed)

mos_stef August 27 2009, 02:02:30 UTC

HELL YEAH GEOGRAPHERS ARE THE BEST

*Gives you the biggest high-five ever*

brittdreams August 27 2009, 07:01:01 UTC

CHECK PHD. They are more likely to invest in you if they think you'll be around longer than 2 years. You plan to get it, so you aren't being dishonest.
I wouldn't bother. You want to know why? Because nearly every geography program out there has funding for its MA students through either RA or TA positions.

As far as picking programs, geography programs are a bit weird. There are a bunch of MA-only programs, particularly in the midwest, that produce top-notch students. I would say not to worry at all about ranking and just to go somewhere where you can pursue your interests. Oh, and for your SOP, you'll want to be a bit more specific about those interests.

mos_stef August 27 2009, 02:03:57 UTC

I'm very bad with grad school advice, but I just wanted to wish you luck, and suggest my school, Hunter College. I'm currently in their MA program and love everything about it.

Regarding Question 3 smyleykyley August 27 2009, 02:52:46 UTC

I posted a very similar question a few days ago, and got so many fabulous responses! You should definitely go read the comments here: http://community.livejournal.com/applyingtograd/3687530.html

theredrighthand August 27 2009, 03:27:14 UTC

1. You have never written a research paper? Been to the library and checked out a book? Taken lab hours? "Research experience" starts small as an undergrad and gets bigger. It would be great to have a big original research project completed, or an Honors thesis, but that's not the case for a lot of grad applicants ( ... )

theredrighthand August 27 2009, 03:28:13 UTC

Re no. 2: I meant choose whoever for the third letter ;) The first two should come from people who know you well of course. My third letter was from a prof who I'd had classes with and who knew my name, but not much beyond that.

coaldustcanary August 27 2009, 06:06:59 UTC

3. I am finding it difficult to gauge which programs are reaches and which I have a legitimate shot at. Right now I'm basing my judgment on the general reputation of the universities' graduate programs. Is that going to get me in the right ballpark?

Unfortunately, it might not. A family member of mine got a Master's degree in one field from State University, and it's ranked as one of the best in the multi-state region in her discipline. However, it is literally the rock bottom program nationally for a Master's degree in my discipline. Sometimes schools are strong in one graduate area and shitty in another. It does happen.