Hey Mark,
I know you posted this awhile ago but I was wondering if you could explain what you were doing wrong? (if you don't mind) It is a pretty big fear of mine that I am messing up personal statements (my academic/GRE stats are similar to what yours were) and I fear that not really effectively selling myself might mess up my chances! How did you figure out what you were doing wrong?
Thanks!
Well it took a while and a lot of internal honesty. At first I pondered the possibility that the fact that I was an older non-traditional student who was not exactly the affirmative action poster child may have impacted my chances. I used to joke that if my name were Pedro Hernandez and I was 25, things would be easier. It didn't take long to realize that even if this were the case, that short of making a new identity that I would have to accept the fact that I was a 40 year old white male (which did limit my scholarship opportunities as an undergrad.)
In reality, I called the schools, incredulous that I didn't get a single interview opportunity at schools that I should have had a solid chance at. Sure, I understood why Yale wasn't calling, but I had no idea why University of North Texas didn't call! I was very picky my first time around, Oklahoma State University and University of North Texas were my "safety schools." I wanted in at a top notch program and I was determined to do so.
REALITY CHECK.
At the point I was applying I was a Junior, with a 4.0 GPA and 2 semesters as an R.A. and just beginning data collection on my Honors Thesis. I had only been in college for 3 semesters. (I CLEP'd 56 credit hours my first semester and transferred 24 credits from military schools.) I had a total of less than 40 credit hours of verifiable coursework. My transcripts looked strange to say the least (I finished my degree in 5 semesters.) Still these were not the things that killed my packet.
The biggest single killer? I did a poor job of matching and of networking.
Improving my matches is what made the largest difference for me. I also revealed far more about myself in my personal statement. I clearly laid out my intended career trajectory and how I felt that the school I was applying to lent itself to the completion of my goals. I would dare say that my essays were more selfish than they had been the previous year.
I went to a number of conferences (3) that year that I had before I could apply again. I networked and discussed with professors what had happened to me and listened to suggestions that they had regarding my applications. I visited programs prior to the application season in order to meet faculty and express interest in the department. This led to several interviews and in not applying to a few as well. Arizona State University made it quite clear that I simply did not have enough research experience to make the cut and told me why I did not have a competitive application within their program, I instead applied to their counseling program where I was interviewed and a far better match.
Going to the interviews that I did get was a real eye opener, the competition is stiff!!! Once you get past the GRE/GPA hurdle, those two factors mean NOTHING!!! It's all about what you can bring to the program, and many have extensive research experience, masters degrees, or both! I interviewed at several programs my second time through only to meet applicants that made me look unqualified.
Don't be afraid to be yourself (unless you are a serial killer or other sociopath) and don't be afraid to express your expectations.
Visit programs and conferences, track down and talk to the professors you want to work with. It makes a HUGE difference when you meet them at a professional conference and express obvious interest in the field and their research.
Match yourself carefully with the programs and mentors. Know who you want to work with and why you want to work with them.
Don't be afraid to call programs and ask what the reason was that you were not selected.
Apply to programs you have a realistic chance at gaining admission at. It's not easy, also don't be afraid to reach for a few stars... pick intelligently.
Mark
PS - I forgot to add, all that hard work, it was worth it!!! Every bit of it paid off.
