Below is advice for undergraduate students considering applying to graduate programs, compiled by PSU sociology faculty (last updated Spring 2021).
First, you will need to identify a list of programs you plan to apply to; we suggest about five programs. Next, you will develop your application materials. A CV is an academic version of a resume that you will submit with your grad school applications. Graduate schools will also want a statement of purpose, which describes why you want to pursue the degree you are applying for, what you plan to do in graduate school, and your plans for a career after you complete your graduate degree. You will also need letters of recommendation and a writing sample. GREs are falling out of favor; confirm whether your target programs require them or not!
Below are the steps you should take as you prepare your applications
1. Identify the graduate programs you plan to apply to:
- If you are considering sociology programs, you may want to look at the ASA Guide to Graduate Programs (hard copy held in sociology lobby)
- Look at the ranking of programs and apply to schools with a range of rankings (for sociology: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-humanities-schools/sociology-rankings)
- Look at the faculty bios on the department websites to determine which programs have at least three potential faculty mentors who would be a good fit for you (in terms of areas of research and/or methodological focus)
- Contact faculty and/or grad students in potential target programs to learn more
2. Once you have identified at least one target program:
- Review the application process and required materials (note any special directions for the statement of purpose)
- Review the department website, particularly noting what aspects of the program fit with your interests and which faculty members you would like to work with
3. Write an approximately 1,000 word statement of purpose, including all the following elements that are relevant to your experience (they do not need to be in this order). If the program has specific instructions for their statement of purpose, follow those instead.
- Academic and/or life experiences that motivate your interest in sociology;
- Reasons for pursuing graduate study in sociology;
- Ultimate career goals once you obtain your terminal degree;
- Prior academic experiences that have prepared you to do graduate level work in sociology;
- Research experience, including research in courses, research assistantships, research presentations, and publications (if any);
- Teaching experience, including teaching assistantships and community-based teaching (if any);
- Service experience, including volunteer work on campus, in the discipline of sociology, and in the community (if any);
- Areas of interest within sociology and possible areas of focus for your own research;
- Reasons for choosing this department (include names of faculty you would like to work with).
- Create or revise your CV for applying to that program (note: there is no length limit on academic CVs) LINK to CV template
- Send your statement of purpose and CV to the faculty who will be writing you letters of recommendation (email to ask for letters of rec at least one month prior to the deadline, send your materials to your recommenders at least two weeks prior to the deadline)
- Polish up a writing sample from previous coursework