[Air-L] Choosing a Ph. D. program

[Ted Coopman]

All,

I got in with poor math GREs. UW looks at compelling narratives in
application letters (esp. illustrating knowledge of the program) , good
references, and previous related experience in research and other areas such
as activism, industry, community, government, etc. So don't let some
mediocre scores dissuade you.

Besides, since GREs are such a poor predictor of performance, would you
really want to go to a school that would reject you just on that? I agree
with Shannon, just like your undergrad, apply to schools at a variety of
levels. There are great programs out there at all levels and finding a good
fit for yourself is more important than size, reputation, or funding. It is
hard work and being comfortable is important.

-TED

On Fri, Jun 25, 2010 at 10:36 AM, live <human.factor.one at gmail.com> wrote:

> Good idea - UW has multiple great programs!
> However, I could never get in due to low GRE scores; hence I would suggest
> including in your research schools that are appropriately weighted for the
> GRE score that you have.
>
> Regards,
> Sharon Greenfield
>
>
>
> On Jun 25, 2010, at 9:55 AM, Ted Coopman wrote:
>
>  Hi Theo,
>>
>> Before I flog my own program, I would suggest looking for existing
>> research
>> on the areas that interest you and then seeing where the authors are
>> located. Always make sure there are at least 3 people at any program you
>> apply to that you could work with since faculty come and go without
>> warning.
>> Get that paper for AoIR submitted for publication asap, you want that
>> submission on your vita when you apply. Finally, apply to multiple
>> programs
>> (I applied to 7) to ensure you have choices and have a basis for
>> negotiation
>> on funding and other perks.
>>
>> Now the plug: Pound for pound one the best programs in the US -
>> Communication Studies at the University of Washington. Lots of heavy
>> hitters
>> in new media both in Comm and at the I School. AoIR will be there next
>> year.
>> Good funding with lots of TA slots (big program) and they are a "tool box"
>> program that allows space for a wide variety of research interests and
>> theoretical and epistemological approaches. Good teacher training which
>> will
>> give you an edge when you come out - can't stress that enough They also
>> have
>> good relationships with the local tech sector. Seattle has an NFL team
>> with
>> a rabid and tech savvy fan base and is a large metro area with a small
>> town
>> feel. Good town/gown relationship, pretty, great mass transit, great food.
>> If you can put up with Chicago weather Seattle, will be a cakewalk.
>>
>> -TED
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Jun 24, 2010 at 7:33 PM, Theodore Plothe
>> <Z1593072 at students.niu.edu>wrote:
>>
>>  AoIR Peeps,
>>>  Hello all. This is one of the stranger requests that will come down the
>>> pipe, but Dr. Cornish said it was OK to ask, so here I go.
>>>  I will be graduating from Northern Illinois in the Spring of 2011, so I
>>> have to start looking at doctoral programs now. My research interests are
>>> in
>>> new media and technology and its integration with social networking and
>>> fandom with a journalism and sports media tint. (I'm really a quad) My
>>> thesis, on NFL Players and Twitter, has been accepted for AoIR 11.0 and I
>>> am
>>> pretty stoked to see many of you there. AoIR 10 in Milwaukee really
>>> opened
>>> my eyes to the field, and my research interests are brimming.
>>>  I know I'm not going to find an exact fit, but can anyone give me some
>>> advice? AoIR doesn't have a program database, and NATCOM is so vast, I'm
>>> getting lost in it. I've found some programs with AEJMC, but I'd really
>>> appreciate some guidance. Geography doesn't matter, but I have to stay in
>>> the States. My iguana and fiancé don't want me to leave. :( Thanks for
>>> your
>>> time and consideration!
>>> Until next time,
>>> Theo
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> Join the Association of Internet Researchers:
>>> http://www.aoir.org/
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Ted M. Coopman Ph.D.
>> Lecturer
>> Department of Communication Studies
>> Department of Television, Radio, Film, & Theatre
>> San Jose State University
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Ted M. Coopman Ph.D.
>> Lecturer
>> Department of Communication Studies
>> Department of Television, Radio, Film, & Theatre
>> San Jose State University
>> _______________________________________________
>> The Air-L at listserv.aoir.org mailing list
>> is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org
>> Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at:
>> http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
>>
>> Join the Association of Internet Researchers:
>> http://www.aoir.org/
>>
>
>


-- 
Ted M. Coopman Ph.D.
Lecturer
Department of Communication Studies
Department of Television, Radio, Film, & Theatre
San Jose State University