<p>So here we go. I applied to the following schools for a Master's degree in Higher Eduation:</p>
<p>Columbia
Penn
University of Michigan
University of Texas
University of Miami
UMass
San Diego St.</p>
<p>So far I've been accepted to Penn (with a partial scholarship offer), University of Michigan, and UMass. Columbia, Texas, and Miami have yet to get back to me. Today I received my first rejection: San Diego St. This seems so odd. SDSU was actually my safety school, yet after being accepted to an Ivy League school, SDSU rejected me. This to me illustrates perfectly that sometimes (maybe most of the time?) program fit is more important than stats. When I applied to SDSU there was some apprehension due to my research interests and what they offer differing, but I figured my stats were overwhelmingly above their reported "average" stats that I applied anyway (In hindsight I should have seen that it wasn't a good enough match to apply). Anyway, at the schools I've been accepted to, my research interests were much more in line with what they offer - most likely the reason for my acceptance. </p>
<p>I don't know, maybe this isn't interesting to anyone else, but my point is this: if you really want to go to a school, your dream University, don't let your stats stop you from tossing your hat into the ring, you never know what they'll see in you.</p>