<p>I was just wondering what are the general criteria for admittance into top sociology graduate schools (eg. Berkeley). Specifically, research experience--I know research is hugely important, but I don't really have an anchor-point to know how much is a lot. </p>
<p>What about research in other fields? I am working in a lab with a psychology professor this summer. (I'm a sophomore)</p>
<p>And, are there language requirements?</p>
<p>Also, if I want to study Cultural Studies, which departments is it usually situated in?</p>
<p>I think social science research in any field would be a plus. As for assisting with research in a psychology lab, this might be useful if it develops quantitative skills or if it is in an area that overlaps with sociology, e.g., social psychology.</p>
<p>As for whether there are language requirements, check the websites of grad programs that interest you.</p>
<p>There’s an active sociology of culture, too. Google Michele Lamont (currently of Harvard, formerly of Princeton). There are lots of areas where sociology and anthropology are a little hard to distinguish if you don’t know what department people are affiliated with. (I asked one person who is currently applying to grad school in sociology to explain the difference, and got gobbledegook for an answer. Then I asked a first-year anthropology grad student, who is really more of an archaeologist, and she said, “Easy! If it’s about living people in North America or Europe, it’s sociology. If it’s about dead people or brown people in the rest of the world, it’s anthropology.”)</p>
<p>The one bit of advice I think anyone would give a student like the OP is to learn as much about statistics (and the underlying math) and quantitative methods as you can before applying. Facility with that stuff is highly valued, especially by top programs, which tend to be quantier than others.</p>
<p>Second, if you have a chance to do an honors thesis in your major (whatever it is), and especially if it involves an original research project . . . do it! If that isn’t baked into your major, see if you can put it in yourself as independent study or something.</p>
<p>Third, work to develop close relationships with some faculty mentors, especially in the field you want to go into. (Others in related fields – like psychology:sociology – can be helpful, too, but won’t necessarily have the personal relationships that might tip the balance for you in grad school acceptances.) You are going to need their guidance and support, so start getting it NOW, and in a couple of years they will be invested in helping you design a flight path to where you want to go. Also, by the way, this is the best way to make certain you are really learning what you should in your field.</p>
<p>Fourth, if you can, get to know some grad students. They can give you lots of practical advice and benefit of experience, and help you decide whether what they do is what you really want to do.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for the help guys! I actually found a research seminar in Princeton about the sociology of culture. I ripped its syllabus and may do some reading off it the coming summer. </p>
<p>Specifically regarding research experience though, do anyone know what is the “standard” amount for admission to top programs like Berkeley and Princeton? I have no real anchor-point, as there is a huge range, from a good honors thesis to multiple published papers and presentations.</p>