<p>I woud like to post my story to clear up some of the ridiculous assumptions that are generally made on this forum. First, a little about myself:</p>
<p>I am currently in my first year of a Phd in business at an Ivy league institution. When I was going through the application process I had many of the same worries and concerns that most potential Phd candidates have, "Is my GPA good enough"?, "should I retake my GRE and aim for the 99th percentile instead of the 90th, etc"?. At the end of the day, after talking to some of the people who had a hand in bringing me into the program, none of that really factored in to any large degree. </p>
<p>I was a slightly above average student in undergrad (3.6 GPA), from a middle tier small private university that many of you have probably not heard of. After graduation, I went to work in the banking sector for a couple of big names in NY for a few years before setting off to do a 3 year stint for a NGO in South East Asia. Before leaving I had known that I wanted to study for a Phd but wanted to experience a little bit of what life had to offer first. On my return, my intentions were solidified and to a large degree shaped by the experiences I had throughout those years of my life. </p>
<p>I applied to programs based not on the name, but on what I felt they had to offer me in terms of growth and experience. I researched every faculty member, read all of their research, and used that to evaluate whether I would be a good fit for them (as well as them for me). After this I set about developing my applications. I wrote an individual SOP for each university from scratch explaining in great detail the reason why I wanted to study there, and what had caused me to have such an interest in that field of study. Each statement of purpose was 100% honest. I put my own voice to paper not concerning myself with the typical formalities you see suggested online in regards to composing an SOP.</p>
<p>In terms of my grades and test scores, I probably was not even in the 50th percentile compared to the other applicants (my average GPA and test scores substantially lower than the averages reported on their website for admitted students). Out of the 7 programs I had applied to, I was admitted to 5 (4 with funding, all in the top 20 for my field). By College Confidential standards, this defies all logic right.........</p>
<p>When graduate school admissions tell you that all aspects are considered in the review process, they are serious. For top programs, 4/5 applicants have a 3.8 GPA with test scores over the 90% percentile (and as far as they're concerned, there is no difference between a 3.5 and a 3.8, so stop driving yourselves crazy with these frenzied GPA questions). What makes a difference is the aspects of YOUR profile that make you different. As I was told by one of my faculty members, "It's not so much about your past success, but more about your future potential as a Phd candidate). Graduate school admission are flooded with people who want to get a Phd but cannot provide an honest reason as to why they want to do so. </p>
<p>I was told that what sealed the deal for me was my SOP. That's it, not GPA, not Test Scores.....the SOP. Remember that your SOP is the best insight into the candidate that they have. If you're writing your SOP based on a template that you found on the internet, and printing it out 10 times to send to different programs, then good luck. Take your time and really think about why you are willing to spend the next 5 years of your life devoted to the study of your area. Be honest with yourself. If you are able to do this, then put those reasons down on paper and send it off with your application. That's what will set you apart and hopefully get you to the place that you want to be. Good luck to all of you, and don't give up.</p>