Chances at PhD (Human Factors)

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi! </p>

<p>I wonder if someone who is a current doctorate student/prof/relevant knowledge could comment on my situation. I was a big slacker in undergrad, graduated from Pitt with 3.2 in econ. Took a year off trying to join the armed forces, then went back for a masters in IE (non thesis), worked harder because I was interested in the material, 3.8. I have no real ‘research’ experience in terms of papers submitted, lab assistant, etc, etc. GREs were 770/630/5.5 (I see people using different numbers now, I took mine in 2010). I am highly interested in HF field and pursuing further education in it; specifically, physical ergonomics and design aspects. Given my lackluster background, would it even be worth it to apply and hope I can get funded as a TA/RA? I plan on shooting off some apps to Vtech (dream), NCSU (dream), Clemson (dunno- reach?), U Miami (dunno?), Auburn (match?), Wash U in St Louis. Currently I am looking through CVs of professors in those institutions to see if there’s a match…Honestly, any advice would be nice, even if it is “You aren’t PhD material, soz”</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>The whole “dream, reach, match” thing means nothing at this level. You need to clarify your research interests and find a department (and faculty) that would support and further such work. You don’t just “shoot off” apps to a doctoral program; that is a waste of everyone’s time. Good luck!</p>