<p>I’ve been reading and reading threads, books, articles, EVERYTHING to try and wrap my mind around the PhD. And I’m just tired now, and I am asking for some of the wonderful CC guidance that I received as an undergrad. </p>
<p>A few worries: </p>
<p><a href=“1”>b</a> Direction. **</p>
<p>I know I want to continue research within the cultural/social psychology field on the Asian American population. Thing is, that’s basically all the direction I have right now. I’ve been looking into grad programs and potential faculty advisers, but there hasn’t been any place/person that I really like yet. </p>
<p>I’ve been spending free time online, trying to find professors but it’s hard to find one that studies Asians in America, not Asians in Asia. I’ve asked a few of my psych professors too, but their recommendations (Hawaii, UNC, Wisconsin, Chicago, VA) still haven’t hit.</p>
<p>How related does your ideal research have to be with your potential adviser and program? </p>
<hr>
<p><a href=“2”>b</a> Admission: GPA vs. All Else.**</p>
<p>Because of first semester freshman year, I have a low GPA of 3.2ish. My grades have progressively been better since then, with hopefully a 4.0 this semester. It’s just all weighed down by first semester and Bs. </p>
<p>But I have a lot of other things I hope will counteract it: </p>
<ul>
<li><p>I have worked as a research asst to a psych professor for 2+ years. I’ve gone from data entry to taking a part of her data as my own to analyze. </p></li>
<li><p>I’m working with a professor on another research project on Asian Americans that I and a friend have started on our own. We just completed a questionnaire profile and will be doing the experimental part next semester. We wish to present it at the academic symposium in the spring and write a paper on it. </p></li>
<li><p>I was at a grad recruitment summer research program at UMich this summer, where I worked with a professor (unrelated to Asian Americans, though). I presented my summer work at conferences.</p></li>
<li><p>I do workshops and discussion sessions about Asian American issues monthly.</p></li>
<li><p>I will be an undergrad TA for psychology 101 next semester. </p></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p><a href=“3”>b</a> Reality.** </p>
<p>I know I will always be interested in Asian American issues. I’m young, yes, but I’m not young. I’ve been tossing the idea of getting a PhD for the past year, and despite reading all the negative reviews from many people, I really want to do this. </p>
<p>I’ve talked with professors about the realities, especially in going into academia afterwards. One said–Go for it. I don’t say this to many students, but I think you can do it. </p>
<p>It’s just. My friends are always asking me–You mean, you’re not going to get a job? You’re going to be in school forever! </p>
<p>I think I’ll really enjoy researching Asian Americans. But am I crazy? For wanting to do this? For wanting to go to grad school for 7 years and then spending my life in academia? I want to do this, but when I think about it…it is crazy! Why haven’t my professors told me I’m crazy for doing this? Why aren’t they discouraging me like crazy–like what I read in books or from people? </p>
<p>I need a reality check, please.</p>
SO THANKS! </p>