Help: Grad school application and admissions?

Question

What are the chances of me getting into a grad school program I am very interested in (PhD in Communications). Here's what I know about it:
-It is a 5-year PhD program that awards the student a MA while pursuing it.
-They generally receive 120 applications every year and only accept 5-10 people into the program.
-Minimum requirements are a BA with GPA of 3.50, great GRE scores, and relevant professional or academic experience in communication studies...

I can study a lot and do "great" on my GRE exam, so that's not a problem; I have 2 BA'S with a gpa of 3.68. I have no work/professional experience in communications, but I have 1 essay that I submitted & presented at a non-refereed conference.

So what do you think of my chances? Be honest and let me know what I can do until October (when I apply) to help me get in.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Things you can do to enhance your chances for admissions and awards (fellowships, assistantships):

Present at a refereed conference.
Ace that GRE. Seriously. The higher the score, the better the chance for an award.
Do an independent study with a communications professor this semester.
Get stellar, and I mean stellar, recommendations from your current professors.

Otherwise, you seem to be on the right track.

I assume you are applying to many programs, not just the one you mention. It is essential to have backups in case you do not get into your first choice, and it is likely that some programs will offer you an award, and others will not. (No reflection on you, that happens to all good candidates.) When making your final choice, you will want to weigh each program's reputation, as well as the amount of support you'll be receiving. It is usually smart to "follow the money," not just because you'll cut down on debt, but also because fellowships and assistantships provide TAing opportunities, and an offer of such an award reflects that department's confidence in you and its dedication to getting you through the program.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

Unless you're going in for computer science or understand the programming behind the game, I would not put that in your hobbies. Many "Baby Boomers" (ie-admissions agents) view video games as a wasted hobby. If you collect the art and music and movies, just put down that you collect novelty art, music and films. The most important part is that your FF hobby doesn't overtake time you could be using to do extracurriculars like volunteer work which would help you get into school!

Answer 3

Well, my admissions standards for my grad school were similar, although they had more spaces for people to be accepted.
To be honest, if it is so competitive, I would try to get some experience in before October.
You fully meet their expectations academically, and you can always score bonus points on a killer admissions essay, but if they would like work experience, you would do well to at least attempt to gain some!