I've been looking at universities for a doctoral degree in social science. As most of the schools require a high GPA, a good GRE score, and some publication, I wanted to know how competitive is it to get into these big name grad schools. Very competitive yes, but what is the criterion that they emphasize most on; like how much weight does a scholarly publication (research pub) have as compared to a mediocre GPA, or a GRE in the top 80 percentile. I know the depth of competitiveness I am faced with; but wanted to know if any of our sajhaites who have been to those schools or have gotten into graduate programs would be able to suggest me a bit.

Deadline is approaching for most big universities for Ph.D. program. Apply as soon as possible. Of course, because online application nowadaysthings have become easier.

Good luck!
Top 80 percentile in what? Verbal? Quantitative?

Publications won't be as important if you can demonstrate that you're smart and hardworking to attend the PhD program, (GRE, GPA, Essay). But publications definitely boost your chances of getting accepted.

Thank you Pade_Queen- GRE combined score 80th percentile range- of course quantitative would be higher than verbal! :)

Sojodude, I dont have a history of high gpa. so was wanting to know how much will publications 'overshadow' my incompetence as demonstrated by mediocre gpa.

Well, GPA matters a lot. If you lack in the experience department, I will have to advise you to apply for a graduate degree first instead of directly applying to a PhD degree. If you're trying to get to, say, Harvard or Yale, you can't get in without 90%tile in both verbal and quantitative. Take note that even if you get an 800 in quantitative, that's only approximately 92%. As for Verbal, I would say that a score of 600 and above is good. I scored in the upper 600's, and even that was more than 90%tile.
Now, what sort of publications do you have? Is it in your field? That might help you to some degree. What matters more though is, how much experience do you have in your field? What kind of job did you hold?
I had a combined score of 1400+ in quantitative and verbal, with a solid 3.5 GPA from a very good school, yet I had a hard time getting into a PhD program, so ultimately I decided to go for my Master's degree before taking the doctoral route.
The course that I am pursuing is a fairly new one, and there aren't many schools out there(not even in Ivy Leagues, except for Stanford) that have degrees in my field anyway. Also, don't get too hung up on the school name. In Grad schools, it's the the name of the institution in that school that matters, not the school name.

So if I have 3.917 GPA in MIS, am I good? I hadn't thought about it but I am applying it right now as we speak and may start by January.

That's a good GPA, but GRE matters. What school you went to also counts.

DC girl,

Good luck with your application. I hope you get into the school of your choice.

*****

I also have a question, I would really appreciate it if I can get help/suggestion.
I am planning on continuing my grad school. Does anyone know how to get into a good Mphil Program in European Universities, preferebly in the UK (SOAS or someplace with a very good program on Asian/Asia-Pacific Studies program)? GPA isn't bad and I am in a fairly known school in Asia. Plus I have some experience under my belt and some publciations related to my field, no journal articles though. Is journal article a must to get into MPhil programs? I am planning on starting either Spring 2006 or Fall 2006. Any idea?

GRE - 660

Also identifying a professor with whom you would like to work towards your PhD is also important. After identifying you should establish contact with the person and tell him that you would like to work with him. If the prof finds that your research interest matches with his, then he might get tempted to take you.

About Ivy League, I had a not so pretty experience two years back- I had written to two Profs. of an Ivy Institute, they didn't reply back. I just gave up on them and their institution. Talking about GRE, I had one senior in school, she had less than 1400 in GRE, yet she went to an Ivy school for Doctoral Studies - she got fully funded for five years. She had enormous experience in theatre, had already directed a couple of plays.

Thugged out, thank you for your comments. But had no idea experience was of any importance. And was quite hopeful that journal publications would help. Thank you Pade_Queen, will put extra effort in 'identifying' the professors. And since I'll be applying next year only, I could take GRE again!!

I am getting a Ph.D degree in Finance and I can tell you that GPA counts a lot. The admission criteria is a combination of factors but GPA is one of the most important factors.
I came into this program with a solid GPA,solid GRE,prestigious internships and solid recommendations from my professors and mentors. Also, my admission process included a face to face interview with the admission committee members. They tested my knowledge based on the resume I had given them and my bachelors coursework. The interview was comprehensive and I could not just give them vague answers.
Slightly less imp. is where you did your Bachelors/Masters.The admission process is very competitive and you should study the admission process for the universities you have chosen. Also, it really helps to apply early.
Good luck

One of my friends had an excellent GPA and GRE from the same institution he wanted to attend the phd program and he had some tough time since he didn't have any publications. (he eventually got into it). The best thing to do is to talk to the faculty directly to find out if you meet all the competencies. If unsure then join the masters program and then demonstrate that you're qualified for phd. And as thugged_out mentioned it's the ranking of the school/college within the university that matters and not the university itself. Check out http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/grad/rankings/phdhum/phdhumindex_brief.php to see if your college/school/department is listed.