Atlantichistoryhopeful

Thank you very much for your comments! I have actually started reaching out to a few POI and will continue to do so. I am more than happy to talk through PM. I've heard about the departmental politics, but I didn't know about the establishing of cohorts in the same area. That's really good to hear about Latin Americanists! I will definitely ask about my SOP from last year. When I wrote it I had a member of my committee help, but I didn't ask anyone else's opinion until after I sent it in and there were a few pointers made. Thanks again for the advice!

Sorry if I'm late to the game, but I just joined the grad cafe. I'm a recent graduate of a masters program in the spring of 2012. I applied to 12 doctoral programs last year and got rejected by all of them. I had a 4.0 when I was applying, but graduated with a 3.92. I am being published soon as a contributing editor, and have presented my research at several conferences and symposiums. Despite by impressive CV, my short comings during the last application process was my low GRE score and my writing sample was only a draft of my thesis. I also applied to a lot of research one institutions, which had over 200-300 other applicants for 3-10 slots. I'm currently trying to figure out how to go about this upcoming application process. I am taking the GRE again next week. Which I know I will make a better score after taking a Kaplan course. My writing sample will also be better this time since my thesis is complete. However, I am still anxious. Can anyone give me advice on what Atlantic world programs that might be a good fit? I have a rather large list but any insight on further programs would be awesome! Also, is it too late to contact programs to allow them to get to know me? Any other information that people can provide about the application scene for Atlantic world history programs would be greatly appreciated. I just really want to get in this year!