husky4ever

So do you think bumping up to something like 160 on each section would make a difference in aid? A few more points would put me above their average for incoming students this past year, and I'm currently a couple beneath it. I didn't have much time to study, almost nothing for verbal and two full days for math, due to a major shift in my schedule mid-semester, so I think with some studying by September I could get that boost. Thank you for your response uncgrad2009! My main concern is that I want to apply for the Service Corps, which is a form of aid with a community service element. I'm not so much looking for a grant on its own as I am for that. My resume is full of wonderful internship and volunteer experiences, with a decent GPA (esp in my major and policy classes) but factoring in that SC is an aid decision changes it a lot, I'm sure.

Not admitted but applying next year, with SPEA as my top choice. Anybody willing to tell me how they did on the GREs? I took it yesterday, 154 on both sections, and I'm really afraid that's not good enough!

Hello, My ultimate goal is to go to SPEA for energy & environmental policy and I have a few options for next semester. I'm very ahead on credits and will only be taking 9 next semester, two MPA graduate courses, and a final course in my major, Resource Economics. It's cheaper and more would be unnecessary. However the final course in my major could be replaced with internship credits (still factored into GPA). My internship would either be in international development (my undergrad concentration) in "operations" at a non profit or at an environmentally related organization managing volunteers and event planning- aiming for the second, and I've secured interviews for both next week. However, I also work 4 days a week on campus so my schedule is tight and I can't have three courses plus a 20 hour internship. My alternative to a graded internship is taking a course in Energy & Environmental Economics, essentially what I'm looking to do in grad school. Do you think it would be better to have experience in an environmental nonprofit in a small but well-connected city or have that extra course in my field and major? Oh and my other two courses would be (1) Analytical Tools for Public Problems and (2) Analysis for Management Decision making, if that matters. Stats: Overall GPA: 3.25-3.37 range Major GPA: 3.4-3.6 depending on the next two weeks Minor (grad policy classes): 4.0 GREs: 154 each section, studied for two days, planning to retake in September, haven't sent scores to first choice yet. I took it today and I know I can raise my quant significantly with review, maybe verbal but not by a lot. One internship freshman year but otherwise extracurriculars and work for pay 20+ hours depending on the week and the typical 15 credit courseload. Interning in Guatemala over this summer in the field of social entrepreneurship then studying Spanish in Costa Rica for 3 weeks. Ultimate decision is internship in field versus relevant coursework. What's the verdict? Thanks for reading and helping!

Hello again everyone. I have another question here. I'm currently a UConn student in Resource Econ and minoring in public policy, while taking MPA classes as an undergrad. I have a decision to make for the next cycle, and I'd appreciate any input. I am deciding between Indiana SPEA and UConn's Dept. PP... 1. My minor advisor is the MPA program director. He is willing to let me finish the core while still in undergrad since my major is complete, it's just electives at this point. I could then spend the entire 2014-2015 year finishing their core requirements, as I'm already halfway through, and then graduate from the MPA program in one year. He would recommend me for their IPP program, which is a paid internship program where I'd have a tuition waiver and 11k/yr stipend, then come out with essentially a full year of work experience. They have great success placing IPP graduates afterwards as well. I'd be focusing in public finance with either an additional certificate in survey research or nonprofit management. However, I'm not sure that I want to work in CT and that's, of course, where most of UConn's connections exist since they are a small program. They got ranked #7 in public finance and I've been impressed in their classes, so that's not the problem. I'm also concerned about not branching out more before entering the workforce. Then again, I'd have no debt and work experience and finish early. 2. If I choose Indiana, or possibly ASU if I don't get in- however I'm very sure that Indiana would accept me from my conversations with them. They don't offer anyone full aid in the MPA program however, so that they can spread funding across more students. Worst case scenario, I'm 50k in debt plus living/moving expenses to consider. Yet, I'm extremely interested in their curriculum. I'd be able to concentrate in both public finance and energy (or sustainable/international development, still deciding). That would give me more options and their placement, in terms of both location and diversity of fields, is much better for me since I don't know 100% where I'd like to work-- but I'm 99% sure it won't be in CT. I'd be able to graduate early, not worrying about core requirements, in December rather the spring since that would only benefit me if I'm staying at UConn to save money. I'm pretty much in love with IU right now, and I hope that isn't just clouding the better decision. I like the idea of spending two years there. Also, not only is my best friend guilting me about leaving, but my advisor is also doing this. I've had two grad classes with him and asked for a recommendation from him for UConn and Indiana. He basically asked me, why would you ever do that- we're going to accept you, soo...? He agreed to write it though. I'm not sure that he meant to do this, but I felt terrible afterward, like I may be wasting his time as he is trying very hard to put me in the best position at UConn in their department in terms of paid internships, funding, and finishing early. So, I'm considering applying for the spring semester and deferring to the Fall at Indiana- they say there is nothing wrong with that and I'd still be considered for merit and need-based aid. I'd be able to avoid even applying to UConn so that I wouldn't have to deny them after they go through all the effort of setting up an IPP for me, plus funding and reviewing the application. Either way, I feel so selfish. I already know I would have funding at UConn and much less at Indiana- so that's not something I'd need to wait to find out. Am I making a stupid decision by pre-deciding on Indiana? (and if I'm not accepted, then I can apply to Uconn..) What would you all do? EDIT: Note that IU is much more affordable than most good programs- 25k/yr total cost before merit aid

What's the point in having a GPA in grad school if it is so strict...why not just have it be pass/fail? I mean, a B+ isn't that terrible of a grade-- everyone misses something here or there. I just think it is silly...may just be me though!

Okay, I have my advisor set and such. I'm cramming in six courses next semester and taking extra history courses in the summer; beginning Mandarin next academic year, continuing that into the following gap year where I'm staying around here. Taiwan would be the next step teaching English, as I've always wanted to be a teacher. We'll see where that leads me-- hopefully to a PhD one day when I'm ready. I love you all!

That's good to know I'm looking at east Asian studies programs and sticking to my research plan while learning Chinese. Between the grant and a master's, I can avoid the Phd commitment right out of undergrad and explore options. I know much more about European history, but I find Asia fascinating from the experiences I have with it...so going straight out to a Phd would probably leave me questioning what I may have missed in the pure academic rush. I think I will try a little bit of everything on this forum and I am so grateful!

I'm definitely looking into that. I'm weary of the investment though because I have just enough savings to get me moved onto graduate school smoothly, and who knows if I would get financial aid because my parents make enough to not qualify for anything at my current university-- although this isn't to say they can afford something like Middlebury, I'd be on my own with that one. I would much rather go to China/Taiwan after I graduate for awhile, but with that my main concern is healthcare, which I am dependent on via parents. I think I'm just going to do all that I can this (academic) year and figure it out over the summer as I look at graduate programs with my advisor. I'll have a better idea of where I am with the language by then. I'm already learning bits and pieces between grammar books, dictionaries, a textbook, podcasts, and my former roommate from Hong Kong (she speaks Mandarin in addition to Cantonese)-- we'll see where that gets me by the Fall semester. I'm not in a rush to get to a PhD program and working for awhile, with language training at the same time, wouldn't hurt my finances. Is it harmful not to go to graduate school immediately? It seems as though a lot of undergrads aim for that, yet I see average age for PhD programs at like 25. My main concern is recommendations, but I think if I keep in touch, and continue taking classes part-time post-graduation, I'll be in a decent position. Thanks for everyone's advice! I'm weighing all of my options and trying to go about this in the most logical fashion, without rushing into something that may or may not be worth the investment. If there's one thing I can do, it's study on my own with a large amount of self-discipline. I mean, I wouldn't be so set on academia otherwise! Also, thanks for the list rising_star, I was just surprised at the lack of programs in New England-- with so many colleges in Boston, Providence, and New York, I thought I might be able to get away with one of those without being too far away since I have summer commitments at home, but not those of which would require more than a weekend home every few weeks. I'll keep searching though! The chinese forum website has A LOT of good information!

I just met/talked to my new research advisor, a former professor at Brown who moved here a few years ago, whom apparently has quite a few connections with other academics with similar interests to mine. He told me that he will definitely introduce me to many of those people to help me as I advance through the field. I thought of Lustforlife during that conversation, having read the reply before the meeting, as he highly recommended finding programs in or teaching English in Taiwan, or both. He recommended a couple specific programs that would be a good place to consider applying to. I'm already in love with this man, he is SO helpful and I am so excited to take his course on Modern China next semester. Between him and the career counselor here, it seems that the best route would to find a way to get myself over to Taiwan, specifically, for a couple years to put me in a good position to apply for East Asian Studies. I will be doing undergrad research under him *in addition to* finding a decent intensive program, either in the US or China for language training. The research pays $3,500 so that will help balance off some of the cost of such programs. Many people seem to suggest Middlebury, but for the same price I can go to China for a similar program-- so why would one want to stay in the US if that is the case?? Alternatively, I could just find a college that offers intensive Chinese, but I can't find much around here. My university offers the typical European languages over the summer, but not Chinese, which is very disappointing! Thanks for everyone's advice. This is going to be a REALLY long commitment-- like nine years probably? I think I'm ready to dive into the process though. I'm already starting to practice Chinese at home-- podcasts and such learning tones, as well as learning basic grammar. Hopefully this will put me in a decent position for whichever intensive program/course I get myself into!

German annieca, kotov, Kelkel, Ganymede18, grlu0701, hbeels (veeeeeery rusty), Orient, ticklemepink Spanish annieca, crazedandinfused, Ganymede18, grlu0701 (kind of), CageFree, StrangeLight, pudewen (very rusty and basically useless to my work), ticklemepink (reading), fortiesgirl French theregalrenegade, Ganymede18, CageFree (reading, can speak a bit), StrangeLight, Safferz (Franglais), hbeels, sandyvanb, fortiesgirl Hebrew uhohlemonster, crazedandinfused (ktzat), ticklemepink Italian fortiesgirl (reading, can speak a bit) Latin Kelkel, Ganymede18, husky4ever Greek Ganymede18 (New Testament) Russian ticklemepink (really, really basic), ReallyNiceGuy Polish runaway Romanian kotov Japanese kyjin, pudewen (sort of, it's in process) Portuguese CageFree (reading), StrangeLight (reading, swearing), fortiesgirl (reading, some comprehension) Hungarian StrangeLight (swearing only) Somali Safferz Arabic Safferz (reading), Orient (MSA) Chinese pudewen (modern and classical) Turkish orient (modern an ottoman) Persian Orient (reading) Yiddish ticklemepink

Thank you! I'll definitely keep that in mind when I look at programs. As for pudewen and rising_star, I looked at local community colleges and the other state university one town over, but in the spring it seems that Elem. Chinese II is the only option, with the first half coming up again in the Fall. The only Chinese 1 course is an hour away and I don't think that would be do-able with gas and time combined. I'm not really sure what to do over the next semester about it, although I definitely intend to take two summer courses in Chinese (two six-week intensive courses) and continue it into the Fall semester at the next level. I was thinking of finding a tutor over the next semester to help me with the tones and pronunciation if I were to do some on my own without the option of finding a class-- which seems it may be the case. I know quite a few international students and I'm sure I could find one willing to help me out. My roommate last year is from Hong Kong, so I heard a mix of Cantonese and Mandarin throughout the entire year (she talked on the phone A LOT) and did teach me a bit-- definitely made me aware of the importance of tones. I'm extremely worried about the fact that I've waited till this semester, but I hadn't really found my place as a transfer student yet. Tight spot right now, eh? I want to avoid self-study at all costs, don't get me wrong, I'm just lost on options this semester and where I'll be in my gap year at this point. It's difficult to just get up and move away from someone I'm living with for a full year abroad, which is why I was looking at summers. My fiancee' graduates a year after me (I'm graduating in 3yr) so that complicates things further! We aren't attached at the hip or anything, but moving out and in can get tricky. He's already willing to move with me throughout various stages of education, and I'm VERY thankful for that! The teaching thing sounds like a great idea actually. That is something that I would love to do-- part of the attractiveness of the PhD to me is the ability to teach others. I'd have to talk about moving with my fiancee' though, he isn't exactly great at languages so I'm afraid of how that might work out for him, unless he gets a job in computer science that can be done overseas (which is an option)-- and I think he'd be willing to do that as he really does not care where he lives at all. So actually, that may be a good option-- likely in place of a masters degree? Or that then the masters, THEN the PhD (as in the masters/PhD at the same school kind of deal)?

Okay, that's good. I'd probably do Japanese during the program then since it wouldn't be my primary, or even secondary, source language. I may just try to do everything possible, inside and outside of classes, to learn as much Chinese as I can- probably hire a tutor in addition; and then, find an immersion program such as the Fullbright that you mentioned. It would be a very large expense right now and I believe that I have enough self-discipline to get myself rather far in the beginning stages and I think it would be more beneficial for my particular learning style to immerse myself after gaining the bare necessities of the language. As in, learn a good two years or so worth and then develop more advanced skills in a program rather than risk not having the opportunity to go again in advanced learning stages because I paid 10k for a program overseas to learn the first year, if that makes sense. I'll definitely start looking into East Asian studies programs as a starting point rather than spending so much of my time browsing PhD programs. Funding would be nice too, at least partial. What is usually the cost of a masters degree in East Asian studies, for a typical decent two-year program, with partial funding. I'm just curious as to where I could be indebted in the future and have some idea of how much I need to save going in. I plan on working almost full-time in a low-stress job (say, as a receptionist) during my gap year to save money while I continue my studies in language. If you don't know, that's fine, I'll end up figuring it out at some point as I do more research. As for ways to go about successfully learning a few years of Chinese for a program, there was a post on another topic, different forum, where someone suggested ways to go about self-studying. Would that be a good way to go about it if I were to start summer courses next year after preparing on my own with a tutor throughout the winter and spring semesters? Then, of course, I would continue to the intermediate levels, the highest at my university, for my senior year. Also, UConn does have "self-instruction" options in "critical languages" where they set you up with a tutor and necessary technology when you reach a point beyond what they offer as a traditional course, even after I graduate. The timeline I was thinking would be to continue via self instruction (@ UConn) through the Fall/Winter/Spring semesters while working, then attending a full immersion summer program, the very best I can find at whatever price, at their more advanced levels the summer prior to entering a masters program. From the little research that I have done, programs will admit students with 3-4 years worth of language instruction even if they continue it during the program (particularly looked at Columbia Univ)-- so I could get in before doing the immersion aspect. I don't know if I'm starting to sound confusing, this isn't all quite worked out in my mind yet, but I'm getting there! I've ordered Rosetta Stone level 1 for Chinese and a few books to start with over this winter break. So I apologize for my rant/confusing statements/plans/etc, and feel free to answer only what you feel is necessary-- or, of course, if anyone else pops in, that would be great too! Thanks again, you are a wonderful person for being so helpful!

Thank you so so much for your detailed reply, I really appreciate the advice and how quickly you got back to me! 1. I agree that the Asian route would set me on a better path toward the languages, though I suppose I could apply both ways depending on where I'm at by the time I apply, which would be the Fall *after* I graduate, giving myself a gap year for more language training. 2. I had a feeling that would be the case! I'll try my best to stay away from the classics then, other than meeting my requirement for ancient history. I think in the long-run I'd prefer to being doing transnational topics related to Asia anyway, much more diversity in my opinion. 3. Well, it's a good thing I didn't start looking deeply into those so soon, I'll definitely get started on languages as soon as I can. I realize classics would be a lot as well but the European languages seem to come to me very easily, so the one hurdle would be Greek-- which is why I viewed classics as the "easier" way out, in a sense. I think I will order Rosetta Stone as a supplement, as well as some books, while I have no other language training options over the next six months. There is a program called CET which offers an eight-week summer program for all levels. I figure if I study hard enough up until the program, I'd be able to start off in advanced beginner, which is like having a semester done basically, and then be able to take Intermediate Chinese 1 and 2 over my senior year-- that's the highest they offer at my university. The summer program is equivalent to a full year of Chinese according to their website. With the plane ticket and everything it would come up to about $10,000, so this is going to take a lot of convincing toward my parents since I have literally just enough to graduate next year with about $3,000 left saved for additional courses. I'm hoping the trip will be worth the price, though I'm sure it will be. I don't think I would be able to afford much beyond that; are there other alternatives for studying literary Chinese independent of a study abroad program of which I could do during my gap year? I'm definitely willing to go the masters route first, in either direction-- probably applying to both Early Modern Europe and East Asian programs. In a way, it does sound like too much, but I'm in love with learning and as long as I'm not living on the streets, I'll do whatever it takes to have adequate preparation. Portuguese shouldn't be too much trouble for me, and I believe that I could be fluent in it within a year if I tried. Their grammar is elementary compared to Latin, and that makes me a bit jealous of all of the work I put in! You mentioned Japanese-- should I also have that covered before applying to/starting a PhD program; or would Chinese and Portuguese be enough? I mean, of course it is always better to have as much language preparation as possible, but I don't know what I'll be doing in terms of income for all of these years in between and how long I will take on a PhD, etc. Thanks for all of the advice, I'll mention some of this to my advisor when I see her next week and I'm sure she will be delighted that someone has been able to give me some insight on what I need to do. The department at my university does not even offer Asian or World History in their graduate program, so they aren't always helpful in terms of specific preparation-- though they would be glad to guide me into US/European/Latin American History!

Hello everyone, I have posted on a political science board but have since changed my major- why I was ever in political science, I will never know. I'm looking into summer research and will most likely delve into the subject of imperialism in Asia, specifically with the coming of the Portuguese. I do not know these languages as of now, so I may end up spending the summer on a topic within the Roman time period, either focusing on religion or the spread of Roman culture. I do know Latin, so the primary research aspect would be less of an issue. I am currently a junior and that is my background on what has led me to my current questions. I intend to attend a graduate program, hopefully through the doctoral level. I am fluent in Latin; beginning Portuguese next year, and Chinese most likely during graduate school (if I go into that field). If others are required, I am willing to take those as well. 1. Which type of programs would I look into for studying the first topic. Is that European or Asian history? I'm honestly not sure and feel that it fits into both categories and looking into grad programs, it seems to be one or the other. 2. Which field has more potential for job growth, particularly within academia-- classics/ancient history or European imperialism/trans-national relations/Asian history? 3. I've never taken Chinese before and have no clue how I will do with it-- should I even consider a graduate program in imperialism in Asia if I do not know an Asian language? Now, before people start telling me that I should not even consider applying to a phd (or masters?) program within the next couple of years because I lack focus, let me explain my side. I have truly split interests and I have read deeply into both fields. I have heard very negative stories about the job market for those in classical/ancient history (Greek/Roman/etc) and I'm wondering if anyone knows what the demand really is, if anything, in that field of history. On the other hand, I've heard very positive stories about the job market for those in Asian-related history, although I am still hesitant to place myself as a potential in that category because my interests are rather trans-national/worldly. I could spend the rest of my life reading and writing on either area of history, and I would not regret going either way. Any advice on the advantages or disadvantages of either side (particularly as I go to choose one for summer research), taking current language knowledge into account? Thanks everyone, I'm sorry this was long but I adore both subjects and I want to set myself on the right path in terms of language-courses and grad-program searching. My first interest, since early high school, was ancient history and that would be the easier path as for requirements, but it seems that it is an over-studied subject, whereas much more is to be learned in Asian history. *Edit: I also already have a professor willing to be my advisor for the summer research grant on the topic of imperialism/relations in Asia via the Portuguese. He will be my Modern China professor next semester. My academic advisor told me that finding professors that are willing to do such a thing can be difficult and I can still do research in this field even if I intend to apply for something else. As she said, a wide breadth of knowledge makes a great historian.

So, I'm a sophomore right now and I've recently transferred universities, from a small business school to a much larger university (top 20 public), to switch programs. I'm now declared a polisci major, IR as a concentration, and I've known since transferring that a research position is what I am looking for; though I'm not entirely against working outside of academia. Here's my issue. I have a 3.15 GPA from my previous university, two C's bringing down the other high B's and A's. I also did an internship my second semester in a policy office for the Rhode Island State House, had a great experience. At my current university, I have grades transferred from high school in an "Early College Experience" program along with summer courses. My transcript here has a 3.25. I'm transferring most of those from my non-degree to my degree transcript, for my undergrad gpa on my diploma, but the other two C's will always be showing. This makes four C's on my transcript total already, World History & Financial Accounting at the business school, and Math for Business & Econ and World Civilizations from high school-- as well as a W in calculus this semester. It's really a mess, but I'm not failing or anything, I just realize how competitive graduate school is. This said, my major gpa between both schools is a 3.8 (IR and polisci courses)...I look around websites and see posts from people with 3.5+ GPAs worried about getting into a decent program, otherwise their life is over. As it stands, I will have two transcripts with a 3.15 (locked in) and my current 3.32. Of course I can bring this up, but the C's and W aren't going away and I'll never have that 4.0. I've already written several lengthy political science papers and that's something I'm good at doing. I know that I'd do spectacular in a masters program, no problem. My issue is motivation in subjects that bore me-- accounting, math. Of course those will be out of the way soon enough, except for statistics. I realize that graduate school is becoming more quantitative, but not to a degree that will kill me. If I know myself well enough, here's what I'd be looking at sending grad schools in a couple years: 3.4 GPA GRE scores (based on practice exams) 700 verbal, 690 quant Involvement in Model UN, writing organization leadership position, 2 internships at state general assemblies Great recommendations, I'm close to many of my professors Great essay/statement (writing is my strongest point) **MAIN QUESTION: If I apply to masters programs that are top 20-30 and get into one of those, get better grades, etc..would that put me in a better position with PhD programs at top 10-15 schools? Also, what about work experience--helpful, necessary, etc? Thanks, and sorry for the long story. Transferring was not an easy process and now I'm stuck in a sticky situation in both, knowing how competitive political science is!