mayfiel3

I was simply offering my opinion on my own experience. You do not have to listen to me, but I have found MAPH to be worth the price tag. Feel free to email me if you would like: mayfiel3@uchicago.edu. My name is Megan

Hey everyone, I am a current student in UChicago's MAPH program, and I thought I would give my opinions on this topic. Like so many others, I was rejected from UChicago's English PhD program, but I was referred to the MAPH program. I accepted, although I was incredibly hesitant because I, too, suspected it was a "cash cow" for the University. I was also worried that, as a MAPH student, I would be a second-class citizen and I would not have access to the same resources and professors that the PhD students have. I was worried that I would be judged as unintelligent because everyone would know I was a MAPH student, rejected from the prestigious PhD program. I was wrong about every single hesitation I had. This year in MAPH has been, by far, the hardest, most frustrating, most confusing, and most rewarding year of my life. First of all, the University of Chicago is a non-profit organization, so calling the MAPH program a "cash cow" is incredibly unfair. The program certainly does fund the PhD students, but no one is making loads of money off of MAPH. Secondly, as a MAPH student, I have access to every single resource that the rest of the students have: the library, professors, seminars, symposiums, FREE COFFEE IN THE MAPH OFFICE, social hours, etc. Not one student/professor at UChicago has ever made me feel as though I am less of a scholar, or less of an intellect, because I am an MA student. Professors go out of their way to meet with you, even if you are not their student. You are in classes and interacting with the PhD students on a regular basis, and I have never once felt that they looked down on me. The class sizes are small and are designed to work as a seminar. As a MAPH student, you are held to incredibly high academic standards, and being in class with PhD students and other brilliant MAPH students will cause frustration sometimes, but you will grow. You will be FORCED to grow. The MAPH thesis (due in FIVE WEEKS) is a huge source of stress, but never in my life have I been so protective of a project--this thesis is my baby. It's a lot of work, but most people plan to turn it into their writing sample if/when they reapply for PhD programs. MANY MAPHers are accepted to top PhD programs, including UChicago. In MAPH, you will have the toughest year of your life, but if you are prepared to work your A$$ off, then you may belong here. It's sink or swim, and I have not met one person in MAPH that has not risen to the occasion. You will be surrounded by the best and the brightest, and, as I already mentioned, you will be forced to grow and learn in order to keep up. The environment is intense, the pace is rigorous, and some of the people are pretentious, but if you can make it through MAPH (winter quarter is the worst), then your life will be forever changed---not even an exaggeration. I am one of the many people who have decided not to continue on to my PhD, but after I graduate in June, I will have my Masters Degree from one of the top Universities in the world. I took a work study position at the University of Chicago press in December, and MAPH has helped me turn it into a full-time job after graduation. So, whether you continue on to your PhD or you just want a job, the MAPH staff and preceptors care about you and work their butts off to help you get on your feet for the future. Happy MAPHing.