BAW

I don't usually pick it up just for fun. It's kind of like Wikipedia: if I have to look something up, I sometimes get sucked into reading random articles.

^ Since this link no longer takes you to the original information, try this: http://www.diadochoi.com/study_classics.php

The requirements do seem kind of lax, but funding is funding so there will probably be competition. I feel like the strenuousness of the program will be affected by students in your class just as much as the program requirements. Do either of you have an opinion on contacting professors as potential advisors? I don't want to mention anyone in my research proposal without knowing if they'd be open to working with me. I figured I could ask politely if they were taking on students next fall. For a few profs, I'm using their work in a paper I'm writing, so I thought I could mention that and ask a question.

Ditto. I've never heard of any dual degree programs but that doesn't mean there aren't any out there. If you want to go on to a PhD eventually, it might be better to pursue an M.A. so that you can get balanced training in Latin and Greek.

I'm applying to a couple of MA programs that only ask for two letters of recommendation, although the wording makes it seem like they'd accept three. I'm wondering if I should go ahead and send all three or just the two best ones. Thoughts? On a related note, I come from a small Classics department. I'll have a solid letter from the head of the department, and another one from from a well-respected and slightly famous Religion professor (my research experience straddles the two disciplines). I could get my third letter from our only other Classics PhD, but we've had lousy chemistry and he hasn't seen my best work. The other option would be approaching a prof from history or art history who might write me a more favorable letter. I don't think my second Classics professor will trash me or anything, but do you think it would hurt me to only have one letter from within my discipline?

Agreed. And it might be that their offices are understaffed during summer hours.

I appreciate the websites that are up front about their admission requirements. A lot of programs seem kind of coy about what they want in their applicants. If more people apply because they're not sure how competitive their app is, the program gets to raise it's selectivity rating. I dunno, maybe I'm being too harsh...

I wouldn't worry. You have great scores otherwise, and 4.0 is still a pretty impressive score. I know grad students in the top philosophy programs who got 4.0 AWs. The writing section is new and not nearly as good an indicator of your ability as a writing sample or personal statement.

Hey guys, I'm applying to MAs as well. Furcifera, if you think your application is strong, I would consider applying to Florida and maybe even FSU. They tend to fund most of their MAs. I'm also applying to Colorado, as well as UF, FSU, and for the MAT at UMASS Amherst. I thought about applying to Maryland, but I wanted to move a little farther from home.