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Congrats on your graduation!! Good luck with your applications

I already applied, and will be starting my Public History program next week! Where are you applying to, Yoga_Turkey?

Hello all! I'm about to start my first semester of grad school (MA in History/Public History) and I'm freaking out! Can anyone give me some advice, or something you wish you knew before you started grad school? Literally ANYTHING would be appreciated Thank you!!

I wanted to send my profs who wrote my LOR a thank you note, but I thought it would be nice to send them a small gift (each under 10$)- something that would be personal (example, colombian coffee for my Latin American history prof, or a book about medieval art for my medieval prof). Thoughts? Is it inappropriate, or would it make them feel uncomfortable?

Definitely get in touch with him now. It's nice to give him a heads up. I would tell him what you've been up to since you graduated, and your future plans (what schools you're applying for, the programs etc.) and ask if he'd write you a letter. It really doesn't hurt to ask early (and it certainly helps your prof!) Good luck!!

I did my undergrad at McGill- they have phenomenal history profs, especially for American History, so you'd be in good hands. James Opal does early american history, and he's one of the best.

I felt the same way before I took my GRE- I seriously had nightmares! Just tell yourself, the worst that can happen is that you do badly. Then what? Well you can always retake it (assuming you have time). But also, remember that the GRE is a small part of your application!! The other parts are much more important! a 142 isn't the best score.. but that was your first time taking a practice test right? Take as many as you can and you'll see your score improve! You have to get used to taking this sort of test. Also, what practice books are you using? I'd recommend the Manhattan series. Also if you're really worried, consider getting a tutor/classes (if you like online classes, check out Magoosh!). Lastly, for verbal, memorize as many words as you can. There are loads of websites devoted to GRE vocab. Practice everyday and practice early! GOOD LUCK! You can do this!!!!

If I were you, I would get 3 letters from your history professors, and then another letter from your museum employer. I think the letters from the professors would carry more weight, but adding another letter from the museum would help (just my opinion). Are you limited to only 3 letters, or can you send as many as you'd like?

Good question. I plan on working in Boston, so I want to go to school there... both schools have placements, and really focus on getting the students acquainted with the public history world in Boston, so I think it would be beneficial. Also I should specify, I know about the reputations of the schools in GENERAL, but not specifically for their history departments.

Hi All! I'm trying to decide between two schools for my masters in History (with a concentration in Public History): UMass Boston and Northeastern. I don't know much about the reputation of the schools, or the quality of their education... If anyone knows ANYTHING about their history programs, or has any advice, please feel free to share Thanks so much.

Thanks for your reply! Good to know

Hi All! I'm trying to decide between two schools for my masters in History (with a concentration in Public History): UMass Boston and Northeastern. I don't know much about the reputation of the schools, or the quality of their education... If anyone knows ANYTHING about their history programs, or has any advice, please feel free to share Thanks so much.

Like the other posters, I'd recommend the Manhattan Prep series. I used number 7 and it was very helpful!

I would email the schools and ask- every school is different! Some don't even look at quantitative, others consider it (but would weight it way less than Verbal of course). Sorry, this isn't very helpful but it's just my two cents I really wish they'd just ignore the whole quant score for history applicants... I'm applying for an MA in History and I bombed the quant section. Good luck!!

Your quant score is definitely fine- above average for intended history majors (the average is 148). However, I think you're below average for verbal- it's about 156. See if any of the schools post the average GRE scores of accepted students so you can see if you're in range. Since these are top schools, I'm guessing the GRE scores will be pretty competitive. That being said, the GRE isn't everything. If you have average scores, but a great GPA, fantastic LORs, and great research experience to distinguish you from other applicants then that could make up for the GRE scores.