a fragrant plant

I found it quite impossible to keep my SOP under 500 words. Anyone who's applying to IUB experience the same problem?

Well, I have nothing else planned for the next five years. I'm being serious, not flippant. The idea of perpetual job-hunting or, if I got "lucky," struggling to get ahead while mired in some kind of soul-crushing drudgery doesn't appeal. (I'd much rather be mired in soul-crushing drudgery and emerge at the end with a PhD.)

I think next week is too soon. When I learned that my colleague has just lost her mother, I gave her space and did the job myself. I waited till she was well enough to email me. I understand that you're anxious, but I think your LOR would really appreciate that you give her some space and time during this difficult time. The deadline is May 5. You still have plenty of time. If your LOR is an organized person, she shouldn't have any problem to write up something when you ask again in mid April.

You can also send her a sympathy card to give her your condolence. While you're not asking for a letter directly, the card will, hopefully, reminds her of your existence.

No offense, but I honestly think that you may want to expand your reading lists so that you will recognise more names OUTSIDE the United States. Seriously, you have never heard of professor Tim Ingold (Aberdeen)? You don't know who David Graeber is (Goldsmith, previously at Yale)? You have never come across professor Keith Hart (Goldsmith)? They are some of the most influential anthropologists of our age and their work are heavily cited around the world!

I very much agree with you that the U.S. is currently the centre of anthropological research. However, this does not mean that anthropologists from elsewhere are producing less valuable work. If, as you claimed, most students can only identify US scholars, I will be very worried about the future of our discipline.

No offense, but I honestly think that you may want to expand your reading lists so that you will recognise more names OUTSIDE the United States. Seriously, you have never heard of professor Tim Ingold (Aberdeen)? You don't know who David Graeber is (Goldsmith, previously at Yale)? You have never come across professor Keith Hart (Goldsmith)? They are some of the most influential anthropologists of our age and their work are heavily cited around the world!

I very much agree with you that the U.S. is currently the centre of anthropological research. However, this does not mean that anthropologists from elsewhere are producing less valuable work. If, as you claimed, most students can only identify US scholars, I will be very worried about the future of our discipline.

No offense, but I honestly think that you may want to expand your reading lists so that you will recognise more names OUTSIDE the United States. Seriously, you have never heard of professor Tim Ingold (Aberdeen)? You don't know who David Graeber is (Goldsmith, previously at Yale)? You have never come across professor Keith Hart (Goldsmith)? They are some of the most influential anthropologists of our age and their work are heavily cited around the world!

I very much agree with you that the U.S. is currently the centre of anthropological research. However, this does not mean that anthropologists from elsewhere are producing less valuable work. If, as you claimed, most students can only identify US scholars, I will be very worried about the future of our discipline.

No offense, but I honestly think that you may want to expand your reading lists so that you will recognise more names OUTSIDE the United States. Seriously, you have never heard of professor Tim Ingold (Aberdeen)? You don't know who David Graeber is (Goldsmith, previously at Yale)? You have never come across professor Keith Hart (Goldsmith)? They are some of the most influential anthropologists of our age and their work are heavily cited around the world!

I very much agree with you that the U.S. is currently the centre of anthropological research. However, this does not mean that anthropologists from elsewhere are producing less valuable work. If, as you claimed, most students can only identify US scholars, I will be very worried about the future of our discipline.

No offense, but I honestly think that you may want to expand your reading lists so that you will recognise more names OUTSIDE the United States. Seriously, you have never heard of professor Tim Ingold (Aberdeen)? You don't know who David Graeber is (Goldsmith, previously at Yale)? You have never come across professor Keith Hart (Goldsmith)? They are some of the most influential anthropologists of our age and their work are heavily cited around the world!

I very much agree with you that the U.S. is currently the centre of anthropological research. However, this does not mean that anthropologists from elsewhere are producing less valuable work. If, as you claimed, most students can only identify US scholars, I will be very worried about the future of our discipline.

No offense, but I honestly think that you may want to expand your reading lists so that you will recognise more names OUTSIDE the United States. Seriously, you have never heard of professor Tim Ingold (Aberdeen)? You don't know who David Graeber is (Goldsmith, previously at Yale)? You have never come across professor Keith Hart (Goldsmith)? They are some of the most influential anthropologists of our age and their work are heavily cited around the world!

I very much agree with you that the U.S. is currently the centre of anthropological research. However, this does not mean that anthropologists from elsewhere are producing less valuable work. If, as you claimed, most students can only identify US scholars, I will be very worried about the future of our discipline.

No offense, but I honestly think that you may want to expand your reading lists so that you will recognise more names OUTSIDE the United States. Seriously, you have never heard of professor Tim Ingold (Aberdeen)? You don't know who David Graeber is (Goldsmith, previously at Yale)? You have never come across professor Keith Hart (Goldsmith)? They are some of the most influential anthropologists of our age and their work are heavily cited around the world!

I very much agree with you that the U.S. is currently the centre of anthropological research. However, this does not mean that anthropologists from elsewhere are producing less valuable work. If, as you claimed, most students can only identify US scholars, I will be very worried about the future of our discipline.

Don't forget that social anthropology was invented in London. And don't also forget that the intellectual scene in Paris is unreal. North American 'elitism' only really carries significance in North America. And of course, wherever you go, profs tend more often to be educated in that nation. The whole 'trading on brand' is meaningless unless you produce some research that can stand up to it of course.
In my opinion UCL is probably as good as anywhere right about now. Oxbridge are great too, as is Manchester, St.Andrews, Aberdeen and also Goldsmiths london. Don't be afraid to look outside the states!

I went through this while writing my thesis, too! I found myself doing dishes and vacuuming (things I hate) rather than working on my thesis. Then I'd sit there and stare at it for hours. Now that I'm out of the M.A. program, I'm amazed at how much more quickly I can get things done because I just do them. I think my problem was I knew that my advisor wasn't going to like what I was about to turn in, so I lost motivation. I was also taking 2 classes, running a lab, and doing a whole bunch of other stuff I didn't have time to do.

Set small goals, like "Write a paragraph before making dinner," or "Read 2 articles before noon" - it worked for me, at least.

I briefly brought this up with my professors when I had been accepted into a few schools but hadn't heard anything from my top choices. They all basically told me that I would be an idiot to turn down a funded offer at a great program (top 20 vs. top 10). The more I think about it, the more I'm inclined to agree with them (okay though, I later heard back from a top choice and it was a yes), but I definitely know what's going through your head. I know there are several cases of success stories on this board where people reapplied to their dream schools later and got in, but with the level of competition rising every year, it's not wise to turn down an offer if you have one. Of course, we all want to think that if we keep trying, we'll get into our dream school eventually, and it does happen for some people, but it's a huge risk. Going to your top choice school will not guarantee you success later on, so I think it's wise to make the best of what you have now. Best of luck!

Are you planning to visit Netherlands regularly (like twice a year)? If so maybe you can buy an open return ticket. Some airlines allow you to do that.

BTW - I noticed that you're from Utrecht. I'm visiting Amsterdam this April with my family. Is Utrecht worth visiting? We'd like to see Dick bruna huis.

I completely understand how you feel. I applied to 4 Anthro programs (it's my first time around as well) and now I'm playing the waiting game. Last night I even had dreams about it! My anxiety is at an all time high, but an all time low as well because I'm still proud of myself for even reaching the point of getting a B.A. I had absolutely no expectations for myself from the start... and then fast forward a couple of years and I finally gained the confidence that I needed to learn something about myself and submit applications, etc..

Stepping back from the process now, I'm happy with what I did, but at the same time I realize it's not the end of the world if I don't get in this year. If anything I've gotten stronger because of it. You have to say to yourself, what's the worst that could happen? I have to reapply next year? I think a lot of people on these forums can be incredibly uptight where they need to realize that life is about more than JUST school, or GREs, or GPAs. I just joined these forums today and already I've seen people bash themselves for having 3.5 GPA's and 1300 GRE scores, it can get ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, these programs and my future mean the world to me, but at what cost? I don't want to cut down any of my achievements and neither should you. Be proud of whatever happens, I know I will be. =)

I have no idea about networking or if there are any rules. This is just how I try to get in contact with strangers at professional events: I am choosing my place to sit wisely. If there's a group of people already engaged in a conversation, it may not be easy to join them and be included. I am looking for people who are alone or in pairs and who also look kind of lost. If you ask if the seat next to them is taken, this can already be a great conversation starter. And if not, I'm just honest and say that I don't know anybody here and ask if (s)he does know many people etc.
A great GREAT way to get in contact with people at events is dinner/coffee breaks. There you can even get in touch with groups easily. Just look at the tables (I don't know how common this is in the US, but where I come from it's mostly tables without chairs where you have to stand. You just ask if you can join their table for dinner/coffee break (even if there are still empty tables, generally nobody will mind) and try to join the conversation. Just ask some questions or how they liked a certain aspect/presentation/whatever of the conference etc. Or talk about the food. If you like it (be not too negative, though) or ask what the other person is having and if (s)he can recommend it etc.
Also being an international student can be an advantage. I have found that people generally are very interested in where I come from. So when they hear your accent, they might ask you some questions which are a perfect conversation starter.
In general, asking questions is always a good idea. People like to help others, it makes them feel good.
Hope this helped.

I regret at being so emotionally invested in one school. I know I'm going to be very disappointed if I don't get in. It's not good.

I thought of another regret: becoming so ridiculously attached to specific schools! Like, it's good in the sense that it made me work very hard to perfect my applications, but at the same time.... by being this emotionally invested, I run the risk of being devastated and living out the rest of the semester locked up in my room, in the fetal position, crying. While eating ice cream. With Doritos. And I would TOTALLY regret that, which might lead to other regrets, and that'd make this thirty regret pile up. Like NASCAR, except sadder.

The above post is misleading as it makes reneging seem scary and illegal. Schools will not hold you to your commitment if you want to go elsewhere. You'll lose your deposit, but that's about it. Just let them know as soon as you know for sure. Also, they could certainly sue you for tuition, but they would likely lose. Even if winning were certain, no school would ever do this. Think about the bad publicity that would accrue to the school, not to mention the legal fees incurred would exceed any recovery they get from you.

Also, the profs will not blacklist you. Some academics may be petty, but they neither have the time nor care about the decisions prospective students make before even arriving at school.

when you're apart, have an open relationship.







just kidding.







not really kidding.

I believe that there is no difference between "anthropological linguistics" and "linguistic anthropology" in terms of the kind of research each entails. However, one terminology is much more common than another. Here is the way my professor explained it:

"Anthropological linguistics" is redundant, as language is a uniquely human phenomenon. For this reason, most people chose to say "linguistic anthropology," which is a sub-discipline of linguistics that examines language as it pertains to culture. He noted, however, that it is not unheard of to use "anthropological linguistics," and there is even a journal of with this title.

Hope this helps.

This is very bad. Academic world is small so it's not like they'll never find out. Your name will be listed on the graduate students webpage for at least a couple of years. You may argue that you can get away with it because you're only pursuing a terminal MS, but what if you encounter some of the people in a national conferences later on? How are you going to handle the embarrassment when your plan go busted? I would never ever risk my reputation to do something as foolish as this. Yes it's ALL ABOUT YOU, but you need to think long term. There are many other ways to gather information about a school without paying a visit. I found it extremely helpful to talk to current graduate students and potential advisors. If you haven't done that you should.

I remember when I was applying 3 years ago. I was so unsure about everything. Since I have obtained some insight into the process and thought I would share to hopeful.

1. Start early and stay organize. Know who you recommenders are for each school (yes some schools require different numbers of recommenders) and how much the application fee is. Along with transcripts, personal statements, writing samples, and anything else they require. I found doing a spreadsheet was most beneficial. It along me to stay organize and have one less thing to freak out about. Make sure you don't miss the deadlines.

2. Should you visit before applying? I got into some I didn't visit and I got rejected from some I visited. It mainly depends on the program but they won't tell you. So when in doubt, visit especially if it is your first choice.

3. Personal Statement and writing samples are the only thing fully in your control. Spend some time on them, and make them the best and unique to every school you apply to.

4. Emailing them to see if they are taking students. If you don't do this by the end of the month don't worry about doing it at all since by then you should of already started applying to the school. Also, with this economy I would be shocked if any school said they weren't taking students since they need the Application Fee. They might not be taking students but they might is how they justify it. Also, they have no idea who they are taking until they see all the applicants so don't get to low or to high based solely on the email before the decision can be made.

5. School secretaries have no role in the decision. It will take as long as it does. This site can give you a good idea when to expect it based on past years but it does vary. Maybe one prof is on sabbatical and holding up the decision. Generally someone else on this site applied to the same school and will post on the results page. This will allow you to be ready for it.

6. People lie on this site. Human nature is to stretch the truth in both their profile, their results, and any inside information. Relax when someone post something you don't like until it is either proven right or wrong.

7. LUCK plays a role a lot. How is someone suppose to really decide between two equal candidates? They accept one and not the other. I hope everyone here gets into the school of their dreams and are happy once there. I remember the anxiety I experience and I am sorry each of you will be going through it, but I ensure you it is worth it when you are at the right school.

Hi all,

I'm currently a first-year MA student in Islamic Studies, and will be applying next year to Ph.D. work to several top programs -- Chicago and Yale in Political Science, Duke, Princeton and Harvard in Near Eastern Studies/Religion, and Michigan in History/Anthropology. I've got a strong undergraduate record (4.0 GPA and multiple majors), decent GRE scores (660V, 730Q, 6 writing), and a pretty strong publishing record this early in the game -- several articles, several conference papers, and I'm working on my first book as we speak. The thing is, in my first year as an MA student this past year, I took a bit of a ding, getting two A minuses (in language courses, not content courses). It was entirely on account of taking on waaay too much this year -- I took 1.5x the standard number of graduate credits, and juggled it around this book project, which was just a recipe for disaster. Still, the A minuses are there, and they aren't going to go away...

I know graduate GPA is expected to be higher than undergrad, so I'm wondering, is an A minus here and there as an MA student a deal-breaker for top Ph.D. programs? I imagine it varies across the spectrum of programs, so if anyone can comment intelligently about any of these programs all the better -- especially Michigan, as I don't specifically have an anthro background (I have sociology as an undergrad major, and I'm doing history in my MA), so that one is going to be a little trickier. Will a less-than-perfect (but still strong) MA record stand in the way of admission to these top programs?

If this does stand to pose a problem, might it be worth retaking the GRE? My scores were above 90th percentile across all registers, but I know the verbal can stand to be improved. Might that be necessary in this case?

I practically had a panic attack after getting my *second* A-minus (I was borderline by half of a point, and my prof refused to budge). I just took on waaay too much this year, otherwise I don't think this would have happened. I'd really appreciate any feedback anyone can provide, as it'd go a long way to alleviate my angst. Thanks!

I've been using 'Dear Dr [last name]' in all correspondence with potential advisors until I asked them directly what they prefer. Most of them prefer first name so I follow their preference.