lilacdream

Thanks, I may postpone grad school for another year and take the GRE so I still have a chance. Thanks Right, I have some outside funding, so I will probably still go forward with this. You guys have been helpful, Thank you !!!

Hi! Thanks, I agree, I have a stronger background than previously thought. However, my question was positied largely because I am looking to go to school abroad, and their requirements are a bit different for a masters program. By the way, my thesis advisor gave me the advice AFTER I had already posted this. haha...not a total moron... But I do also respect the opinions of people who have gone through the application as well, and look to them more for support.

Thank you both for the sound advice (and happy new year!!) After speaking with my honors thesis advisor, she advised me that it is unwise to apply to unfunded masters programs (which I kind of figured) and says that I am underestimating my resume. What do you guys think? I don' t think it is unheard of to enter into phd programs and switch disciplines. In that case, do you think my stats are competitive? I appreciate the feedback. I think I am going to apply to the Mphil/Phd track instead (either way).

Thank you for your feedback. I have heard similar things. I think I am going to apply really early and search for outside funding. I am really interested in PhD work, so perhaps I will stress this in my application to demonstrate interest (and hopefully incite scholarship consideration). It may be a long shot but I am going to try! I don't think my background in anthro is strong enough to go for a Phd just yet.

Also, I am not entirely self financed, but I have at least one outside source of funding that would yield about 9000 US dollars not including personal finances ;/ Although, ideally I'd like to be funded.

thank you for the feedback! Initially, I was planning on going straight for my Phd, but felt that I wouldn't be admitted because my degree was in a different field. It was interdisciplinary and I did do some fieldwork, but do you think this is sufficient to skip over my masters?

I agree with the above comments, I think you should mention both points. Perhaps you should mention Skype as an alternative but note that you would ideally like to meet in person. I agree with you Canis, and in my experience, anthro and other social science department members are acutely aware of external factors, class, etc, and thus should not be surprised, but rather, motivated to accommodate your needs. I've always found it ironic in anthropology (and academia), we are taught to analyse and be aware of underlying factors of circumstance, yet often the needs of the students are not considered and are actually suppressed to maintain what's expected at all costs. I'm not suggesting that every school should unreasonably coddle their students or applicants, but if they reached out to you, they should theoretically be open to negotiation on the matter! Best of Luck! Keep us updated. I'm applying overseas so this thread is a big help.

Hello everyone happy grad season! I am finishing up applications and I am freaking out because of weak GPA. I have "achieved" a lot in my life, especially considering my background, I am worried that my GPA and stats don't stack up against people with 1st level degrees and more linear paths. I discovered anthropology late in my college career, but since then have been an active participant. I am applying to Msc taught programs in social anthro to strengthen my background before I go onto Phd. Applying to Gallatin in hopes to combine disciplines. NOTE- schools applying to do not require GRE Stats 3.57 GPA with departmental honors in American Studies from top tier private university 2 publications ( one university journal, one historical archive) 1 Undergrad thesis (A-) Presented research at University wide Symposium Interned at women's organization/ simultaneously conducted fieldwork there wrote/conducted/recorded/transcribed interview with prominent record producer for history center volunteered as a panel member for HS senior presentations 2 great LORs 1 from thesis advisor 1 from department/ honors advisor who oversaw my ethnographic research! Misc factors - launched career in the fashion industry (shows initiative) -worked on art house collection combining the celebration between North African and African American culture - female/minority/first to attend college/ 'at risk youth' etc -worked as a paralegal assistant (along with other extensive unrelated work- I've never been without a job) -various clubs- anthro club, japanese club - speak 3 languages - independently traveled Europe (including Edinburgh and London) - currently write for an online music blog - active participant in poetry community Schools applying to thus far NYU (Gallatin) University of Edinburgh UCL University of Cambridge I really appreciate and welcome any honest feedback, positive and negative. Thank you all for your help and good luck with your programs !!