AKCarlton

I suggest you find some programs you're intersted in and contacting some POI's that have similar research interests as you do, and asking them their opinion on the matter. I mean, you have plenty of time until you need to start applying for next year, so do some thorough research, talk to people, and see what they believe you should do in your situation. Some people on this forum would say you have an pretty narrow focus of what you want to get your PhD so as long as you have a good "fit" in the programs you're applying for and made excellent contacts who would support your admission, you'd be fine. And then people like me, who would suggest a bit of a background in anthropology as far as taking some courses, truly help in the matter of getting admitted. There are some programs who accept people on "condition" that they complete some anthropology courses to get them up to speed, but that was never a risk I was willing to make when I spent the money on the GRE and turning in all my applications. However, I wish you the best of luck. You have a great research interest and would love to see updates on the progress of your journey!

Need a little bit more info...are you wanting to do a Masters in anthropology? There are fully-funded programs, but you're going to have to narrow down the programs you are attracted to and get in touch with advisers and directors to get more information on their funding. I heard the same ole' same ole' speeches from the programs I applied to about funding when I sent my general interest emails to them. However, it wasn't until AFTER I was accepted that I received funding packages and compared the offers before making my final decision. Furthermore, you will more than likely end up paying some money out-of-pocket for your program. I can only speak of my offers, which included great funding packages. They covered tuition, however, only a little toward other educational fees and student insurance, etc, and even included a montly/yearly stipend. So, after I reviewed it all, I'm still spending a bit for my masters degree...but no where near as much as I would without any sort of fudning assistance from the university and department.

Most welcome. I look forward to it!

I'd be more than willing to help you and anybody else edit their SOP...even though I'm no longer in journalism, I still absolutely love to edit my friends' papers...shoot me a PM whenever!

Hi Forsaken, I applied to masters programs only because i need that help and transition to my PhD in order to narrow down my specific research interest...I love history and could study so many different time periods!

Thank you, I'm beyond scared AND excited!

Thank you! It shall be an interesting transition to say the least...I may have an apartment already too...found a great place and great people, crossing my fingers cause it would be an amazing weight off my shoulders to have something lined up already to move into on that side of the world (country) haha!!

Out of four programs: Illinois State: Accepted UMass-Boston: Accepted West Florida: Accepted -- today...finally sent out their first-round decisions. Decision: BOSTON!

I made my decision: University of Massachusetts Boston!! From Arizona to Boston...I go!

Anatomy? Gross Human Anatomy? Biological Anthropology? Physiology?

Thank you all, I was lucky enough to receive two funding package e-mails within minutes of each other today. So now, I can make an informed decision that is in my best interest...even though I'm still waiting to hear from Florida, I will pester the director tomorrow asking for an immediate status update...nonetheless, it seems I will make a decision by early next week!

Actually, they have yet to make their first-round decisions. I've been in contact with them every week for a while now and I spoke with the graduate director yesterday and he's just as frustrated because he's receiving phone calls like crazy from us applicants waiting to hear from them while trying to make decisions...

I know this has been briefly brought up among this thread, but I sincerely need advice. Here's my predicament: I have been offered acceptance at my top choice, but they can't tell me if I have funding yet...However, they need a decision by April 15 (even though I just was given acceptance today, April 9). I have another offer of acceptance at another school, and they said I'm wait-listed for funding and the latest they can let me know about funding is May 1. On the other hand, I'm still waiting to hear back about first-round decisions from my last school.... Do I have a right to ask my top-choice to give me at least until May 1st or 2nd to give them a decision? The graduate director and I have been on good terms this entire time and is very well aware they are my top choice, but I need to know more about funding before I can make a decision.

Congrats xstopfloating!! Very happy it all worked out!! I'd love to keep in contact with you since we have similar fields of interest!!