AKCarlton

Hey all! I just got offered acceptance off the wait-list for my top-choice at University of Massachusetts Boston...however, no word on funding yet and they need my decision by April 15...eeeeek now I'm in a tough spot having to compare two programs, while still waiting to hear about first-round decisions from my last school.

Oh please do not apologize...This is actually for the University of West Florida...just as you are waiting to hear from your final waitlist, I'm still waiting to hear about first-round decisions from them...although you know where my top choice is (UMass)...I still want to know from them too just to have some closure the GD at West Florida is getting frustrated because people keep calling and asking, and he knows it is probably because people are trying to make their final decisions

I finally reached the graduate director who seems just as anxious as I did because he said he was still waiting on decisions from the committee and hopes to give everyone status updates as soon as he can because people seems to be calling him too to be able to make their deisions.

Congratulations DayKid...it seems you spent some time making your final decision and are happy/excited for your new chapter to begin. Best of luck at Brown!!!!!

I'm also debating whether or not to just contact the last school I'm waiting to hear from...and it's not because I'm wait-listed, it's simply because they have YET to make formal offers for admittance...last I spoke with them my application was under review -- this is the first round for them -- and it's this late in the game? Should I just contact them via phone and ask for a status update?

You're welcome...my opinion is just that you may get accepted if you show enough potential and knowledge, find a professor willing to work with you etc etc...but if they're going to require you to take undergrad courses anyway...I would just get a post-bac, which will allow you to strongly compete with a firm application and you'll have professional connections for recommendation letters, and thus you'll be ready-to-go to hit the ground running and be able to just focus on your PhD and research when you're accepted to your program.

I have to respectfully disagree...most programs make comments such as this on their sites: We expect applicants to have a background in archaeology, which is normally provided with a baccalaureate degree in anthropology or archaeology; however, undergraduate or graduate degrees in historic preservation, history, American studies, art history, Classics, Egyptology, sociology, and allied fields are accepted if the applicant demonstrates sufficient background and potential...Those admitted who show solid potential but insufficient background may be required to take select undergraduate courses in addition to the regular graduate curriculum to compensate for the deficiencies in background that might affect their performance at the graduate level. A better option for such students seeking admission – since they will be competing for a slot in the program with those who have the requisite undergraduate training – is to boost their background beyond the already-awarded bachelor’s degree by taking undergraduate archaeology courses before applying. + Students with an MA that is not in Anthropology may petition the Graduate Committee to determine whether or not they are required to obtain a ... MA in Anthropology before entering the PhD program. + Entering students should have a completed a bachelors degree in anthropology, history, geography, or a related field and have at least a 3.0 GPA (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work....Students with an undergraduate degree in related fields may apply to the program and, working with an advisor, they can devise a plan of study that allows them to overcome their background deficiencies. And with previous conversations to the departments and professors...it is just a lot more effort and work to try and compete for one of the few positions graduate programs offer when you're competing against people with degrees in anthropology. Sociology is considered a 'related field and like one of the comments stated, you would have to work to "overcome background deficiences"' ... Thus, it is truly up to you, but I would recommend speaking with the graduate department at the schools you are interested in to see what your chances are...I think anything is possible...but again, you're going to be competing for a spot so you're going to have to work really hard and prove yourself.

From my experience...I had a journalism and mass communication bachelors and when I knew I wanted to get into anthropology at the masters/phd levels...all the schools I looked at highly HIGHLY recommend an undergrad in anthropology -- like rarely ever except people without one. I knew I needed the second bachelors in anthropology to be able to compete for a spot in a masters program. So, I recommend you undertake a post-bac like I did... Besides that...I'm gaining experience at the local museum here where I volunteer in the archaeology department, and also take part in anthropology/archaeology workshops around the state when those come around AND it is highly recommended (although not necessarily required) to have completed some sort of field school prior to masters program...at least it hasn't really hindered me getting into a program, I can't speak for the majority. However, I will be doing one for my masters because it is required. Thus, I recommend looking into obtaining a post-bac in anthropology and also searching for field schools that interest you that way you can gain an educational understanding of anthropology, gain experience in the field and also network with professionals and professors who will be able to write your letters of recommendation. Hope this helps and I'm sure you'll be receiving many other responses. Best of luck to you.

Is it odd that I'm still waiting to hear back from West Florida? From past records in the Results section they have let people know in March and April, etc...I'm in contact with them and was told this past week that my application is Under Review, but seriously...how on earth can they wait this long to start looking through their applications?

Congrats SaraB!! I think you made a great decision!

I started asking for updates end of March...yes, I would start contacting them now. I've already asked for an update and was given updates and even told there would be more next week.

I'm still waiting on the University of West Florida and noticed in the past people hadn't heard back until April 5...

I would email or call at this point...every one of the universities I applied to have not updated their Website throughout this entire process...and after I contacted them myself I received feedback almost immediately.

legendary character

Have you considered Northern Arizona University? One of my former professors Dr. Corina Kellner was a bioarchaeologist with a focus on Peru. She actually is conducting a field school this summer on adolescents and cemeteries in Peru. She's taking a sabbatical this academic year, but she may be back by the next, which is when you would start if you get accepted the next application season. I worked her in osteology lab for an independent study this past semester. She has a lab and accepts volunteers, and she also sent an email not too long ago for a paid position in it as well. It receives skeletal remains quite frequently, especially since we're so close to Native American reservations. You'd have lots to work with if you considered it. PM me if you have any further questions, but she is an amazing professor who is excited to discuss Peru and bioarchaeology...ALSO, she may be able to send you information about her former school in California where she received her past degrees and the professors she worked with, which might help you with the schools you select for next time when you're applying. Edit: Apologies, read your post for the third time and realized you DON'T want Peru...but if you still want to do morturary and bioarch, I'd recommend getting into contact with her...she helped me a lot during my post-bac there.

Personally, I'm in a similar situation where I'm using my masters as a stepping stone to my PhD...so that's why I would appreciate the smaller, more personable environment that McMaster appears to provide you. It also seems like a great place that would provide great recommendation letters once you start applying for your PhD? That's how I'm viewing it.

I don't know what's worse...waiting on funding after being offered acceptance, being on a waitlist or still waiting to hear about decisions from another...

inflated balloons

What a wonderful analysis. Thank you!

I did not apply to UCLA, but I've been following along because I'm really curious about this waitlist and you all are discussing an aspect to it I've yet to hear about...them slimming it down and making decisions...can someone who is familiar with this process explain it a bit for me?

double check

Phenomenal! That is awesome news!! Very happy and excited for your new chapter to begin!