thebeachbum

My stats were 165 V, 159 Q, 5.5 W with a 3.92 from a small state school. I applied to both MA and PhD programs because I was applying straight from undergrad and ended up getting into 3 PhD programs (ranked fairly high for my subfield) and 4 fully funded MA programs. I'm fairly certain that my strong letters of recommendation and writing sample were the most important factors in admissions because at the time my research interests were not super clear in my statement of purpose and varied depending on the program. This matters less for MA programs, but I suspect is more of a red flag for PhD admissions. If you're nervous about your test scores, it might be worth checking in with the programs to see how the GRE is used for admissions. Most programs don't set a specific minimum, so you're likely better off spending time on your writing sample and statement of purpose.

This info is from several years ago, but it may be worth checking these programs out. I'd guess that most are still offering funded MAs and, perhaps, the stipend rate has increased a bit. Boston College (full funding for MA-tuition and $24,000 stipend in 2013), University of Delaware (full funding for MA-tuition and $16,500 stipend in 2013), University of Kentucky (full tuition, $9,000 stipend in 2013), University of Miami (Ohio)- (full tuition, $12,000 stipend in 2013), Virginia Commonwealth University (full tuition for MA, $10,000 stipend in 2013).

My stats were a 3.93 cumulative GPA from a regional state school. GRE scores were 163V, 158Q, 5.5W. I had absolutely no related work experience, but strong letters of recommendation and a solid writing sample based on close reading of primary sources. In the end I received funded offers to both MA and PhD programs. Generally, they say your SOP, LORS, and writing sample carry more weight than GRE scores and GPA. However, it may be worth contacting programs to find out if they require a minimum score to qualify for university funding. I used Magoosh for about 4 weeks and it raised my baseline score considerably. If the GRE is not an important part of admissions for these programs, don't stress over the scores and spend the extra time crafting a polished statement and writing sample!

Early and Modern U.S. (roughly pre-Civil War and post-CW), public history, history of technology (19th/20th c. U.S.), history of medicine in the Atlantic world

I also used Evernote to organize my readings during coursework/qualifying exams. I found the tagging system especially useful to connect related books across a field or subfield. Cameron Blevins has some really helpful posts on the qualifying exam process that outlines his workflow and note-taking format. My notes were similar to his with a slightly shorter “argument synopsis” section and more of an emphasis on historical intervention/methodology. It might be helpful to talk to other graduate students in your program and find out how they prepared for quals and organized their notes. It sounds like you’re in the early stages of your program, but if you have an idea of who will be supervising your exam fields you might want to seek them out too. While I had one field examiner who required me to format my notes in a super specific way, my other two never asked to see my notes. This might save you a lot of time and energy down the road. I’d also recommend against using index cards this early in the game because you don’t want to limit yourself too much in terms of the information you’re recording. It helps to have more to draw from as you’re attempting to synthesize the field. Index cards are super useful as you get closer to the actual exam date especially if your program requires an oral exam. Links to Blevin's resources: http://www.cameronblevins.org/posts/surviving-quals-part-i-laying-the-groundwork/ http://www.cameronblevins.org/posts/surviving-quals-part-ii-the-grind/ http://www.cameronblevins.org/posts/u-s-history-book-summaries/

Not a history program but Stony Book's Cultural Studies program might be a good fit with its interdisciplinary approach and faculty coverage in areas like popular and mass culture, visual culture, and media and technology. If you're interested in topics related to mass culture and the cultural history of sound and music Emily Thompson at Princeton (apply history of science program) is also a good fit. The Hagley Program at the University of Delaware (David Suisman) is another potential fit for students interested in topics like capitalism, technology, and consumption.