Bschaefer

I do get annoyed with this, however it's difficult to explain why their email is informal without coming off too strong because tone is untenable. I would pop open the website that the moderator posted and use that as a model for your students. In my experience on both ends, I wait until the professor has deviated from the formal convention so that I know it is okay to continue this dialogue; to the same extent as addressing someone as, e.g. Mrs. Flagg instead of Cheryl. Otherwise the lack of respect is kind of annoying and also the emails may be indecipherable. If I receive and email with directions about adding a forum post blog with no other content, what does that mean, you know?

I get wicked happy when my students do well on their exams. I understand that the subject may be difficult and there is a lot of memorization for an intro but it makes the position worth it esp. when they really engage and apply their knowledge. I really try to let them explain what they know about it and I'll fill in gaps of knowledge during reviews and I would say that about 85% of the time, they are just not sure of themselves although they understand the material. I'm right there with you, PinkPsychologist.

Awesome yeah! and I'd love to hear how Boston and the program is too!

I would take it as a red flag. On the receiving end, it would come off as unprepared and unfocused. Thought it may be the best choice for you right now, I would decline and ask that it wasn't included or at least seek another LOI. They can advise you that leaving academia is an alternate pathway but ultimately it's your choice. Since they are writing a letter for you, they also have the control to make or break your application.

Which subfield of anthro?-I may or may not be able to help haha

You should also look at McGill University, my Anth of Religion professor got his PhD there and did field work in Africa and Brasil on blackness and symbolic exchange.

I'm going! I'll be at both conferences

Here is a link to FAQs about the NSF http://www.nsfgrfp.org/applicants/faqs

Yes, it would, but in terms of money then I don't think it would be as harsh. What I meant by that is that you shouldn't pay for education, the uni or another entity should pay. That is why you should look at programs that have some sort of aid or grant that can help you.

Hello all again, Texas A&M for Maritime Arch is the best in the country, I would assume it's pretty competitive, but then again I don't know how popular it is and that's just me being ignorant about that area of specialization. Although I do have to say that it is an up and coming field and will be very interesting. I think if you're going to apply to BU, apply for the PhD since they are all funded and then stop after the MA. And again, I think you would be a competitive applicant, you just need to figure out what school will offer you more in the long run.

I have been thinking about applying for the NSF GRFP as well, would first semester MA students be eligible for this too? I've read the solicitation but I just want a confirmation on whether this is possible or not. Thanks!

I think that getting an MA then PhD may be better only because, I'm assuming, you're missing the methods and theory of american anthropology and archaeology. If I'm wrong then I would say do it. I would contact the school and professor and start a conversation as whether or not it's feasible. Of course apply to the PhD Program and in some cases they may accept you as an MA conditionally and then progress to the PhD. If you can register for those classes at Towson, then I would since you are lacking the arch and bioanth side of anthropology. American Graduate schools want to see the boasian anthropological education at the undergraduate level so then when you progress to an advanced degree in your area, you can specialise and also be familiar with theoretical concepts etc. You're correct about WM's program being more historical, so if you are set on latin america, I would look elsewhere.

I'm going to put my 2 cents in here, Bioarch_fan is correct about the uni's and the classes in osteology and forensic anthropology. I think you would be a competitive applicant for the William and Mary program as is, but for graduate work within bioarch, I would say you would need a bit more experience on the basis that you said your school is very sociocultural rather than biological. Also, working in Pre-columbian era sites/excavations can be competitive, even more so with someone who doesn't have the osteo background nor field experience. I would suggest either doing the WM program and get on the excavation team at Jamestown since that is HOT right now (Kelso is awesome, you may even meat Ousley up in DC), do a post-bac in anthro at a uni that has the necessary courses to bring you up to speed for bioanth (You can still be accepted to a program without it, but you will have to take courses that will not count towards to degree and will bring you up to speed, if that makes sense), or get on an excavation in Mesoamerica or south america and see if that is a true passion. I was on an excavation last year in arequipa and I loved working with the human remains and research opportunity in Peru (Which is why i'm in a graduate program in andean bioarchaeology atm). If I didn't do that, I would have still focused on American Indians, but in North America rather than South. You just need to figure out what exactly you would like to do and what sort of research interests you. Bioarch_fan has laid out some schools that would be of interest to you, but you need to email one's that may fit with your interests. If not, no worries-they will tell you that they may not be the best and refer you to someone that would be (Happened to me). For example, if you wanted to do bioarch of the ancient maya, you could talk to Dr. Verano at Tulane and Dr. Canuto and form a Diss conjointly. Or like Bioarch_fan is doing in his/her case is taking the research idea of classical/pre-roman era and seeing if professors would sponsor him/her as a student since the scarcity of classical bioarchaeologists in the US is slim and is seen more in the UK. For science classes, Osteology will teach you the macro and micro aspects of anatomy and physiology that you need to know and the musculo-skeletal framework as well as methods (So not taking Forensic Anth is okay because you will learn the same methods in Osteology). Chem and Advanced levels of bio are good, in theory, but bioarch_fan is correct in which the classes will teach you the necessary elements needed to succeed. Hope this helps!

Yeah I will be! She'll be my advisor for the MA and she was my friend's as well who just completed the MA. I've only heard good things about her, so I'm wicked stoked. Plus she's from Mass so we'll have another thing to bond over haha

You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that!

Hey Incoming Grad students, I'll be a grad student at GSU for Anth and am trying to figure out housing, If anyone is interested just send me a message! Ben

Awesome! Thank you, Sending good vibes~

Thank you! Ill look into everything! But you think Auburn Glenn would be a bad fit because it's in a bad area?

Hey Everyone I accepted a masters program at GSU for anthropology for the fall and I was hoping that someone could help me out with my questions. I'm looking at apartments at Auburn Glenn and other places around Little 5 point and Inman Park, what are your thoughts? anything that may help also is greatly appreciated!

Hey everyone, I know I posted this in the other forum page but Right now Im deciding between Sheffield and Georgia State. Just waiting on funding but I hope to go to Georgia for the Fall for Bioarchaeology and Forensic Anthro, then reapply for 2017 season. anyone down in that area?

Got accepted to 3 out of 4, will get the masters and reapply for the PhD come 2017 season. Not really upset (although would be nice) but good luck to those still waiting to hear!

Congrats! Amherst is lovely in the fall!

This happened to me for undergrad and they didn't see the mistake until i sent in my deposit. I know how you feel.

oh cool! I'm sure you should hear back soon then

Same! I was accepted as well! congrats