goldielocks

1. Your GRE scores will not make or break your application, but they will influence funding decisions. Standardized test scores are the only concrete data an institution can use to compare applicants across departments (i.e. a biochemist with an historian of French Literature). So your scores will definitely help you in that respect. They might also help in a situation where a decision comes down to you and one (or two) other applicants. But ultimately, you will need a stellar writing sample and enthusiastic recommendations. 2. Are you applying to PhD programs? Then yes, definitely contact faculty members. This is just standard procedure. IMO, you should do this for an MA program as well (I did). You need to be certain that your project would be well supported there. How could you possibly know that if you aren't sure that you have a potential advisor there? Also, I think that applicants tend to forget that they will need an entire committee, not just an advisor. So be sure to look into programs where you can see yourself fitting in (even generally) with at least three people, and then specifically with one person. 3. Contact the faculty when you have read up on their work. I know too many people who have contacted potential advisors haphazardly, before reading any of their work. This is really important; I'd encourage you to read something from each person you want to work with, even if it's just a journal article.

I have a dog, but I'm also married and during school when I am losing my mind, my husband is the one who walks her, takes her to vet appointments, and that sort of thing. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'd get a dog alone in grad school, especially during the first year. It takes so much time and patience, which are both limited commodities during your first year. Crate training, house breaking, and all of that stuff takes a LOT of time. Plus, not to sound like a nagging parent, but be sure to really consider the additional expenses incurred with owning a pet. Our dog has had stomach problems, which necessitates special (read: expensive) food, vet check-ups, and that sort of thing. It's your decision, and I wouldn't trade my dog for anything, but I'm not sure I'd brave that.

For me, my focus stemmed naturally from my interdisciplinary background. Is there another field in which you've done a lot of coursework? If so, maybe consider the strengths of taking what you've learned from that field and applying it to History. Also, as I've been working on my thesis, I've found that my focus gets sharper and sharper with each book that I read. I find myself jotting down lots of questions that I'd like to answer, as I make my way through the reading. If you have a general area that you're interested in, but need to narrow it down, I'd just suggest reading and reading and reading. Something will jump out at you. Good luck!

Bluebird, I completely understand what you mean about the thesis. I'm trying to focus on that, but every time I do, I feel like I should be focusing on the GRE. And when I do that, I feel like I should be focusing on applications. And when I do THAT, I feel like I should be focusing on the thesis. AHHH. I'm about 1/3 of the way through contacting potential profs. I have been doing about one per week. I know I'll feel better after the GRE is done, though I'm not feeling too hopeful about my scores. I'm really just not great with standardized tests. I know lots of people say this as a sort of cop out, but I'm really not good with them. When I took them before (about 2.5 years ago), I scored decently on the verbal, mediocre on the quantitative, and really high on the writing. I wish the whole bloody test could be one long essay, because then I'd feel more confident. I feel like classes will be starting so soon. I go back at the end of August, how about you? Summer is flying by too quickly.

I'm applying to 8-10 programs in the US, 2 in Canada, and 3 in the UK. Like others have already posted, it's good to apply to a range of programs so that you can maximize your chances. It's going to cost a small fortune in application fees, but hopefully it will pay off. I'm working hard on preparing applications this summer so that I don't have to spend too much time on them this fall.

I understand the GRE anxiety. I am so ready to retake mine and be done, but I need to do a lot more studying. I'm thinking of retaking it like two days before it changes to the new format, but I feel unprepared. But then again, I think I'd feel unprepared no matter when I take it, so part of me feels like I should just get it over with.

I had a dream the other night that one of my professors (who is writing for me) unexpectedly got called out of town, and I had no means of contacting him. And in my dream, the deadlines for my programs were all like 24 hours away, and I had worked really hard to perfect every detail of my applications, but somehow I just knew this one letter was going to mess things up. It was really bizarre.

bump!

When I'm running low on motivation, I check out the CVs of big name scholars in my field, or CVs of grad students at potential PhD programs. It reminds me what I'm up against, and kicks my butt into gear.

Ditto to everything offered by Gelpfrat the Bold. Also, be sure to utilize some of the useful guides available on the web. The AHA directory is a great place to start: http://www.historians.org/projects/cge/PhD/intro.cfm Good luck!

Hi Malibubl, Unfortunately, I've never heard of this sort of thing so I can't offer much help. I can only offer that you might contact your DGS to ask about this, as it would obviously impact your decision to study there. And it goes without saying that if this is a PhD program, you should never (ever ever ever) attend without funding. I'm sure you know all of this. Best of luck.

I thought I'd revive this thread and see how everyone's coming along with the beginnings of the application process. What are you all doing this summer to prepare for application season? I study Modern Britain. I'm working on my MA thesis, beginning PhD apps, brushing up languages, contacting potential advisors, etc. The stress is already starting. I had my first PhD app nightmare two nights ago. I imagine we'll all be hearing a lot from each other on here as fall looms closer...

Well, my system isn't really polished yet so this thread has gotten my gears turning. Right now, I organize my articles either in binders or in my filing cabinet. I dedicate binders to individual papers/thesis chapters. The main articles I'm drawing from (or at least the ones I'm using most at the moment) go in my binder for that paper. All others go in my filing cabinet, grouped into hanging files, by project/topic.

I've tried to utilize electronic-based tools, but I have found that a good ol' fashioned planner works best for me. I use this one this one ($15, free shipping with Amazon Prime). I like it because it leaves me plenty of room on the calendar side of each spread to write out appointments/assignments/etc, and an entire page on the other side (a big one at that) to write out notes, reminders, etc. For me the most important part of learning to cope with the massive workload in grad school has been learning to break up tasks. At the beginning of each course, I look through the syllabus and write down deadlines for each assignment/reading/presentation. Then I break the larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. For example, for a term paper, I'll set deadlines for a working bibliography, first draft, second draft, etc. I also break up my reading goals this way. It helps a lot and makes assignments seem more bearable. This has been especially helpful in writing my MA thesis. Good luck!

I focus on Modern Britain, gender, and culture. Temporally, I focus on interwar Britain.

Here's a random list of some things that have helped me: 1. A decent coffee/espresso machine. And a travel mug. (That is, if you are a caffeine addict.) Saves money and time. 2. A few outfits that make me feel very "put together." 3. As others have mentioned, a good citation program that you feel comfortable using. (Do yourself a favor and learn this ahead of time.) 4. The latest edition of whatever citation style your discipline uses. (Again, do yourself a favor and flag the most frequently used pages ahead of time. You will thank yourself when it is 2:00 AM and you are trying to wrap up a paper for the next morning. This will happen to you at some point. Be prepared.) 5. A gym membership/yoga classes/something that you can use to stay fit. Your body and mind will be much better off. For me, my gym membership was the best stress-buster (plus your school probably has a fantastic facility that you can use for free). 6. Most importantly: An external hard drive. I have heard too many horror stories about losing papers, research, and (gulp) even dissertations. I use a decent drive that I have hooked up to Time Machine on my Mac. Peace of mind. 7. Lots and lots of post-its. This is how I jot down thoughts/organize them in front of me/flag things in my reading. 8. Ohhhh, also important: a good planner. I use this one. $15. And free shipping with: 9. Amazon Prime! You should be able to get a one year free membership with your .edu email address. This has saved me tons of money on (new) books, even compared to used books on websites like Abe, Biblio, Half, etc. 10. Someone who you can call to vent/cry/talk to. Figure out who this person will be and warn them. Luckily, for me, this person is my husband. It could be anyone. You will need this person at some point, more than you think. No matter how fabulously you are doing, you will get stressed out. This does not make you a baby. You might have a bad case of impostor syndrome your first semester. I sure did. This is normal. Just make arrangements for times when you are feeling overwhelmed. You will be glad you did. And to second some other suggestions: 11. A filing cabinet. Use it. Weekly, at least. I stick to one morning each week, when I just take a bit of time to file new things. It does not get overwhelming this way. 12. A decent printer. I have a laser. I refill my cartridges for about $6.00 (compared to the $70+ cartridges in the Office Supply store), by buying the toner on eBay and refilling it myself. It takes like 5 minutes. (I learned it from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smBYKSG7vCU.) 13. A good bag. 14. I love (love love love love love) Scrivener. I am not one of those people who can continuously sustain a complicated thought while I am writing for more than a few minutes. I have too many ideas bouncing around at the same time. This helps me to get all of my thoughts out/organize them. I'm sure I'll think of more, but this is a start. Good luck!

Ah, I envy you. I got plenty of (unwanted) practice with this during my first semester. While the supervisor was extremely available and willing to help, hu pretty much made it clear that hu expected us (the TAs) to take control of situations like these, under hu's supervision. It was stressful but a learning experience.

Well right now, I'm trying to sift through the institutions that have scholars I'd like to work with, and choose the ones: 1. Where I might be able to get in 2. Where I might have a shot at funding 3. That have a strong reputation that would strengthen my career This part of the process is a bit overwhelming. For example, Birkbeck (University of London), University of Brighton, University of Sheffield, & University of Essex all have fantastic historians that I've been following for a long time, and would love to have as an advisor. However, I am having a hard time evaluating programs like these (i.e.: non-Oxbridge) using the three criteria mentioned above. Also, part of me feels very silly even considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge with an MA from an unknown institution here in the US. How about you, Bluebird? Want to share where you're looking?

Things that have helped me: 1. Stoicism, at least for the first month or two. 2. Not laughing at/acknowledging poor behavior during class, unless it is disruptive. If it seems like a real problem, I talk to the student after class. 3. Ask for help. Do not be afraid to involve your supervisor (the instructor) in any problems. Tackle them head-on, ASAP. You will be glad you did. And your supervisor will want you to do this. 4. Lay out your expectations, clearly, at the very beginning of the course. Do not make exceptions unless you absolutely must. This includes holding regular office hours, and sticking to them, unless you absolutely must accommodate some sort of scheduling issue with a student who you are sure cannot come at the scheduled time. 5. Bust the cheaters. Immediately. (After spelling out expectations regarding academic honesty, of course). You will be glad you set an example about what is acceptable. My first semester, I was amazed how many students cheat. I can honestly say that I have never cheated, so it sort of took me by surprise. 6. Remember that it is your responsibility to provide a welcoming, accepting, encouraging learning environment for all of your students. Recognize that this is not possible if another student is disrupting this atmosphere. When you are afraid of being the bad guy, remember that by ignoring a distraction/disruption, you are not being fair to your students who really try and want to be there. 7. Appreciate the students who make an effort. They will get you through when you are overwhelmed by the students who don't. 8. There will be bad days. Take a deep breath. Have a stiff drink. Talk to the other TAs. It is a learning process. Good luck!

Look, this isn't the end of the world. I have actually been in a similar position, and I've been working on brushing up/adding to my language skills for a while now. It's been a lot of work on top of my MA coursework/thesis — but this is part of the reason I decided to do an MA. I'm also doing two languages at the same time. Yes, I am insane. But really, if I can catch up, so can you. I'm a Europeanist (Modern Britain), so I can't really speak to how much this will impact your applications as an Americanist. However, I can say from talking with many (perhaps too many) professors, this will not be an instant deal breaker for you. However, in all honesty, it will probably work against you, especially in comparison to other applicants who have more language preparation. If I were you, I'd work on beginning to build a working knowledge of a language relevant to your research interests as soon as possible. This is not impossible. I know many PhDs who have used Rosetta Stone to help pick up/brush up on another language. I took some non-credit classes at a a local community college, took a few courses at my university, and am now moving on to Rosetta Stone. The public library in my neighborhood also has regular conversation groups — this is very helpful. I've also used LiveMocha (the free versions) to review basics. It's really helpful because you can get feedback from native speakers. Your lack of language preparation will not make people automatically reject your app, but it will work against you if you're being compared with applicants who have stronger foreign language faculties. The best thing you can do is stop panicking, jump at any opportunity to build a capacity in a relevant language, and be sure to point out in your SOP that you are actively doing this. Instead of pointing out that you don't have several years of experience in your language, just point out what you will have done from now until then. I hope this helps. I've been there. It isn't easy but it is possible. Feel free to PM me any time with questions. Good luck!

Bluebird, that is a lot of helpful info. Thank you! Hopefully we can get a good discussion going here with others who are hoping to end up in the UK.

I might also ask: would it be worth considering an MPhil from a more prestigious institution before moving on to the PhD? I am considering this possibility, as getting an MPhil in Britain would lend me the opportunity to strengthen my academic pedigree, do primary source research there, and decide if I want to live there or here in the USA. I really hope someone has some insight into this. I'm very confused. Thank you for reading.

Hello all. I haven't posted on here in ages, though I do still lurk about from time to time. I'm entering my second year of an MA at a pretty much unknown school; my goal was to recover from a pretty terrible illness and write a solid thesis, hoping to increase my chances of landing a spot in a reputable PhD program. (My MA is in my hometown, where I moved back to recover, and decided to just grab an MA while I'm here.) My BA is from a pretty decent state school. My marks are high and I have faith that I'm churning out a strong MA thesis right now. ANYWAY. All of that being said, since Britain is my geographic specialization, I'm researching the logistics of pursuing a postgraduate (PhD) degree there, rather than here. Does anyone here have any words of wisdom, at all? I've scoured the internet but would appreciate any general info, advice, suggestions, etc. about applying, contacting advisors, funding (this seems to be the scariest part), moving, or anything at all? Thanks in advance. Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

I'm still a first-year MA, but I've started thesis research already (thank goodness). Working on reading widely and narrowing it down... and reading... and narrowing it down... and reading... and narrowing it down...

If you are a procrastinator, break the habit ASAP. You will be so grateful later in the semester/research process/etc. for every little bit of work that you did ahead of time. Also, take criticism into consideration but not to heart.