sierra918

It is now a requirement to have those headings.

I'm addition to those schools listed above, you may also want to look at Vanderbilt University. The bioarch department is one of the best.

I'm not sure which schools are Top 5, but I was accepted into a top program with a combined score of 303 and a verbal score of 4.0. My other qualifications trumped my poor GRE score (thankfully). I think that's probably really department specific though.

Just in case he never submitted it, this year's RFP stated that you would not be disqualified of one of your recommendations didn't make it on time. So, as long as your other two made it, you should be fine. Good luck!

I got a 303 combined score, and I still got into my top choice. It really depends on the department and what they value most, but it's also about your total package. Good luck!!

Just put of curiosity, did you ever hear back? I'm applying next year and have started working on my proposal.

Good luck, everyone!!!!!

So, your professors are telling you that you'll have time to publish books while attending grad school? I'm not sure. Articles, yes, but even that is challenging.

One of my letter writers was my supervisor at my job. He had an M.A. but had been working in the field for 25 years or so. It want an issue at all.

The guy at Cornell is a great guy ☺

You can only choose one institution when you apply.

Oh ok, I understand now. The NSF does not tie you down to your proposal topic, so I don't see why you couldn't do that as long as you write it as though you intend to pursue that project.

It is intended to represent what you plan on studying, but many students end up doing something slightly or even completely different once they are in Graduate School. Is there a reason you wouldn't want to write about that?

I just found out that I'm able to apply again! I thought I wouldn't be eligible since I have an M.A. and I applied last year, but after reading the new guidelines and contacting the NSF, I am eligible to apply one more time! Woo-hoo! Good luck, everyone

Your credentials look really good overall, but you haven't said exactly what you're interested in (regional/methodological focus), though it seems you want to do archaeology (correct me if I'm wrong). So, it's hard to recommend specific programs. Your age makes no difference. Grad department admissions don't see it, so unless you tell them, they'll never know. I'm turning 31 soon, and I'm starting a Ph.D program in 3 weeks.

I'm always surprised when I get this one. That's pretty presumptuous of people, but they don't seem to think so. Don't we all want supportive spouses?

This is variable depending on the institution and particular program.

I was right where you are this time last year, and what you're feeling is completely normal!

Yes, I think that's a really good timeline!

When I got my M.A., my advisor was a Research Professor. At that institution, it was perfectly fine.

You're in archaeology, right? I've been fortunate never to have experienced it in school, but sexism does occur in archaeology, at least in CRM. I've only ever experienced it when working with older men though. On the flip side, Ive worked with plenty of older men who aren't the least bit sexist. So, it does happen, but women are increasingly becoming more present in archaeology, which has made all the difference.

I agree with rising_star. I wouldn't be able to do it now with a 4 year old and a 2 year old if I didn't have my husband's financial and emotional support. Babies are incredibly time-consuming. Also, neither of mine slept at night (like at all) until they were a couple months old. Take your year and enjoy your time with your baby

I have two children, ages 4 and 23 months. I cannot imagine starting a graduate program right after either of them were born. Newborns are literally a 24-hour job. You could get childcare, but when the baby is with you, 80% of your time will be preoccupied with the baby, especially if your husband won't be living with you. I am sure your program will understand your wanting to take a year off. It will still be tricky though with a one-year old, but it won't be impossible. Congratulations

Congrats!!!

Congrats! UWM is an amazing program!!!! Also, your research sounds very cool