missamy

no go

I did talk about my past experience with anthropology and the science and how it sort of intertwined with what I wanted to start thinking about as a project for the program. I also talked about the independent projects I'd done in the social sciences, and I showed in the statement how I arrived at a potential project idea. Just as an aside - I think it helps a lot too to email professors at the programs you're interested in. I got a lot of great feedback from them, and also a little bit of networking out of it too, as they can forward you names and things. It is scary to put yourself out there and send that first email, and obviously they can choose not to respond, but overall I think it is really worth it to get your idea out there and see if it might fit somewhere - especially with something a little unusual like mine. Poli sci to political anthro I think makes sense so it should be fine. Weaving in names of relevant anthropologists or their books I think is also a great thing to do - I totally agree with samjones.

pay check

I switched over from environmental studies so I certainly think this is doable. I did have some coursework in the social sciences, and I had letter writers in anthropology, sociology, and history, decent GRE scores, and a 3.9 in my major. I also had a ton of science and non-anthropology related coursework, like calculus, physics, ecology, earth science, chemistry, animal behavior...I was really terrified that this was going to do me in, but I got accepted and funded for anthropology (much to my relief) and I'll be starting my program this fall, and I'm thrilled. So...I think what you really need to do is demonstrate in your statement of purpose that you know enough about anthropology to be able to construct an interesting anthropological project - which it sounds like you've got the idea already! I've heard of people not getting in because their expertise isn't closely aligned enough, but it sounds like you're a strong applicant and you have a very anthropology-type project. Having gone to the country of interest I think is an awesome boost too. Also, I think it helps if you can tie in your political science expertise and how it motivated your interest in anthropology, or if you can talk about how anthropology contributes insight into what you're looking at. I really am a big fan of interdisciplinary work anyways. I say go for it Best of luck!

blue bonnet

metro station

ooh that's an idea, thank you

a little, thankfully

I'm coming from the West coast...does anyone know the best way to get your things to NYC?

I applied there to exactly that program and I haven't heard anything.

I am in the same conundrum! The advice was given to me that 1) its ok to visit each school because you really are considering how each one feels even if you have a leaning towards one place, and 2) the people you meet on visits will be future colleagues, so it is a good networking opportunity anyways. I am really conflicted though because there are people on waitlists very badly wanting spots, stipends, and flights.

does anyone have more recent advice on Houston? where to live, cost of living, good coffee places?

I absolutely agree.

@vanishing point: I got into Rice too, 4y funding! Congrats on Michigan and the funding; I still haven't heard from them. Good luck to all of us still waiting

I have also gotten similar advice...1) with funding, one is less likely to slip through the cracks, and 2) it is much easier to be a good student and do sound research without constantly scrambling for money. and yes, best of luck all around!