trinx

Thank you very much for your advice. I was applying for PhD programs in the UC system based on some friends' experiences who recommended UC due to their preferences toward not having to re-brainwash folks who already have their Masters; most do not offer Masters anymore, only accelerated PhD programs. All of that aside, what about taking a year off and applying to more reputable schools next year versus applying to less-than-appropriate and lesser known schools now?

I appreciate the advice. I am concerned, however, about the schools that I would be applying to--with Archaeology, geographic area of study is a fairly important consideration and none of the schools would be studying the areas I am interested in. Is applying still a good idea, or better to wait until next year (and apply to more area-appropriate programs)?

I applied to 4 PhD programs (probably too few, I know, but I am poor and could barely afford the transcript ordering fees for those I did apply to). I have received two rejections so far, and I'm starting to stress out a bit. I am a returning student, about to graduate with a BA in Anthropology and a minor in Latin American Studies. I went straight to college out of high school, had some very traumatic personal events occur which led to some horrific grades and eventually to me dropping out half way through my sophomore year. I returned to school two years ago (after a 10 year break), and have ended up with a 3.86 GPA for last 60 units, but a 3.1 overall. I know that my GPA is hurting me, but there's not much more I can do about that, as it is my last semester. My GREs were just okay, 620V/680Q/5.0AW--I know I could do better, but again, cannot afford to take them again. My letters of recommendations were half and half; one was very strong, one was strong, and the last was likely mediocre--hard to build strong relationships with faculty with barely over a year at the school (at the time). I have a fair amount of experience considering I am an undergrad--two semesters TAing, Archaeology lab experience, paper presentation at a conference, and assisted in publishing a book (Archaeology-related). I'm curious--should I last-minute apply to a few Master's programs whose deadlines are not until March 15th, or should I suck it up and work on my professional experience, publications, etc. and try again next year? I've received a couple of very promising emails from schools who are interested based on my GRE scores. The schools I would be applying to are not really exactly what I'm looking for, but given my history I am really set on getting my PhD before I'm 40. It was hard enough to go back to school after a 10 year break, and the prospect of taking a year off honestly scares the daylights out of me.