Marier

I didn't apply to Berkeley, but I know someone who did and just declined his offer today for NU. So maybe it'll open up a spot for you!

IMO its not worth going into debts... I turned down both Oxbridge masters offer myself three years ago because they don’t really have fundings for their MA. There’s many other good (funded) MA programs in history in the UK

Yes absolutely.

I meant to ask that as well! Columbia is potentially doing the same. Though they will reimburse us even if we cancel the trip, I possibly don't know how I can decide where to go by April 15th without having visited all schools. I am/was? supposed to do two visits in 10 days. Coming from abroad, the teleconference idea seems so unfit. I've already had Skype sessions with my POI prior to acceptance, so it's more a matter of needing to meet the faculty, cohort, hearing about the program, and asking questions to current grad students. And I guess we won't be given more time to decide...!

I think so. We had the visit days two weeks ago

Also think you shouldn’t go into debt for an MA! When I did mine, I made sure I received 100% funding (and then you can add that merit scholarship on your CV and mention it in your PhD application). I turned down both an Oxford and Cambridge MA acceptance back in 2017 in favor of a fully funded history MA offer at Durham university. I would have never ever considered taking a loan out to pay for an MA. But then again, some people do and it works fine for them financially. But I think you’re doing the right choice by not accepting the 18k offer. Are you waiting to hear from other schools?

For those wondering about NYU. Just had an informal interview with my POI 5mn ago, told me admission results will be posted probably next week (in the best case scenario) or the week after that. Visit day on March 27th. Said they're only able to accept 15 students: 4-5ppl for the History Programme, and 2 for each Joint History programmes.

SAME! Congrats!!!! That whole “check the portal status” is a bit nerve wracking aha. Any idea when the visit day might be?

I just received yesterday an offer of admission from Columbia! I’m over the moon ?? i hope everyone gets to hear back from their intended schools very soon ?

Thank you for the update. I applied for the joint program in History/French Studies and was wondering when we would hear back !

Is it typical of NYU to do interviews?

Northwestern admit! JHS reject. They seem to come all at once now. Anyone knows when NYU & Columbia usually sends out their reply?

Yes, that’s exactly what I was trying to say. Programs seem to really vary from one to another, and that’s what I’m trying to figure out. I have a friend up at Columbia who moved to what they call “advanced standing” during her second year, and was exempted to take certain courses because of the coursework she had done at her M.A. From what I have gathered so far, this isn’t a possibility at UCLA. But I’ll see what I end up doing. Hopefully I can go to the visit day, which will be really necessary!

Thank you for these great info. I understand the process of being exempted certain coursework that would be beneficial to you. My MA was very research-oriented (80 pages dissertation to write), but we had many courses that involved both our field and historical research as well (paleography training, archival course...). That’s why I think it’s important to know whether a program will consider releasing you of a coursework or language requirement (my field is Europe, and I’m fluent in three European languages). Ill definitely ask Graduate students when (if) I go to visit-day. Thank you very much for that. I’ll be coming from abroad with nothing in L.A (if I end up going there), but I’ve lived a couple of years in the US.

Yes, I think that’s what I meant, that you can transfer some credits towards coursework. But it seems that UCLA doesn’t do that — despite what it says on their handbook, which is why I’m double checking if other schools do do that.

Well, the admission counselor actually said that all students are expected to take 6y. Not sure why their website says differently!

I have a somewhat odd question. UCLA’s website indicates that “students entering the program with an MA are expected to graduate within 12 to 15 quarters (4-5y) instead of 18-21 quarters”. I’ve asked my POI and she said that the requirements on the website are to be taken with a grain of salt, and that students are expected to take at least 6y. I know that programs such as Princeton and Rutgers are based on a 5-y program (you received 5y of funding). At NYU for instance, you are given the option of making your master counts towards your doctorate (and thus receive -1y of funding). I’ll be entering the Ph.D program with an MA, and it’d be important to know whether I’ll be spending an extra 1 or 2 years in this particular program. I do not know if I’d be willing to spend an extra 2y, for then it kills the purpose of having done an MA. I am wondering, it not unusual for students entering with a master’s degree to complete their doctorate in 5y (aka, sooner than those entering with a b.a)? I am confused as to why some programs run longer than others. Any insights ?

I would also be coming from abroad and was wondering if it was worth it (I definitely want to attend!). What do you “discover” during those visit-days?

Hello, I have been lurking this thread for a while but didn't get the chance to properly post anything. Just wanted to say that this forum has been really helpful! It's good to know there's a graduate history community out there, that knows about this horrendous application process & the likely perspective of being a 30-y old unemployed dr. something, yet passionate about historical research. Quick note about me, I am a EU student, graduated from an American institution though, and completed my MA in History at Durham uni. For those who have applied to UCLA, some answers may have been sent out. I received my offer of admission yesterday, and personal emails from my POIs. I am really happy as UCLA is one of my top choice and is fully funded, but I was wondering if it was acceptable to wait a couple of weeks before giving a final answer. I'd like to hear back from the other schools I applied to (mostly from NYU, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and the scholarships app. from Leeds (UK) before making any decision. UCLA have 'visit day' mid-february and encourage us to attend. I am excited for this, however I am wondering if you're supposed to have accepted your offer before attending the open-days. I do not think that I'll have heard back from the other schools by then. I had an informal interview for Columbia with my POIs and they told me I shouldn't hear back in a couple of weeks. They were, apparently, at stage 2 of the admission process (aka, candidacy being reviewed by ppl in your field). What are your thoughts on that? Is it okay to attend (and letting them pay for your flighhhht) while you haven't given a final confirmation? Good luck to anyone!!