Marier
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Posts posted by Marier
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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
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6 hours ago, hojoojoh said:
Could you not still use the money to visit NYC and quietly walk through campus? Just a (perhaps dastardly) idea ....
Yes absolutely.
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9 hours ago, histori041512 said:
Anyone else have schools they've been accepted in cancel their campus visits? Michigan just emailed me saying they are cancelling the entire weekend (was supposed to start this Thursday). Doesn't sound like they are rescheduling but doing some teleconference stuff. I understand why they are doing it but I am quite disappointed.
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...!
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On 3/5/2020 at 7:38 PM, cryloren said:
Anyone know if UCLA is done sending out letters?
I think so. We had the visit days two weeks ago
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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?
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55 minutes ago, gatto said:
Also got rejected from Columbia without email notification. I wasn't expecting to get in (1. It's Columbia, 2. Unlikely to have an advisor for my field of interest, 3. IT'S COLUMBIA) but now I'm getting antsy about the other three schools I'm waiting on. NYU is feeling like a rejection at this point, but does anyone know where UCSB and Rutgers stand with applications so far? Will they start sending out decisions soon?
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.
- gatto and time_consume_me
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12 hours ago, FruitLover said:
I have no insights, but I got into Columbia today. Still can’t believe it! I received an email to check my application status - and there was the offer with funding information. I’m surprised more people haven’t posted anything on the results page...
SAME! Congrats!!!! That whole “check the portal status” is a bit nerve wracking aha. Any idea when the visit day might be?
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14 hours ago, snackademic said:
Anyone have insight into what's going on with Princeton or Columbia?
P.S. It sounds like admit rates are especially low this year. Sending so much love to everyone facing rejections this week. As much as it might feel like a personal indictment, an admissions decision is not a reflection of your worth. You are all valuable, talented individuals doing interesting work and I hope that you will hear some good news as well before the cycle ends. ?
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 ?
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1 hour ago, OHSP said:
NYU's making a lot of changes--in the past decade or so it was not typical, but interviews definitely occurred this year in at least some fields. In the past few years cohort sizes have been cut dramatically, which improves the 6th year + internal grants funding situation for those who receive an offer, amongst other benefits of smaller cohorts. I think the reduction in intake is also a response to the realities of the job market.
Thank you for the update. I applied for the joint program in History/French Studies and was wondering when we would hear back !
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14 hours ago, OHSP said:
What's your regional field/time? I know some interviews were held last week and that they've definitely made some decisions about who's going to receive an offer (but haven't extended offers). It's a very field-by-field process and I only really have insight into my own fields--feel free to PM.
Is it typical of NYU to do interviews?
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Northwestern admit! JHS reject. They seem to come all at once now. Anyone knows when NYU & Columbia usually sends out their reply?
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15 hours ago, psstein said:
A bit of an addendum to your otherwise excellent points: some departments require you to have a certain number of coursework credits before you're eligible to take prelims/comps/whatever you may call them. Others require that you take coursework up until you submit a dissertation proposal, which can significantly delay your progress.
In short, it's worth knowing program requirements inside and out before accepting an offer. Some places allow a lot more leeway than others.
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!
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7 hours ago, AP said:
In previous program, people with MAs could get one course release. Of all the people I've known coming into my program with a MA, only one got this. The release was more dependent on advisors than program. Here is why: a MA and a PhD are very different graduate programs. They have different requirements, different expectations, different times.
Further, in the humanities you encounter less structure in MA and PhD programs, especially in the US. Not all MA students in the same cohort take the same courses. Thus, not even the students in the same cohort have encountered the same authors, read the same sources, undertaken the same research. In a doctoral program the difference is even greater. What I mean to say in all this is that no one can really quantify how the MA counts towards the PhD. If they do, make sure is a way that benefits you. If they are going to exempt you from a language exams, make sure it's because you know the language. If they are going to exempt you from a methods course, make sure you know the methods. A PhD coursework is the last chance you get to read about topics/regions that are not necessarily connected to your own interests. This is a gift, take advantage of it. I can assure you it won't hurt.
Regarding time of completion with or without a MA: No, it has absolutely nothing to do. Maybe others can chime in here, but in my experience (both as student and faculty), I haven't seen a difference in time of completion. I didn't go in with a MA and it took me the same as some one with. I know people with MAs in their 9th years. I know people with MA that graduated in 6. So, no.
Now, the question of why some programs run longer is a strange one. Typically, doctoral programs run for five years: 2 coursework, 1 for exams/developing prospectus, 1 for research, 1 for writing. However, the vast majority of graduate student do not finish in five years (it's not impossible, but I'd say I know two people who did). It usually takes 6 or more. The reasons for this vary enormously from person to person and from program to program. Besides personal reasons, some programs prefer to fund their students for another year if they didn't find a job. Some advisors can be hard to work with and maybe you just end up writing for more time than you thought. This is a very, very important question that you should check in the programs' websites and ask graduate students. It is a very valid question, so do ask when you visit!
First, you get a feel of the department. I'm a firm advocate that the department is your workplace (as opposed as your buddies-space, which it can be, but it's not mostly that). So, when you travel and interact with everyone, you'll see how they get along, how they treat each other, how do they live, what worries them, etc. You'll see if most of them are younger, if they are married/with partners, if they are older, etc. You'll also see for yourself what's like to be in the city where you'll be. Do you see yourself here? Is it hard to move around? Is campus accessible? You will probably meet faculty outside your department and probably envision collaborating with some. I'm a Latin Americanist so our prospective students usually meet with faculty in Art History, Romance languages, and Sociology. You'll also meet your advisor and other faculty, and get a sense of their style.
(As I mentioned, I didn't attend my visit but this is what people that ended up coming told me they enjoyed from our visit).
Are you coming from abroad with nothing in the US? If you are, then valid questions include: Where do grad students typically live? Are there furnished apts? is there a roommate service? (usually yes to both of these). Can you get a car? Can you get a driver's license? What do you need to get insurance? What fees are not covered by the fellowship? etc. Do contact other students that came from abroad, trust me. They will be your biggest allies!
Good luck!
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.
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8 hours ago, Balleu said:
In my program, students entering with an MA can transfer 1 credit of coursework (of the 18 required for us). Schools will vary widely in their handling of previous coursework.
Do you have a copy of the graduate handbook for the program you're considering?
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.
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9 hours ago, Sigaba said:
Your POI is telling you that while you may be able to finish in five years, the department understands that it may take six years or longer.
Please keep in mind that when you enter a graduate program with a master's in hand, your new department is still going to want to "kick the tires."
Well, the admission counselor actually said that all students are expected to take 6y. Not sure why their website says differently!
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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 ?
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18 hours ago, AP said:
Typically, schools with money.
However, visits are not standard even within the same school. In my school, we had admitted students weekend, like what @Marier was talking about. Other departments had interview weekend, where they invited people to have an interview but they had not been accepted yet. I know excellent departments that do not spend money on visits.
Visits also vary in terms of how much they cover. While in general departments will pay your trip, they will have a top-up for transportation. In my case, coming from abroad, I couldn't go to any of the visits I was offered because I could not pay for the remainder of the air ticket departments could cover. Also, for me it would have meant traveling to the US for 20 days and I couldn't take that time off work.
So, don't get anxious about visits (you are already in) and don't get anxious if you cannot go because you have other commitments.
If you can travel, enjoy them because they are really fun and you'll get to see your future colleagues up close. I envied those in my cohort who made it to the visit because they were friends on the first day!
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?
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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!!
2020 application thread
in History
Posted
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!