urbanhistorynerd
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Posts posted by urbanhistorynerd
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4 hours ago, hojoojoh said:
That threw me off too. I think Harvard at this point is just applicants hearing from their POIs -- very case by case. Last year some mentioned they got the email saying they were 99% in and that their file was "going up" to the DGS that week, etc. We could be approaching that stage now.
We had the faculty meeting on graduate admissions on Monday, so most likely individual POIs are beginning to send out emails/make calls.
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If anyone is admitted to Harvard, DM me if you would like some information on the faculty, graduate students, program, school, etc, etc. I am a first year PhD there, a member of the HGSA and helping to coordinate this years admissions visit.
Tomorrow is the official faculty meeting on graduate admissions, so everyone who applied should receive something in the next week or two.
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On 9/24/2019 at 3:55 PM, Geiseric said:
Hello all,
I am currently a junior at a large public university in the Midwest, majoring in History and minoring in German and Medieval Studies. I intend to apply to grad programs next fall, my main interest being the late Roman Empire and the successor kingdoms, especially Late Roman North Africa and the Vandal period. Maybe it's a bit premature, but I want to make sure I'm doing what I can to improve my chances, so I have a few questions I hope someone can shed some light on.
First, languages. I have pretty good German, and I will have taken the equivalent of 6 semesters by the end of this year (having tested out of the first two semesters as a freshman). My interest in this subfield came rather late, so I have no Latin as of now, which I feel is my biggest weakness. I've been looking into summer intensives, like the CUNY Latin/Greek Institute program, which would work quite well for me since I can take advantage of in-state tuition and live at home while doing it. Is this an appropriate program to look into at this stage? If so, should I look to do it this upcoming summer, and try to take some more advanced Latin courses next year? I also have a (very rusty) foundation in French, having taken three years in high school.
In terms of interesting programs, I've identified Brown (Conant), Harvard (McCormick), Penn State (Kulikowsky), Princeton (Reimitz), Leicester (Andy Merrills), and Freie Universität Berlin (Stefan Esders). Andy Merrills' work interests me the most right now, though I understand I would need an MA to apply for a European PhD and funding might be hard to come by. Any other people I should be looking into, either as potential advisers or just for exposure to the field?
I've also thought about studying abroad in Germany next fall, hopefully at FUB, but I'm not sure if I'd be better off doing coursework here, especially since I'll be doing applications then. Undergrads also have the opportunity to do research projects advised by faculty (separate from the senior capstone thesis), would that be of value to my applications?
Thanks for your input!
Current Harvard PhD student here - to my knowledge, McCormick students are often funded through this program called the "Initiative for the Science of the Human Past at Harvard." Basically McCormick has been working on this for a while and many of his recent admits are working on it as well, so they are funded through the program and not through the graduate school. That being said, I have a person in my cohort who is working with McCormick. I can connect you if you'd like.
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If it is lecture based, I typically bring a notebook and pen and put down some scribbles. For discussions and seminar style classes, I bring a notebook but I don't take notes. I just jot down any ideas, books, people, etc, that I find important.
Most likely the theory and methods course, much like my "Writing History" course in the upcoming semester, will be a series of discussions about the reading material assigned that day. In that case, I typically take detailed notes, usually one or two sentences per page, and then a chapter summary. Of course, all of this depends on the amount assigned. I'll write better notes if it is only one book compared to three.
- historygeek and TMP
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Anyone at Northwestern University visiting?
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2 hours ago, historygeek said:
Does anyone have worsened "senioritis" after being accepted?
Haha, same! I have an honors thesis to write, archives to go through, and man, it is tough. Although there is a great sense of stability that I feel now.
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1 hour ago, Balleu said:
I just got my rejection from Cornell. It's a disappointment for sure, but I'm glad to have received decisions from all of my schools at this point. Time to start courting Northwestern to see if my wait list spot can turn into an offer.
Who did you write to work with? I'm visiting the department next week - I can feel out some specific people if you'd like me to.
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This is a somewhat off topic question, but is it ever okay to ask a prof who wrote you a letter of recommendation to look at it after you receive notification from graduate school?
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20 minutes ago, historygeek said:
Is it too early to make a decision? Either way, I need some advice/help choosing:
School A: My current/undergrad institution. Accepted for the MA to PhD in American history (not sure if I can transfer to a European history program) and no word on funding. I love the program and know there's a supportive grad school environment. There are also some fantastic medievalists and early modernists here. Rigid program (less room to explore) and lack of public history, which I'm interested in. I have the option of writing a thesis and I know that there's travel funding available. I know the city well and I love it.
School B: Full tuition scholarship (no stipend, but with the work load for my scholarship and the class schedule, it would be easy to get a part-time job and my parents have offered to help with food). It's a flexible program with a ton of interesting classes, so I'd have room to explore. I've heard from a former MA student there that the environment is a lot like the grad environment at my current/undergrad. It's not as known for medieval/early modern history, but has some public history options and is a pretty well-regarded school in general. I'd have the option of writing a thesis and getting some practical teaching experience. There's funding available for travel and to take language classes. I've never been to the city it's in, but I enjoy moving to new places.
Go with the one who funds, that being School B, unless you hear back on funding from School A. I'm sure they would offer funding for the PhD at School A, so it might be the MA you'd have to pay for. In this case, I would recommend School B. One, you'll get funded, and if they fund for an MA, that usually indicates that there is other money there (research assistant, more chances to TA for extra cash, etc) for MA students. Two, it'll probably give you more flexibility if you are still wanting to change fields. From what I know about MA to PhD programs is that you start the beginnings of your diss in your MA or at least work on some foundations for it. Even if School B isn't that hot on medieval/early modern, an MA is mostly just classes & I'm sure you could probably do an independent study or two on a specific history that isn't offered there.
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1 hour ago, chicago_style said:
4 applied, 1 accepted, 1 rejected, 2 radio silence.
How many have heard back from Harvard in American History Ph.D.? Duke? Not sure whether to assume so much based on posts here, but it doesn't seem like a ton have been accepted...
On the bright side, haven't been rejected yet. So there's that.
I heard back from Harvard - admitted w/funding. To my knowledge they have sent out all their admits, waitlists, and rejections.
- chicago_style and spacea
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Got waitlisted at UMD as an "alternate for funding and admission." Nice but my blood shines crimson now. Has anyone else heard back from UMD? I specifically applied to work with David Freund.
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1 minute ago, Sigaba said:
Ultimately, the questions are:
- Does a graduate school/parent institution have policies that provide guidance on matters centering around recreational drug use?
- Will members of a department, regardless of their past or present practices and habits, look fondly upon graduate students who get buzzed, drunk, or high if such activity becomes a distraction when it comes to year-end evaluations?
- Will future employment opportunities include a background check that includes questions about recreational drug use?
- Are your intellectual skills such that you can afford the "time off" from getting lit and then getting your head back together?
A consideration. Those not in the circle of knowledge may never know if a department has had a hard time with a faculty or staff member or graduate student over drugs and booze. There can be an unspoken agreement to take steps in the future to cut ties sooner rather than later with such individuals in the near future.
Good information - and interesting/useful comments - and my dilemma is this: part of being an legalization activist is also being open (not loud) about your drug use in a movement to normalize it. Of course, it never be a thing I'd eagerly bring up in conversation say with a staff member or my adviser, but with my colleagues, it be the same way I'd discuss alcohol. Additionally, I think legalization in Massachusetts makes for a different attitude than say in Texas or New Mexico.
And @Sigaba very true regarding drug usage and the possible or sometimes even likely effects on your studies. In the case I'm thinking of, it be similar to take a weekend or a day off and relaxing, but with cannabis.
And I'm not sure about Harvard. I'd assume that the stick goes further up.
Going to working class oriented university, I've found that most of my professors have been very open about their recreational usage. I think that is an intersection of the 'student ghetto' and strong counterculture in the neighborhood that surrounds my university and that we've been known to historically harbor faculty that are way more sympathetic and engaged in those lifestyles. But, I'm sure I'll have to adjust that perspective a lot when it comes time to go to the Ivy.
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Just now, telkanuru said:
If you really pay attention, you'll find that the "life of the mind" is mostly responding to emails.
Haha, I've only been admitted to graduate school for a few weeks now and I have discovered this.
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Hello everybody! This is a sort of an odd question, but with cannabis legalization & decriminalization along with the progressive acceptance of recreational use, I'm wondering how that flows in graduate school.
Of course, I'm not speaking to actively smoking a joint in your department lobby, but among grad students & professors, what is the overall feel about this? Specifically when it comes to graduate student recreational or medical use. I've been a member of Students for Sensible Drug Policies for a while now, so I've always felt that my opinions on drug usage have been far more liberal than most people's, but I've been surprised at a few responses recently.
In short, is going home with a few colleagues and sparking a spliff as normal (or getting that way) as leaving class and getting drunk at the bar?
Also - my apologies if I am breaking a rule on this forum/website my discussing drug usage.
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15 hours ago, daradara said:
I had the same exact plan of moving somewhere and hopefully getting a job in the university system somehow while continuing to research and apply again the next year. I am in a very long-term relationship and my choices of where to apply revolved around that fact, honestly. I did not apply to some of the places that I would have if I were single, and I applied to some places that I did not feel were great fits. Therefore, I realized there was a very real possibility of not making the cut this year due to intentionally limiting myself, but I figured I would want to stay within the academic sphere. I think if one plans to re-submit, looking for something like museum job or substitute teaching--something that signals your devotion to your field-- is really a great thing to do!
Yes! And at the end of the day, no matter what, we will always be scholars. I've always been afraid that if I don't land a tenure-track job, I won't ever get to live the 'life of the mind' like all my professors do. But I've realized that the 'life of the mind' I want to live in isn't so dependent on my job - and that is what a professorship is, a job. If I was a coal miner or an admin assistant or even if I taught high school or whatever, yes my time is limited, but I'll read the way I read now, I'll still write the way I write now, and I'll still think the way I think now. If 6-8 hours a day five days a week are spent working, you have all that other time to read, think, and write. As a working class student, I've consistently worked 25-30 hours a week while going to school. I made the time to read, think, and write. Plenty of other people in this nation do too. If we slice down who is a 'scholar' and who isn't based on a job position, then I think we are limiting the idea of scholarship and intellectualism. I don't know if that is other people's fears, but that has always been mine. But I've been able to rectify it.
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5 minutes ago, potsupotsu said:
I've been admitted to Harvard's History and East Asian Languages! On a Saturday!
Nice!!! I don't know if their admitted students days are the same as the History Dept, but if they are, I'll see you then!
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Personally, my plan would have been - if I was rejected to all my programs - get some sort of low-paid admin job in Hyde Park Chicago, move there with my partner, and keep applying til I get in or until I lose interest. It all depends on you, but I would apply to those programs who showed interest again next year. Although applications are time consuming, it is definitely doable if you are working full time. Maybe try getting a gig at a museum or even substitute teaching, or really anywhere! You have the BA and an MA, so keep reading to stay abreast of your field and keep in close contact w/faculty - maybe take a class a semester with them.
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1 hour ago, Historiker said:
Hey everybody! I received an informal acceptance from a DGS today, telling me they recommended me to the GS, that they hope I consider their program, and that visiting details will follow. How would you recommend responding? Paging @urbanhistorynerd since you mentioned corresponding with a POI after an informal acceptance. Thank you everybody for the help and best of luck!
So basically, you're admitted - unless you've lied on your application or something crazy. Congrats! I would just say be yourself. Express your thanks, your interest, and ask any questions on funding, the program, etc. Be genuine, especially if this is going to be your pick. The DGS would probably expect you to be very happy and that it will show in your email. Also, don't feel obliged to tell them that you committed to the program (if you did). Say you are very seriously considering and are very thankful to recieve the opportunity - and maybe that this program is the top on your list or something.
Congratulation once more! -
Got waitlisted at UM! Two admits, one waitlist - now waiting on three other programs!
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What about Eastern Europe within a Global Context? That way, you'll get the "traditional" education in Russia/Eastern Europe but also a mix of global history as well. I'm thinking more of the connections between Central Asia/Asia Minor/Middle East and Eastern Europe. Of course, this is outside of my realm of study, but as the trend shifts to more transnational/global history, it'll be good to essentially "globalize" as much of your research as possible. Also - I think we're discovering that the world pre-1492 was much, much, more globally connected than we previously thought.
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My top advice is to setup a timeline of application process. I started 8 months before they were due. This helped out immensely because I was really able to think about my application, research interests, and potential profs/schools. I literally sketched out a timeline with important deadlines. I found that this was really good practice for when it came to writing my honors thesis.
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3 minutes ago, historygeek said:
It looks like another Harvard acceptance literally just came in.
That was mine! I never ended up submitting it. In fact, even though a couple people here posted they got in, I don't think anyone has submitted theirs.
And I filled it out incorrectly. This is sign that I shouldn't try doing anything without two cups of coffee in the morning...
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2 minutes ago, historygeek said:
Disappointing, but not surprising.
Apperently they sent out 19 acceptances, but I'm unsure how many waitlisted people there are. From another person who applied, they told me 34 people made it to the top 10%. But I'm assuming they are going to send waitlisted notification soon. So, you never know.
2020 application thread
in History
Posted · Edited by urbanhistorynerd
I saw the DGS yesterday - all the emails are out as well as the waitlist. HMES and HEAL is different story though, I'm not sure what is going on with them, but I bet they follow a similar pattern.
I just want to say congratulations to everyone admitted to Harvard and that i look forward to seeing you all very soon during visiting students day!