jocorac

I don't know if this will help, but this was my experience when I started writing my SOP. I started first by asking a simple question, "What does it mean to be a historian?". I talked about how in high school, we never really focused on history as more than just dates. But when I entered college and attend my first conference where I saw so many well-known historians in my field, I realized that history was my passion. I even discussed the hardships of almost quitting while writing my thesis but that being a testament to my strength as a student and to the professors who were pushing me to succeed. I talked about what I want to research and why I felt that it was so important to the contribution of history. Talking about your accomplishments are very important, but that committee is wanting to know more about you than just research. 
Here are some questions that were given to me and helped me write my SOP:
Why do you want to study history? What experiences, whether events or not, made you want to become a historian? Does learning history have an impact on the way you see the world? Does becoming a historian allow you to change the perception of how history is taught? How does your research add to what is already there? 
This may or may not help you. But those comments in the other post are the total opposite of what I was taught.

I've read both McGuire and Tyson and love them both. I'll be looking at McGuire again for my class in the fall. Haven't looked at Hale though so I will check that one out! Thank you for the suggestions! Will for sure look into these two! 

I rarely talk about my accomplishments. I waited almost 2 months before announcing that I was accepted into my Ph.D. program and I only announced it after my department placed it on social media( I had intended to wait till August when I officially started my program). Even at my part-time job, my coworkers boast in the fact that I'm going to school in the fall but honestly, I try not to talk about it as much because I don't want to come off as arrogant.  One thing I've learned and still learning is that there will always someone who will not understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. If my talking about my achievements hurts others, then I apologize but diming my light with respect to someone's else feelings is something I now refuse to worry about. I still keep what I do in my life to a minimum only because I want privacy. But if it is a big achievement, I feel that I have every right to share my good news. If a person doesn't like me, they can unfriend me. 
If you feel that posting on social media may cause more issues, create a blog to do it. A lot of it is just jealousy, especially within the black community. I've been told to be careful about sharing the good things in my life because it may deter others. But I shouldn't have to be quiet on my accomplishments in order to please everyone else and make them happy. It is not my responsibility and it should not be your responsibility either. If they don't like it, let them scroll down like everyone else. 

I had some lengthy conversations with faculty and current grad students at WUSTL and left with a great impression. After consulting my mother and grandfather, both professors, they recommended WUSTL hands-down as the best choice. I have officially submitted my decision. I will be in St. Louis this fall!

I'm late to this convo, but I understand where you are coming from completely. I'm 25 and a black woman getting a PhD in the fall. When talking to guys, I've become very cautious about saying what I'm doing with my life because many of them would look at me completely different. I feel behind because most of my high school classmates are married, with kids, and jobs, but here I am, wanting more degrees.. and honestly, there shouldn't be anything wrong with that but because of the society we live in, especially within the black community, its look down upon. Although its tough for me right now, I know that I'm doing what's best for my future. Don't think you are alone in this. My friend and I were talking about this the other day and it's really scary. I'm learning that what is for me, is waiting for me personally. And whether he comes in the next month or the next 2-3 years, (God I hope not lol), I know that someone is out there who will love my ambition. 
Don't give up hope. I know I won't. 
 

about two semesters ago, my European professor discussed blacks in European art, ranging from literature to artwork and dance. I was so drawn to it, even though European is my least favorite to study. one of my friends is doing her thesis on black bodies in dance throughout Europe and the US and the information she has gathered is really good stuff. Can't wait to read it. Something I planned to take on after my studies. 

about two semesters ago, my European professor discussed blacks in European art, ranging from literature to artwork and dance. I was so drawn to it, even though European is my least favorite to study. one of my friends is doing her thesis on black bodies in dance throughout Europe and the US and the information she has gathered is really good stuff. Can't wait to read it. Something I planned to take on after my studies. 

The reading strategy I use--taught to be my both my undergrad advisor and my current Masters advisor--is to read the intro, the conclusion, and then the intro and conclusion for each chapter.  If you'd like, you can add reading one chapter in full to this list, so that you have more details re: one specific section of the text that you're particularly interested in.  At Boston College, I have one book per week per course, and I usually have to submit a book review for each as well.  This is the best method I've found.  I'm so glad I was taught it as early as undergrad, it let me refine my application.

Don’t know if anyone has said this, but something that was extrememly helpful for me was a open relationship with the professor who I was a TA for. During my MA, the Professor made sure we were okay before anything. If we needed to get research done or had a major assignment to do, he knew about it and gave support when necessary. We still did our responsibilities for his class, but knowing his support was a major help in the process. 
 

UPDATE! I was accepted to my top choice! I only ended up applying to two schools. The other school I'm glad I didn't apply to after finding out they changed the deadline without letting students know and the POI I was interested in just got back in touch with me. I emailed him in November. Made the best decision and got offered a good amount! 

Wanted to update and say that I got accepted into NC State!! My top choice!

UPDATE! I was accepted to my top choice! I only ended up applying to two schools. The other school I'm glad I didn't apply to after finding out they changed the deadline without letting students know and the POI I was interested in just got back in touch with me. I emailed him in November. Made the best decision and got offered a good amount! 

Wanted to update and say that I got accepted into NC State!! My top choice!

Congrats @jocorac !

UPDATE! I was accepted to my top choice! I only ended up applying to two schools. The other school I'm glad I didn't apply to after finding out they changed the deadline without letting students know and the POI I was interested in just got back in touch with me. I emailed him in November. Made the best decision and got offered a good amount! 

UPDATE! I was accepted to my top choice! I only ended up applying to two schools. The other school I'm glad I didn't apply to after finding out they changed the deadline without letting students know and the POI I was interested in just got back in touch with me. I emailed him in November. Made the best decision and got offered a good amount! 

Wanted to update and say that I got accepted into NC State!! My top choice!

Wanted to update and say that I got accepted into NC State!! My top choice!

Wanted to update and say that I got accepted into NC State!! My top choice!

Wanted to update and say that I got accepted into NC State!! My top choice!

Wanted to update and say that I got accepted into NC State!! My top choice!

My intentions on applying to grad school aren't fully to become a professor. That's just one of my goals. I know the outlook is slim right now, but there are plenty of things that I can do with a degree of this nature. Like I said, I have completed a lot during my time as an MA student and have made numerous connections. If I don't become a professor, I have other options and goals that are just as possible. 

Which is why I stated two options. Also, I have a research background and many connections within academia. I'm not worried. Thanks for the concern though. 

Which is why I stated two options. Also, I have a research background and many connections within academia. I'm not worried. Thanks for the concern though. 

If you have any questions about working in a museum, let me know. I worked at a history museum for two years.