hellocharlie

Thanks for sharing. I am considering the school for a non-Western focus. It has a surprisingly high number of reputable faculty in my area, but I'm a bit unsure about how my academic career would turn out afterwards. Their graduates seem to end up in some high-up places (Derek Peterson, I'm looking at you), but then it seems like the opposite outcome could very easily happen.

It seems like you know something about these programs. What areas seem to do well at Minnesota? I've tried researching a bit. It seems not to do so well in American history, but I could be wrong. I can't draw conclusions on some other areas, though.

This. I'm coming from a low-ranked undergrad with virtually no advisors in my area and no language training in my area, which puts me at a disadvantage for top programs. I also come from a very poor latino family, which has its own nuances that translate into disadvantages in academia. I knew MAs were one way to strengthen my app, but as so many recommend not to do on here, I was not going to go into a lot of debt for the MA. The cheapest MA would have left me with $28,000 in debt. Why do those who come from families with money, those who get lucky and receive a funded MA, or those who risk their finances on a non-renumerative MA get to have a "second chance", but when one finds another, but albeit untraditional, route, they have to suck it up and stay for the "community"? It seems like most admonishing me on here either got an MA (and got their second chance) or went to well-respected undergrads, with the resources to get them to schools they are comfortable in. Also, I don't want to come off entitled. I did do well during undergrad (which is why I was able to get into a decently ranked PhD program without an MA). My MA plan just didn't turn out like I thought it would. So, I'm glad I applied to some doctoral programs, as I would have now have to have been deciding between partially funded MAs. I did what I thought was best for my academic career and finances moving forward. My advisors are very aware that I was torn between the doctoral program and my MA options. And I don't know where people got the idea that I'm definitely leaving. I'm using these first two years to see if I like it. Don't we all enter big life experiences with an open mind, seeing where it takes us? Who knows? Maybe my project will change and won't be able to be supported there? Maybe I'll find my place there? Maybe the program will exacerbate my mental health (which is already pretty poor and aggravated by this whole process) and I will not find peace there? Or maybe it will?

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Why not? What reasons would merit it then?

I thought about going the route you suggested. I've applied to Fulbright in the past, but I did not receive it. I think what hurt me the first time around was that I didn't have enough language study in the target language to make them want me. So, not getting more language study in leaves me kind of the same spot. That's why I wanted to get the master's (but not go into crazy amounts of debt).

Hello, I've been offered admissions to several programs, one of which is a PhD. I wanted to do a master's first to get more language study in, but the funding for those programs did not pan out. You may ask, then, why did I even apply to the PhD? Well, I was going to use it as a bargaining chip to get funding at an MA, which didn't work out. Obviously it was a place I could also see myself going to--I would have never applied otherwise. The issue is the PhD program is decent, but their placement rate isn't too hot. Were my language skills better, I don't think I would've applied. I was wondering if it would be possible to get the language training I am looking for at the doctoral program, and then switch out after two years. Has anyone ever heard of this or had experience with this? I also understand that there's the possibility I may like it there and decide to stay, and if I do, all the better. Also, this is not a post about whether it's in good form to take this course of action. I think the answer on that is clear.