theregalrenegade

I'm with you all on California. I was raised in the OC and got my BA from UC Irvine. California will always be home (my parents still live in Irvine and I visit often), but I need to get out and see the world. Vegas was supposed to be just one of the stops. However, I've been here five years longer than intended. My heart lies on the coast, so SB is nirvana - but I'd be content with ANY coast. Hopefully, at least a few of the schools I apply to for my PhD will be near a beach of some sort.

You are an inspiration, Cagefree! And guess what...I'll be 40 in 5 years, too. I kept trying to convince myself research and writing wasn't the best career choice, and ended up a job-hopping, goalless, unhappy mess. I'm so glad you're now where you want to be. Congrats on your admission to UC Davis!

pine tree

You did! Your answer makes complete sense. Thanks for the input. Funny you mention Dr. Jonsson. I did a search a while back and his name popped up. I plan on reading his work and learning more about his research. How did you come across him? (Feel free to PM me if you'd rather not discuss this on the board.)

I know this is a discussion I will have with my advisor at the end of my semester, but I thought I'd bring it up here to see what you all think. When conducting a search for POIs, do you focus on methodology or subject field? I'm a cultural historian interested in 18th and 19th century British environmental history, but I've found it difficult to find scholars that fit into both categories. So would I concentrate more on seeking out cultural historians or environmental historians? I don't think it would be too early, but you may not get a reply for a while, or ever. You'd have to prepared to resend the message again in the fall if you don't hear anything back. I would hope that professors would have an automatic out of office reply on their email addresses if they don't plan on checking their inboxes over the summer. But this may be wishful thinking on my part.

Hmm...Canada must have a top notch educational system And some amazing scholars!

house music

@czesc Like Oseirus says, I think your credentials are wonderful. You may even get extra points for coming from a position outside of academia. Experience in the law field, in addition to your earlier accomplishments, could prompt adcoms to see you as a more well-rounded candidate. I would play that angle up in your SOP. The way I see it...you're the one who's intimidating!

sexy underwear

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I appreciate all the advice

This, too.

Wow! You're already way ahead of most I would think. I admire you for already knowing what you want and taking the necessary steps to get there. I wish I'd had that kind of foresight at an earlier age. Funny, I think the worst part of the process for me will be interviewing (assuming I have schools interested in me and my work!). I'm not great at being put on the spot. Everything I learn seems to go out the window and the nervousness makes me forget simple words! I just hope I come across intelligent and personable, rather than ditzy, dull, or creepy. P.S. I see you are applying to Rhode Island. My best friend lives in Newport and I've totally fallen in love with it.

Nothing wrong with an MA. It was the best route for me :-)

Yay! I'm so glad to see this thread! I'll be finishing up my MA this coming Spring and will be applying to PhD programs for Fall 2013 towards the end of this year. Like the others here have mentioned, I've been following the 2012 history app chit chat to the extent that I also feel like I know everyone there. It's almost like (a much more intellectual and entertaining) reality show that you tune in to watch each day to see what drama unfolds. I love it! In the meantime, I've been taking classes, honing my interests, and will have a chapter of my thesis done by the end of this semester. I'll also be presenting it in England this summer (super excited!) My potential schools and possible POI's change constantly, but I think I'm getting closer and closer to where I need to be. I'm just going with the flow and trying to enjoy the process :-) I look forward to getting to know all of the 2013 grad cafe "cohort" ;-) P.S. Oseirus - it would be heartbreaking to see you go. Even if you're knee deep in your scholarly pursuits, your humor and experience would be much needed.

American History R_Escobar (20th century, American Indian), crazedandinfused (antebellum, intellectual), hopin'-n-prayin' (southern, religious), stevemcn (transnational), Simple Twist of Fate (early American) European History Kelkel (Modern Germany, political), goldielocks (Britain), SapperDaddy (Eastern and Central Europe), kotov (Modern Romania, Holocaust, labor), RevolutionBlues (Modern Western Europe/France labor and leftist politics), theregalrenegade (18th/19th cent British Empire/environment) African History Oseirus, Singwaya18, Safferz Latin American History teachgrad (20th century, Southern Cone), BH-history East Asian History alleykat Near/Middle Eastern History uhohlemonster Atlantic World sandyvanb Jewish History uhohlemonster, hopin'-n-'prayin, kotov (Holocaust) Others???

Anyone have any recommendations for organizations or groups that help students find inexpensive accommodations and like-minded people while traveling for conferences? I'll be attending a conference at Reading University outside of London in early July and would like to find a decent place to stay while exploring with locals. Couchsurfing.org looks promising, but I thought I'd see if anyone here knows of similar organizations that cater specifically to students.

If I have the time I wallow in sadness for a while - Watch tear-jerker movies, listen to sad songs - have a good cry. Sometimes just being able to bawl my eyes out for a couple minutes makes me feel better. Then I can move on and get back on track.

I'm always reading articles, books, or researching schools, programs, POIs no matter what...so even though I have a break from classes, I'll still manage to work when I have free time. Over the holidays and breaks, I just don't SCHEDULE it in

westward ho

walking dead

I don't live on campus, but being in Vegas - you can truly get anything right down the street, from greasy local Italian to magnificent sushi to vegan cupcakes! On campus, we have all the fast-food joints, Subway, Metro Pizza, Taco Bell, Jamba Juice, Noah's Bagels, and (two Starbucks and a Coffee Bean - sheesh). I rarely have the money to eat out, but I know I can find something on campus if in need, even being a vegetarian as well. Our problem is the people traffic - the student Union is always packed and trying to get food from 9-6pm is crazy. Easier to just drive 5 minutes off campus, or bus it. Not complaining though. Wherever I end up for my PhD will surely have less options.

I joined a few months ago and get the Google alerts. I'm always surprised because I don't have any papers uploaded and very little information about me. My advisor and a few of my professors are on there, too.

Sounds like an interesting concept. Guess you have to prowl around for people to invite you. Good luck!

Ah yes, the grand conversation..thanks for the reminder, Sigaba. I think this is a fabulous way to bring it all together.