theregalrenegade

Thanks fuzzy. I'm definitely going to review my first sample and revise it - add a few sources, paragraphs, insights, etc. Then I'll work on getting one of my professors' opinions and recommendations.

I've been able to tag a few scholarship opportunities from the Bank thread, but thought I'd ask if anyone knows of history specific funding?

Hi Everyone, I was hoping for some advice.... I applied to UNLV earlier this year to pursue my Masters degree in history for the Fall 2010 term. I received my B.A. in history back in 2001, so I've been out of school for quite a while. I was still able to get three professors to submit amazing letters of recommendation, write an awesome SOP, and find a paper from my undergrad for the writing sample. I wasn't required to have GRE scores. Anyway, I was rejected. I was just under the GPA requirement and I'm sure my writing sample didn't showcase my best work, since it was done early on in my undergrad career. The Graduate Committee did say they enjoyed reading my application, but felt I might not be prepared for graduate study. They suggested I take a couple of classes as an non-degree seeking student and reapply. I've decided to take two classes in the fall, but my question is this: I want to reapply for the Spring 2011 term, of which the deadline is Nov. 1st. I'm not sure I will have a paper from the classes I'm taking assigned prior to that deadline and I need something that better displays my ability. How do I go about this? Do I write my own on a subject of my choosing? Should I approach one of my future professors for help? Also, when I reapply, I can resubmit my letters of rec, correct? I hope to get the professors I'll have this fall write letters as well, but will they do this after just two months of knowing me? I guess I'm curious how this will all work and come together by the deadline. If not, I'll have to wait until next fall, and that's not the best option for me. Any ideas?

I work in accounting at a casino here in Vegas. With the current economy our specific department is down to me and my supervisor. We have it pretty nice without all the drama and such and our hours are normal daytime 8-5. When I start grad school it will be a challenge, since I may have to split my shift or take vacation days until I can get full funding. The biggest bummer is that casinos never close, so holidays are out. But at least I get paid double time for official ones. Bring on school where I'll be able to celebrate with friends and family during my time off.

I'm 32 and it's been almost 10 years since I got my BA in History. I had a decent GPA, but just a smidge under the requirement. Even with an awesome SOP, great references, and a fair writing sample, UNLV still was unsure about my readiness for the program. I was denied admission for the fall term, but they suggested I take a few classes to prepare if I want to try again. I'm doing just that and plan to WOW them on my application for the spring term. I'll be roughly 39 when I get my PhD, and one of the best professors I know was 50 when he finally got his doctorate. I think being more mature can only help when in comes to graduate study. I say you are lucky to have taken some time to figure out what you really want to do. Go for it.

I've lived in Las Vegas for about five years now - initially coming out of Southern CA. I decided to (finally) pursue a career in academics, starting with my Masters in History. I was denied admission for the Fall 2010 semester, but am enrolled in a couple of classes as a non-degree seeking student per their suggestion. Hopefully, through my work and dedication, they'll see my passion and take me on for the Spring 2011 term. Since I'm working in accounting at a casino, I can't wait to get back into school. Not sure if I plan to stay for the long run at UNLV, but hey, it's the only college in the vicinity and so far I've met some amazing professors.