Moka Pot

1. People in the East Asia field will know the universities you are talking about. That being said, I don't think the school level (especially as an international student) matters that much. 2, 3. Have you gotten your MA yet? I'd say you'll probably need some experience demonstrating that you are familiar with not only writing in English but also the English-language scholarship in the field. You'll demonstrate this with a writing sample. Also, looking at your research interest, you'll probably need some Japanese proficiency. Internships and other activities matter much less than your own research experience. 4. Depends on whether you have an MA or not. North American schools don't usually fund international MAs, so I would consider that, too. Also, I would look into getting into MA programs in South Korea possibly with an advisor who is familiar with NA system. You need to be familiar with the English-language scholarship (at least to get into schools you listed). TOEFL and other things are all supplementary. Some schools have quotas for international students, so good luck.

I feel for you as I myself got a BA in something completely unrelated. I just got admitted to a History PhD program this cycle after getting a terminal MA. Have you had any chance to get to know any professors in history? I think I was able to get into an MA program because I took a history course during my final year of undergrad where I was able to produce a reasonable research paper (I also got a LoR from the professor) and build a case for myself. I also did not do an MA in history but a closely related interdisciplinary MA where I was advised by a professor in the history department. I figured it's best for me to get into an interdisciplinary program with good reputation utilizing my other strong features to cover up my lack of focus on history and build my history-related experience from there. I got to work with history professors during my MA and was able to get LoRs from them. It would be great if there are any instructors who can guide you through writing a research paper in history during the summer institute. You'll need to have a strong writing sample to apply anyway. My opinion on unfunded/ partially funded MA programs is a bit different from others in this forum. I went into a program with no funding promised, but I knew the program had multiple big funding opportunities and ended up spending much less than I expected. (I am also an international student, so it's extremely hard to get a funded MA offer) Overall, I got what I wanted out of the program: got a degree from a top-tier school and strong LoRs alongside strong research experience, which helped me get into a fully-funded doctoral program. But it was only worth it because I had a clear goal going into the program. I agree with @AfricanusCrowther on how you should know what academic history is about before you start your MA program. I am not encouraging you to take on a debt, but I just wanted to share my experience.

Thank you @TMP. I learn so much every day.

Thankfully enough, I got offers from two schools this cycle. I just submitted my statement of intention to register at one school. Now I need to do the harder part -- declining the offer. I really liked both schools and I got to know students there who helped me through my application process, so I feel like I owe them at least a well-written email. Who else should I contact? I also feel like I need to email the POI soon since we are probably going to see each other again at some point, and I don't want to make this process any longer than necessary.

Yup, I just got my rejection from UCSD. It hurts because I communicated so actively with so many people there. I got an acceptance from my first choice though, so that softens the blow...

Ah, thank you so much! I didn't know I could do that. I'll need to write an email right away!

Hello, I have been lurking here for a bit, but it’s my first time actually posting a question. So I got one acceptance from my top choice, which is asking me to decide before April 15. I have been waiting for other schools for what feels like forever because I heard it is rude to accept before seeing all the results. I have two schools left, which for one of them I am pretty sure I got rejected because multiple people posted their acceptance on the results page. The other school has a pretty small program, so I have no idea when things are going to get decided (some past results from many years ago say they got their results via post in Feb). I am a bit pressured to accept my top choice soon because of the housing arrangement. So my question here is: would it be appropriate to contact the department staff to ask when I’ll get notified of my result? I tried to avoid this, but as we are approaching mid-March, I can’t help but thinking about it every day. If not, when will it be appropriate for me to ask? Thanks in advance and have a great day.

No, not yet. I haven't heard from them at all after I submitted my application. I just assumed it was because their deadline was relatively late.