OK, so I know I'm about to ask a serious of silly questions but I've only recently decided that I may want to apply to a History grad school program w/ the intention of teaching History -- I don't want my Ph.D though, so I assume I'd be teaching in a high school or community college? (Is this right?)
Anyway, a few questions -- for one, do you think it's still possible to apply this cycle if I've only just decided what I want to do? I'm a senior in college. Ideally I would like to go to grad school next year (was planning on law school but am rethinking that decision). If it's too late for me to get everything together to apply this cycle, I may take a year off and then apply.
Secondly, are (history) grad school applications assessed on a rolling basis? I know law schools are. Or is it more like undergrad, when applications are all reviewed at the same time?
And finally, would anyone be able to give me any sort of guidance on what sorts of schools I could realistically be accepted at? I'm an undergrad now at UPenn with roughly a 3.7 GPA. Since I've only recently decided to apply for non-law grad schools, I am gonna try to take the GRE soon. When is the latest I could take it to count for this cycle? Late November? And what sort of scores would give me a realistic chance for a "top school"? (As far as "soft" factors, they're mediocre -- I have leadership roles in 2 activities on campus, work experience over the summer and during the school year in random areas, and letters of recommendation would probably be good.)
I would REALLY appreciate any guidance you guys can give me! I had a breakdown today and just want to stay levelheaded about what my options here are. Thanks.
