chichi

Thanks, Sparky. You raised many important points that I didn't think seriously of. The idea of getting two degrees is from a person I know. She gets double PhD degrees in the same major, one in Hk and the other in the States. However, I don't the black box of how she did it. So I thought it might work. Could you kindly share with me more about the structure of history department in the States and how is it related to the difficulty of getting double degrees, so that I can better evaluate my position? I appreciate very much your reply in advance!

Hey guys, thanks so much for teaching me the battling strategies! What if I don't transfer, but choose to study another PhD in the States next fall at first, and when I pass the qualifying in the States, I return to HK to finish the degree? Anyone who can analyze the situation for me?

Thanks for your reply. I am confused about something you said. Hope you could give more detailed explanation and analysis. Appreciate! 1. What do you mean "they don't like to waste their investments?" 2. I am not familiar with grad school system in the States. What is "the program includes a MA thesis/coursework as part of the PhD (as opposed to direct PhD and picking up the MA after comprehensive exams)"?

Hey guys I am a first-year PhD student in HK. I am thinking about applying for PhD programs in the States. My major would probably not change. Is there any trouble I may face in the situation? Would schools in the States decline such case? I appreciate very much your reply!

So what is their main direction?

It is finally over. I applied to seven schools in 2010 and got no admission. Quite frustrated. All rejection mails mention that I'm not competitive enough. I don't figure out what it means "not competitive". This term is so vague to me. I got good GRE and TOEFL scores, have three not bad recommendation letters,and a strong SOP. Is there anyone here who can kindly tell me what does "competitive" mean?

Thanks for your advice. I really appreciate! Best

Thanks a lot. I finally submitted my application to the school. I kind of feel that applying PhD program in the U.S. is a battle that you can hardly know what's going on. Good luck to you too:)

Dear all I'm an international student. I would like to apply to the PhD program in the Department of History of Johns Hopkins university. The school has a ambiguous description of their minimum TOEFL score requirement: Johns Hopkins University requires graduate students to have English proficiency for their course of study. Graduate students must be able to read, speak, and write English fluently upon their arrival. Successful study demands understanding oral lectures and taking comprehensive notes during lectures. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit proof of their proficiency in English before they can be offered admissions and before a visa certificate can be issued. Johns Hopkins prefers a minimum score of 100 (internet-based). I got my score of 95. Because of the deadline reason, I'm afraid that I have no time to take the second test. Do you know what does PREFERABLE SCORE mean? How will the graduate school staffs treat my application if they see my TOEFL score not reach their preferable one? Will my application be thrown out before it reaches the department and professors? Hope people with similar experience can provide me with your valuable experience and advice. Thank you very much!

Hi everyone This is my first time to write here. (My friend recommended that you are very helpful.) I am from Taiwan, and looking forward to studying my PhD program in US. My major is in economic history of East Asia in the Cold War. For my doctoral degree, I want to work on the project tentatively titled as overseas Chinese and the economic restructure in Asia (1950s-70s), especially focusing on how US diplomatic policy in Asia as well as the important roles that overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia played function to establish the economic alliance of US, Japan and Southeast Asia. I am looking for your valuable advice to this project. Thank you very much!