simone von c

I'd say, thoughtfully read through the essays on this web site, http://100rsns.blogspot.ca/, and if you still want to go to graduate school in history, consider an MA first rather than the direct admit route.

I'm right there with you, History PhD. Had a career, raised a family, now in the 2nd year of an awesome, generously funded doctoral program in history. For various reasons, I am not targeting a tenure track position either. Yes, young grasshoppers. There are all kinds of people in the world.

History PhD In my view, one should not accept an unfunded offer, anywhere. Either take the Miami offer, or beef up your CV and reapply to other US programs next year.

Some departments have university or SGS funding which they are allowed to offer to a specific student. If that student does not accept the offer of admission, the special funding reverts to the university; the department cannot just offer it to the next student on their list. It's possible this is why certain departments are calling to probe about your intentions.

In my experience, the fact that a professor is on sabbatical does not mean they won't work with you. If you are qualified, apply where you think you can create a fit.

Well ... my husband is in Florida and I'm in Canada. We commute when we can, but we are going to be apart for weeks at a time until I'm ABD, and then there are my research trips. So the questions asking if your significant other is going with you aren't as odd as you may think!

With all due respect to Safferz, the funding information she described for the University of Toronto is incorrect. The standard funding package (posted on the website) is tuition remission and a $15,000 stipend. This applies to both domestic and international students. Since the tuition amount differs, the total package does as well, but the bottom line is the same. Many domestic students have external funding which ups the stipend (Canada has several generous options). For international students, external funding options are limited but not non-existent. There are generous (and competitive) university and provincial scholarships which ... if awarded ... exceed U.S. Ivy League funding. It is very true that there are but a few spots in History for international students at U of T, but as always, reality is more complex and nuanced than generalized statements can convey. This is the case at most U.S. universities as well.

Don't think twice. Go to Turkey. You have a connection there, and Turkey is an incredibly rich place. Not only is Istanbul goosebump-fabulous, but so is the entire country. Fly out to Cappadocia and roam through the underground cities, and see the paintings in the ancient cave churches ... gosh, stay in a cave hotel, and buy a rug, and meet the people. Listen to the calls to prayer echo at dawn. You will never, ever regret it. Grad school will wait for you. Go see the world.

"Why do you go to school -there- to study Latin American history?? Why don't you go to school in Latin America?" "How long will it take for your PhD? Are you crazy??" "What does your husband think about this?" "You're such an inspiration!" [This is how you know you're way older than the typical PhD student ... ]

The University of Toronto appears to be finished. Unfortunately, there are very few spots available to international (which includes U.S.) students. SandyVanB, are you waiting on the University of Miami in south Florida? They notified late-ish last year ... if I recall, toward the end of February. Sending best wishes to those who have been admitted, and good karma to those who have not. Don't lose hope, friends.

Warmest congratulations, Tickle! Super happy for you!!!

My thoughts on funding: It's possible to "negotiate" funding in some schools, but not all. My current program was intensely interested in the details of my other offers, and worked to exceed them through nomination of a university scholarship. My supervisor (then-POI) was the conduit through which all information flowed to the department and the school of graduate studies. Friends in similar situations this year are having similar experiences. These schools are all different. You will need to use your own judgment in determining who (the DGS or your POI) is the best person with whom to communicate as you weigh your options. It's a balancing act ... one doesn't want to appear mercenary, but some schools are located in expensive areas, and having the ability to buy food and books (and perhaps fly back home occasionally) is important, in my opinion.

You can relax, Kelkel. Last year, ND invited people for interviews via e-mail.

I was interviewed and then "waitlisted" by Notre Dame last year. As Sparky says, it was a far more personal rejection than my generic rejection from Yale. However, I met the (only) person admitted to ND in my field, and it was impossible not to frankly admire his fabulousness and fit. I also realized while I was there for two well-orchestrated days that, for a variety of reasons, I would be happier elsewhere. (And I am!) So ... the interview process works both ways, and it's possible to live through rejection, even when it's up close and personal.

This is an interesting situation. In my opinion and experience, like the AHA, universities are beginning to acknowledge (reluctantly) that some PhDs won't land tenure track jobs, and thus dutifully they counsel interviewees and new admissions that there are career options other than university professor. But I believe the departments continue to hope (as do we students), that the job market will change. The major programs are not yet ready to admit (publicly) that some of their graduates will not find jobs in academia. So (as TMP says), while your application could be derailed if you bluntly admit you have no interest in academia, as Sigaba says you cannot be deceitful. How do you know what you will want to do five to eight years from now, Jahiliyya? Can you open your mind to all professional options, academic and otherwise? This would be the best attitude, in my opinion.