kdavid

Perhaps another way to phrase this question would be: Which sub-fields are getting the most fellowship and grant money right now?

That's a great idea. Thank you very much!

How crucial is it that LORs state the specific university and department to which you're applying? I ask because this clearly creates more work for the writer; especially in my case as I'm applying to 10 - 15 different programs. To make matters more complicated, two of my letter writers are Chinese professors with limited English, and asking them to navigate that many (English-language) websites to upload files will cause issues. It would be less work if I could have them upload once to Interfolio, after which I handle all deliveries. Ideas?

Hi Thumbelina, My LORs will be strong, but not from anyone well known. What sub-field are you in?

My Master's thesis is focusing on the period of Chinese history between May 25, 1915 (the signing of Japan's twenty-one demands) and May 30, 1925 (the day of the 五卅惨案). I'm brainstorming a nifty title for the paper, and I'd like to cite a poem about the month of May. Can any poetry enthusiasts out there think of a poem about the month of May? Bonus points if its somber and/or about either of these events.

@aec09g Thanks for your reply. Most of the schools I've chosen have been chosen not only because they're good programs, but also because they have faculty with whom I share research interests. I'll be reaching out to these POIs over the next month or so, thus, I suppose, taking the screening process to the next step. Princeton, while on my list, does not have a faculty member with shared interests, so that may be stricken. I've also already stricken The Ohio State University simply because the POI with whom I'd work with seems to have a really bad reputation of working with students. I'd need a hands-on advsior, or at the very least someone who is approachable. The purpose of the post was to see if anyone out there would be open to looking over my list and seeing whether or not I'm over looking some good options.

Thanks for the replies. I'll be contacting a POI there shortly. I suppose that will be one of the questions I ask.

I'm looking for a few people off which to bounce some ideas regarding my applications. In particular, I'd like my list of potential schools and advisors to be reviewed. I currently have 12 MA and PhD programs to which I'm applying, but I'd like to add some more. I'm taking a shotgun approach to applications this cycle to ensure I get accepted by at least one. Having someone to bounce ideas off would help a lot. While this wouldn't benefit potential mentors, I'd be happy to return to the favor to future cohorts, assuming, of course, I get in.

My goal is to get a PhD. However, I'm worried my background may not be strong enough and that an MA may be needed for the programs I want to get into. For the upcoming cycle, I have about 10-15 different programs I'm very interested in. Many of these programs also have strong MA programs in which I'm interested. My question: If I apply to a PhD program and the committee sees me as promising but not yet ready for a PhD, will they automatically forward me to the relevant MA program, or, should I apply to both? Clearly, applying to both programs makes more work and potentially higher application fees. I also think it would be a bit strange writing one SOP which states I'm clearly ready for a PhD, but then another for an MA (for the same university and potentially same readers!) stating that an MA would be beneficial prior to starting a PhD. I also wouldn't want to write in an MA SOP that I'm only applying to the MA as a back-up. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

I'm interested in Yale's MA in East Asian Studies as a back-up in case I don't get into a good PhD program for Chinese History. Unfortunately, the department's website states the minimum GRE score is 308, and my combined score is a 304--though I did get a 5 on the writing. I believe my background is unique (I've lived in China for seven years, have an MA from a mainland university) and that language skills are very strong (my Mandarin, reading and speaking, is impeccable). I'll also have a strong writing sample grounded in original research. As such, I believe that aside from my GRE scores, I'm an excellent fit for the MA program. Should I go ahead and apply anyway, or will my scores eliminate me from consideration?

@IRToni Thanks for your reply. I suppose I'd be more interested in policy PhDs (right?). Ideally I'd be equally employable as both an academic and a policy advisor; or at least equally attractive to both types of institutions.

My line of thought is that by getting a PhD in IF with a focus on China I am employable as both an academic and a think tanker. Thank you for this suggestion. Is this absolutely necessary? I ask because this would require I enroll in a university as a self-funded, non-major student for a semester or two. This is not ideal as I'd like to begin an MA/PhD program fall 2014. (I'm currently finishing my stint in China, so enrolling now or next semester is not an option.)

Hello All, I'm interested in going for an MA/PhD in International Affairs, with a focus on China. Please let me know what you think: Undergraduate/GPA: Major: English; Minor: History; summa cum laude, 3.65 Graduate: MA in Chinese History, focusing on 20th century; completed at a Chinese institution alongside other Chinese students (i.e. not a program designed specifically for non-Chinese); has involved writing a thesis (in Chinese) utilizing primary sources (in English and Chinese) GRE score: 156V, 150Q, 5.0AW Work experience: 8+ years teaching, 7+ years running a small business in China Language skills: Fluent in Mandarin Overseas experience (work, study and teaching): 1 year in Europe, 7+ years in China I know my GRE Quant is low, but this is after 10+ years of having not set foot in a math classroom. Not sure I can do much better. In case it's relevant, I'm American who's I've just turned 30. I have a wife and four-year-old son. I'm interested in going for a PhD, and then into academics and/or a think-tank job. Thoughts, comments, and suggestions appreciated!

I actually just finished his book on the CCP. I've picked up his most recent as well. I really like his writing style and direction. I may reach out to him for more details.

I'm interested in pursuing an MA/PhD in International Relations with the hopes of going on to work in a think tank. I have two questions: 1. Which programs are renown for their focus on Sino-American international relations? 2. Which scholars are renown for their focus on Sino-American international relations? Thanks in advance!

Thanks for your replies. As luck would have it, my scores came in this afternoon, which means it didn't quite take seven full business days.

FYI: Just saw my scores online. Didn't even take seven full business days! Ended up with a AW of 5, which is good enough for me. I'll stick with these scores and keep my fingers crossed!

While I received my unofficial scores upon completing the test, I clearly have yet received my AW score. Is it fruitless to check the website three times a day, or do the scores come out early sometimes?

Thanks for the replies and encouragement. I was thinking the same thing; that I would only retest if I did abysmally on the writing. Now I'll just wait and see.

These are unofficial scores. I *just* finished the test, so I won't have my AWA for another two - three weeks. With that said, I feel I did the strongest on that, so I'm hoping for a 5 - 5.5. I'm hoping for top-tier MA/PhD history programs for China. I've read lots of threads on this topic already, so I'm familiar with the proverbial "it depends" response. I don't see my Q getting any better. Also, here in China, the GRE is only on Saturdays, which entails me taking a full day off work. Between testing fees, missing a day of work, commute, etc. taking the test costs me about US$400; not to mention all of the stress. I guess what I'm really looking for is a, "Hey, I did the same/worse than you and I still got in! Cheer up!"

A somewhat unrelated question: How are TAships decided? Are they given to all entering graduate students as part of funding offers, only given to those who the faculty feel would excel as teachers/graders, or are they given to those who have to "work for" their funding?

This is incredibly useful information for those such as me who are hopelessly pedantic when it comes to future planning. Thank you to those who have contributed thus far! Hopefully everyone from all fields will contribute to help those of us applying for the next cycle! Great idea, getitlow!

From what I've researched, most schools want SOPs somewhere between 1 - 3 pages. I was wondering how many words / what percentage of this people are dedicating to illuminating various aspects of one's application. For example: Personal background, history (general) Academic history and (previous) scholarship Prospective research projects Foreign language experience Work experience What else am I missing?

What is GIS?

I've been away from American academia for a long time, and my undergraduate was in English. Could anyone recommend some primers on memory studies? I'm interested in learning more about the theory behind it.