synthla

I'm applying to history Ph.D programs without a history major, or even a history minor. Rather I majored in political science with an emphasis on theory, then went on to law school. I've only applied to "Top 50" programs. The majority of them mentioned looking for a major in history OR a related/complementary field, which most seem to think includes political science. The one program with an express requirement did not require a history major, but just referred to a certain number of credits in history as a mandatory qualification. I fell just short ofthat number, emailed the head of graduate studies, and was essentially told that even that number was flexible (unless my previous experience with history had been Zero), it sounded like I had plenty of exposure to history and not to worry about that particular item. I can't speak for programs other than those to which I applied, but I imagine they are fairly representative. Of course we'll see how it works out for me.

I think you can only preserve your sanity by not reading anything into anything, until you get that actual acceptance or rejection. Admittedly easier said than done. I had one professor tell me a few days ago that I'd been recommended for admission. Got excited, but haven't heard anything since. It is very early in the process, so I'm not taking that one way or the other until I get something official.

I suppose it could best be described, in general terms, as 15th-17th century French intellectual/religious history.

There were a few articles back in December discussing how the number of GRE takers had actually dropped in 2008 for the first time in several years, and for the first time ever (I believe) during an economic downturn. That would seem to bode well. The UC Regents finally decided within the last week to lower freshmen enrollment, raise transfer enrollment and maintain steady graduate student enrollment numbers. Enrollment doesn't necessarily correlate to funding though.