doobiebrothers

I find that committees are incredibly 'risk averse.' The best thing to do is avoid talking about the negative, and focus on th positive, but that may just be my experience on one committee. hope this helps. PM me with any questions!

depends on your field and your future goals! also where is cost of living higher? my best advice after years of doing grad administrative stuff: either go where the money is, or don't go at all. A div degree is NOT WORTH THE DEBT. I can't possibly emphasize that enough. also, and obviously, CONRATS!

sorry for not clarifying: Friday, March 15th

for all you HDS applicants: I called the office and I was told by the secretary that "admissions will be finalized this week and offers will be up on the website next Friday" I think her name is Meghan.

it's about the general trend; they're not doing a grade-by-grade reading of your transcripts, 90% of the time. Make sure your grades are good (A's, a few A-, some B+) and make sure you take challenging courses with notable professors and do lots and lots of language work. You'll be fine.

both are excellent programs. My best advice: go where the funding is, and network your tail off.

I understand your anxiety, but you will be fine. I promise. If I have any real advice, it is try to come across as an interesting and engaging whole human being in your essays; that counts for more than anything else.

got it for advanced arabic

I feel like adcoms are looking for someone with both academic chops but also a good person, and that it can be pretty clear from an application package whether or not you fit both academically but also personally. It sounds like you'll do fine, imho, so good luck!

you'll be fine. I promise.

So I hope

it def helps for Harvard, as belichick said

yea, they don't care at all. better a W than a B.

I just want to really, really, REALLY emphasize this point. As a reader on a committee of one of these top schools, I CAN TELL IF YOU ARE A PRESTIGE HOUND. So can everyone else on the committee, and most of us make fun of you for it. Please go work at the school where you fit best, not where the logo will look most impressive on your coffee cup. I learned this lesson the very hard way.

not really for admission, though maybe for a scholarship. in my experience, not at all for admission, actually.

yes I do. Apply!

my best friend works on the adcom of probably the #1 religion/theology PhD program as a student reader (he's sitting here next to me deciding fates as we speak) and here is his incredibly wise advice: 1. Professors are suspicious of a perfect 4.0, because it shows an unwillingness to take risks. However, under a 3.5 and you also might be in trouble. On the bright side, GRE's really come into play with a lower GPA. Anything in the 3.9-3.6 range is generally fine, given all other parts are ok. 2. THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE IS THE #1 most important thing. I can't emphasize that enough. 3. WHO your letter writers are really matters, esp to the top programs. If someone on the committee knows professor XYZ, it helps so so much. At the top levels, it really is an insider game. Do you, personally know the profs on the committee? Do your profs know them? Work the nepotism as best you can. Network, visit the schools, get to know the decision makers. It makes a big difference. 4. Languages. Languages. Languages. In something like Hebrew Bible or Islamic studies, really get those Semitics down, do research in those languages, and demonstrate a good reading proficiency in German and French. One or two more can't hurt. And in the end, if all else fails, don't hesitate to re-apply! That's some good advice, and you're getting it straight from the horse's mouth. (and he's a very handsome horse )

my best friend works on the adcom of probably the #1 religion/theology PhD program as a student reader (he's sitting here next to me deciding fates as we speak) and here is his incredibly wise advice: 1. Professors are suspicious of a perfect 4.0, because it shows an unwillingness to take risks. However, under a 3.5 and you also might be in trouble. On the bright side, GRE's really come into play with a lower GPA. Anything in the 3.9-3.6 range is generally fine, given all other parts are ok. 2. THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE IS THE #1 most important thing. I can't emphasize that enough. 3. WHO your letter writers are really matters, esp to the top programs. If someone on the committee knows professor XYZ, it helps so so much. At the top levels, it really is an insider game. Do you, personally know the profs on the committee? Do your profs know them? Work the nepotism as best you can. Network, visit the schools, get to know the decision makers. It makes a big difference. 4. Languages. Languages. Languages. In something like Hebrew Bible or Islamic studies, really get those Semitics down, do research in those languages, and demonstrate a good reading proficiency in German and French. One or two more can't hurt. And in the end, if all else fails, don't hesitate to re-apply! That's some good advice, and you're getting it straight from the horse's mouth. (and he's a very handsome horse )

Just called them, spoke to Audrey, she said that the notification date had been pushed back a few times and we should know by the end of next week

anyone hear anything yet? last year results were out by now

waiting to hear back for arabic, good luck you guys!

US Weekly

In terms of MA vs. PhD, what do you guys think is better (specifically for near or middle eastern studies): accepting admissions into a PhD program from a school that is not very highly ranked, but is very highly ranked in the sub-field of Middle Eastern History, or accepting an MA from an Ivy, completing it and then trying to get into an Ivy for a PhD?

Hey guys! I'm applying into a PhD program in History at a great school in my subfield, and my POI just sent me an email (in response to my status check) that went something like this: (my name), The admissions committee is meeting shortly and we will know more then. You have several potential mentors, professors X, Y, and myself, and all of us are extremely impressed with your application. You will also want to get in touch with professors Z and B. I signed to the contract to become study center director of X in X country. Needless to say, the future is unclear. best wishes, Professor ohsofamous Can you guys help me decipher this email? The professor who sent it to me is leaving for 2 years, and is the prof that I indicated in my SOP. I did not indicate any others. Should I contact them now?