samarkand

I think the statistic is that 60% of Cambridgians don't have a car, the most in the nation. I know probably one or two people that have a car - public trans/walking/biking here are fabulous, so you really don't need one at all.

Also note that Harvard's coursework is 2 years 4 courses a semester. Most students continue to take or audit courses after the first two years. Princeton's program is not lightweight IMO. Just look at the people who've graduated from Princeton NELC in the past 10 years and what they're doing.

By the way, you shouldn't compare Shamsy to Kadi. Sure it's one human for another - but Shamsy is just starting out whereas Kadi had years and years of experience and formed the program as it now exists at Chicago. It's not about the number of people that can aid your work (although that's important too) but about how much each individual encompasses in terms of knowledge and experience.

Mimuichi, The truth is that whatever choice you make will be a good one. Princeton is fantastic for several reasons - three hour long seminars (yes, this is a good thing), the way the library is organized (specifically Islamic studies books - most are on the shelf, unlike at Harvard, where most are in the depository), faculty, no teaching requirements (you can focus on research and teach on the side if you'd like), etc. These are all major positives and I would encourage you to take Princeton seriously. As for Harvard, it's a great institution to be at, for all the reasons mentioned in my previous post. Don't fret too much about advisors - the reality is that much of the work will be done on your own wherever you go anyway, your advisor is there just to guide you, and at all three institutions you will likely work with several figures, although one will eventually be classified as your 'primary advisor' for administrative purposes. Islamic studies is peculiar in that regards - there is no one professor that can offer you all you need in terms of training because its such a variegated and vast field, that in order to get general training in Islamic studies you will necessarily have to work with several people. If I were you I would be choosing between Princeton and Harvard. There are pros and cons to each, but your choice will likely depend on what exactly you're looking for - not in terms of advisor, but general training (each school has a particular inclination as I'm sure you've realized) and desired lifestyle. If you have more questions, please feel free to message me.

Harvard is a great place to pursue graduate studies in Islamic studies for a number of reasons. First off, three preeminent and well-cultivated professors are here teaching in the field you're interested in - Baber Johansen, Shahab Ahmed and Khaled el-Rouayheb. In addition there are a number of other professors both at Harvard and at surrounding schools that can aid your work although their research isn't directly or fully related. Secondly, Harvard's resources are unmatched by any school. This is known - books, manuscripts, money, etc are overwhelmingly present here in a capacity that no other school provides. Thirdly, Harvard's name holds a huge weight. In the future when you're applying to jobs it's possible that the name alone will get you into places. That's not to say that research, publications, etc aren't important. They are very important of course, but graduating from Harvard will likely have a great impact on your job prospects. Fourthly, the intellectual milieu here is awesome - visiting professors constantly in and out, ten plus lectures a day in your field and others, very bright students, etc. All in all, Harvard is a great place to pursue NELC graduate studies. If you have specific questions please do ask.

Michigan notified me last year in late February. They usually are among the earliest to notify. No news is probably bad news at this point. They also notify waitlisters early.

Harvard NELC has informed accepted candidates to the PhD already. Or at least they've sent out acceptances by now (might still be in the mail for some).

seems like UM already had its first round of interviews. hope they went superbly!

hey everyone - the lack of posts probably has something to do with the late creation of the thread. someone should have started a Near Eastern Studies 2012 thread back in December. Harvard had its faculty meeting last week to discuss applications. good luck!

Hi maryamv, Your list of schools is a good start. It all depends on your precise research interests and the professors you'd like to work with. You'll want to apply to the universities where these professors teach. PhD programs in the Humanities are usually funded either by research assistantship or TAship. There is funding for MA programs but it's less available, especially as an international student. Stanford's program is especially good for foundational/early Islamic Studies. The GRE is usually required for admission, its weight is really dependent on each university, the applications they get, and how selective they are in that particular year. I would say the most important aspects of the application are the statement of purpose and writing sample. You'll want to really spend some time writing up both in order to excel in admissions. If you have any more specific questions, I'd be happy to reply.

That's incredibly exciting Bukharan! You will love it there in the Bay.

I think you have a chance. MA programs differ from doctoral ones in that their requirements are more lenient. If you're able to get first year Arabic under your belt by the end of this academic year, and then perhaps take second year intensive during the summer (either at a western university or a program in the ME), then your chances will rise quite a bit (depending on other things as well) for admission this academic year or next. Remember that you'll be competing with applicants fluent in Arabic (there are many that apply from the ME - those trained at AUB/AUC are especially susceptible), so you'll want to do the utmost to distinguish yourself from them - usually this is done by showcasing language skills, which I think you do have. Being fluent in three modern European languages is good. Also remember that admission is dependent on the department you're interested in applying to and the professor(s) you want to work with. Are you applying to Middle Eastern Studies or a department of interdisciplinary leaning to the ME (polisci, econ, etc)? Does your potential adviser work with Arabic, or another language? These are important questions to ask, because they will determine how far you need to be in your linguistic capabilities to fluidly engage with both the department and the professor. I would recommend at this point enrolling in first year Arabic. Second, do some more research and see what the departments require. Third, contact some professors, let them know of your great interest, and see if they're accepting students from your particular background. Don't be too clear as to your negatives though (that you don't speak a ME language) - you should always emphasize your positives, because that's what you want them to remember. Hope that helps, and good luck!

It's all about how you explain and frame your research experience and background. If you can do this craftily (of course with some substance and letters to back it up), then you will raise your chances of acceptance. What I've learned from this past cycle is that the most important facet of the application is showing how your interests match those of your potential adviser(s). As for AUB, if you've already gained as much as you can out of that institution in the way of courses and professor interaction, then I would warn against enrolling there for another year or two. You can always pursue research in Beirut through a fellowship or scholarship given by your Masters university. The key is to not waste time or money - anyone is capable of getting funded if they look for the right sources and apply early enough, especially in the humanities. Perhaps you should think of applying to PhD programs, where you're much more likely to be funded, either through a research assistantship or TAship.

I would say definitely University of Chicago - with Franklin Lewis being there, it's an excellent place to do Ottoman studies. I would also say the University of California (Berkeley and otherwise). Beshara Doumani is at Berkeley, and I hear Davis has a nascent program in Turkish Studies. One of my friends is starting there, but in History. Another has worked with Professor Doumani for quite some time, on the history of Ottoman legalism. He's seemed to fare quite well. If you'd like, message me your email and I'll get you into contact with them.