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PubHist2008

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  • Location
    Washington, DC
  • Application Season
    2013 Fall
  • Program
    American Studies

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  1. I was in a similar position a few years ago. There are many facts to consider but here are just a few: If you go right into an MA and assuming your parents pay all of your rent and living expenses, you will likely come out with about $40-50k in debt from tuition alone (unless you are a Virgina resident, in which case it may be closer to $20-30k.) Assuming you're not from VA, if you come out with $40k in debt, go right into a PhD program, and come out with an excellent placement making at a major university, you'll be looking at a $70k salary (which is VERY generous in the humanities). You'll net about $3,500/mo after taxes, which means you will need to pay at least $800/mo to clear your debt in under 5 years. I say 5 years because assuming you're 22ish now + 2 year MA + 4 year PhD = 28. You'll be 33 when you're finished paying off your loans and can start saving. If that sounds worth it to you, then make it happen. True dreams are worth the debt, sweat, and tears. Plus 33 isn't that old. And $40k is much less than the $120k most law students are racking up these days. However, if you're skill hesitating, here are some other facts to consider: if you are coming out of undergrad, you are (likely) young and (likely) have little work experience. Even if your goal is to do research and teach at an R1, you will still need other skills than going straight into a PhD can't afford you. For example, grant writing, deeper pedagogical skills, public speaking, project management, etc. If your goal is to take your study of contemporary study and go to work for a think tank, NEH, or other non-university track, then your lack of professional skills once you get on the job will only be exaggerated. Working at a job that gives you real world skills (not waiting tables but doing research or teaching or consulting... something that is semi-tied to getting a PhD), will give you immeasurable skills for the future. It will allow you to bank a few bucks for when you do go get that PhD ($25k/yr stipends are hard to live on) and get you out from relying on your parents. Plus real world experience looks great on a PhD application. You may also consider looking at UVA's job board; some schools offer tuition remission for full time employees. The absolute LAST thing you should be worried about is your recommendation letters. If you decide to work, tell the profs who wrote the recs. Say that you really appreciate their speaking up for you and you may be back in a few years for a second recommendation when you do decide to go back to school. Do what you think is right. But I sit here with a 172 LSAT score having opted to work for a year and apply to Tier 1 law schools later. After a year in the work force, I realized that law wasn't what I wanted to do. So I worked for 4 more years, got an MA while working, and was just accepted to my top choice PhD, fully funded. And 2 degrees with no debt was worth the extra 5 years.
  2. Although it's a different program, I applied to American Studies at Maryland (our deadline was Dec 15) and haven't heard anything. Judging by the results forum, typically people heard from UMD by early February for Amer Studies, but it doesn't look like anyone has heard yet this year. Makes me wonder if the university is going through a different notification process than in years past?
  3. It's a pretty far commute from Raleigh to W-S. I went to undergrad in Winston and would travel to Raleigh on occasion to visit friends. That being said, it's not TERRIBLE. Greensboro is about 40min from Winston (it's a quick shot to get down i-40 to Business 40 to downtown W-S) and Greensboro to Raleigh is about 75min. If you don't have to be on campus every day, it might be worth you driving a bit more. Burlington (where Elon University is) isn't too bad either. It's the next town west of Greensboro. If you want to live closer to Raleigh, try Hillsboro or Carrboro. Carrboro is a cheaper option than Chapel Hill but still nice. Whatever you choose, I would recommend that you live close to I-40 access because that will let both you commute easily.
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