RPits

this is an excellent question, and like grizzly up there (and the original op) i've been considering my specific circumstance for a long time as well. currently, i'm in the final stage of completion of my masters at a public institution in nyc. though highly-rated, i completed my undergrad work at a public university, also in ny, that hardly anyone has heard beyond the state line. for those familiar, i've gone the SUNY/CUNY route (mostly because of economic reasons). now, i'm aware that my masters program isn't prestigious. however, i've studied under some pretty interesting professors who are all making contributions to their fields. i guess people here might describe them as "up-and-coming." regardless, i knew this, but i've really tried to make the most of my coursework. instead of signing up for the rudimentary masters thesis and research intensive, i sought one of my profs. out (who i had a good relationship with) and asked if she'd be willing to take me on through an independent study. now, more than a year later, i'm nearing the end of my thesis and wrapping it up. because she said yes, i've been able to travel to archives and institutions throughout new york and, as a result, have gained some really valuable experience. i have a few friends who left our undergrad institution and got into programs straight away. one at chicago and another at rutgers. while i don't know if i've made the right decision concerning my masters program, i honestly because of circumstance couldn't have done it any other way. if anyone is in the same boat, and has to take a hard look a reality, then just try and make the most of it. build those strong relationships, seek out internships, and discover ways you can create freedom and experience for yourself within your program. at this point, even if my institution doesn't wow committees, at least i have an intensive piece of primary research that i am supremely proud of. hopefully a similar element can boost resumes for people in the same situation. good luck!

i'm going to jump aboard here and say to take your focus off of that not-so-horrible GPA. as a fellow 2012 hopeful, i have similar worries. but, i've also sought the advice of my current adviser and other profs i've stayed in contact with, so, here's some other food for thought about what you may be able to do to serve as resume boosters post undergrad (current candidates please correct anything you think is wrong so i can stop wasting my time : -seek out internships, research assistantships (sometimes they can be arranged at local archives, or in university libraries who have received historical papers, etc.), or other historical projects which don't necessarily need to revolve around research. for instance, i'm working on an oral history project right now. no research; just getting some experience. i also agree with strangelight regarding the loi and articulating your historical interests. life is rough for twentieth century americanists these days. while i've heard from many that you don't have to be overtly specific, perhaps doing some more research over the course of this next year (as an extension of your undergrad thesis?) might steer you into some interesting arenas. then, you'll also be able to reach out to some schools who you think might appreciate your interests and the fact that you've done a lot of exploring post graduation. good luck! judging by what i've read as of late, we'll all need it

hi everyone, thanks so much for the practical advice. i'm sure if i make an effort to get into contact with two of my undergrad profs. they'll be willing. i like the idea of seeking their advice first, though. i will start with that now. as for the other two, my thesis adviser is a definite go, and i'm sure another prof. from my current program would sign off (that i've taken some classes with), i just never felt myself seriously seeking her advice, that's why i feel a bit awkward. i guess i should get over that! i appreciate everyone's input. thanks!

hi all. i'm in the 2012 pool, and have a few questions concerning LORs and the sort of variety i should have given my situation. one is a lock-in: my thesis adviser from my masters program. the other two are up in the air. to give you a bit of background, i've been out of undergrand and have been teaching for the past few years. during that time, i've been completing (or, attempting) my masters coursework. i have a couple of options when it comes to the other two LORs, one of which involves having my principal or department chair from my school write one, and obviously speak to my professional capabilities (which i know isn't usually the main point), and my overall goals as an historian. now, i know the ideal situation would be to have three academic if possible. but, what do you think about a person in my situation who has worked professionally for a few years? should all three LORs still be solely academic? after that, i have three potential choices. option A involves asking another prof. from my masters program who isn't totally familiar with my work, but i'm sure wouldn't hold me back. option B involves an undergrad prof. who is very familiar with my work, but who might also be slightly awkward to get in touch with (given the fact i haven't spoken to her in a couple of years). the last option, C, involves asking a potential adviser from an internship i just landed for the coming summer. now, i know what you're thinking: why would you even think that asking a prof. who might only have known you for a few months speak to your capabilities through an LOR? to quell those thoughts: the only reason i'd consider this is because it's from a pretty reputable institution, the internship is competitive, and the project is pretty unique. i also volunteer (which is technically listed as a non-academic internship) and am working on a pretty massive oral history project for a well-known archives. i didn't consider asking the director, as i've repeatedly read not to have volunteer coordinators write any of your LORs, but worst case scenario i could always fall back on it. now, if anyone is bored and would like to do some "if, then" sort of work, i'd greatly appreciate the advice! thanks

Well, it's nice to know that this thread is here for support if we need it in the coming months! Unfortunately, my current area of interest isn't as unique (which is obviously worrisome!). You both sound like you're doing interesting work! I'm finishing my thesis on the women's Antisuffrage Movement in Upstate New York and the political organization women decided to form in retaliation to enfranchisement (The New York State Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage). I'm interested in conservative and oppositional movements, with primary focus on the early twentieth century. So, throw in another Americanist hopeful who is geared towards women and gender studies to the 2012 mix. Yikes. Anyway, if either of you want to stay in touch, feel free to contact me before tensions run high. We're going to need all of the support we can get !

Hi Orient, I second that emotion. I'm currently wrapping up my MA thesis (it's been too long), and will be preparing applications for the fall. So much to do. Perhaps we can keep the dialogue going and provide some peer support for each other when needed!

i think i speak for many 2012 hopefuls when i saw thank you, thank you, thank you! you all have written some really valuable pieces of advice that i'm sure many of us will be considering in the months to come. congrats to all of you.

hey all. i know i'm onto this late, but since we're aiming for fall '11, may as well keep it going! i've been struggling with the same sort of original questions as well. i'll be applying come fall, but am still finishing up my master's thesis, and also teach full time. when i'm not yawning, this is what i'll be doing: -a potential internship (a papers project working with historical documents/manuscripts) -seriously preparing for the GRE (ps if anyone has any great advice as to how to best fool this test into thinking i'm semi cerebral and capable of a phd track, i'd greatly appreciate it!) of course, everything else as well (loi, contacting profs, etc.). i just suddenly got nervous and overwhelmed.

anyone ever attended? is it worth applying (in your opinion)? thanks

hey all! i'm going to jump on the train... i'm in the final stages of completing my master's thesis on the anti-suffrage movement in upstate new york. specifically, the organizational tactics used and the gaps that existed between the antis urban and rural methodology. bigger idea? women's conservative and oppositional movements on a side note: congrats to all you historian hopefuls who are currently receiving word. i'll be further preparing throughout the course of this year and applying to programs come fall, so i will soon feel your anxiety-ridden pain!

thank you all so much for the good advice. i will definitely heed everyone's words while drafting my SOP!

thanks so much for the advice! i've been teaching 7th and 8th grade social studies in new york city while completing my masters. depending on how you factor my experience, i'm in my 5th year (post undergrad). i'm considering how to properly include it, so we shall see!

hi all i'm currently finishing an extended masters thesis with a cooperating professor in a directed study. upon completion i'll have my ma in history from the city university system of ny, and a ba in history from the state university system (neither of which conjure ivy league-type imagery, but slightly reputable in their own rights if you're from the region). i am applying for summer internships for which i think i have a decent chance of obtaining, and i am a volunteer in an archive where i conduct research for historians who visit our center- trying to make some connections! the situation i'm in might be slightly different (i think), and i'm curious to see if you all think it will work to my advantage or disadvantage. i have been teaching full time while completing my masters, so it has taken me longer than the average student. compiled with my extended thesis, the entire process has taken me 3.5 years. some of my scores are very good, others suffered, wavering in the a to b range. while going to graduate school full time after undergrad was what i desired, it just wasn't possible for me due to outside factors (mostly monetary). completing my masters in history while teaching and working on this extended thesis has been incredibly difficult, i just couldn't have done it any other way. i know i've wandered, but here are my more specific questions: do you think the fact that i didn't remain steadfast after undergrad in pursuit of a phd will serve as a deterrent throughout the application process? how else do i go about bolstering my resume aside from seeking out internships? in other words, if it is through conferences, or presenting a chapter of my thesis, does anyone have any specific direction that i might be able to follow? my cooperating prof. is awesome and super helpful, but i would love any advice you all might like to offer! thanks for reading .