ReallyNiceGuy
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Posts posted by ReallyNiceGuy
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All of my applications have been gone for a few weeks. I've already received one acceptance. The acceptance came via email and, though it is to a school that was low on my list (to be clear, it was #8 out of the 9 to which I applied), the adviser I requested and received is literally perfect for me. So, I'm glad to know that I have somewhere to go; well, provided I receive some sort of money.
I also applied to attend Middlebury's summer language intensive and I was accepted. I'm not really sure how competitive that is though (does anyone know?). I've applied for all the scholarships and aid they offer, because I certainly cannot afford tuition there. Finally, does anyone have any experience with FLAS scholarships? I've been told it's next to impossible to receive them for funding the first year of graduate study.
Thanks a lot and best of luck to everyone!!!!
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GRE- done (80%ile V, 84% W; I'm going to re-take it, but man I really am SICK of this f*9$ing thing)
Writing Sample and SoPs- being passed around to friends for advice and edits
Schools/Programs- chosen (11 total)
*trying to get it done before fall semester begins.
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THank you so much for the advice!! I sincerely appreciate it!
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ticklemepink: you seem very willing to offer advice. I appreciate it, and I know that everyone else does as well. I wonder if you could answer a question for me that possibly could help OP as well, since it seems like she and I are in similar positions.
Provided I can get into a local school's MA program in US Diplomatic History (I will be applying. I want to cover all bases; while it's not even option B, it's more like Option F, I am determined to be doing something with myself in fall 2012) and receive adequate funding (it is possible. I literally know 5 people who have done so) what do you think of this plan? (OP if my idea sounds good, perhaps you should consider it?)
1) Finish a MA at the local U studying US Diplomacy with a minor in European History
2) Continue to take Russian classes at said U and summer intensives each summer while in the MA program
3) Re-apply with the equivalent of 5 full years of Russian language study and a MA.
My only concern is that earning a MA in US history will make it appear that my passion for Russian History is actually fleeting ambivalence.
Thank you.
OP I wish you luck.
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I am in a relatively similar situation, and I have asked literally dozens of ppl (including ppl on this board) for advice. I'll pass on to you what I have learned:
1) how much Russian language do you have? if you have none (or less than 2yrs) then you either need to have a 4.0, 1600 GRE, 3 of the greatest letters in the history of the Earth, a published article, and so forth to get into a straight to PhD program. (This is what I have learned from emailing department directors over the last year or so.) On the other hand, if you have several years of language (4+) then you could have a 3.3 and a 550/500 GRE, good letters, a good sample, etc. and you've got a real shot. (I know someone whose application is not even close to what mine will be, but he has 4yrs Russian, I have 1. He got into a PhD program. I very likely will not.)
2) This board and everyone I have talked to says the same thing about the GRE "if you don't bomb it, don't worry" or "it's the least important part of the app, but it's still part of the app so do well enough and move on."
3) There are ppl on this board who went to Community Colleges and then got into Ivy League schools. If you have a mediocre cumulative but your last 60hours were 4.0 or something then you should be OK.
4) The statement of purpose cannot say something like "I love Russia" or "I could study Russia...or American...or European" history. If you are that open to different possibilities, then consider looking at different programs for different strengths. You'll have to write a lot more statements, but it sounds like you may not have a choice.
5) If you are set on Russia, but don't have a language background then you need to find Russian History MA programs or Russian Studies programs (yes, they include literature classes, but they also allow for language development). You should start at Indiana and do a lot of googling the letters "REEI."
6) If you are going to delay for another year, all is not lost. Take Russian language classes, do research and improve your writing sample then try to get it published. You're a PAT member, so enroll in post-bac classes at your old U, then present your paper at a conference.
Good luck to you.
I am not an expert by any means. I am applying for fall 2012 myself. If someone wants to correct me about something I said, please do so. I am still learning myself.
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There seem to be several knowledgeable people in this thread so I'm going to go ahead and ask for advice. Please keep in mind I'm not trying to be a 'taker' I simply haven't much to offer just yet.
I'm an undergrad. I want to be a historian. I am specifically interested in early 20th century USSR. However, my undergrad institution didn't have as much as intro to Russian until fall 2011 (of course I will be taking it). After soliciting advice from numerous history programs I have decided the best course of action for me is to enter a Russian Studies program. However, several of those require more than 1 year.
Of course I will apply for summer intensives at Indiana, Middlebury, and Pittsburgh.
I'm not getting into Stanford, so I'm going to even waste my $ on the application.
I know Kansas, Mizzou, Indiana all have reputable programs.
Please offer other programs that will accept an ill prepared student.
Thanks!!!!
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Unfortunately, I cannot keep the job if I graduate. But the job pays me enough that I can pay for classes and not take out loans. That would allow me to keep taking language classes (as I said, the U is not outstanding. Therefore, the classes are pretty cheap).
I've been thinking about applying for MA in Russian Studies programs. I've found a couple that are funded. If there's one thing I am thankful to this board for teaching me it's that it is not worth it to take out loans to get a MA in the humanities. Thank you for that! I hope that a MA in Russian Studies (assuming I performed well) would help me become a better PhD applicant? What would look better? A MA in Russian Studies or a MA in history from an institution that does not have a single Russianist but multiple 20th century Americanists?
Also, is it widely accepted that if you are given a fully funded straight to PhD offer that you take it? What if the fit is "really good" but not quite "perfect?" And what if that program is not necessarily world renowned?
Finally, ticklemepink what is your story? Do you feel taking the MA has been worth it? Also you mention compensating for a poor GPA and GRE, is that commentary based on personal experience?
Again, thank you.
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Now, I'd like to go back to the first thing. If your professors are encouraging you to go for the PhD, it's not clear whether or not you have thought about it before approaching them, or if they approached you and said "Get a PhD." Either way, why?
Bluntly, it's an issue of confidence. I am not a naturally brilliant person. I'm a butcher by trade and what separates me from other people is that my work ethic is as strong as they come.
I considered getting a MA because I wanted to teach, but I didn't want to deal with high school kids (sorry if that's rude). The Profs I talked to asked "why not a PhD?" I mentioned that I essentially thought it was beyond me. I don't think that anymore. As far as general interest in the field, that is purely anecdotal but it is a lifelong fascination (of course I will not discuss that in my SoP).
I realize it's possible that your question was rhetorical in nature, but in the event it was not...there's the answer!
Thanks a lot for the advice. Already I have received a lot of help via this board.
Another question for you while I have your ear: I am relatively confident that if I do not receive any good offers, it will be due to my language deficiencies. Several people told me that if this is the case then it might be best for me to take a year to focus on language study. That seems like sound advice, but my job is at the university. Would it be wise to delay graduation for a year (I could do that), get a 2nd minor (in order that I might keep my job; the 2nd minor would be in English- no offense to any English majors on here, but I'm confident I could sleep in class and still get As in those classes), focus on language and then reapply for fall 2013? My issue there is that man...I'm not getting any younger and there's a certain element of s*** or get off the pot, right?
Thanks!
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Now, I'd like to go back to the first thing. If your professors are encouraging you to go for the PhD, it's not clear whether or not you have thought about it before approaching them, or if they approached you and said "Get a PhD." Either way, why?
I never really thought about doing it until the 2nd semester of my Jr year. I heard a Prof giving another student instruction on what he needs to do for getting his application together and I thought "I can do that." After I decided I wanted to do it, I worked hard to improve every aspect of my application.
I appreciate the information very much. I am somewhat surprised that a school wouldn't care at all about clubs! Do you think that is universal? The MA program I would most like to attend definitely suggested they would care about that!
Thank you again.
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Though I have not been admitted anywhere and I too am applying for fall 2012 I do have something to add regarding GPA and community college credits:
I took classes at a community college for 2yrs right out of high school. I was an 18yr old kid who literally didn't care about college. I finished an AA with a glorious 2.4 gpa (LOL) and ran around the world for about 5yrs. When I came back, I went back to a University and the last 2+yrs have been 4.0. When I contacted 3 of the top 5 schools on my list a grand total of 0 of them told me they would even care about my early yrs.
I realize our positions are different, but 3 different people at the 3 different schools (all top 20) said they would not concern themselves with CC work because "it's not history courses" and "if you show marked improvement, it tells us you are serious now, perhaps you weren't then?"
Best of luck to you.
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I am so thankful I found this site due to threads like this; it's great to hear first hand information from students at University of Toronto (a place that is certainly on MY list) and remarks from people with incredible scores, CVs and so on. Thank you!
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Here's my strategy. I'm not sure if it's sound or not, but it makes sense to me:
2 PhD programs that will almost certainly reject me, but hey, who knows?
2 MA progams I REALLY want to attend (I want to improve my CV for PhD programs)
3 MA programs that seem interesting and would provide a decent fit
5 MA programs that I feel really good about: these were determined based on the following criteria (in addition to a Prof who could potentially advise me): I have undergrad Profs who have friends at these institutions or they are relatively close to where I live now. My reasoning is this: I am willing to relocate, but only if the offer and institution are worth it.
I wish you the best of luck.
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This is such a great thread. Thank you to everyone who has replied!!
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I apologize to everyone for double posting. I didn't realize there was a History Forum. That is outstanding and there has been some great advice in this forum. I hope my post will receive the same. Thank you!
I went back to school at the age of 30. I had only intended to finish a BA in history to achieve a personal goal and because no one in my family has ever finished. I went to the cheapest school in my area (it is accredited) because I finance my education myself. I entered my current university with the 2.4GPA I "earned" at the age of 18 when I didn't take college seriously.
Fast forward 3 years and I'm set to graduate in spring 2012. Professors encouraged me to go further than a BA. I listened and I've worked really hard. Here is what I will present in applications:
1) 4.0 in the last 2+years; I estimate the cumulative from both institutious will be something like 3.67 (3.9 in major).
2) I have presented 3 papers at national academic conferences across the country
3) I am a writing tutor at my University and a Writing Assistant for a Professor (essentially an undergraduate TA)
4) The school gave me an "oustanding history student of the year" award.
5) I am a member of 2 honors societies
6) I started two on campus organizations
7) I have an EXCELLENT chance to be published by October
8) I can easily get letters of rec from as many as 7 Professors; 2 of these openly told the entire student body I'm the best student the program has ever seen
However, I am a natural "I can do more" type of person and I have the following deficiencies:
1) My language skills in the region I would like to study are weak. I'm working on it, but I am where I am at the moment.
2) I did not go to the best undergraduate institution. I am the definition of working class, as is my school.
3) I've been studying really hard on the GRE, but my scores continue to hover around 1100 (550/550). I take it in about one month and realistically, I do not feel I can get +150 between now and then.
I want to apply as a MA student to hone my language skills. The institutions I want to attend most are top 20. Am I aiming too high? How much will I be "punished" for having not attended a premier undergraduate program?
I know, I know: TL;DR
Anyone who has a chance to offer any words, be they encouraging or "realistic" is greatly appreciated.
ReallyNiceGuy
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I am very new to this forum. I do not know if what I am about to do is bad form; I apologize if I am breaking any rules.
I am an aspiring historian. I hope to study National delimitation and the following korenizatsiya in the former USSR. I am also interested in the industrialization of the central Asian SSRs.
With that in mind, if any of you have 5 minutes to spare, I would appreciate it if you'd reply to my questions. If not, I wish you all the best of luck with applications and coursework!
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Thank you very much for the response and I hope that you are right. I am putting together applications for this fall myself. I wish you the best of luck with getting into the school you would most like to attend!!
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I went back to school at the age of 30. I had only intended to finish a BA in history to achieve a personal goal and because no one in my family has ever finished. I went to the cheapest school in my area (it is accredited) because I finance my education myself. I entered my current university with the 2.4GPA I "earned" at the age of 18 when I didn't take college seriously.
Fast forward 3 years and I'm set to graduate in spring 2012. Professors encouraged me to go further than a BA. I listened and I've worked really hard. Here is what I will present in applications:
1) 4.0 in the last 2+years; I estimate the cumulative from both institutious will be something like 3.67 (3.9 in major).
2) I have presented 3 papers at national academic conferences across the country
3) I am a writing tutor at my University and a Writing Assistant for a Professor (essentially an undergraduate TA)
4) The school gave me an "oustanding history student of the year" award.
5) I am a member of 2 honors societies
6) I started two on campus organizations
7) I have an EXCELLENT chance to be published by October
8) I can easily get letters of rec from as many as 7 Professors; 2 of these openly told the entire student body I'm the best student the program has ever seen
However, I am a natural "I can do more" type of person and I have the following deficiencies:
1) My language skills in the region I would like to study are weak. I'm working on it, but I am where I am at the moment.
2) I did not go to the best undergraduate institution. I am the definition of working class, as is my school.
3) I've been studying really hard on the GRE, but my scores continue to hover around 1100 (550/550). I take it in about one month and realistically, I do not feel I can get +150 between now and then.
I want to apply as a MA student to hone my language skills. The institutions I want to attend most are top 20. Am I aiming too high? How much will I be "punished" for having not attended a premier undergraduate program?
I know, I know: TL;DR
Anyone who has a chance to offer any words, be they encouraging or "realistic" is greatly appreciated.
ReallyNiceGuy
Fall 2012 Applicant Chit Chat
in History
Posted
That actually makes a lot of sense and thanks a lot for the reply.
I should have been more clear- the person who told me FLAS is "impossible to get in your first year" meant your first year of grad school. It would be the equivalent of my 3rd year of language training.
Again, thanks a lot for the reply.