Scecy

Are there schools or MA programs in Classics that are considered third rate, that should be avoided, that will actually hurt your chances of getting into a top PhD program? What about PhD programs? Are there any that have a bad reputation and would hurt your chances of a job down the line?

I am a little confused. I have seen information on website for PhD programs (in Classics) that say "Students may also apply directly to the Ph.D. program, in which case the M.A. is awarded upon completion of the requirements; if a student enters the Ph.D. program with an M.A. in Classics, blanket credit of 32 points is awarded." So how does getting an MA first add more years to the total? On the other hand, if you have only a BA when you apply to such a PhD program are you competing with all those people who already have their masters? I don't see how anyone with just a BA would have as much experience and knowledge and look as good as those with a masters, so I wonder if it is actually possible to get admitted to a PhD program with just a BA. Has anyone done that?