JustaFontaine

Sorry for being unspecific, my current research interests revolve around Colonial America, from the acquisition of New York City in 1664, to the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Specifically, I am most interested in fraud in the colonies, its economic implications, and its effects on the growth of the insurance industry from its earliest forms in 1735, to Benjamin Franklin’s Philadelphia Contributionship in 1752 and beyond. Given my GRE however, would I even be considered for a program like UVA or Hopkins? I don't feel too optimistic about my odds there. Thanks for the replies by the way.

HI, this is my first post here, although I've been skulking around for a few months now. I'm looking for more PhD programs to apply for Colonial history (Fall, 2013), with my focus being in early economic history specializing in fraud. My concern is I have only heard the same 20 or so names of where I could apply, and they are all top tier schools. I'd like to apply to a broader range of institutions, as I don't think I'm competitive enough to apply to only top 20 schools. Right now I'm applying to Brown, William & Mary, Northwestern, and Florida State (masters). Any suggestions would be appreciated. GPA: 3.8 (should graduate at 3.85) GRE: V 157, Q 147, W 4.0 (panicked) Strong writing sample, although I have nothing published. Good LoR (department head and professors in my field)