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Hey all, It has been a long time since I've been to this forum, but I thought I would write this post to share my experiences as an anthro major in undergrad to getting my MA through the MAPSS program at UChicago, and where I am now, in case any of you are wondering if it's worth it, or are just looking for some perspective in a field that is only getting more difficult to make something of, both academically and professionally. Please note that this review/perspective is from someone who decided *NOT* to pursue a PhD, but instead chose a non-academic career path. Maybe you can relate to this feeling, but when I was in undergrad, friends and family smirked when I told them I was pursuing anthropology. "What will you do with it?" and all other questions ensued. I myself wasn't too sure what I was going to "do" with it; I believed college was for pursuing what made you feel whole, and the "job" aspect of it was only an afterthought. Immature and naive, especially for a student going some $25,000 into debt at an unremarkable California State University. I did it, and considered going into the Peace Corps and made it through the final interviews, but ultimately didn't go. I was working in customer service at a tech company, answering phones all day. Personal things in my life made me move from NorCal to SoCal and I was in my second round of applying to graduate school after being rejected by the seven programs I had applied to the year prior. That second cycle I was only admitted to UChicago's MAPSS program and after a month of anguish over whether I should take out more debt (I had 50% funding), I decided to do it. I'm not really a strong proponent for MAPSS. I had spent hours and hours researching the program, talking to professors before I accepted, to educate myself on what my day-to-day would be like there. I found that the experience did differ pretty significantly from what I was told. It really was a grueling time, but that isn't to say it wasn't worth it. Lowlights / Highlights of the Experience -While I wouldn't call the program a "Cash Cow" program like so many LOVE to quip, there were aspects that made it feel that way, like the forced "Perspectives" course. That was far and away the most useless university course I've ever taken. It is a surface-level course that goes over different major concepts/canonical works of the various social sciences. It's bad enough we had to waste 2.5 hours of our lives once a week in the dreadfully boring lectures, but to make it worse, the grading for the midterm/final is so severe that it is set up for students to fail. Out of my cohort of about 240 people who were forced to take the class, only 17 people received an A or A- on their midterm, and the figure was lower for the final. I was told that anything less than a B+/B in graduate school is considered to be failing, so a B+/B is considered a C or C- in terms of GPA. I have no idea what the program's logic is to forcing you to take a class and then taking a blow to your GPA right out the gate. Seriously. ????? The fact that students are forced to take this course makes it feel like the program does it just to make more money off the enrollment or something and then kicks you while you're down on top it all. -The MAPSS cohort is sadly what many have described. Most MAPSS students are not very intellectual--that's not to say they weren't "smart" in their own right, but they did not compare to the level of the other graduate students in terms of how intellectual they were. You could tell right away who was a MAPSS student in your classes versus PhD students. MAPSS students weirdly tend to have a sort of braggart, or pretentious, way about them when the things they would drivel on about were inane topics that you might find a newly-minted freshman undergraduate might talk about. I knew many MAPSS students who thought they were just so smart and would constantly, CONSTANTLY whine about the workload and how everything was so 'unfair'. It was insufferable to listen to because no one forced them to do the program, and the workload, while difficult, was not impossible (and, I had a part time job!). This being said, I made no friends at MAPSS. They lacked the maturity that I seem to find in PhD candidates or even some undergraduates. -I did very well academically only because I lived and breathed the program. I had a part time job, but I was able to work from home which was a huge part in why I could dedicate myself wholly to the program. I spent almost all of my free time in the Regenstein library and it got to be depressing sometimes, but I found ways to make it somewhat positive (like always treating myself to hot tea or coffee and taking little breaks to draw). I think to be successful in MAPSS you have to be very independent and self-motivating; otherwise, it will be easy to lose sight of what you're doing/why. I think others have mentioned this, but do make it a priority to go downtown and explore the other neighborhoods of Chicago. I would "treat" myself to a bus/El ride and just go anywhere, to see something new, to see something that wasn't UChicago. It helped immensely. -I had read about the difficulties of finding an adviser/establishing a relationship early on with a potential adviser, so in my first quarter I zeroed in on the faculty member I really wanted to work with. I made sure to take at least one class of his every quarter, participated in all discussions, did all the readings, and did very well when it came to group projects. He would take smoking breaks and I would join him, or I would walk with him to his office after class. I didn't ask him to be my adviser until much later; I just built a relationship with him and got to know him and his work, and allowed him to get to know me. If you aren't a go-getter in this way like I was, I think finding an adviser is very difficult. I knew many people who had to have preceptors assigned as their advisers because they couldn't find anyone willing. -One of the saddest moments I had in the program was during the office hours with said adviser of mine. He told me that he didn't expect much in terms of quality from MAPSS students, but was sympathetic to their plight (earning a master's and doing fieldwork//research/composing a thesis in 9 months) and sort of graded based on that, which was very disappointing to hear. I had hoped I would be treated like any other PhD student who was completing the MA portion of their candidacy, but that's not the case. He also revealed to me that he knows of some professors who ban MAPSS students from taking their courses because of the inferior quality of discussion that MAPSS students bring to the table, which was heartbreaking to hear as well. -While all of these things are really disappointing about MAPSS, I will say that the academics of UChicago seriously changed my life. I am also someone who takes academic matters seriously, so maybe this isn't saying all that much, but the classes I took were some of the most amazing and beautifully taught courses I've ever taken. I was exposed to wonderful academic literature that will stay with me forever. If you are someone who appreciates knowledge and academic inquiry for its own sake, I think you will be hard-pressed to find a more rigorous university than UChicago. If MAPSS is the only option you have at this moment to experience that, I would say it's worth it for that alone. Where I'm at Now All this being said, I did well and graduated in Spring with only 20% of my cohort (the rest graduated in August). I earned an A on my thesis, but it likely was inflated because of my adviser's sympathies to the MAPSS program, which I struggle with when listing that as an "accomplishment". After graduating, I worked full time for a bit for the company I had been working for during the program, and took 3 months off to live in Hungary. While abroad I interviewed for market research positions/firms and landed a position at a very prominent global market research firm, I'm 25 years old and my starting pay is 75k which exceeded my hopes and expectations for earning potential as someone with a "useless" undergraduate and graduate degree in anthropology. I will be able to pay off my student debt and live decently on that income, which is what I personally could only have hoped for in taking such a huge risk to pursue what I loved, anthropology. This is just one experience among many. I'm nothing/no one special, but I did work very hard in the program and I worked hard to secure a job that is related to my degrees and research interests. I did not "like" the program in the least, but I don't regret doing it. It was the most difficult academic year of my life and I did have to seek counseling in the Winter quarter which helped a lot- the student mental health services are very easy to access, so please avail yourself of that if you need it. I hope this review helped!

Has anyone else heard anything from Purdue (rejections or acceptances)? I’ve only seen one acceptance but that was back in early-mid February.

Has anyone received decisions from USC's MVA in Visual Anthropology program? ...Or any other grad programs in University of Southern California Dornsife College?

Has anyone received decisions from USC's MVA in Visual Anthropology program? ...Or any other grad programs in University of Southern California Dornsife College?

Hi all! I'm looking for PhD programs in environmental studies with an interdisciplinary approach - ideally, a program that'll be supportive of combining environmental studies with perspectives and methodologies such as anthropology, queer studies, postcolonialism and/or animal studies. Got any leads? I've heard of a few programs that might do that: The Institute for the Environment & Sustainability at UCLA The E-IPER (Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources) at Stanford The Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society at the University of Munich I'll be glad to hear of more if you know any, and if there's anyone here who have studies or studies in one of these programs, I'd love to hear about your experiences. Thanks!

Hi all, Just out of curiosity, has anyone who have been interviewed for psu anthropology phd program in January heard back about next steps yet? Warm regards, Chris

Hi all! I'm looking for PhD programs in environmental studies with an interdisciplinary approach - ideally, a program that'll be supportive of combining environmental studies with perspectives and methodologies such as anthropology, queer studies, postcolonialism and/or animal studies. Got any leads? I've heard of a few programs that might do that: The Institute for the Environment & Sustainability at UCLA The E-IPER (Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources) at Stanford The Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society at the University of Munich I'll be glad to hear of more if you know any, and if there's anyone here who have studies or studies in one of these programs, I'd love to hear about your experiences. Thanks!

Does anyone know how many applicants they are accepting for sociocultural and related subfields at NYU this year? Has anyone heard back?

Hi Everyone! I am currently finishing up my MPH at the University of Rochester and am looking at applied medical anthropology programs and programs that might have a great interest in substance abuse/domestic violence? Does anyone have any suggestions of what schools to look at? My Profile is: Masters GPA 3.9 Undergrad GPA's 3.2 (public comm degree) 3.7 (anthro degree went back to school) GRE scores: I am retaking them! I should have one or two publications by the end of my program coming up soon and I have TA experience. Really just looking for general information about programs and where I might have a chance to get in. Schools I currently have in mind are University of South Florida, Texas State, University of Virginia then my reach schools are Berkley and Harvard. I am trying to get a funded program and are unsure if these programs are funded but I am trying to look at all possibilities. Thanks!

Hi all, I am posting this question to anyone who might have applied to anthropology program at Washu/Wustl. Have you had interview with them? If yes, when and how many times. I have not heard anything yet and at this moment I cannot wait anymore. I have seen four updates in the result page stating interviews with faculty members. Thank you so much.

This question always trips me up! Do I go broad and say that I'm a postmodernist or something? Or do I talk about the smaller scale theories I use from one or two writers? I never know how to go about answering questions about what theories I use in my research because often the articles we read don't usually say that I'm taking a specific type of approach. I'm in linguistic anthropology so I use a lot of semiotic theory, a lot of identity/interaction/discourse theory for discourse analysis, but I never know if they have actual labels. I get very tripped up by this question and I need to perfect it because I have another interview coming up.

What is the academic job market for Anthropology PhDs really like? How bad is it really? What do you do if you don't get a job? What is the situation in the different subfields? What about tier 1 universities in USA/UK? And what about lower ranked ones? Also, is there anybody here from India who has experienced the job search at home, whether they are trained here or abroad? I do not mean to snoop. I am considering grad school and finally an academic career in the social sciences, but I am trying to figure out exactly what I should go for. I find whatever little anthropology I know to be very interesting, but I have to take into account all the scare stories about the job market. Help would be really appreciated!

Hi folks, I am an international student pursuing MA in AUS, and will apply for Fall 2020 PhD later this year, Physical Anthro or Archae track, depends on the program. Here's my question: Should I retake GRE for AWA its own sake? Other scores of mine are ok (i guess): 90th percentile above in both V and Q, 113 in TOEFL with 26 in Speaking, 3.8/4.0 undergrad GPA, Distinction in MA so far. But i only received 3.5 on AWA. As i am going to apply some top programs (UMich, Duke, UCLA, etc.), will this AWA score hold me back? Or, will a decent Writing Sample compensate it? No way I can tell my WS will be decent tho. Thanks for any feedback!

Hey all, I've been thinking of joining some new professional anthropology and archaeology societies. I've been a member of the Society for American Archaeology for a few years but was really troubled to read about what happened this past week at their conference: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/04/15/archaeology-group-faces-backlash-over-how-it-handled-known-harassers-attendance I want to be part of societies that take sexual misconduct, looting, racism, and other issues that have been prevalent in anthropology very seriously. What societies are you a part of? What journals do you submit your work to? What are some other societies to be cautious of joining?

Hello! I got accepted to the WSAR track at Emory Religion. Any seniors/religion graduates here? How is the programme? The annual stipend is 31k. I wish to know how rigorous the programme is? How are their placements? My other option is the partially funded Masters in Social Sciences from UChicago. PS I have to make a decision by April 15!

Anyone on here applying to Tulane for Anthropology or Linguistics this year? I've applied to both Anthropology (cultural) and EEB for PhDs, and my partner applied for Anthropology (linguistic) and Linguistics. Tulane is our top choice, so I'm super nervous about getting in/getting funding! My GPA is okay (3.35 for unofficial transcript, probably gonna be 3.5 by final transcript - it's mostly my freshman year weighing me down), as are my GRE scores (QU: 150, QA: 160, W: 4.5), but I've got 2 major research projects, 2 internships, a small business (unrelated to the field of study), and even kinda-sorta a published paper under my belt! Plus my statement of purpose was good (I hope), and my LORs were amazing, or at least my professors thought highly of me... My POI showed significant interest (I think, he seemed to like my research ideas, interests, and what not, but just kept encouraging me to apply), as did my partner's, but I just don't know if I can make the cut! I just wanna know! It's hard enough hoping for your own spot, but I'm riding on my partner getting in too!!! Anyone else super stressed?

Does anyone have any experience with studying sociocultural anthropology at Brandeis? I've been accepted into their joint MA Anthropology / Women's Gender and Sexuality studies program. I'm curious to know of others' experiences or just knowledge of the program.

Hi all, All my applications are in for the Fall 2019 cycle (for MA programs), and I'm starting to get responses. I know this is weird, but I want to get a head start on my PhD applications, which I assume I'll be submitting around December 2020/January 2021. I know my research interests might change in the future, but I'm wondering if it's too early to start reaching out to POI at these schools. I think the general themes of my interests will still be similar to my interests now. There is one professor in particular that I want to email and the school is where I did my undergrad (I still live near the school). Would it be appropriate to frame it as, "I'll be starting my MA program out-of-state in August/September, can we meet and talk in person before I leave?" I'll also be out-of-state for the summer doing a language program. I have a feeling that I shouldn't send anything yet, haha. Thanks!

Hi all! Wondering if anyone is going to be attending American Ethnological Society conference in March, and is looking for a roomshare to save costs.

Anyone on here applying to Tulane for Anthropology or Linguistics this year? I've applied to both Anthropology (cultural) and EEB for PhDs, and my partner applied for Anthropology (linguistic) and Linguistics. Tulane is our top choice, so I'm super nervous about getting in/getting funding! My GPA is okay (3.35 for unofficial transcript, probably gonna be 3.5 by final transcript - it's mostly my freshman year weighing me down), as are my GRE scores (QU: 150, QA: 160, W: 4.5), but I've got 2 major research projects, 2 internships, a small business (unrelated to the field of study), and even kinda-sorta a published paper under my belt! Plus my statement of purpose was good (I hope), and my LORs were amazing, or at least my professors thought highly of me... My POI showed significant interest (I think, he seemed to like my research ideas, interests, and what not, but just kept encouraging me to apply), as did my partner's, but I just don't know if I can make the cut! I just wanna know! It's hard enough hoping for your own spot, but I'm riding on my partner getting in too!!! Anyone else super stressed?

I've deferred my enrollment to a PhD program to fall 2019. When should I start applying for funding? I also noticed that many of the fellowships don't have applications and you have to be nominated. In that case, what can I do as an incoming grad student?

I'm an international student with 2 years of work experience and an Integrated (UG+PG) MA in Development Studies, applying to US schools for a PhD in Anthropology. I feel the weak link in my profile is my undergrad GPA and I'm not sure what to do about it. II was in an inter-disciplinary programme and had to take compulsory courses in Economics and I ended up choosing a quant-heavy minor as well, which really brought my GPA down. These courses don't matter to Anthro, I guess and schools that I'm applying to have repeatedly mentioned that it's only one aspect of the application. But it still worries me. How does one address low GPA in undergrad as part of the application? I am choosing not to write this out in my Statement, but is there anywhere else I can talk about it, and even if I do, what do I say?

Anyone know of any good PhD programs that are very interdisciplinary with Visual Culture & Anthro?

I was just curious about who my fellow 2019 anthro applicants are. What subfield are you in? Subject interests? Thoughts on public anthropology? (this was a big thing a my uni last spring, at least) I'd love to know! I'm in bioanth, and I really want to how nonhuman primates move and groove. And if Alec Baldwin hosting the US release of Walking with Cavemen didn't make huge waves in public opinion of bioanth then I don't know what will. /sarcasm This is my second round, so I've been through the drudgery before. I'm wishing everyone the best!

Hello everyone, I am looking to apply to graduate school for this upcoming fall (2019). I would really like to find an M.A anthropology program with available funding. My academic interests coalesce around such topics as ethnohistory, ethnography, identity, cultural exchange, experience, and visual anthropology. The intersection between anthropology, critical history, and the dynamic human experience of the individual is central to my worldview and shapes what I envision for myself in terms of future study and research. I also have strong tilt towards South Asia, as I have completed numerous research programs in northern India. I also speak intermediate Hindi. Given these thoughts, I was wondering if people had any Master's programs in mind that they would like to recommend. I'm not opposed to hearing Ph.D program recommendations either, but it is the funded M.A programs I am having trouble finding. I am also open to considering non-anthropology programs that deal closely with the subjects I mentioned above. Thanks! Austin