A Competitive Application?

[Marseille]

I just finished my first year in an interdisciplinary (social sciences) Master's program at a small University. I am looking into Biological or Physical Anthro or Psych (specifically, Animal Behavior) programs for 2011 or 2012. My UG GPA was 3.9 and my MS GPA so far is 3.9. GRE 1250, AWA 6. Presented papers at two conferences and have one publication (second author) pending. Performed research in a lab for 11 months out of the year and was a research assistant with an additional quarter of teaching assistance. My GRE scores aren't stellar, but they are past that critical 1200 mark. Given my qualifications thus far, would a top-ten school be aiming too high? Has anyone else with similar stats had admissions success at a top anthro program?

[anthropologygeek]

In anthropology some top ten only require 1100 on gre. But then again you'll be missing that ma in anthropology so you might want to get a second ma in anthropology first.

[Marseille]

Thank you for your input. I do have 2 years of post-bac coursework in anthropology & social sciences, as well as several months of field experience. It hadn't occurred to me to get an MA in anthro because a lot of the programs I'd considered had an MA that was earned along the way, and many of the schools indicated that having an MA didn't expedite the degree, but I hadn't really thought about the fact that it would make for a stronger app vs. an interdisciplinary MS. Thank you again!

[riceandbeans]

I would actually say that an additional MA is not necessary for bio anthro programs if you want to focus on primate behavior (if you want to study morphology, it's probably a different story). Far far more important is your research experience, particularly if you want to do field work. I had very little anthro coursework going into my PhD program (two anthro courses I took on the side on route to my BA in biology), but I was able to show that I had significant research experience (1 year in the field, 3 years in a captive setting). Your SOP should be able to convince them that you know about your specific topic of interest, but being able to show that you know how to do research and are capable of living in the field will be a very important part of your application.