Anthropology 2011

[tanshp]

Yea, I figured. I mean, if I am unfunded I won't go. That's a pretty easy choice. I can get my MA for free if I just stay at my current university (I just have to get in first). While Chicago would obviously be more prestigious (and a better fit research wise), I don't think the level of education would be that much different. It would help that the professors there are individuals whose work I use in my research, but despite the small Anthro dept. at GWU, the professors know what they're talking about and really care about students, whether grad or undergrad.

FYI, the funding package you get (or don't) for MAPSS is supposedly indicative of how close you were to admission.

[newleaf]

While I appreciate your undying commitment to GW (great school, one of my fav social scientists is there), when it comes to improving your chances of getting into a top school, going to a top school for your masters makes all the difference. Im not saying you should dish out a years+ salary for it, but its the sad truth of how things work. Go to UChicago mapss, get mostly As, a letter from one of the Comaroffs or so, and you're set.

Yea, I figured. I mean, if I am unfunded I won't go. That's a pretty easy choice. I can get my MA for free if I just stay at my current university (I just have to get in first). While Chicago would obviously be more prestigious (and a better fit research wise), I don't think the level of education would be that much different. It would help that the professors there are individuals whose work I use in my research, but despite the small Anthro dept. at GWU, the professors know what they're talking about and really care about students, whether grad or undergrad.

[tanshp]

I know I know. If I do get in, I'd have to seriously consider my options.

Just out of curiosity, who is your favorite social scientist at GW?

While I appreciate your undying commitment to GW (great school, one of my fav social scientists is there), when it comes to improving your chances of getting into a top school, going to a top school for your masters makes all the difference. Im not saying you should dish out a years+ salary for it, but its the sad truth of how things work. Go to UChicago mapss, get mostly As, a letter from one of the Comaroffs or so, and you're set.

[kateow]

As a MAPSS alumna, I'd second the assessment that it's worth more than the sticker price. In large part, the professional network that you have the opportunity to create, and the access to widely respected writers of letters of recommendation, are (IMHO) worth many times the amount that MAPSS charges. If you are motivated enough to make it work for you that way. I have no illusions--it got me into 5 doctoral programs this year (four with funding).

As for funding being proportionate to your closeness to getting in, I guess that's sort of true, in that a small number of people don't get any funding, which means they weren't highly ranked. However, the vast majority of students receive a 1/3 tuition scholarship (and I mean VAST). I only knew 2 people (out of 175) who had full tuition scholarships and one of them had applied directly to MAPSS.

Edited March 2, 2011 by kateow

[santhf]

Hi all,

I just wanted to add my thoughts on this topic, ie. MA from prestigious university will help you get into phd programs.

So I got an MA from Columbia University in Anthropology and applied to PhD programs this year. I applied to 12 schools for PhD and have only been rejected from one so far.....(Michigan) With that, I would say, it is by no means that I am more intelligent than any one else. Rather, I think the proven success in a rigourous graduate program, alongside the recommendations from top scholars in the field, made me a really appealing candidate for PhD programs. It is a challenge to choose such a financial endeavor, but if you can make it work, and anthro is your career of choice, then I would go for it. I feel like I am entering my PhD with a lot of clarity about what I am doing, why, and will be very productive/effective in my years as a phD student because of what i have learned in my MA.

message me ofline if you have questions.

S

As a MAPSS alumna, I'd second the assessment that it's worth more than the sticker price. In large part, the professional network that you have the opportunity to create, and the access to widely respected writers of letters of recommendation, are (IMHO) worth many times the amount that MAPSS charges. If you are motivated enough to make it work for you that way. I have no illusions--it got me into 5 doctoral programs this year (four with funding).

As for funding being proportionate to your closeness to getting in, I guess that's sort of true, in that a small number of people don't get any funding, which means they weren't highly ranked. However, the vast majority of students receive a 1/3 tuition scholarship (and I mean VAST). I only knew 2 people (out of 175) who had full tuition scholarships and one of them had applied directly to MAPSS.

[Anthrogurl]

What about an MA in Anthropology at a lesser known, but still respectable university, such as Brandeis or WashU? I received significant scholarships from them and it seems like a better idea to pursue an MA that will only cost 10,000 dollars in loans than one that will place me 40-50,000 dollars in debt (probably more with living expenses).

[anthroapp11]

I had a similar thought.

In addition, what about undergraduate loans? I am already carrying around a significant amount of debt, which makes my potential pursuit of an MA before my PhD all the more financially trying and risky. I believed I could bypass the MA with stellar scores/grades, significant research experience, a Fulbright, etc etc, but now I'm reevaluating (you know... since I didn't get in anywhere).

On 3/2/2011 at 3:40 PM, Anthrogurl said:

What about an MA in Anthropology at a lesser known, but still respectable university, such as Brandeis or WashU? I received significant scholarships from them and it seems like a better idea to pursue an MA that will only cost 10,000 dollars in loans than one that will place me 40-50,000 dollars in debt (probably more with living expenses).

[gld_9]

Has anyone heard anything from Irvine or Santa Cruz? There were two acceptances from Irvine a while ago, but no updates since then.

I was wondering the same thing concerning Irvine so I contacted a prof a few days ago. After some checking around I was notified that I am towards the top of the wait list. I am thinking about writing to find out the number of admits as well as those wait listed. Best of luck to you!

Edited March 2, 2011 by gld_9

[santhf]

HOnestly, i have no idea. I would reach out to the people you were interested in working with at the institutions you didnt get into (that you would eventually like to get a phD from there)....and discuss it with them. I would imagine some might be receptive to this sort of conversation. I mean Brandeis/WashU are great institutions! I think an anthropology committee would recognize success at one of these departments. I dont think its a good idea to go into too much debt, especially if u are gonna be an anthro...theres not much money in our futures

I think its also about the quality of work you do while you are in your MA. If you go in with the intention of making strong realtionships with faculty, doing a killer thesis, creating great writing samples, etc. with the intention of going on for a PhD, then I cant imagine why you wouldnt get in in the future - plus you might have some credits knocked off your PhD and maybe a better idea of dissertation topics.

On 3/2/2011 at 5:07 PM, anthroapp11 said:

I had a similar thought.

In addition, what about undergraduate loans? I am already carrying around a significant amount of debt, which makes my potential pursuit of an MA before my PhD all the more financially trying and risky. I believed I could bypass the MA with stellar scores/grades, significant research experience, a Fulbright, etc etc, but now I'm reevaluating (you know... since I didn't get in anywhere).

[newleaf]

Christine Fair.

In terms of MAPSS scholarship, they do give out a lot of scholarships in the range of 1/3, 2/3...but I know of three people who got full rides, one of whom got into berkeley (diff department) while applying when they were in their MAPSS year. As another poster mentioned, a big part is showing success at the graduate level. Caveat: some schools are seen as more rigorous than others which is why the 1 open job in XYZ school will likely go to the guy with the phd from Irvine rather than the one from UGA. Fair? Nope. Reality? Sadly.

I know I know. If I do get in, I'd have to seriously consider my options.

Just out of curiosity, who is your favorite social scientist at GW?

[anthropologygeek]

The school does matter on job placements.

[kateow]

Caveat: some schools are seen as more rigorous than others which is why the 1 open job in XYZ school will likely go to the guy with the phd from Irvine rather than the one from UGA. Fair? Nope. Reality? Sadly.

And I suspect that this also does apply to grad admissions. I'm guessing a university is more likely to accept someone who did very well in their MA work at Chicago or Michigan than GW. Agreed with newleaf: this isn't fair, but I'm pretty sure it's reality.

[space-cat]

I was wondering the same thing concerning Irvine so I contacted a prof a few days ago. After some checking around I was notified that I am towards the top of the wait list. I am thinking about writing to find out the number of admits as well as those wait listed. Best of luck to you!

I'm the Irvine poster. Their visit weekend is coming up pretty soon, so my guess is that all admitted students have already been contacted. Best of luck, it sounds like you have a good shot!

On the subject of MAs: I was offered a spot in Columbia's MA program last year, but turned it down for financial reasons (>$50,000 in loans? no thanks!). I have some nice options this year, so I don't think that was a mistake. I agree with what others have said--an MA from a top tier school can absolutely shore up a BA from a lesser known institution, give you networking and research opportunities, etc.--but you do have to be realistic about the financial commitment. Assuming you're not stopping after the MA, you're essentially paying upwards of $20,000 (depending on funding) to increase your chances of getting in to a PhD program. And that may or may not be a sacrifice you're willing (or able) to make, especially if you're already carrying a "significant amount of debt." Feel free to PM me, I spent a lot of time puzzling over this last year

Edited March 3, 2011 by space-cat

[moraurora]

Is there anyone who got into Yale?

[claypatterns]

I just checked out the MAPSS website, and the program seems pretty intriguing (also gives me hope as a Chicago applicant still waiting for a reply).

I've noticed that MAPSS is a one-year program, and that it requires a Mater's paper. Sounds like students will need to start working on a proposal within a couple of months? Makes me wonder whether I'll be exactly ready for that or not, being an international student with a lot of things to get accustomed to and all that. What about field work?

As a MAPSS alumna, I'd second the assessment that it's worth more than the sticker price. In large part, the professional network that you have the opportunity to create, and the access to widely respected writers of letters of recommendation, are (IMHO) worth many times the amount that MAPSS charges. If you are motivated enough to make it work for you that way. I have no illusions--it got me into 5 doctoral programs this year (four with funding).

As for funding being proportionate to your closeness to getting in, I guess that's sort of true, in that a small number of people don't get any funding, which means they weren't highly ranked. However, the vast majority of students receive a 1/3 tuition scholarship (and I mean VAST). I only knew 2 people (out of 175) who had full tuition scholarships and one of them had applied directly to MAPSS.

[santhf]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has a sense of what Berkeley financial packages look like in the social sciences....

Thanks!

Stephanie

[anthro.fish]

Brace yourselves. Stanford just updated their announcement to read, Decision status will be announced via email to each applicant before 4 March 2011.

[Designated]

No from UCLA and Chicago (via email).

Oh well, at least I have Michigan and Boston University so it doesn't hurt as much.

[Orzai]

Brace yourselves. Stanford just updated their announcement to read, Decision status will be announced via email to each applicant before 4 March 2011.

I really hope that this time they are using the word before to mean... you know... before!

[kateow]

I just checked out the MAPSS website, and the program seems pretty intriguing (also gives me hope as a Chicago applicant still waiting for a reply).

I've noticed that MAPSS is a one-year program, and that it requires a Mater's paper. Sounds like students will need to start working on a proposal within a couple of months? Makes me wonder whether I'll be exactly ready for that or not, being an international student with a lot of things to get accustomed to and all that. What about field work?

Generally, the MA theses are not fieldwork based. In most cases, this meant utilizing existing data or critiquing previous research. Some students finish their theses after 9 months (so in June), but I think most ended up finishing in August (I didn't graduate until December, but I had fieldwork that kept me busy over the summer). You don't have to go in with a thesis proposal, but they do recommend that you start drafting one just after your first quarter (so, in December). Ideally, if you've developed a research project for your statement of purpose, applying to PhD programs, it shouldn't be too hard to start thinking about what the first step of that research might look like, and make that your MA topic.

If anyone has questions about MAPSS (or my experience doing an MA before the PhD), I'm perfectly willing to discuss it--feel free to PM me.

[anonthropology]

Bwahaha! I hope so too, the suspense was KILLING me on the 28th!

I really hope that this time they are using the word before to mean... you know... before!

[kateow]

No from UCLA and Chicago (via email).

Oh well, at least I have Michigan and Boston University so it doesn't hurt as much.

Sorry about UCLA and Chicago, but congrats on Michigan and BU!

[Orzai]

Bwahaha! I hope so too, the suspense was KILLING me on the 28th!

Seriously, I may have bombed a Spanish test because I couldn't concentrate. The desire to check my e-mail was taking the space in my brain that a conditional tense needed.

[gonenative]

I hope they are...you know...reading this thread

Bwahaha! I hope so too, the suspense was KILLING me on the 28th!

[gonenative]

Is anyone remotely optimistic about Stanford, FWIW? Since getting another offer from a department that's just a perfect fit for me, I've revised my estimate of how well I'd actually fit with Stanford's faculty. Downwards. Which means that personally I'm not optimistic, and not bothered.

It's kinda weird that there are no mentions of UCSC admits - usually they admit quite a large number of people (tho few with funding, and a lot go elsewhere). I suspect they're taking very few grad students this year - I may ask a friend there to enquire...