Advice for Future Applicants

[sidiosquiere]

I just say "don't lose your hope!". I got a below 3 undergraduate GPA that seems to be terrible for any schools. I would not say it does not matter at all. I had a 4 GPA in my MA program and have been admitted into 4 schools including Princeton that I headed to. Undoubtedly, without doing an MA, it seems really difficult to get in. But you have something else now, an MA degree. Undergrad GPA is only one part (even not the most important one) of your application and you don't have to be punished with this during your life You can explain the reasons for a low GPA in your SOP. Given you have a high MA GPA, strong letters, strong SOP etc, I don't think it will hurt much.

I agree. A Piece of Bread and I are in the same field, and oddly enough, we both had the almost the same GPAs and GRE scores. We both did well this application season. I think that what helped me, personally, was having a focused statement of purpose (which some people on this forum critiqued for me), and having a writing sample that demonstrated my ability to conduct primary source research in my research languages, and then using secondary materials to make my conclusions relevant. I think that having an MA helped too, since I had a bad undergrad GPA (2.9). Good letters certainly did not hurt either. I'm not sure what the purpose of the GRE is at this point. I think it's just a formality more than anything. From my experience, professors don't seem to think that much about them, unless you did really bad. Don't be intimidated by all the 4.0's and near perfect GRE scores you see on this forum.

[Wolverine85]

I agree. A Piece of Bread and I are in the same field, and oddly enough, we both had the almost the same GPAs and GRE scores. We both did well this application season. I think that what helped me, personally, was having a focused statement of purpose (which some people on this forum critiqued for me), and having a writing sample that demonstrated my ability to conduct primary source research in my research languages, and then using secondary materials to make my conclusions relevant. I think that having an MA helped too, since I had a bad undergrad GPA (2.9). Good letters certainly did not hurt either. I'm not sure what the purpose of the GRE is at this point. I think it's just a formality more than anything. From my experience, professors don't seem to think that much about them, unless you did really bad. Don't be intimidated by all the 4.0's and near perfect GRE scores you see on this forum.

Thanks for the input. Hehe I am not intimidated by GPA from masters since mine should be either a 3.85 or 3.9 after this term which is my last. I am just concerned about GRE I have yet to take them and I did poorly on the SAT therefore I am afraid of another standardized test. But I have at least an year before I plan on applying to PhD. I went straight to masters from undergrad I don't think I could possibly do 9 years straight of college with no break. Thanks for everyone's input and I will start thinking of which Universities to apply to. The only problem I can foresee is that I am not getting my masters in History however I have taken history courses as a part of my Master's curriculum.

[sidiosquiere]

Thanks for the input. Hehe I am not intimidated by GPA from masters since mine should be either a 3.85 or 3.9 after this term which is my last. I am just concerned about GRE I have yet to take them and I did poorly on the SAT therefore I am afraid of another standardized test. But I have at least an year before I plan on applying to PhD. I went straight to masters from undergrad I don't think I could possibly do 9 years straight of college with no break. Thanks for everyone's input and I will start thinking of which Universities to apply to. The only problem I can foresee is that I am not getting my masters in History however I have taken history courses as a part of my Master's curriculum.

I don't know what your MA is in, but I didn't do one in History, and I ended up fine (I think). I did my degree in an interdisciplinary area studies program in the southwest. It provided me with excellent training, so as long as you are getting what you feel need from your MA program, I think you should be fine. Best of luck to you.

[TMP]

*climbs out from burning trenches, face covered in ashes and dirt* Do I have blood on my face? I think my right eye is swollen...Who punched me? I think it was NYU... no, was it Northwestern? Argh, I can't remember because Brandeis threw a pretty big grenade. My ears are still ringing form that blast...

Truly, the only thing I can add to above comments is that History has indeed become a very competitive field. These days with so many smart, bright, capable students terrified of the *real world* along with clueless professors, especially common in smaller schools, are applying to graduate schools. The economy sucks. Thus applications are up and funding is down. As long as this trend holds, expect to re-apply for PhD, which is likely. Make other plans as you apply to PhD programs, especially those that have winter deadlines, not April or May. Keep an open mind. Ask what your friends are doing and if they're applying to something that's interesting to you, go for it! I completely regretted not doing so in my first two cycles and during this cycle, I bucked up and started applying for other opportunities beginning in late March. Frankly, I'm excited about moving forward in my non-academic life and see where this path takes me.

If you want this degree bad enough, you will fight a good fight each cycle. You will be prepared to re-apply every time because right now it's rather unusually difficult time to get into graduate schools. You will be in touch with your professors and network with other academics if you can so you can get some outside opinions on your application. You will continue to keep your language skills sharp. You will continue to explore other interests as the time away from academia gives you opportunities to do things you wouldn't get to do during a PhD program. As one of my motto goes, "Life has no pause button." As historians, we probably dream about what we'd tell our grandkids what we did in our 20s and 30s and, gosh darn it, you better have something else to say besides "I did nothing but apply to PhD programs."

It's a battlefield out there, comrades. Anything can happen. Don't worry, I will recover and be back.

Edited April 18, 2011 by ticklemepink

[simone von c]

*climbs out from burning trenches, face covered in ashes and dirt* Do I have blood on my face? I think my right eye is swollen...Who punched me? I think it was NYU... no, was it Northwestern? Argh, I can't remember because Brandeis threw a pretty big grenade. My ears are still ringing form that blast...

Truly, the only thing I can add to above comments is that History has indeed become a very competitive field. These days with so many smart, bright, capable students terrified of the *real world* along with clueless professors, especially common in smaller schools, are applying to graduate schools. The economy sucks. Thus applications are up and funding is down. As long as this trend holds, expect to re-apply for PhD, which is likely. Make other plans as you apply to PhD programs, especially those that have winter deadlines, not April or May. Keep an open mind. Ask what your friends are doing and if they're applying to something that's interesting to you, go for it! I completely regretted not doing so in my first two cycles and during this cycle, I bucked up and started applying for other opportunities beginning in late March. Frankly, I'm excited about moving forward in my non-academic life and see where this path takes me.

If you want this degree bad enough, you will fight a good fight each cycle. You will be prepared to re-apply every time because right now it's rather unusually difficult time to get into graduate schools. You will be in touch with your professors and network with other academics if you can so you can get some outside opinions on your application. You will continue to keep your language skills sharp. You will continue to explore other interests as the time away from academia gives you opportunities to do things you wouldn't get to do during a PhD program. As one of my motto goes, "Life has no pause button." As historians, we probably dream about what we'd tell our grandkids what we did in our 20s and 30s and, gosh darn it, you better have something else to say besides "I did nothing but apply to PhD programs."

It's a battlefield out there, comrades. Anything can happen.

I'm going to miss reading your posts, Tickle. Don't lose your optimistic attitude or sense of positivity. You don't know what fabulous opportunities you will encounter in the future. I applied this cycle to nine PhD programs in History. I was rejected at one, wait listed at two, and received six funded offers. I am in my 50s with years of child-rearing and a career in the business world behind me. I don't have advice for anyone else because my track has been unusual, but I do want to encourage you and others to step into the future with faith and hope. Life, as it turns out, is full of wonderful surprises.

[sidiosquiere]

*climbs out from burning trenches, face covered in ashes and dirt* Do I have blood on my face? I think my right eye is swollen...Who punched me? I think it was NYU... no, was it Northwestern? Argh, I can't remember because Brandeis threw a pretty big grenade. My ears are still ringing form that blast...

Truly, the only thing I can add to above comments is that History has indeed become a very competitive field. These days with so many smart, bright, capable students terrified of the *real world* along with clueless professors, especially common in smaller schools, are applying to graduate schools. The economy sucks. Thus applications are up and funding is down. As long as this trend holds, expect to re-apply for PhD, which is likely. Make other plans as you apply to PhD programs, especially those that have winter deadlines, not April or May. Keep an open mind. Ask what your friends are doing and if they're applying to something that's interesting to you, go for it! I completely regretted not doing so in my first two cycles and during this cycle, I bucked up and started applying for other opportunities beginning in late March. Frankly, I'm excited about moving forward in my non-academic life and see where this path takes me.

If you want this degree bad enough, you will fight a good fight each cycle. You will be prepared to re-apply every time because right now it's rather unusually difficult time to get into graduate schools. You will be in touch with your professors and network with other academics if you can so you can get some outside opinions on your application. You will continue to keep your language skills sharp. You will continue to explore other interests as the time away from academia gives you opportunities to do things you wouldn't get to do during a PhD program. As one of my motto goes, "Life has no pause button." As historians, we probably dream about what we'd tell our grandkids what we did in our 20s and 30s and, gosh darn it, you better have something else to say besides "I did nothing but apply to PhD programs."

It's a battlefield out there, comrades. Anything can happen. Don't worry, I will recover and be back.

this. exactly. enough said.

[urzeichen]

I don't post frequently, but thought I'd add some thoughts. Some advice:

1. Don't apply to only your top programs if you haven't slept in many nights, are crazily working on your senior thesis, have many papers to write, and no time for your personal statement, gres, or for editing your writing samples EVEN IF you have exceptional recommendations, a high gpa, and manage a strong gre score. I tried it, and it didn't work...\

If this is your situation, and you really must apply out of undergrad, apply to a mix of programs, and seriously consider finding a funded terminal master's program. Also consider Oxbridge for funded M.Phils... they're always a good opportunity.

2. Don't be so passionate about your research interests that you make your sop into a dissertation proposal that only someone who is truly a specialist in a subfield of a subfield will truly appreciate. Whereas you shouldn't make your SOP excessively general and unfocused, they shouldn't be so dense and restrictive that finding a faculty match may become near impossible or rare. Be able to present your ideas in an sop to academics who are not specialists in your region, era, or theme.

3. Really consider a terminal Master's, but don't jump into one that is cash cow even if its at University 'prestigious' even with 1/3 or 1/2 tuition scholarship. (Two of my friends declined half-funded Master's offers from U. Chicago together, and really don't regret it)... Use Master's time to publish and present at conferences. Travel over the summer to the region that you're interested in - seriously, do this. Learn languages beforehand. Give yourself some elbow room.

4. Do try and meet up with the people you want to work with (not just write to them). Go take an appointment and talk to them!

Good luck!

Edited April 26, 2011 by ans.diffident

[ReallyNiceGuy]

This is such a great thread. Thank you to everyone who has replied!!

[aspiringhistorian]

This is a genial thread, and has put a lot of my questions to rest Thanks so much you guys, you're all a great help.

[a piece of bread]

Hey everyone again,

I've been absent for a while and may not look here regularly anymore. Nevertheless, I'll try to check from time to time. I just wanted to say that anyone interested in Middle Eastern History (of course the others who want to) may contact me through the message box here so that I will be notified by the system.

Best,

Bread.

[hjc-gobuckeyes]

where is a good place to find outside funding, like the two you mentioned?

If I may add my two cents from applying this year I would also suggest a couple things:

Contact professors you are interested in working with even if you are afraid that they won't respond or are too busy. Why? Sometimes they can let you know important information e.g. we are not accepting any students in ____ subfield

Get ideally four to five professors to commit to writting letters of rec. You do not want to be rejected simply because a professor was too busy or bailed out on you last minute. It also helps to alternate recommenders, if only 3 letters of rec. are allowed, or use all four recommenders.

Do not simply apply to all the top programs in your field. Make sure to include mid-level programs (4 ideal; 3 realistic; 3 "safety") I put safety in quotation marks because realistically there is no such thing as a safety school. Graduate school is really competitive and continues being as such when applying for fellowships and eventually the professorial job market.

I also agree with TransnatinalHistory that one should apply everywhere without regard to questions of funding. UCLA is noctorious for admitting graduate students without funding but every year funding changes. Also there are fellowships that one can receive competitively from the graduate college.

Apply for your own funding! Just to name a few: Ford Pre-Doctoral Fellowships, Jacob K. Javits Fellowship, there are also others. Note these programs have deadlines before graduate school application deadlines, ask for letters of support early. While winning these fellowships does not guarantee one a spot in a graduate program; own funding can be an incentive for a program to admit you. If the program is allowed since some schools do have a cap on number of admits. Funding makes you that much more attractive.

[oseirus]

Hi: looking more so for advise more than anything. Can anyone speak in depth about the waitlisting process? I have seen a few threads that have talked about it, I want to get feedback from those who have gone through it. Thanks!