Fall 2012 applicants

[Mertonian]

Yeah, I think it was very fresh news which I heard around the lunch-table. Hope she doesn't read this and think I am over-stepping the bound I think her name will be likely to appear on the site in the fall!

[Bluebird]

Here comes another Black Sheep: I'm applying for 2012 admission to PhD programs in History. I am trying to finish up my MA thesis (although I seem to be losing steam lately).

I am interested in the History of Science in the English Renaissance. Specifically, I study the bifurcation of men and women/ magic and science in visual and print culture. Mostly I will be applying to UK universities but there are a couple of US programs that I like as well.

This is my second MA. My first is in Historical Linguistics. In that program I worked on 2 languages/cultures from Ancient Central Asia (Tocharian and Sogdian). How did I get from that to History of Science? My original History advisor left my uni and I was stuck with no one to chair my Central Asian topic. The nearest topic in time was Early Modern so I jumped forward a few thousand years.

I feel it's helpful to be in contact with others at the same stage so I am happy to find this thread. I hope we can share our experiences and application tips.

If any of you have other tips like staying organized through this process, that would be great too.

[TMP]

How did I get from that to History of Science?

Uh, my question would be... why did you get a second MA?

Edited April 26, 2011 by ticklemepink

[rgarnham]

Hi, I am going to start an MSc in Latin American Studies at Oxford this autumn and I am seriously considering applying to a few PhD programmes for 2012. The trouble is, I am not sure if I will have enough time to give the application process the care it needs while doing a master's degree.

The other problem I have is that I have been seriously put off applying to do a PhD in the US, but there are not very many Latin American specialists in the UK.

[oryantin]

Ticklemepink,

I've also met some who did their second MA's. Not very usual, but still there are such people. If my guess that Bluebird is a British applicant is true, a second MA should not be that long considering British MA degrees take only one year. I am pretty sure that the second MA helped him/her a lot.

Uh, my question would be... why did you get a second MA?

[Bluebird]

There 2 reasons for my two MAs: #1 When I finished my MA in Linguistics, I knew did not want to take my PhD in Linguistics and I wanted to have more teaching options. Since I had a huge historical component to my research, I joined the History Dept. #2 I wanted to shave a bit of time off my PhD. I guess it's a little bit like having a double major as an undergrad.

I'm actually in the U.S. but have done a bit of teaching in the UK and I like the 3-year cap on the PhD program. It's research-based all around and suits me perfectly. But the reality is that I will apply to both US and UK programs. There are a lot of excellent programs and professors in my field in the US as well as UK.

All of this means that i have to try to stay as sane as possible while navigating two application processes!

[p4lm0r3]

I guess I'm the only engineer in here

Finishing my BS in Aero in may 2012. Hope to get accepted in Cornell's Theoretical and Applied Mechanics program.

[p4lm0r3]

I guess I'm the only engineer in here

Finishing my BS in Aero in may 2012. Hope to get accepted in Cornell's Theoretical and Applied Mechanics program.

Didn't realize I was posting in a history forum...

[historyguy12485]

Hey all...figured I'd join in the conversation. I graduate in May next year with a BA in history, minor in music history. I'm an early Americanist, and I'm interested in areas of identity construction, material culture, and how identity affected music performance. I'm interning this summer at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and I've discovered a really interesting subject that I would like to research for my senior paper that I will write this fall, and have finished in time to use as a writing sample (if there are enough sources). I came across the life of Jean-Baptiste Pandoua, a 15 year old native of Madagascar who joined the Soissonnais Regiment of the French army in 1777 as a musician and fought in the American Revolution under Rochambeau, including at the Battle of Yorktown. As the French were making their way to Boston to sail home, he deserted the army in Oct 1782 in Connecticut. I'm fascinated by this story!

Anyway, I've been in contact with a few professors who I would like to work with, my best interaction was with Dr. Cynthia Kierner of George Mason University. I have to send a few more emails out I suppose. I've already taken the GRE, and I received a 620 v, which I wasn't too pleased with, but I spoke to about 6 trusted professors and they were split even on whether it would really matter to take again or not. I'm just going to focus on my writing sample and statement of purpose letter. I know I will have strong LOR's so I'm not worried about that. It would be great to get a full ride into a PhD program right away, but I'm prepared to do an MA first, with how things are these days in the field. I'll just be happy to further delve into my research!

Edited May 17, 2011 by historyguy12485

[Bluebird]

Hey all...figured I'd join in the conversation. I graduate in May next year with a BA in history, minor in music history. I'm an early Americanist, and I'm interested in areas of identity construction, material culture, and how identity affected music performance. I'm interning this summer at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and I've discovered a really interesting subject that I would like to research for my senior paper that I will write this fall, and have finished in time to use as a writing sample (if there are enough sources). I came across the life of Jean-Baptiste Pandoua, a 15 year old native of Madagascar who joined the Soissonnais Regiment of the French army in 1777 as a musician and fought in the American Revolution under Rochambeau, including at the Battle of Yorktown. As the French were making their way to Boston to sail home, he deserted the army in Oct 1782 in Connecticut. I'm fascinated by this story!

Anyway, I've been in contact with a few professors who I would like to work with, my best interaction was with Dr. Cynthia Kierner of George Mason University. I have to send a few more emails out I suppose. I've already taken the GRE, and I received a 620 v, which I wasn't too pleased with, but I spoke to about 6 trusted professors and they were split even on whether it would really matter to take again or not. I'm just going to focus on my writing sample and statement of purpose letter. I know I will have strong LOR's so I'm not worried about that. It would be great to get a full ride into a PhD program right away, but I'm prepared to do an MA first, with how things are these days in the field. I'll just be happy to further delve into my research!

Nice to hear from you! I have to gear up for the GRE. I took it many years ago but I plan to take it over again this summer. I have also found that most of my professors say the GRE score is usually only weighed in if the applicant has a low GPA or other weaknesses. If your LORs are strong, that's a big plus. Like you, I've made contact with many potential PhD supervisors and I've had very good luck with their encouragement. My advisor also recommended applying to History Depts that know her. Never thought about that before she suggested it.

[aspiringhistorian]

Hi there! I'm a rising senior at a liberal arts college just outside Philadelphia and I'm planning on applying to a PhD program in History for the Fall of 2012! Generally, I'm interested in Modern European history with a concentration in nationalism and nationalist theory (in Western/Eastern Europe/Russia). Right now I'm studying for the GRE in July, compiling a (long) list of schools, and doing a research fellowship that should prepare me in some way for the BA thesis I'm going to have to do this coming year...

I'm so glad that there is a community for all of this that can help me freak out a little bit less!

M

[oryantin]

Hi again and welcome to all new comers!

I want to add another school hosting a good Professor in my field to my list. It is Texas A&M University. Do you know how good it is in history? I heard its science and engineering sections are okey, but nothing about humanities.

Edited May 29, 2011 by orient

[goldielocks]

I thought I'd revive this thread and see how everyone's coming along with the beginnings of the application process. What are you all doing this summer to prepare for application season?

I study Modern Britain. I'm working on my MA thesis, beginning PhD apps, brushing up languages, contacting potential advisors, etc.

The stress is already starting. I had my first PhD app nightmare two nights ago.

I imagine we'll all be hearing a lot from each other on here as fall looms closer...

[goldielocks]

bump!

[ReallyNiceGuy]

GRE- done (80%ile V, 84% W; I'm going to re-take it, but man I really am SICK of this f*9$ing thing)

Writing Sample and SoPs- being passed around to friends for advice and edits

Schools/Programs- chosen (11 total)

*trying to get it done before fall semester begins.

[oryantin]

Hi goldielocks,

I am currently doing research on Ottoman archives for my MA thesis. Meanwhile, I am writing a sample paper for applications cause I don't think my earlier term papers are good enough. Next week, I will participate in a 1-week Summer School in Cultural and Economic History at Heidelberg University in Germany. The hardest one is my effort to learn Arabic this summer . I know I have to start studying GRE as soon as possible. I plan to take the exam in early September. Can I ask what you meant by "PhD application nightmare" below?

[goldielocks]

Can I ask what you meant by "PhD application nightmare" below?

I had a dream the other night that one of my professors (who is writing for me) unexpectedly got called out of town, and I had no means of contacting him. And in my dream, the deadlines for my programs were all like 24 hours away, and I had worked really hard to perfect every detail of my applications, but somehow I just knew this one letter was going to mess things up. It was really bizarre.

[sandyvanb]

I am also applying this fall with a major field of Atlantic World. I am retaking the GRE on the 17th which is driving me crazy. I feel really good about my GPA, writing sample and LOR. I'm not looking forward about writing the SoP though. I just finished my MA in May (got my diploma in the mail today) and my alma mater hired me to teach full time this year (5 sections of WHI). I really hope that my CV and other elements will outweigh my GRE if it doesn't go well. It's just such a horrible exam! It's nice to find a forum where everyone is going through the process at the same time.

[Safferz]

I'm dreading the GRE, which I'm scheduled to write in about a week and a half. Hopefully it's a score I'm satisfied with because I never want to hear about the GRE again after this!

[goldielocks]

I'm dreading the GRE, which I'm scheduled to write in about a week and a half. Hopefully it's a score I'm satisfied with because I never want to hear about the GRE again after this!

I understand the GRE anxiety. I am so ready to retake mine and be done, but I need to do a lot more studying. I'm thinking of retaking it like two days before it changes to the new format, but I feel unprepared. But then again, I think I'd feel unprepared no matter when I take it, so part of me feels like I should just get it over with.

[hopefulJD]

Hello everyone,

I already started a thread about this in the interdisciplinary studies section, but thought about posting in here to get your thoughts. I will be a 3L in law school next year and will be applying to graduate programs in History/Near Eastern studies. I'm top 15% at a solid regional law school. My undergrad grades aren't stellar (3.45 GPA) and I have a 1410 combined GRE.

Right away while in law school, I realized I enjoyed the study of law more so than actually practicing it as a profession. That's why I've taken more courses on research and jurisprudence than a typical law student takes. I've held research assistant positions as well and have plenty of written work to choose from as my writing sample. I'm confident that I'll have great letters of recommendation.

I don't want to stray off topic, but my research interests are intertwined with law and Middle Eastern history and I've done research on my topic while in law school. If I can write a good SOP, I'm sure I can successfully contextualize my legal background. I really hope admissions committees aren't put off by my JD.

My questions is this: am I better off applying to MA programs first or should I shoot for PhD programs as well? Normally, I probably wouldn't hesitate and apply to MA programs. However, I'm not sure if having a JD, plenty of research experience, and sufficient language knowledge (fluent in 2 Middle Eastern languages) is enough reason to only shoot for PhD? Please help!

Also, if I were to go down the MA route, would I be able to apply to PhD programs during the second year of the MA? I really wouldn't wanna waste time by waiting until after I got the MA and sitting out a whole year to apply.

Any and all input is much appreciated. I feel like no one applying next fall has the same educational background as me and this scares me and makes me feel lonely

[sankd]

My questions is this: am I better off applying to MA programs first or should I shoot for PhD programs as well? Normally, I probably wouldn't hesitate and apply to MA programs. However, I'm not sure if having a JD, plenty of research experience, and sufficient language knowledge (fluent in 2 Middle Eastern languages) is enough reason to only shoot for PhD? Please help!

Apply to a mix of terminal MA and PhD programs. Don't put all of your eggs into one basket either way. It's nice to have options to weigh.

Also, if I were to go down the MA route, would I be able to apply to PhD programs during the second year of the MA? I really wouldn't wanna waste time by waiting until after I got the MA and sitting out a whole year to apply.

Any and all input is much appreciated. I feel like no one applying next fall has the same educational background as me and this scares me and makes me feel lonely

Yes, you can apply to PhD programs during your second year of the MA. I did it.

[oryantin]

Hello everyone,

I already started a thread about this in the interdisciplinary studies section, but thought about posting in here to get your thoughts. I will be a 3L in law school next year and will be applying to graduate programs in History/Near Eastern studies. I'm top 15% at a solid regional law school. My undergrad grades aren't stellar (3.45 GPA) and I have a 1410 combined GRE.

Right away while in law school, I realized I enjoyed the study of law more so than actually practicing it as a profession. That's why I've taken more courses on research and jurisprudence than a typical law student takes. I've held research assistant positions as well and have plenty of written work to choose from as my writing sample. I'm confident that I'll have great letters of recommendation.

I don't want to stray off topic, but my research interests are intertwined with law and Middle Eastern history and I've done research on my topic while in law school. If I can write a good SOP, I'm sure I can successfully contextualize my legal background. I really hope admissions committees aren't put off by my JD.

My questions is this: am I better off applying to MA programs first or should I shoot for PhD programs as well? Normally, I probably wouldn't hesitate and apply to MA programs. However, I'm not sure if having a JD, plenty of research experience, and sufficient language knowledge (fluent in 2 Middle Eastern languages) is enough reason to only shoot for PhD? Please help!

Also, if I were to go down the MA route, would I be able to apply to PhD programs during the second year of the MA? I really wouldn't wanna waste time by waiting until after I got the MA and sitting out a whole year to apply.

Any and all input is much appreciated. I feel like no one applying next fall has the same educational background as me and this scares me and makes me feel lonely

Hi Hopeful JD,

I am also an historian of the Middle East, the Ottoman Empire. Can I ask what exactly you mean by law and Middle Eastern history? What interests you in ME history?

Considering your language background (to know 2 ME languages is excellent), I think you should directly apply to PhD programs as well as a few MA programs (of course if you plan on studying history of law). In any case, an MA degree boosts your chance to get admitted and provide you a longer time to prepare for a PhD. Most people do receive an MA degree to compensate their low GPA's, lack of language training, not feeling ready for PhD etc. I doubt you need it. Which languages do you speak?

Yes, you can apply in the second year of your MA program. That is what I do. In fact, this is up to you because you will be busy with your thesis and archival research while doing an MA. However, if you schedule your time wisely, I don't think it will affect much. I know people doing PhD with an undergrad degree in Law. So don't worry about it. I double majored in Economics and Sociology and am about to commence writing my MA thesis in Ottoman history while preparing PhD applications.

I would be happy to keep in touch with you. There are only a few ME historians here.

Best of luck.

[sequi001]

Hi everyone,

I'm glad I found this thread, it will be helpful to be in touch with you all during the application process, as I am an international student and feel sometimes a little disoriented. I already applied to a bunch of American PhD programs in Women's studies or in History last year, but unfortunately, it didn't turn fruitful for me. I guess the application process is so different from everything I have experienced within the French educational system that, even though I did my best at the time, I wasn't ready enough to such an intense competition. I now intend to apply for PhD programs in History and specialize in Women's and Gender history, more specifically in Modern Europe.

Concerning my educational background, I got a B.A and a Masters in English and American studies, and a Master's degree in Women's and Gender studies. All these degrees are from some French universities, even though I spent two years in the U.S, one as an exchange student at the University of Wisconsin, and another year as an assistant teacher in a French immersion school in Minnesota.

I guess I am not really far off in the application process yet. I have picked 6 schools so far, but I am also intending on picking some French PhD programs, just to increase my chance of getting in somewhere.

I will be taking the new GRE at the end of September, which should give me just about enough time to send the scores to the different schools (right?)

As for the LOR, I am having a hard time choosing my recommenders and I would appreciate to have your insights on this point. Here are my options:

1.There is a professor in Women's history from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse that I got to know well during my study abroad program two years ago, but I am afraid that even though we have stayed in touch, her letter would not be as helpful as one from a professor I recently worked with. But, on the other side, she knows the American educational system and its expectations better than my French professors who sometimes think that writing a two paragraph-LOR will do the work.

2. There is my thesis advisor who could potentially write me one. I worked with him this year while completing a Master's degree in Women's and Gender studies at the University of Paris VIII, France. I guess he gave me a really good grade for my research project and offered me a part time job for next year for the history journal that he is the chair of.

3. I am also thinking of a professor in Women's and Gender History that I really admired. I attended two of her classes, was in the top two students of the class (she told me so), and was frequently meeting with her outside of class to talk about my different educational and career plans for the coming year (I guess we do not have advisors in France, so you just meet with your professors and seek advice from them). She accepted to be my thesis advisor if I decide to do my PhD in France.

4. And finally, there is a History professor from Yale that I have been in touch with for the last two months. We met twice in Paris over the last month and he gave me a research project to work on that he will help to get published in his journal if it turns conclusive. I would love to have a letter of recommendation from him. The only thing is that the deadline for this paper is in January, so I am afraid that by the time I need the LOR, he won't have read much of my work yet.

What do you think?

Thanks for your insight, I guess we will be in touch and sharing our fears over the coming months. Good luck to you all!

[Cranston]

Hi all,

To echo sequi's sentiment, I'm thrilled this resource exists. I'm finally seriously applying to programs after years of putting off the plunge and it'll be tremendously helpful to commiserate with others slogging through the same process, especially come November.

I study Turkish migration in Germany, especially the interaction between the state and so-called ethnic entrepreneurs in processes of group formation and claims-making. I worked on this topic in my previous study in one of those silly interdisciplinary European MA programs and that's certainly the source of my biggest application dilemmas. I've found a good number of MA and PhD programs I'm interested in, in the States, Canada, the Netherlands and Germany, but I'm having a tough time answering the "why history" question, especially when my MA thesis was more sociology or social theory than history, with my focus being on the very recent past, i.e. since 2006. I think/hope/blindly assume I have a strong application - I have good GREs, solid transcripts, and strong languages - but I dread putting together a writing sample which demonstrates my capability for work with historical documents. Here's hoping I don't have to dust off my ponderous undergrad thesis in 19th century German diplomatic history. Similarly, my recs present a dilemma, in that I've got some strong recommenders lined up but two of my best three are a geographer and a political scientist.

Seeing all these problems written down...the (surprising number of) Turkish speakers will understand when all I can say is "öf".

Anyway, I don't want to end on a down note! I've really enjoyed reading about all the interesting topics you all research. Here's hoping everyone makes it through to March and April unscathed!