Writing Sample

[fanfanfan]

Hi Everyone!

I've been out of school for a while and am planning on applying to PhD programs next year. I'm interested in medical anthropology, but I didn't do any work in this area as an undergrad. I'm thinking of undertaking an independent month-long research project to produce a better sample, but I was wondering how admissions committees would view this. Would doing something like this work in my favor or just be seen as bizarre?

Thanks!

[simulant]

Hi Everyone!

I've been out of school for a while and am planning on applying to PhD programs next year. I'm interested in medical anthropology, but I didn't do any work in this area as an undergrad. I'm thinking of undertaking an independent month-long research project to produce a better sample, but I was wondering how admissions committees would view this. Would doing something like this work in my favor or just be seen as bizarre?

Thanks!

I'm no expert and come from a social anthro background, but I'll provide my opinion FWIW. I guess it depends on the program. For a decent PhD program, I would suppose that if you don't have a solid grounding in medical anthro research/lit/theory and don't have a 'research match' - then I'm guessing chances are slim.

I know that one person in my Masters program was admitted (with funding) from a non-anthro background, but she had a solid research idea/proposal, and knew all the hot/relevant theory for her 'worthwhile and creative' research topic. In certain cases, you might be better off doing a Masters first ...

Edited May 15, 2012 by simulant

[fanfanfan]

I'm no expert and come from a social anthro background, but I'll provide my opinion FWIW. I guess it depends on the program. For a decent PhD program, I would suppose that if you don't have a solid grounding in medical anthro research/lit/theory and don't have a 'research match' - then I'm guessing chances are slim.

I know that one person in my Masters program was admitted (with funding) from a non-anthro background, but she had a solid research idea/proposal, and knew all the hot/relevant theory for her 'worthwhile and creative' research topic. In certain cases, you might be better off doing a Masters first ...

Thanks for your reply! Are there any funded Master's programs? I do feel a bit rushed when it comes to a PhD program...

[Cici Beanz]

^{Have you looked at the University of South Florida's Masters program?}

[anthropologygeek]

Theres a lot of programs. Just look at every school you can think of and see if your interest match any profs there