Non-Degree Student, how much can it help?

[Ladielocks]

After applying to PhD programs in Anthro immediately out of undergrad proved unsuccessful, I was advised to do various things to make myself a stronger applicant the second time around. Among these were pursuing an external fellowship, presenting at academic conferences, conducting my own ethnographic research project, retaking the GRE's, talking with prospective professors, and enrolling as a non-degree student at my top university. I have done all of these things save enrolling as a non-degree student, and am wondering how much this decision would help. My thinking is that I would be able to sit in the classroom of the professor who I am most interested in working with, as well as go to other professors' office hours and possibly sit in on their classes. I would also be able to interact with other anthro grads and get advice on both the department and the application process.

Negative impacts of being a non-degree student could be appearing too eager to attend the school and making myself seem less competitive by showing such a large commitment of time and energy before being accepted. Money is not so much of an issue, I am willing to pay the cost for one course as an investment, and upon admission it would count towards my degree. For weeks I have been unsure of how to proceed. In my indecision, I actually let the deadline pass, but I am going to contact the university on Monday to see if I can mail in my application a few days late in order to start this fall.

Thanks in advance for any comments, I am extremely anxious and completely unsure of the best way to proceed!

Edited July 5, 2012 by Ladielocks

[anthropologygeek]

I don't think it matters that much. In fact I have never meet someone that has done this. A good investment might be to do a field school under that professor you want to study under the most.