2012 verses 2013 application process?

[Atlantichistoryhopeful]

Sorry if I'm late to the game, but I just joined the grad cafe. I'm a recent graduate of a masters program in the spring of 2012. I applied to 12 doctoral programs last year and got rejected by all of them. I had a 4.0 when I was applying, but graduated with a 3.92. I am being published soon as a contributing editor, and have presented my research at several conferences and symposiums. Despite by impressive CV, my short comings during the last application process was my low GRE score and my writing sample was only a draft of my thesis. I also applied to a lot of research one institutions, which had over 200-300 other applicants for 3-10 slots.

I'm currently trying to figure out how to go about this upcoming application process. I am taking the GRE again next week. Which I know I will make a better score after taking a Kaplan course. My writing sample will also be better this time since my thesis is complete. However, I am still anxious.

Can anyone give me advice on what Atlantic world programs that might be a good fit? I have a rather large list but any insight on further programs would be awesome! Also, is it too late to contact programs to allow them to get to know me?

Any other information that people can provide about the application scene for Atlantic world history programs would be greatly appreciated. I just really want to get in this year!

[Simple Twist of Fate]

I do early American/Atlantic world history -- but it's difficult to tell you which programs would be a good fit for you without any information on your specific research interests. By its very nature, Atlantic world history is pretty amorphous, so it's difficult to make generalizations about. If you'd like, I'd be happy to talk to you over PM if you don't want to tip off your identity.

I don't think it's too late to contact programs. But keep in mind that a POI might be very busy and unable/unwilling to respond and strike up a conversation at this point during the year.

[TMP]

Remember it wasn't all about you! You can be impressive all you can be but the final decisions happen behind the closed doors where departmental politics are at play. It also depends on the demands of each program. Programs try to build cohorts to accomplish a few goals such as replenishing fields (if there had been a number of Latin Americanists who graduated in the last 2 years, you bet they're looking for new Latin Americanists), build up underrepresented fields if there's enough faculty support, diversity, etc. So many factors out of your control.

It's only early October, you have time. Get in conversations and see what's up. You might want to reach out to schools who have rejected you and ask for feedback (at least it's likely that they've forgotten your application but can provide instructions on moving forward).

You might want to get more feedback on your SOP. SOPs are extremely important and can keep an application from reaching the final round (i.e. the closed doors).

And cut down your list of schools to less than 8 programs because it's much more important to spend time working your materials to appear custom-fit for the programs you're applying to.

[Atlantichistoryhopeful]

Thank you very much for your comments! I have actually started reaching out to a few POI and will continue to do so. I am more than happy to talk through PM.

I've heard about the departmental politics, but I didn't know about the establishing of cohorts in the same area. That's really good to hear about Latin Americanists!

I will definitely ask about my SOP from last year. When I wrote it I had a member of my committee help, but I didn't ask anyone else's opinion until after I sent it in and there were a few pointers made.

Thanks again for the advice!