Applying to Comparative Literature Phd Programs

[chengc5]

Hi, I am an international student majoring in both comparative literature and German in the U.S., with a 3.86 gpa in Comp-Lit and 3.87 gpa in German. I am planning to apply for phd programs this year and am here to ask for some advices. 

 

I know my gpa is in pretty good standing. I speak English, German, Chinese, Taiwanese, and some knowledge in Japanese; so the language requirement is not a problem. I am also currently writing an honors thesis, which I will use as my writing sample for graduate school applications. 

 

My question is, are there any other things that I can do to put myself in a better position in applying to graduate schools? Should I try to attend some conferences or publish my papers? 

 

 

 

 

[DontHate]

Publishing a paper in a recognized journal would definitely look great on your applications. But it's totally not necessary or expected for an applicant, particularly someone who has not yet entered graduate studies, to have any publications. I would suggest that you try to get in touch with faculty in your area of interest at prospective programs. Judging from your languages, you probably have a very unique project -- I've never heard of any research combining german and asian languages. So contacting a potential mentor could not only help your chances of getting into a program, it could also help you figure out which programs you want to apply to. 

[chengc5]

So, do I just email the potential mentors, introduce myself, and show my interest in working with him or her? What should I say in the e-mail to impress them and therefore help with my chances of getting into the program? 

 

In addition, lets assume I already contacted a potential mentor, and his or her field greatly corresponded with my research interest, how do I make sure to show this aspect in my application? Would the professor tell the admission office? Or do I have to specifically state my contact experience with the professor in my personal statement? 

Edited January 17, 2013 by chengc5

[DontHate]

Well start with reading some things in the field that seem to align with what you want to study. Then when you contact the professor, you can have something to say to them related to their work (and the work you want to do, and how it relates to their work). Introduce yourself and let them know why you are a potentially valuable young scholar -- try and demonstrate, very briefly, an idea that has caught your attention and that you think could lead to new scholarly pathways. Keep it very short, but don't just say "hi my name is X and I want to study comp lit." Show them some evidence that you've gotten into the field in some depth and you know what you're talking about. Sound like a sophisticated and engaging student.

Now, the second question makes me think you need to do some more research into the application process (don't worry, you have plenty of time. You're applying for Fall 2014, right?) You will have to explain very explicitly in your Statement of Purpose what your research focus will be when you apply. The Statement will be your chance to tell the admissions committee why you are getting a PhD, why you have chosen their program in particular, and also which professors in their program you would like to work with. You can describe any contact with the professors that you've had up to then, but it's not necessary to do that. More importantly, you will just explain why you're interested in professor A's work on B, and how it relates to the research you plan to do on B in relation to C. If you start researching topics in the field right now, you will be able to write a truly excellent Statement by next fall.

Start talking to your potential recommenders now about wanting to apply, and they will be able to explain the statement of purpose and perhaps even connect you with professors in departments that may interest you.

[chengc5]

Thank you for your response, these are very valuable information! 

[DontHate]

De nada. I'm here to help!