MAPH at U of Chicago

[ZacharyBinks]

I just recently received a rejection from the University of Chicago, but they recommended and accepted me to their MAPH program. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about this program. Thanks for any insight/help anyone can give!

[asleepawake]

First, congrats!

 

I know that some members of the forum have attended and have have great experiences and eventually gotten into top PhDs. At the same time, it has a reputation as a bit of a cash cow program. Funding is scarce, and I believe even if you get it, it only lessens your tuition. I certainly can't imagine turning down Ohio State or CUNY for it.

 

ETA: Did you get your rejection by post or e-mail?

Edited March 4, 2013 by asleepawake

[ZacharyBinks]

First, congrats!

 

I know that some members of the forum have attended and have have great experiences and eventually gotten into top PhDs. At the same time, it has a reputation as a bit of a cash cow program. Funding is scarce, and I believe even if you get it, it only lessens your tuition. I certainly can't imagine turning down Ohio State for it.

 

ETA: Did you get your Chicago rejection by post or e-mail?

 

Thanks for the advice! Unless the MAPH is funded (which I doubt it is) there's no way I'd take it over Ohio.

 

I received an email telling me to check my status online.

[kayrabbit]

I received this offer as well. It sounds like an opportunity that could lead to further work with UChicago if one was particularly interested in attending there. In my case, they were not offering scholarship assistance, so it would be all financial aid/work study help I received if any. Not a better option than five years of fellowship/assistantship in a Phd program, certainly.

[gradschoolwannabe]

I was offered admission to that program last year, and it definitely seems like a cash cow to me. 20k+ on student loans was way too much for me without any sort of institutional support.

[ComeBackZinc]

I think if you search here, google around, or check the applyingtograds Livejournal community, you'll find lots of opinions. So many opinions.

[Swagato]

Former MAPHer here. There are several of us on the forum, I think. I had an extremely positive experience and my admissions results this year are very much due to my MAPH experience. I know several others for whom MAPH was a launchpad to top-tier PhD programs. Feel free to PM and I can offer you my take on it. 

[yellow.wallpaper]

Same here. :/

 

Still, no funding is not an option for me.

[Porridge]

Same here. :/

 

Still, no funding is not an option for me.

Random question, are there any indigenous peoples in Puerto Rico?

[mostlytoasty]

I was extremely skeptical of the program at first and definitely put off by the cash cow reputation. Nevertheless, in the end I had a very productive time (and now I'm in at my top choice, and it's top tier!)—and it was worth the investment, granted I had no undergrad debt and only had to take out some loans. Money aside, I would recommended it with the caveat that you really have to be proactive while you're in the program. Very different experiences can be had at MAPH... feel free to PM me if you want more info. Overall they have a pretty good placement rate into PhD programs. I know several MAPHers who have gotten into Ivies, UCs, and Big Ten schools this season. 

 

But would I turn down a funded PhD program for MAPH? Probably not...

Edited March 5, 2013 by mostlytoasty

[yellow.wallpaper]

Random question, are there any indigenous peoples in Puerto Rico?

Unfortunately no, though that would be pretty darn awesome!

There are people that carry over 99% of indigenous DNA, still, none of them actually live like the Tainos did.

 

We're all a mix-up of Europeans, Tainos (native) and North Africans

[Porridge]

ANother stupid question, what is the main indigenous language spoken in the States? And is it possible learn these?

[yellow.wallpaper]

ANother stupid question, what is the main indigenous language spoken in the States? And is it possible learn these?

That...I can't possibly answer. If you know a Linguistics professor or an anthropologist, who specialized in Indigenous cultures, maybe they could help.

[thestage]

ANother stupid question, what is the main indigenous language spoken in the States? And is it possible learn these?

Wiki says Navajo. I don't know how any language would be impossible to learn.

[Deadinthewater]

From the results board:

• Yes, sure, I was rejected from the PhD program, but I am feeling truly blessed to have been one of the lucky few admitted into their MAPH. Now please excuse my while I photocopy my butt and send it off as my informal acceptance.

[mayfiel3]

Hey everyone,

 

I am a current student in UChicago's MAPH program, and I thought I would give my opinions on this topic.

 

Like so many others, I was rejected from UChicago's English PhD program, but I was referred to the MAPH program. I accepted, although I was incredibly hesitant because I, too, suspected it was a "cash cow" for the University. I was also worried that, as a MAPH student, I would be a second-class citizen and I would not have access to the same resources and professors that the PhD students have. I was worried that I would be judged as unintelligent because everyone would know I was a MAPH student, rejected from the prestigious PhD program.

 

I was wrong about every single hesitation I had. This year in MAPH has been, by far, the hardest, most frustrating, most confusing, and most rewarding year of my life.

 

First of all, the University of Chicago is a non-profit organization, so calling the MAPH program a "cash cow" is incredibly unfair. The program certainly does fund the PhD students, but no one is making loads of money off of MAPH.

 

Secondly, as a MAPH student, I have access to every single resource that the rest of the students have: the library, professors, seminars, symposiums, FREE COFFEE IN THE MAPH OFFICE, social hours, etc. Not one student/professor at UChicago has ever made me feel as though I am less of a scholar, or less of an intellect, because I am an MA student. Professors go out of their way to meet with you, even if you are not their student. You are in classes and interacting with the PhD students on a regular basis, and I have never once felt that they looked down on me. The class sizes are small and are designed to work as a seminar.

 

As a MAPH student, you are held to incredibly high academic standards, and being in class with PhD students and other brilliant MAPH students will cause frustration sometimes, but you will grow. You will be FORCED to grow.

 

The MAPH thesis (due in FIVE WEEKS) is a huge source of stress, but never in my life have I been so protective of a project--this thesis is my baby. It's a lot of work, but most people plan to turn it into their writing sample if/when they reapply for PhD programs. MANY MAPHers are accepted to top PhD programs, including UChicago.

 

In MAPH, you will have the toughest year of your life, but if you are prepared to work your A$$ off, then you may belong here. It's sink or swim, and I have not met one person in MAPH that has not risen to the occasion. You will be surrounded by the best and the brightest, and, as I already mentioned, you will be forced to grow and learn in order to keep up. The environment is intense, the pace is rigorous, and some of the people are pretentious, but if you can make it through MAPH (winter quarter is the worst), then your life will be forever changed---not even an exaggeration.

I am one of the many people who have decided not to continue on to my PhD, but after I graduate in June, I will have my Masters Degree from one of the top Universities in the world. I took a work study position at the University of Chicago press in December, and MAPH has helped me turn it into a full-time job after graduation. So, whether you continue on to your PhD or you just want a job, the MAPH staff and preceptors care about you and work their butts off to help you get on your feet for the future.

 

Happy MAPHing.

[heliogabalus]

<<University of Chicago is a non-profit organization, so calling the MAPH program a "cash cow" is incredibly unfair.>>

It would only be unfair if people were claiming the University of Chicago were taking the money from MAPH students and putting it in the pockets of shareholders/owners. Taking the money from MAPH students and using it to pay for (fund) PhD students, professors, staff, build fountains, fix urinals, etc. does not hurt an institution's status as a non-profit organization at all.

[thestage]

but if you are prepared to work your A$$ off, then you may belong here.

$$, indeed

[smellybug]

First of all, the University of Chicago is a non-profit organization, so calling the MAPH program a "cash cow" is incredibly unfair. The program certainly does fund the PhD students, but no one is making loads of money off of MAPH.

...except the funded PhD students...

[mayfiel3]

I was simply offering my opinion on my own experience. You do not have to listen to me, but I have found MAPH to be worth the price tag. Feel free to email me if you would like: mayfiel3@uchicago.edu. My name is Megan

[heliogabalus]

And sorry if I was being a jerk--I have no doubt that people can get a lot out of the program.