Fall 2014 Applicant: Chance Me?

[thedig13]

Hello, all. The Fall 2014 application season is coming up in a few months, and I'm thinking about throwing my name in there. I'd like your thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of my application, as well as whether or not I'd be a serious candidate.

 

University: Undergraduate at a public research university, ranked between 75-100 nationally

Major: History

Concentration: United States

Minor: Creative Writing

GPA: 3.91

GRE: (Not yet taken)

Languages: Spanish (1 year academic credit, will have 1.5 by application season)

Study Abroad: University of Belgrano in Argentina, coursework in Spanish (forthcoming summer 2013)

Awards/Distinctions: Several distinctions for academic excellence, including two major university scholarships

Research Experience:

- Honors Thesis (in progress), on the Black Panther Party's education programs in the San Francisco Bay Area; have presented at a university symposium

- 3 years with a tenured Ethnic Studies Professor, focusing on Korean-American migration and the 1992 LA Riots; produced, among other things, a documentary film on the 1992 LA Riots

- 6 months with two Associate Professors of History, focusing on the history of California Prisons; producing a major museum exhibit

- 1 year with a Professor of History, focusing on Civil Rights History; produced multiple library exhibits

Current Interests:

20th-century U.S.; built environment, modern consumer culture, race, and immigration

LORs:

Three professors, all of whom I've done research with (see above)

 - 1 tenured, well-known Professor of History; knows me well; also advising my Honors Thesis

 - 1 Associate Professor of History; knows me reasonably-well; will know me well by application season

 - 1 tenured Professor of Ethnic Studies; knows me very well

 

Application Season: This Fall 2013, to begin Fall 2014

Top Choices: Columbia, Princeton, Yale, UCLA, Brown

 

Thoughts?

Edited May 10, 2013 by thedig13

[New England Nat]

It sounds to me like you have a solid foundation.  I don't spot any trouble spots other than not having the GRE.  When are you taking it?

[thedig13]

It sounds to me like you have a solid foundation.  I don't spot any trouble spots other than not having the GRE.  When are you taking it?

 

Not sure yet. I'm thinking about taking a GRE test-prep course first. If I were to take the GRE in late September, would that be too late?

[New England Nat]

No, though I'd recommend you skip the course.  Invest in a good book, I was fond of the Princeton Review version, and just do as many practice tests as you can.  Make sure to look at how the written portion is graded and try to write with that in mind.  In my opinion, a prep course is a waste of time and money.

[thedig13]

No, though I'd recommend you skip the course.  Invest in a good book, I was fond of the Princeton Review version, and just do as many practice tests as you can.  Make sure to look at how the written portion is graded and try to write with that in mind.  In my opinion, a prep course is a waste of time and money.

 

Even better; I can learn on my own time at my own pace.

 

With my top choices, do you think I'm reaching too high?

[dr. t]

With my top choices, do you think I'm reaching too high?

There is no such thing as "reaching too high." Apply to the places you want to go, and that's it.