my application "package."

[mayoush]

Hello all,

 

I am interested in applying to Ph.D. programs - specifically with professors that focus on modern Syrian and Lebanese politics. I've often heard professors describing Ph.D. applications as a "package," and I simply would like some advice how I can improve my application, in hopes of entering a top Ph.D. program in Middle Eastern Studies.

 

Here is my profile:

 

School:

- BA: Not so well known state school with 4.0 gpa

- MA: Not so well known state school with 3.96 gpa

 

Languages:

- French: none

- Arabic: very elementary

 

Publications: None (though, I am very close to finishing up a paper that I will submit to academic journals, and hopefully present at conferences as well)

 

Research Experience:

- will be doing a fellowship at UC Irvine

 

 

Again, besides the GRE's, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation, how can I improve my profile? (I'm sure I need to learn more of the language, publish something, and do something in Lebanon probably). Also, how much research experience overseas (in my case) is usual for those applying?

 

 

 

 

[TMP]

Your Arabic needs to get much better than "very elementary."  You will be expected to start doing original research from your second year (if not from the very beginning) and wouldn't you need it for your study of Syrian and Lebanese politics?  If you're still working on your MA, is there a FLAS (Foreign Language and Area Studies) fellowship?  Another option would be to apply for the Kathryn Davis fellowship at Middlebury next summer.

 

Even if you somehow manage to get in with Arabic like that, your professors will start worrying as you approach your candidacy exams if you haven't improved substantially.  Some might actually assign readings in the language as part of your candidacy exam list (My adviser has an article in my primary research language and said to ALSO pay attention to the footnotes).''

 

That would be the first thing I'd worry about.

[JosephineB]

I am not in the field, but I take a lot of history seminars with Middle Eastern Studies students. The MES program at my university is not a tip top program, but it is very well regarded. My classmates who are at the MA level all have 2-4 years of Arabic, and the PhD students are fluent. Almost all are also on FLAS with another middle eastern language. Unfortunately you likely need 1-2 more years of intensive language training to be competitive at top programs. 

 

Considering the state of things, I don't think any programs will expect you to have research experience abroad if your focus is Syria and Lebanon!

[mayoush]

Yes. Definitely.

I just completed my history MA actually, with an emphasis on the US and MidEast. I'm planning to spend this year studying Arabic and French. Then, I want to apply to American University of Beirut's summer Arabic program. Then, hopefully, I would like to work in Lebanon - teaching or at a think tank - for a year or two in hopes of sharpening my Arabic, and gaining that overseas experience as well. After that, I think I'll start applying.

Any thoughts on that?

[TMP]

Whatever it takes to have exposure to Arabic.