Applying MA history with a low GPA

[goldenhk]

Hi,

I have a similar situation as the author of this post: 

 

I have gradated with a degree in economics with a GPA of 2.72 from a top 50 US university last year. I did manage to get an average of 3.4 in my last 2 semesters. It also includes one A on a mid-level history, which, the professor is willing to write a letter of recommendation to me. 

 

I am hoping to do teaching, if not researching, in history, mostly at college/associate degree level in the future. Therefore, I am hoping to apply for MA now and start studying in next fall. I am currently working as TA at a secondary school, luckily with a chance of teaching history to lower form students, which I hope would help my application.  

 

Unfortunately, I am currently living in Hong Kong and therefore I have limited options here. I would like your advice on this program http://www.history.cuhk.edu.hk/ma_adm_requirements.html  CUHK is offering. I heard it is a rather easy program to apply to, but what worries me is that there is no requirement of history methods courses in its syllabus, which means it might not be the best course to prepare me for Phd.

 

I don't really have any idea of where to apply to with my GPA. I am open to options everywhere around the world, any input would be great. 

[sacklunch]

Without knowing anything about your subfield, I think it can be deleterious to get an advanced degree from a "suspect" program. Granted I know NOTHING about that program you listed (and in fact I'm not in your field), but you may be better off going elsewhere if you suspect its quality.

 

Again, not knowing your subfield, but another consideration: How are your languages? This is a critical component often overlooked by a lot of applicants, and at least in my field, one of the main reasons keeping folks out of PhD programs. You could, I imagine, at least take course(s) in whatever language you will need. This would also give you a chance to get some better grades and when applying to a more appropriate MA program you may have a better chance of securing admission/funding.

 

cheers

[goldenhk]

Without knowing anything about your subfield, I think it can be deleterious to get an advanced degree from a "suspect" program. Granted I know NOTHING about that program you listed (and in fact I'm not in your field), but you may be better off going elsewhere if you suspect its quality.

 

Again, not knowing your subfield, but another consideration: How are your languages? This is a critical component often overlooked by a lot of applicants, and at least in my field, one of the main reasons keeping folks out of PhD programs. You could, I imagine, at least take course(s) in whatever language you will need. This would also give you a chance to get some better grades and when applying to a more appropriate MA program you may have a better chance of securing admission/funding.

 

cheers

 

Thanks for your respond. Since I am a native Chinese, due to my language ability, I am looking in doing either Chinese modern history or comparative global history, which is sort of what the program I mentioned offers. I am not doubting the teaching quality of this program, because CUHK is one of the best college in Hong Kong researching on Chinese history, and they have some renown professors teaching in the program. What worries me is the program's connectivity to Phd, since I am not sure how research-based is it.

 

That is the reason why I am also looking for options elsewhere. For my GPA, I understand that I will not get admitted to the best programs, but I am still hoping to get into one that can best prepare me for Phd. 

[ToomuchLes]

Its important to know that a low GRE is not the end of the world; however you need to make up for it in another way - GRE, letter of rec, sample writing, statement of purpose, etc. Id recommend focusing primarily on your sample, but at the same time, scoring a competitive percentile on the GRE. This should allow you entry into a medium tier master program. During your masters, I highly recommend studying like theres no tomorrow, working on your publishing, and accumulating good letters of rec. Once you've achieved all this, you should be able to catapult yourself to an upper tier Ph.D program. 

 

I wouldnt know anything on the program you posted; although Id suggest doing two things : 1) discussing your options with a professor (one you usually know well) 2) requesting more information (such as average yr of graduation, financial aid, employment placement) from that university. Furthermore, I dont know how difficult it is to go from a Masters program abroad to a Ph.D in country, but thats another aspect to consider/research.

 

Hope that helps =)

[Sigaba]

Its important to know that a low GRE is not the end of the world; however you need to make up for it in another way - GRE, letter of rec, sample writing, statement of purpose, etc. Id recommend focusing primarily on your sample, but at the same time, scoring a competitive percentile on the GRE. This should allow you entry into a medium tier master program. During your masters, I highly recommend studying like theres no tomorrow, working on your publishing, and accumulating good letters of rec. Once you've achieved all this, you should be able to catapult yourself to an upper tier Ph.D program. 

 

I wouldnt know anything on the program you posted; although Id suggest doing two things : 1) discussing your options with a professor (one you usually know well) 2) requesting more information (such as average yr of graduation, financial aid, employment placement) from that university. Furthermore, I dont know how difficult it is to go from a Masters program abroad to a Ph.D in country, but thats another aspect to consider/research.

 

Hope that helps =)

 

But the OP asks about a low GPA, not low GRE scores.

[ToomuchLes]

Oh Ha! Sorry that was a typo on my end. Please substitute the first word "GRE" for GPA. Sorry