picking courses?

[Macrina]

I keep getting distracted by the GRE thread, but I do have an actual question...

It's registration time again, and I'm wondering how to pick courses if I'm working towards a PhD app next year. Should I pick the ones most closely related to my area of interest? the ones with the bigger names who might make good references? or the kind of fun ones that would be enjoyable to take (and probably fairly easy) but might not be in exactly the right area? does it even matter?

does curriculum/course content count for anything when applying to doctoral programs? how about name/reputation of prof?

I'm overthinking this. but it helps to dull the pain of final papers

[Macrina]

and yes, I know I can pick more than one. but a couple of them overlap time-wise so I have to prioritize.

thanks, any advice received with gratitude.

Edited November 7, 2013 by Macrina

[marXian]

If there are any profs from whom you're hoping to get an LOR, I would take courses from them.

 

Keep in mind that you want recommenders who know you as a student--not simply profs with big names in whose course you received an 'A.' Big names can be a huge bonus, but if the prof doesn't really know who you are, his/her letter may not be as good as one from a lesser known prof who can really speak to your strengths as a student. In fact, it will probably end up hurting your application if the letter from the big name ends up reading as really general and ambiguous. That said, you probably also don't want recommenders who are brand new faculty (i.e. in their first year of their first job) even if they know you really well as a student. If you can take a Ph.D seminar (assuming those are offered where you're attending) with a prof, that can be a really great way for him/her to get to know you and your strengths. Asking to meet with profs to discuss applications and potential programs/POIs can help too.

 

With regard to curriculum, it really depends on what you're wanting to study. I can really only speak to my own situation. I applied to Religious Studies programs with theology or philosophy of religion tracks, and for the two I was admitted to, the specific courses I had taken didn't really matter. My writing sample was ultimately the most important piece in my successful applications. But my sense is that if you're wanting to do something language-intensive, like biblical studies or ANE as an example, the courses you've taken will matter a great deal.

[Perique69]

If there are any profs from whom you're hoping to get an LOR, I would take courses from them.

 

Keep in mind that you want recommenders who know you as a student--not simply profs with big names in whose course you received an 'A.' Big names can be a huge bonus, but if the prof doesn't really know who you are, his/her letter may not be as good as one from a lesser known prof who can really speak to your strengths as a student. In fact, it will probably end up hurting your application if the letter from the big name ends up reading as really general and ambiguous. That said, you probably also don't want recommenders who are brand new faculty (i.e. in their first year of their first job) even if they know you really well as a student. If you can take a Ph.D seminar (assuming those are offered where you're attending) with a prof, that can be a really great way for him/her to get to know you and your strengths. Asking to meet with profs to discuss applications and potential programs/POIs can help too.

 

With regard to curriculum, it really depends on what you're wanting to study. I can really only speak to my own situation. I applied to Religious Studies programs with theology or philosophy of religion tracks, and for the two I was admitted to, the specific courses I had taken didn't really matter. My writing sample was ultimately the most important piece in my successful applications. But my sense is that if you're wanting to do something language-intensive, like biblical studies or ANE as an example, the courses you've taken will matter a great deal.

 

Ditto. 

[Macrina]

Thanks. That's helpful. What about departmental titles? Does being a chair or similar make for a better reference?

[marXian]

Again, I think what adcoms are looking for primarily is a very good description of you as a student. If that recommendation comes from a big name, I think it's only going to make a difference if it's a stellar recommendation. I think it can also make a difference if someone on the adcom happens to know one of your recommenders personally, especially if the LOR is fantastic. Mediocre recommendations are always going to hurt you know matter where they come from and may end up reflecting even more poorly if the adcom knows the recommender either personally or by his/her good academic reputation.

[RedDoor]

Again, I think what adcoms are looking for primarily is a very good description of you as a student. If that recommendation comes from a big name, I think it's only going to make a difference if it's a stellar recommendation. I think it can also make a difference if someone on the adcom happens to know one of your recommenders personally, especially if the LOR is fantastic. Mediocre recommendations are always going to hurt you know matter where they come from and may end up reflecting even more poorly if the adcom knows the recommender either personally or by his/her good academic reputation.

 

Just had a prof tell me the exact same thing. I was trying to decide between the biggest name on campus and an "up and coming" productive prof, and I was told to select the two best recommenders no matter what their title/position is.