Fall 2015 Applicants

[maelia8]

I'm not sure what schools I'm looking at for history since I just decided to start thinking about doing a history minor, but I want to find schools that also have PhD anthropology degrees so that I can finish both degrees at the same institution.  If anyone knows good schools for my areas of interest I'd be happy to hear.  

 

Perhaps the best thing for you to do would be to look for anthropology programs with a strong history department (with an ancient history concentration or professor who are specialists in the area) at the same institution that allow you to take courses outside of your department. Otherwise I'd suggest looking at interdisciplinary history/anthropology programs - they are definitely out there

[Sigaba]

I saw this thread and I thought I might try and introduce myself.  I'm actually an anthropology student specializing in Roman bioarchaeology (which is the study of human remains in an archaeological context) and forensic anthropology.  But I am also a history and classical civilizations minor.  I've been really thinking of also obtaining either a history or classical archaeology MA.

 

When it comes to history I am obviously considered a classicist because of how much I love anything to do with Ancient Rome.  But I am also a medievalist as well.  My interests span from from antiquity to late antiquity to the late middle ages.  I am extremely interested in the Black Death and how it may have differed from other plague outbreaks throughout the world, i.e. the Plague of Justinian.

 

I'm not sure what schools I'm looking at for history since I just decided to start thinking about doing a history minor, but I want to find schools that also have PhD anthropology degrees so that I can finish both degrees at the same institution.  If anyone knows good schools for my areas of interest I'd be happy to hear.  

 

Have you taken a look at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

[bioarch_fan]

Perhaps the best thing for you to do would be to look for anthropology programs with a strong history department (with an ancient history concentration or professor who are specialists in the area) at the same institution that allow you to take courses outside of your department. Otherwise I'd suggest looking at interdisciplinary history/anthropology programs - they are definitely out there

 

I've been trying to find schools that have both an anthropology grad department AND a history grad department so I can at least take classes in the history department if I didn't end up getting my MA in history or classics.  I haven't thought of looking at interdisciplinary programs, and now that I think of it I haven't thought of looking at programs that have dual degrees for these two fields either.  Might have to check that out.  Thanks.  

 

Have you taken a look at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

 

I have looked at UNC-CH for their anthropology program, but not their history or classics.  I know one of my potential POIs got her PhD from Chapel Hill.  So that could always be a positive if I decide to go to her school because of her specialty in Roman bioarchaeology.  But now that look at their history department, it does look pretty good to me as well.  Thanks for mentioning UNC-CH

[dr. t]

I saw this thread and I thought I might try and introduce myself.  I'm actually an anthropology student specializing in Roman bioarchaeology (which is the study of human remains in an archaeological context) and forensic anthropology.  But I am also a history and classical civilizations minor.  I've been really thinking of also obtaining either a history or classical archaeology MA.

 

When it comes to history I am obviously considered a classicist because of how much I love anything to do with Ancient Rome.  But I am also a medievalist as well.  My interests span from from antiquity to late antiquity to the late middle ages.  I am extremely interested in the Black Death and how it may have differed from other plague outbreaks throughout the world, i.e. the Plague of Justinian.

 

I'm not sure what schools I'm looking at for history since I just decided to start thinking about doing a history minor, but I want to find schools that also have PhD anthropology degrees so that I can finish both degrees at the same institution.  If anyone knows good schools for my areas of interest I'd be happy to hear.  

 

Mike McCormick et al. at Harvard do this sort of thing very well. I would also check out Kyle Harper at the University of Oklahoma (a Harvard grad).

 

There have been two recent papers on the Black Death:

1. S. Haensch et al., “Distinct Clones of Yersinia Pestis Caused the Black Death,” Public Library of Science Pathogens 6, no. 10 (2010).
2. David M Wagner et al., “Yersinia Pestis and the Plague of Justinian 541–543 AD: A Genomic Analysis,” The Lancet Infectious Diseases 14, no. 4 (April 2014): 319–26, doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(13)70323-2.

I would check the professors involved with both of them to see if they point you in the direction of interesting departments.

[ashiepoo72]

So, after doing more in-depth research, my list has shrunk a bit to Harvard, Brown, UCBerk, UChicago, and UToronto. I'm... moderately intimidated by this list. I've gone only for professors who were very near my area of interest, but I've ended up with a short list of heavy hitters. Two questions:

 

1) Does anyone have any tips on how to not freak out about this?

 

2) The UCB program says it takes a history cohort of 32-40. This seems absurdly large. Is this perception accurate, and can anyone here comment on how the cohort size influences the internal department dynamic?

 

1. Stay organized, and set reasonable completion goals! For example, I recently completed my basic, bare-bones SOP that I will personalize once I finalize my list of schools. Next on the list is GRE prep (I'm taking the test this month, so I've set mini goals throughout the past few months). Make sure you step back and take a breather sometimes, as well. This process is overwhelming and it's so easy to get consumed by it.

 

2. I kind of figured they accept around 40 students, but only 25ish matriculate.

[lightbright]

I figured this might be a good place for me to start, since I'm new to this. I'm currently halfway through my MSLIS and preparing to do my second round of applications to PhD programs. I applied to 5 last year and didn't get into any, so I went through with my "backup" plan of Library School. I'm nervous about applying this year, because I'm now more constricted by needing funding (which is hard to find), and I don't know that I'll get accepted anywhere.

 

I'm trying to narrow down my area of interest, US inter-/post-war looking at youth culture/social movements/public history, and match up to schools with faculty and programs that support it. I'm also working on studying to retake the GRE, but I'm not sure how much that will help or how much weight is put on those scores. I'd love to know if anyone has any recommendations or opinions.

[generativeIR]

I just decided today that I better apply to some MA programs in the highly likely event that I am rejected by my PhD applications.

 

Anyone planning on applying at Indiana University? ... or does anyone know anything about the history dept there?

[ashiepoo72]

I figured this might be a good place for me to start, since I'm new to this. I'm currently halfway through my MSLIS and preparing to do my second round of applications to PhD programs. I applied to 5 last year and didn't get into any, so I went through with my "backup" plan of Library School. I'm nervous about applying this year, because I'm now more constricted by needing funding (which is hard to find), and I don't know that I'll get accepted anywhere.

 

I'm trying to narrow down my area of interest, US inter-/post-war looking at youth culture/social movements/public history, and match up to schools with faculty and programs that support it. I'm also working on studying to retake the GRE, but I'm not sure how much that will help or how much weight is put on those scores. I'd love to know if anyone has any recommendations or opinions.

 

A few more specifics would help you determine what the best plan of action is. Keep in mind that it's a very, very subjective process so your credentials might be stellar and for whatever reason (perhaps the fit with the department isn't great, or it just can't accept that many students) you can be rejected.

 

What'd you get on the GRE? Verbal and AW are wayyyy more important than quant, and perhaps verbal is most important of all (the adcomms will have at least one piece of your writing sitting in front of them, and won't need the GRE to tell them if you are good or not). If you need funding, above 85th percentile is the cut-off for most of the UCs. And another question would be, where are you applying? Different schools have different expectations. GRE scores won't get you into a school on their own, so keep that in mind--if you have a stellar writing sample, SOP and strong LORs, that matters more than GRE scores by far.

 

Something to consider, however, IS how the rest of your record looks. I knew I wanted to break 90th percentile on verbal because my undergraduate record is good (I got like a 3.77 in history coursework) but not great (3.44 overall), and I'm in an MA program, but I don't have a 4.0 (3.85). So I figured I NEEDED to not give them another reason to second guess my record, as I'm not an impeccable candidate. If you have some minor peccadilloes on your record, a strong GRE score has the potential to smooth those over (a chance, not a certainty...basically, don't give them another reason to toss your application).

 

Make sure and spend a good deal of time on your SOP and writing sample. These should represent your best and most thoughtful work. If the adcomms see something special in these, something that intrigues them, you're likely to get in regardless of what the rest of your app looks like (let me qualify that with, as long as the rest of your app meets the minimum criteria for admission--and even then, some people with below minimum GPAs have gotten into doctoral programs). There is no set formula, just make your application the best you can. Consider the package as a whole, note your weaknesses and try to strengthen them, and if you can't then augment them elsewhere.

 

Best of luck!

[hanlin]

Hello!

I am applying to study pre-modern Chinese history. Anyone else in East Asian history???? We seem to be pretty rare around here >< I really want someone to exchange information with

My top choices are Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, and Princeton. I am applying to other safer schools too.

I am currently an undergrad at McGill

Hi Ashlee! Can you be more specific about what your interests are within pre-modern Chinese history (which to me could be anything before the late nineteenth century? Or are you simply applying to the best schools in general?

[ashiepoo72]

I don't want to freak anyone out, but I spoke to a POI a few days ago and was told "your stats are all competitive but you should up your quant score on the GRE to be considered for university funding, which will boost your chances for admission." My scores were 165V/151Q. Honestly, I doubt I'll be able to get it up dramatically, and the test is $195!!

 

Basically what I'm saying is, math ISN'T important except when it is I am totally NOT saying this is how every school is going to be, but I thought you all should know...possibly a question to ask any POIs you speak to. If you wanna know more details, PM me.

 

Here are ETS math reviews for any of you who have yet to take the test:

 

https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_math_review.pdf

 

https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_math_conventions.pdf

[dr. t]

Can anyone give me their impressions about the history program at the Ohio State? It was suggested to me, but as of now I know nothing about it and my impression of the undergraduate life there is fairly negative.

[kblooms]

I study history at Ohio State as an undergrad. We're really good at Ancient History, Byzantine, American Religious, and Eastern European. IF you have any specific questions about professors feel free to PM me

[TMP]

I don't want to freak anyone out, but I spoke to a POI a few days ago and was told "your stats are all competitive but you should up your quant score on the GRE to be considered for university funding, which will boost your chances for admission." My scores were 165V/151Q. Honestly, I doubt I'll be able to get it up dramatically, and the test is $195!!

 

Basically what I'm saying is, math ISN'T important except when it is I am totally NOT saying this is how every school is going to be, but I thought you all should know...possibly a question to ask any POIs you speak to. If you wanna know more details, PM me.

 

Here are ETS math reviews for any of you who have yet to take the test:

 

https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_math_review.pdf

 

https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_math_conventions.pdf

 

It is true that your overall GRE score will help with university-wide fellowships, usually in public schools where you must be nominated by your department.  However, there ARE waivers but departments have a certain number of waivers that they can use (though my sense is that the less they use waivers, the better they look).  

 

Breathe.  If you don't think you can get your GRE scores up higher, just let it go.  You've done your best.  Stay focused on the SOP and writing sample.

[ashiepoo72]

It is true that your overall GRE score will help with university-wide fellowships, usually in public schools where you must be nominated by your department.  However, there ARE waivers but departments have a certain number of waivers that they can use (though my sense is that the less they use waivers, the better they look).  

 

Breathe.  If you don't think you can get your GRE scores up higher, just let it go.  You've done your best.  Stay focused on the SOP and writing sample.

 

Thanks for the reassurance. This process is insanity-inducing! I had no idea about the waivers.

 

I have to say, I'm glad the POI told me (even though it resulted in panic haha). I have had many frank conversations with different scholars, and that has been super useful. I can tell my obsessive stalking of thegradcafe will get me in trouble during application season and when I'm waiting for results, but it's also been helpful in calming me the heck down.

 

 

I hope everyone is having a relaxing summer!

[gsc]

So at the end of this month, I'll be visiting my brother, who lives about 45 minutes away from my top choice school. We were planning to head down there and check out the campus, but I was thinking it might be helpful to meet with my potential advisor in person, just to get a sense of the department/etc beyond what's on the website. I was planning to email the professor, ask if she's taking on new students, etc -- but is it too forward to ask if she would be available to meet in person? Or should I just mention that I'm visiting the campus and leave it at that? 

[Sigaba]

So at the end of this month, I'll be visiting my brother, who lives about 45 minutes away from my top choice school. We were planning to head down there and check out the campus, but I was thinking it might be helpful to meet with my potential advisor in person, just to get a sense of the department/etc beyond what's on the website. I was planning to email the professor, ask if she's taking on new students, etc -- but is it too forward to ask if she would be available to meet in person? Or should I just mention that I'm visiting the campus and leave it at that? 

 

Have you had the opportunity to do any research on this POI? Is she/he teaching any summer classes and, therefore, potentially have scheduled office hours? Does she/he have a reputation for being a good citizen when it comes to helping students ? Or is she/he on leave and, therefore, potentially disinterested in talking to anyone about anything?

 

Also, are there other professors with whom you might work? How about the department's DGS? Are there any ABDs on campus who might give you good information on the program?

 

In the event you cannot get good answers to the above questions, I recommend sending an email, or an actual letter, in which you express your interest in the program, your potential interest in working with this POI, and a quick mention of your planned visit.

 

If you decide to imply that you'd like to meet the POI, please manage your expectations while also preparing yourself for such an encounter. That is, please think about preparing very carefully for a meeting so that you can demonstrate how serious you are about studying history.

[gsc]

Have you had the opportunity to do any research on this POI? Is she/he teaching any summer classes and, therefore, potentially have scheduled office hours? Does she/he have a reputation for being a good citizen when it comes to helping students ? Or is she/he on leave and, therefore, potentially disinterested in talking to anyone about anything?

 

Also, are there other professors with whom you might work? How about the department's DGS? Are there any ABDs on campus who might give you good information on the program?

 

In the event you cannot get good answers to the above questions, I recommend sending an email, or an actual letter, in which you express your interest in the program, your potential interest in working with this POI, and a quick mention of your planned visit.

 

If you decide to imply that you'd like to meet the POI, please manage your expectations while also preparing yourself for such an encounter. That is, please think about preparing very carefully for a meeting so that you can demonstrate how serious you are about studying history.

 

Hey, thanks for the reply! 

 

And yes, I've done research on the school and the professor. There are other professors I could see myself working with, but I was interested in meeting this particular professor since 1) her interests are a very close match to mine, and 2) she taught at my current school for over a decade (but left for this school a couple years ago), so there's a bit of a connection there. 

[Josh J.]

Hey everyone,

I guess it is time to introduce myself and say hello.  I am currently in my last year for my MTS at Vanderbilt, where I am studying American Religious History.  I am applying to 10 US schools, plus Oxford, for U.S. History, specializing in American Religion. My specialization at Vandy is the history of religion and warfare, and my research focuses upon government surveillance and coercion of conscientious objectors during World War I.  In addition to my coursework, I will be co-teaching interdisciplinary courses in U.S. History/Political Theology as an adjunct at another local university this year. 

 

I plan to apply at Yale, Stanford, Notre Dame, UCLA, Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, Princeton, William and Mary, Vanderbilt, Columbia, and Oxford, more or less in that order of interest.

I haven't taken the GRE yet, I plan to do that here pretty quick.

 

I wish everyone a productive and successful application year. 

[Deadwing0608]

It's probably time for me to introduce myself as well! I am currently an MA student. I study 20th century U.S. history with a focus on citizenship, labor, and immigration, particularly regarding Southeast Asian refugees in the post-1965 period. I am applying to: Yale, Univ. of Minnesota, Cornell, Columbia, and Univ. of Maryland. I am also considering NYU, Harvard, UC Berkeley, BC, and UW-Madison. I took the GRE as an undergrad, 167/148/5.5.  I have been studying over the summer to try and bump the math score. I am aiming for the mid-upper 150s...here's to dreaming...

[catsandscarves]

So at the end of this month, I'll be visiting my brother, who lives about 45 minutes away from my top choice school. We were planning to head down there and check out the campus, but I was thinking it might be helpful to meet with my potential advisor in person, just to get a sense of the department/etc beyond what's on the website. I was planning to email the professor, ask if she's taking on new students, etc -- but is it too forward to ask if she would be available to meet in person? Or should I just mention that I'm visiting the campus and leave it at that? 

I will say that my POI (a rising star in my field) said that if she hadn't met me before...she would not have taken me as a student. She wasn't even planning on taking students but upon meeting me, said she thought we would be a great match (that comes off conceited but, hey, she said it ) I think you should have questions about her advising style and research and expect a short meeting. I think that having an advisor that wants to be involved and supportive is important so seeing if he/she is willing to meet would tell me much about them, unless of course they are not able to meet you for some legitimate reason.

[gsc]

I will say that my POI (a rising star in my field) said that if she hadn't met me before...she would not have taken me as a student. She wasn't even planning on taking students but upon meeting me, said she thought we would be a great match (that comes off conceited but, hey, she said it ) I think you should have questions about her advising style and research and expect a short meeting. I think that having an advisor that wants to be involved and supportive is important so seeing if he/she is willing to meet would tell me much about them, unless of course they are not able to meet you for some legitimate reason.

 

Hey, thanks for the tip! I actually did email the professor and she got back to me the next day (always a good sign!) -- but she said that neither she, nor the DGS, nor the other professor I was interested in working with, would be able to meet me in early August. She said I could try another time of year if I wanted to meet faculty, but I live pretty far away from this school, so I don't think there will be any meetings! 

[tbjacks]

Hello all! I may as well join in... I'm currently an undergrad at Carleton in Ottawa. My interest is mainly world war-era and post-world war children's and animal history--that is, the "animalization" of children's culture (in the U.S., Canada, Britain, and/or France... haven't decided if I'm going to do a transnational approach or what yet). So far I've decided on applying to Cornell and Berkeley, possibly Northwestern (maybe, the POI in whom I'm interested there is quite junior)... and Delaware is my safe school for which I'll apply to the M.A. I just took the GRE the other day and I got 163V/152Q (haven't gotten the written scores yet). Not great but not the worst, it seems!

 

Anyone else in cultural history and can recommend some more schools?

Edited July 28, 2014 by tbjacks

[thedig13]

So at the end of this month, I'll be visiting my brother, who lives about 45 minutes away from my top choice school. We were planning to head down there and check out the campus, but I was thinking it might be helpful to meet with my potential advisor in person, just to get a sense of the department/etc beyond what's on the website. I was planning to email the professor, ask if she's taking on new students, etc -- but is it too forward to ask if she would be available to meet in person? Or should I just mention that I'm visiting the campus and leave it at that? 

 

I would go with something along the lines of: "Also, I will be in [insert college-city's name here] on from [date] to [date]. Would you be open to meeting with me to chat about the department and my prospects as a potential student?"

 

EDIT: Sorry for the late reply. It seems that my input is now irrelevant.

Edited July 28, 2014 by thedig13

[ashiepoo72]

Hey everyone! I'm knee deep in SOP drafting and found a pretty cool resource, so I thought I'd share

 

This website diagnoses your writing to see if it needs to be trimmed down in different areas (like if you are nominalization-happy, use excessive prepositions, etc). It's not going to edit for content, but helps make the paper more concise and if you need to cut down on word length.

 

http://www.writersdiet.com/WT.php

 

Have fun!

[thedig13]

Hey everyone! I'm knee deep in SOP drafting and found a pretty cool resource, so I thought I'd share

 

This website diagnoses your writing to see if it needs to be trimmed down in different areas (like if you are nominalization-happy, use excessive prepositions, etc). It's not going to edit for content, but helps make the paper more concise and if you need to cut down on word length.

 

http://www.writersdiet.com/WT.php

 

Have fun!

 

For giggles, I plugged in my old SOP from last year's application cycle (when I was reasonably successful) and got an overall rating of "fit and trim," with a slight overdependence on nouns and prepositions.

 

Just in case anybody wanted to know how this webpage would rate a successful SOP.