Fall 2015 Applicants

[Ajtz'ihb]

I would say it varies program-by-program and professor-by-professor. It also depends on your goals. If you want to be a specialist, then probably the best thing you can do is to apply somewhere where you can be trained as a specialist rather than, say, a general prehistorian with a particular regional specialty. Bioarchaeology in particular is highly specialized, and I would think that a strong bioarchaeologist (like Verano at Tulane) could train you to do that in just about any world area. Verano in particular has students working outside the Andes, including some who do purely forensic work and want to go into law enforcement or government (i/e coroner). 

[Bschaefer]

Looks like our interests are very similar.  But I'm not as interested in South American bioarchaeology.  My main area is Ancient Roman and Medieval bioarchaeology.  Looks like we're also applying to at least 1 school similar, Durham.  But I'm also looking a little more into Tulane.  Not sold on it yet though.

 

I'm taking my GRE next month, so good luck when you take yours as well.  

 

Thanks! You too, Tulane is by far my top choice because of the diverse faculty and specialisation in Meso/South American studies. For roman/medieval, I would suggest that you look more in the UK and BU.

[Bschaefer]

I would say it varies program-by-program and professor-by-professor. It also depends on your goals. If you want to be a specialist, then probably the best thing you can do is to apply somewhere where you can be trained as a specialist rather than, say, a general prehistorian with a particular regional specialty. Bioarchaeology in particular is highly specialized, and I would think that a strong bioarchaeologist (like Verano at Tulane) could train you to do that in just about any world area. Verano in particular has students working outside the Andes, including some who do purely forensic work and want to go into law enforcement or government (i/e coroner). 

 

Verano is the professor that I want as an advisor. Do you have any advice for applying to Tulane or what I should do to stand out? Tulane is my top school and will be applying for next fall.

[Ajtz'ihb]

#28, sent you a PM. 

[lackingpatience]

Hi all! Thought I would introduce myself. 

 

I'm a Canadian applicant (McGill undergrad) and was in the application fray last year as well. I have had my heart set on the unattainable nirvana that is UC Berkeley. My focus is on legal anthropology and anthropology of religion. I didn't get in last year and so I've (very happily) accepted an offer to do an MRes at Cambridge starting this fall. I'm looking to take another run at Berkeley this year, and possibly the year after that as well (along with some backups of course). 

 

Doing the MRes is kind of the long road around for me, but since I had no publications and only some research experience following my undergrad I hope it's going to be the best way to gain the kind of experience I need to get into a great PhD program in the states. I'm beyond excited to start my graduate program this fall, but it feels strange to be preparing both to start and apply for graduate school at the same time 0.o....

[AKCarlton]

What is MRes? I've never heard of that before.

[lackingpatience]

What is MRes? I've never heard of that before.

 

I hadn't either before applying actually. At Cambridge (like some other UK schools) they have two types of MA's - the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a course-based program meant for those who have an undergrad degree in a different field, and the MRes (Master of Research) which is thesis-based and for those with a background in the subject. The MRes is meant to be a precursor for a PhD, I suppose. 

[Ajtz'ihb]

Master of Research is going to be the name of my academic metal band. 

[AKCarlton]

Ah...that's nice that they offer that over there...

[FaultyPowers]

Maybe this is a question that someone in here can answer for me.  I have most of my schools narrowed down, I'm applying to more than what people say I should because I want to cast my net wider, but all of the schools I have chosen so far have professors that work in my area of interest.  But the question is, I am doing primarily Roman bioarchaeology, but there aren't many Roman bioarchaeologists out there.  Does the specific region of interest have to be spot on with your POI or does the specific area of interest have to coincide with your POI's research area?  For instance, there's a professor that I know from Tulane that does Incan bioarchaeology, but I have no interest in Incan bioarchaeology.  Should my region of interest match up with his?  I have heard conflicting things from different people.  Haven't had a chance to ask my advisor yet because she's out of the country right now and I wanted to have my schools picked out by the end of this week.

 

I have some specific insight into this issue I assume you're talking about Dr. Verano? I applied to Tulane and Vanderbilt last year, focusing on bioarchaeology of the Maya and was initially told by both Verano and my POI at Vanderbilt that they were very interested in my application. My POI at Vandy then became completely non-communicative but Verano kept in contact fairly regularly. I realized when I started seeing Tulane acceptances posted that I had most likely not gotten in, which I confirmed with the grad coordinator, but Dr. Verano sent me an email stating that my application was very strong, my GREs were the highest in the bunch (which STUNG, let me tell you) but that he had ultimately decided he wanted to go with someone looking at trauma in Peru. Which is not only the same area that he works in but the exact same subject. So if you're thinking of applying to Tulane with a focus on anything different I would really say don't bother. 

[Ajtz'ihb]

FaultyPowers, did you ask him whether it would be worth re-applying the following year (i.e. this year)? In the event that there aren't any strong Andean bioarchaeologists that application cycle, at least you know you have a very strong application.

 

Also, were you in touch with any of the Meso people in the department? This is of course something worth bearing in mind wherever you apply, but I've found that it's always advantageous to try and get as many people in your corner as possible. 

Edited August 29, 2014 by ajtz'ib

[bioarch_fan]

I have some specific insight into this issue I assume you're talking about Dr. Verano? I applied to Tulane and Vanderbilt last year, focusing on bioarchaeology of the Maya and was initially told by both Verano and my POI at Vanderbilt that they were very interested in my application. My POI at Vandy then became completely non-communicative but Verano kept in contact fairly regularly. I realized when I started seeing Tulane acceptances posted that I had most likely not gotten in, which I confirmed with the grad coordinator, but Dr. Verano sent me an email stating that my application was very strong, my GREs were the highest in the bunch (which STUNG, let me tell you) but that he had ultimately decided he wanted to go with someone looking at trauma in Peru. Which is not only the same area that he works in but the exact same subject. So if you're thinking of applying to Tulane with a focus on anything different I would really say don't bother. 

 

Thank you so much for you response.  I was talking about Dr. Verano.  But he's not the only professor I'm worried about because I have a lot of other schools that I want to apply to but they don't have a professor that does Roman bioarchaeology.  There are only a couple schools that specialize in that, so it's really hard to find some that matches.  That's why I wanted people's opinions on if the specific region has to be the same as the professor.  Guess it'll probably just be best to email the professors and see if my region and subject is enough to be accepted or not.

[smg]

Thank you so much for you response.  I was talking about Dr. Verano.  But he's not the only professor I'm worried about because I have a lot of other schools that I want to apply to but they don't have a professor that does Roman bioarchaeology.  There are only a couple schools that specialize in that, so it's really hard to find some that matches.  That's why I wanted people's opinions on if the specific region has to be the same as the professor.  Guess it'll probably just be best to email the professors and see if my region and subject is enough to be accepted or not.

 

I'd touch base and see what they say.  It wont hurt.  You can always apply to fewer schools where you fit better.  Thats my plan. 

[AKCarlton]

Thank you so much for you response.  I was talking about Dr. Verano.  But he's not the only professor I'm worried about because I have a lot of other schools that I want to apply to but they don't have a professor that does Roman bioarchaeology.  There are only a couple schools that specialize in that, so it's really hard to find some that matches.  That's why I wanted people's opinions on if the specific region has to be the same as the professor.  Guess it'll probably just be best to email the professors and see if my region and subject is enough to be accepted or not.

 

Are you considering applying to any programs abroad? I was told by my professors to go ahead and apply in Europe if that's where my research interests are located.

[bioarch_fan]

Are you considering applying to any programs abroad? I was told by my professors to go ahead and apply in Europe if that's where my research interests are located.

Yeah, I'm actually planning on applying to McMaster in Canada (they have a couple professors there that I'm interested in working that specialize in Ancient Rome and infectious diseases.  And I'm also looking into Durham, University College London, and Edinburgh all in the UK.  I just don't want to apply to too many international schools because usually if you're accepted you have to prove that you can support yourself before they'll give you a visa to study in their country.  So that's why I'm in a conundrum for my POI search.  I have almost all of them narrowed down, wanted it done by last Friday but that didn't happen because I was busy all week last week with it being the first week of classes and all.

 

I'll probably email professors this week and see what their responses will be.  I hope that it'll be good ones because I have done a lot of research on each individual professor I'm looking at and most of their research is somewhat related to mine.

[aarch]

Maybe this is a question that someone in here can answer for me.  I have most of my schools narrowed down, I'm applying to more than what people say I should because I want to cast my net wider, but all of the schools I have chosen so far have professors that work in my area of interest.  But the question is, I am doing primarily Roman bioarchaeology, but there aren't many Roman bioarchaeologists out there.  Does the specific region of interest have to be spot on with your POI or does the specific area of interest have to coincide with your POI's research area?  For instance, there's a professor that I know from Tulane that does Incan bioarchaeology, but I have no interest in Incan bioarchaeology.  Should my region of interest match up with his?  I have heard conflicting things from different people.  Haven't had a chance to ask my advisor yet because she's out of the country right now and I wanted to have my schools picked out by the end of this week.

I'm not sure if this helps, but I know of a recent PhD grad from UNC Chapel Hill who specializes in Roman bioarchaeology, so it's presumably a viable option. 

 

As long as a program has a good Roman archaeologist and a good bioarchaeologist (preferably working on relevant issues), I think you'd be perfectly okay. The bioarchaeologist at my university advises PhD students working in places as disparate as Peru and Israel, and they've had a pretty good track record at winning major fellowships and awards. 

 

An upside to not having a Roman bioarchaeologist as an advisor is that you won't be one of those PhD students who graduates as a virtual clone of his/her Doktorvater. 

Edited September 2, 2014 by aarch

[FaultyPowers]

FaultyPowers, did you ask him whether it would be worth re-applying the following year (i.e. this year)? In the event that there aren't any strong Andean bioarchaeologists that application cycle, at least you know you have a very strong application.

 

Also, were you in touch with any of the Meso people in the department? This is of course something worth bearing in mind wherever you apply, but I've found that it's always advantageous to try and get as many people in your corner as possible. 

 

 

Thank you so much for you response.  I was talking about Dr. Verano.  But he's not the only professor I'm worried about because I have a lot of other schools that I want to apply to but they don't have a professor that does Roman bioarchaeology.  There are only a couple schools that specialize in that, so it's really hard to find some that matches.  That's why I wanted people's opinions on if the specific region has to be the same as the professor.  Guess it'll probably just be best to email the professors and see if my region and subject is enough to be accepted or not.

 

 

I am SO sorry, I completely forgot to keep tabs on this forum after I wrote that!! 

 

I had a long, LONG conversation with both Dr. Verano and the DGS because initially there had been some problems with my application submission. They both seemed really into me (if I do say so myself) but then ultimately Dr. Verano told me explicitly that he wanted someone who does exactly what he does. I did not opt to ask about the next application cycle (this one) because I made a few decisions. 

 

First off, this was already the second time I had applied. The first time I was told the same thing, such a good applicant but I ultimately want someone doing what I do. And this doesn't just mean an Incan bioarchaeologist, it means EXACTLY what he does. Somebody studying trauma in Peru. Same deal at Vanderbilt. So after thinking the issue over I realized that bioarchaeology programs seem to fall into roughly two categories. Those that emphasize bioarchaeology without regional specialties, in other words those programs where the bio people work across a range of regions, and those programs with bios who work specifically in Peru. I've decided that if the program falls into the latter category I am not going to apply to it because based on my experience, these are programs where the POIs have research affiliations already in place and are looking for people to take on the work, as opposed to new students who are going to develop their own projects elsewhere. So I would say that if you look through the faculty pages and see the word "Peru" it is probably not going to happen if your regional specialty is anywhere BUT Peru!

[Meglet]

What are your interests more specifically? I gather the Middle East and maybe something to do with performance, theatre, art, etc.? 

Broadly: ethnic identity, performing arts, religion and cultural contact/interactions. Specifically, I wrote a master's thesis on the position of belly dancers in Islamic cultures (mostly Egypt).  I've thought about writing about belly dance as a site of cultural interaction, but I'm leaning more towards looking at the role of art in ethnic identity in Arab (possibly Palestinian) diaspora communities. 

[bioarch_fan]

Great reading your posts in here, and I wish everybody the best as you make your applications! I remember being on this site last year, applying for an MPH! (Was Incomplete, and eventually abandoned)!

 

I feel "different" in  several ways, first, I have to be much older than many if not all of you- going by your experiences, and second, I have no anthropology background! However, I have always wanted to enhance my health career with a grad degree in Medical Anthropology. I was recently admitted to Creighton University's online masters program, and I could start my first class as early as October this year as a non-degree seeking student till the regular start date in April 2015. Its pretty expensive, and I hope I can get myself a TA position to help out. It was the best match for me in every other sense, as I cannot leave my job to attend school, and I didn't have to be an Anthropology major in undergrad. to be eligible. Its also a perfect match on content and professor expertise. 

 

I have extensive clinical work experience and I am still actively licensed as an RN in Zambia, Botswana, Michigan USA and BC Canada. I would like to focus on chronic diseases in sub Saharan Africa in my field research/thesis. I am interested in health access, systems, social determinants, policy & politics, infectious and chronic diseases, Religion & health and culture & health behaviour. I hope to follow with a PhD in the Global Health area, either at Simon Fraser University or York University in Canada, where I am currently based. 

 

I am really excited to join a "new" academic family, and look forward to an exciting journey! I hope some Medical Anthropology enthusiasts will soon show up here, too!       

 

Nice to sort of meet you?  Lol.  I wouldn't say that you're older than everyone here.  I'm actually older than the normal undergrad (26 years old).    But you sound like you have a lot of your interests pretty narrowed and nailed down.  I was thinking of getting my MPH because of my interest in infectious diseases (it's combined with my interest in Roman bioarchaeology, specifically paleopathology and paleoepidemiology, and forensic anthropology).  I'm still debating on it because being able to have that option of working in the public health sector seems like a rewarding career as well.  Just not entirely sure if I'll do it or not yet.  I love Roman bioarchaeology SOOOOO much more.  Lol.  But I have a lot of friends that want to do medical anthropology and public health.  So maybe they'll join in on this conversation too.  

[bioarch_fan]

I'm not sure if this helps, but I know of a recent PhD grad from UNC Chapel Hill who specializes in Roman bioarchaeology, so it's presumably a viable option. 

 

As long as a program has a good Roman archaeologist and a good bioarchaeologist (preferably working on relevant issues), I think you'd be perfectly okay. The bioarchaeologist at my university advises PhD students working in places as disparate as Peru and Israel, and they've had a pretty good track record at winning major fellowships and awards. 

 

An upside to not having a Roman bioarchaeologist as an advisor is that you won't be one of those PhD students who graduates as a virtual clone of his/her Doktorvater. 

 

Hmmm...who is the grad student that you are talking about?  One of my POIs graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and she's a Roman bioarchaeologist.  I've found a couple schools that sort of have my interest, but most of them are North American, Andean, Incan, Mayan, etc bioarchaeologists.  I'm trying to find schools that have a classics department so that I can draw from outside of the department as well if I have to.

 

May I ask what school you go to?

 

And that is very true.  But the good thing is that my main POI teaches at a MA school.  So I'd have to go to another school for my PhD anyways.  So I shouldn't have to worry too much about the "clone" portion of graduating.  

[katpatt1026]

Hello everyone!! I am currently applying to 7 schools (Arizona, Montana, Indiana, UT Knoxville, Vanderbilt,and Texas just to name a few )for bioarchaeology, and paleopathology, with an Mayan emphasis. I was wondering if anyone had any information on the teachers here, other than whats on the websites?? If anyone has attended these schools?? I graduated in the spring from CSU, Chico, and have been preparing my applications sense then, but I don't feel like I have spent as much time on them as I should, you know life gets in the way. I was also wondering if it is appropriate to ask to Skype with the professors at the graduate schools you are applying to, instead of visiting the schools themselves, which is what many of them recommend. Just wanting to know other peoples thoughts on these questions. Thanks!!!

[smg]

Hello everyone!! I am currently applying to 7 schools (Arizona, Montana, Indiana, UT Knoxville, Vanderbilt,and Texas just to name a few )for bioarchaeology, and paleopathology, with an Mayan emphasis. I was wondering if anyone had any information on the teachers here, other than whats on the websites?? If anyone has attended these schools?? I graduated in the spring from CSU, Chico, and have been preparing my applications sense then, but I don't feel like I have spent as much time on them as I should, you know life gets in the way. I was also wondering if it is appropriate to ask to Skype with the professors at the graduate schools you are applying to, instead of visiting the schools themselves, which is what many of them recommend. Just wanting to know other peoples thoughts on these questions. Thanks!!!

 

I'd start with emailing faculty.  I have an upcoming phone call with a prof but we've exchanged a few emails already. 

[AKCarlton]

 I was also wondering if it is appropriate to ask to Skype with the professors at the graduate schools you are applying to, instead of visiting the schools themselves, which is what many of them recommend.

 

I was in the process of completing my final semester of school and preparing my applications, as well as working. I did not have time nor the money to fly out and visit any of the universities I applied to last year. However, I maintained consistent conversation via e-mail, and it went well. No e-mail went unanswered and to me, that seems like the best option for people in a similar situation, like you. I think I only called one university actually, and that was the one university I was rejected to and I wasn't surprised. After the phone call with the professor I was interested in working with it was quite evident we were not as good a "fit" as I had originally believed.

 

With that being said, I would suggest an e-mail introduction and ask them what their preferred method of communication is and slightly hint at your desire to do a Skype interview, and just go from there. But do not think your inability to do a campus visit will harm you too much.

 

Best of luck!

[bioarch_fan]

Hello everyone!! I am currently applying to 7 schools (Arizona, Montana, Indiana, UT Knoxville, Vanderbilt,and Texas just to name a few )for bioarchaeology, and paleopathology, with an Mayan emphasis. I was wondering if anyone had any information on the teachers here, other than whats on the websites?? If anyone has attended these schools?? I graduated in the spring from CSU, Chico, and have been preparing my applications sense then, but I don't feel like I have spent as much time on them as I should, you know life gets in the way. I was also wondering if it is appropriate to ask to Skype with the professors at the graduate schools you are applying to, instead of visiting the schools themselves, which is what many of them recommend. Just wanting to know other peoples thoughts on these questions. Thanks!!!

 

Just wanted to state that a couple of your schools are top schools in the field, i.e. Arizona State and UT Knoxville.  They are extremely competitive programs so before you apply I suggest talking with professors there and at your previous institution.  See what everyone says.  Competitive is nice, but that also means that funding might be minimal.  Vanderbilt is a great university and they should be able to offer reasonably good funding because it is a private university and from my experiences, private universities can usually offer better funding and stipends.

[sweetpearl16]

Hello everyone!! I am currently applying to 7 schools (Arizona, Montana, Indiana, UT Knoxville, Vanderbilt,and Texas just to name a few )for bioarchaeology, and paleopathology, with an Mayan emphasis. I was wondering if anyone had any information on the teachers here, other than whats on the websites?? If anyone has attended these schools?? I graduated in the spring from CSU, Chico, and have been preparing my applications sense then, but I don't feel like I have spent as much time on them as I should, you know life gets in the way. I was also wondering if it is appropriate to ask to Skype with the professors at the graduate schools you are applying to, instead of visiting the schools themselves, which is what many of them recommend. Just wanting to know other peoples thoughts on these questions. Thanks!!!

 

 

Just wanted to state that a couple of your schools are top schools in the field, i.e. Arizona State and UT Knoxville.  They are extremely competitive programs so before you apply I suggest talking with professors there and at your previous institution.  See what everyone says.  Competitive is nice, but that also means that funding might be minimal.  

 

I just wanted to reiterate what bioarch_fan said about minimal funding, especially at state schools. I know that the Anthropology programs in at least two of the schools you've mentioned in your post have been struggling financially over the past few years and as a result have taken in few students. One of them has been unable to provide funding for new students for at least the past two years. Definitely talk to the professors at these schools and see what they have to say.