any recommendations?

[nesine]

Hi all,

(This is an international applicant)

I am earning my economics BA degree three months later, want to study Near Eastern Cultural Anthropology (probably a special emphasis on Turkey). I also wrote a message to NES thread, but I did get nothing. Because many NES departments are focusing on the field I am willing to study (Anthro as a sub-field), I can opt both departments for a PhD degree. That is why I am posting this message that requests any information about my chance to get in to Anthro section.

First, I am not sure whether I have done enough research or not. Here is what I have done. I did take many History courses during five years of undergraduate study. By the way, it should be noted that Anthropology is a neglected social science in Turkey lacking relevant MA programs in Anthropology (even BA). Therefore, unfortunately I had no oppurtunity to take Anthro classes. Instead, I was recommended by a professor to take History classes as I mentioned above.

Here is the list of these classes:

Turkish Political and Social Structure

History of Political Thoughts

Political History of 20th Century

History of Civilizations

History of Economic Thought etc.

Art History

And two more mandatory classes

The topics I would like to study are Nationalism, Racism, Ethnic and Minority Studies, and Islam and its effects on popular culture. Well, I can say that my background of these fields seems to be strong. I have participated in a Summer University in Hungary to improve my knowledge of Minority issues. The two-week SU included many courses ranging from Gypsy minority in Hungary to Postsocialism. Looking back, it was a perfect experience with its all espects. In addition, I and a friend of mine organized an ethnicity project funded by EU that examined the sociologicial effects of language barrier on Kurdish children.

Okey, my cumGPA is 3.01 but I performed very well in History classes (partial GPA: 3,8). I am currently applying to MA programs in Turkey but to History programs for same reason. In fact, there is a very good one: MA in "Comparative Study in History and Society", which combines the strengths of sociology and history. I hope to be admitted and put an outstanding performance (at least 3.75). In this case, do I stand any chance in Anthro PhD's? Another thing to keep in mind is that this program offers elective courses in the field of Anthropology.

Do you think that BA in Economics may cause a problem in getting accepted? "Switching lowers my chance"?

I should emphasize that I am in no position to apply to a terminal MA program in the US because of the lack of enough source. As you know, American universities generally prefer to accept funded PhD students rather than MA. I will stay here, then apply to American schools for 2011-2012.

Moreover, TOEFL IBT: 101 and GRE; Q: 800 V: 550). I can improve these scores considering that I have still almost two yrs.

How to be a more strong applicant?

Any opinions and recommendations help. Thanks.

[sunshine6]

Hey Nesine!

I think that you can be a good candidate for an Anthro program, or even a Near Eastern studies program, which should also be tied closely with anthro classes. The reasons you state for the change (lack of anthro classes available) make sense, and the history classes you've taken support your interest. History and people are intertwined. If you can link the concepts you are interested in studying in the future with what you have already studied, you will have a very compelling research proposal.

I think the only real obstacle you face is to find a school that has enough Near Eastern studies/Near Eastern Anthro professors/program strength. Look at universities' websites to find this information. Write/email schools to ask about their Turkish departments. What I mean is, a school won't accept you unless they have someone to teach you.

(In my case, I began undergrad with an interest in studying gender in ancient India. Too bad there was only a single class for it. )

I am sure you are qualified to gain acceptance, you just have to find and apply to the places that have similar interests. Just look hard enough and you will find your niche.