Best social/cultural anthro schools?

[Belleraphone]

What are the top programs with a speciality in social or cultural anthropology?

[smg]

"Top" programs don't mean much if your interests don't match.  

[Meglet]

This blog has links to overall program rankings, plus an explanation of how they work and why they aren't all that meaningful.  But the NRC rankings will give you an idea of which schools have good reputations for anthropology in general, which can be a good place to start.

 

http://blogs.plos.org/neuroanthropology/2010/10/01/national-research-council-rankings-anthropology/

[smg]

This blog has links to overall program rankings, plus an explanation of how they work and why they aren't all that meaningful.  But the NRC rankings will give you an idea of which schools have good reputations for anthropology in general, which can be a good place to start.

 

http://blogs.plos.org/neuroanthropology/2010/10/01/national-research-council-rankings-anthropology/

 

Neuroanthro, wtf?  I'm out of the loop.  Other than neuroanthro, what other emerging trends are folks following?  

[Meglet]

I see a lot of ads for professors looking for expertise in visual anthropology, but I'm not sure how newly emergent that is.

[DanJackson]

Belleraphone - what are your interests? That will really determine the right program for you. You could go to a top-ranked program and if it doesn't fit with your topics of interest, your plans for your studies, and your plans for your life - then it might be the worst program for you.

 

If it sounds strange to say that, keep in mind that it's also very important to match you with the right school because even if you have an amazing record and profile, the "top programs" won't offer you a place unless you are a good fit for the department. Being a good fit doesn't mean your GRE or your grades, but instead that they want to work with you as a colleague because of the work you are interested in doing, because of how you approach your topic, etc.

 

So, first step is not to ask about the best program - but to find out what you want to study!