M.A.E. Posted January 4, 2015 Posted January 4, 2015 Posted this to the Phil subforum, but figured I might catch some additional words of advice by adding it here: Totally new to these forums, so my apologies if this topic has been covered a thousand times before -- I'm sure it has. But as a 2013 B.A. recipient now bent on returning to graduate school to study [continental] philosophy, I want to jump the gun and run my stats by you in the trenches to see what next steps I should take. Undergraduate: Williams College '13 (B.A. in philosophy, GPA 3.57) GRE: currently enrolled in a prep course; I will take the GRE this spring (probably March) Areas of Interest: Georges Bataille, Nietzsche, Hegel's reception in France (i.e., Kojeve & Hyppolite); to a lesser extent: Foucault, queer theory Obviously I was not a remarkable undergraduate student. I matured somewhat over the course of 4 years, but it has taken a few additional years to -- if you'll excuse my French -- get my shit together and focus my interests. Now, after working as a paralegal considering (and abandoning) law, I am certain that I would like to pursue a PhD in philosophy; my question is: how do I get there? It seems I have much to make up for. While I had a strong relationship with one well-respected Foucault scholar in undergrad (and a good relationship with a young Kant/Hegel prof), I would need to come up with one (or two, if the young guy is a bad bet) recommendation(s). I also had acceptable grades (I intend this disparagingly ). While I test well, I haven't taken the GRE yet so it remains an uncertainty. Specifically, I am wondering: is philosophy even the right place for me, a formerly mediocre undergrad? I suppose my interests lie more in the vein of 'critical theory'. In any event, I would love any and all advice that anyone can offer regarding compensating for poor undergraduate performance and solidifying letters of recommendation after graduating from undergrad. The obvious answer to me is "get an MA", though I wonder about the value of such programs given the accompanying financial burden. Let's say I could rope someone in to provide a 3rd rec, ace the GRE, and put together a stellar writing sample by the end of this year -- would I still be insane to apply to PhD programs? (Browsing the forums here leaves me pessimistic about my chances at this point...) It that's not an option, would an MA help my future chances of acceptance into good PhD programs? Apologies for the lengthy post; anxieties are running high as you can see, as I'd like to move things along for the 2016 application cycle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated -- and thank you in advance!!
Francophile1 Posted January 4, 2015 Posted January 4, 2015 I will gladly reply since I think I can add something to your dilemma. I as well was kind of in the same boat. I would suggest for you to apply broadly to both MA and PhD programs, probably more MA's than PhD's. What you have to realize is that many Phd programs, the good ones accept stellar graduates and this often means MA graduates with more experience research etc. Of course they do take students after BA's but often those students are the best of the best (in their undergrad) schools. And also you should think about what you think would be more beneficial to you. Going first to an MA, strengthening your skills, writing etc. Or going straight into a PhD- it will be hard, but if you are willing to work really hard, and accept that probably at first you will be at a somewhat disadvantage then by all means do it! I did it and at times I think an MA would have benefited me in a different way, but I have grown and gained much strength from my experience as a Ma/PhD student. Hope this helps Page228 1
ToldAgain Posted January 4, 2015 Posted January 4, 2015 This might not be the best place to get advice for a Philosophy applicant. You will get great advice over on the Philosophy subforum, and from people applying in your field who know it well. With that said, advice: Nobody on this forum can tell you what field to apply to, and generally that is an indicator that you should take some time to really ask yourself what you want to do. Read relevant and recent research in philosophy and critical theory and maybe have some serious talks with professors about what studying in either field is like. If you are taking votes, I think critical theory is among the most interesting fields in the universe, but I am an English major theory nerd I would be inclined to say that your GPA is not the death of your application, and is only one part of many. Even if your GRE scores are stellar, they are also only one part of many, and arguably the least important part. The general advice you will get in this forum is to present a killer writing samle, relevant and professional SOP, and get some professors who are interested in your success to write great LORs. I also get the feeling that Philosophy is more competitive than English for PhD slots (I may be wrong, and English is super competitive, so that's saying something), so perhaps GPA or GRE is more of a factor, I just don't know. Applying widely is a good idea. You never know who is going to value your application, and you just may be the perfect fit for X awesome program. It is always good advice to do your research and apply smartly to both PhD and fund MA programs. Short Version: Nobody knows but you if you are ready to apply for a PhD. When you know you're ready, all you can do is present the best possible application and be smart about where you apply. Good luck!
rising_star Posted January 4, 2015 Posted January 4, 2015 There is no need to cross-post. People can see your post regardless of the forum. To those who wish to reply, please go here:
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