Latin American Studies MA- Fall 2015

[Randomgal]

Mexico's a fantastic country, and Michoacan and Guanajuato are beautiful states. And yes, Mexico is quite different from the rest of Latin America culturally, particularly the food.

Yes, I loved both states, but Guanajuato more so. I guess I need to visit other Latin American countries.

Honestly, I decided to apply for an MA in LAS on a whim. But I think I also decided to do it because of my heritage (I'm Mexican-American) and because I've always found my trips to Mexico to be more than interesting. I guess I just want to formalize my lifelong observations! But I also want to use the MA as a stepping stone for a PhD program (hopefully Anthropology)

[twentysix]

Hi all! I'm also deciding what to do next year. I'm between a phd in sociology and the MA in latin american studies, both focusing on latino integration in the US. For LAS, i applied to berkeley (which isn't accepting a new class, and my app fee was refunded) and was accepted to UT and georgetown. I was wondering what motivated everyone to apply for the MA. Do you see it as something that would strengthen your application to a phd program later, or do you see it as a goal in and of itself? 

 

My advisors tell me that an interdisciplinary masters isn't a great idea because it lacks the rigor of a phd in what ACTUALLY interests you (like soc or anth) and doesn't have the pre-professional benefits of an MPA or MPP. For this reason, I'm told that Latin Americanists aren't that well-regarded. I think, though, that the MA could be a good way to transition into a decent phd program later. I guess I'm nervous to commit to a PhD, especially if I don't get into a great program this application cycle, but I also don't to spend more money getting a degree that won't be valued. Has anyone else run into the same issue, and what advice have you received? 

 

I applied to LAS MAs specifically as the transition from my B.S. (Anth) and B.A. (History) to a PhD.

 

I am using it as a way to make myself a significantly stronger PhD applicant, by further improving my familiarity with greater Latin America, my academic skills (including proficency in colonial mixtec and/or colonial nahautl), and increasing my networking within the field/region (Latin American History).

I do not/did not feel that I could get into a top History PhD for the fall of '15 and I see no point in pursuing a PhD without attending a top school.

I have one fully funded MA offer so far (waiting on UCLA/Tulane still)... so I won't be spending money to do this either.

Edited February 24, 2015 by twentysix

[victorydance]

I am using it as a launch pad to get into (hopefully) a top 10 Ph.D. program in political science. 

 

It really depends how you approach it though. For me, I study comparative Latin American politics. UT Austin has seven professors that focus on politics in Latin America (typically even the best departments in the field only employ one or two who study LA politics). The resources available through that program are better than any other MA for me, political science or otherwise. Besides, I can get into any Ph.D. level political science course that I want anyways. 

 

I was kind of stuck in this no man's land with regards to applying to graduate programs: too strong for MA applications, a little too weak for top Ph.D. programs. I probably could have gotten an admit to a Ph.D. program, but I decided to do a masters first to really make my application package elite. I also think I am not *totally* ready for a Ph.D. program yet and could definitely use a bunch of methods training beforehand, particularly in statistics. 

 

These are my basic goals coming out of the MA:

 

1) Do a few quantitative and qualitative methods courses in political science.

2) Round out my knowledge in Latin America so that I am not strapped to applying solely to Ph.D. programs that are strong in the area.

3) Improve my language skills, particularly Portuguese.

4) Get some more research experience, already have about 8 months worth of RA work, looking for ~2 years before applying to Ph.D. programs.

5) Get something published.

6) Get a good letter of recommendation from a particular professor that I am targeting for my masters thesis.

 

I could easily get all of those things done in a MA program, except getting something published would be tough of course.

 

So yeah, you need to look at what kind of resources the MA LAS could do for you and make a plan of what you want to get out of the program for it to be really beneficial. 

 

Oh, and one of my former professors really pushed me to apply to this program...I might not have if it wasn't for them.

Edited February 24, 2015 by victorydance

[Randomgal]

I applied to LAS MAs specifically as the transition from my B.S. (Anth) and B.A. (History) to a PhD.

I am using it as a way to make myself a significantly stronger PhD applicant, by further improving my familiarity with greater Latin America, my academic skills (including proficency in colonial mixtec and/or colonial nahautl), and increasing my networking within the field/region (Latin American History).

I do not/did not feel that I could get into a top History PhD for the fall of '15 and I see no point in pursuing a PhD without attending a top school.

I have one fully funded MA offer so far (waiting on UCLA/Tulane still)... so I won't be spending money to do this either.

Whoa, you got the funding confirmed already?! If so, Congrats.

I am on the same boat as both of you, not exactly a worthy enough applicant for decent Anthropology PhD programs. What I want out of the MA programs is to gain more research experience, improve my Spanish (i can speak and read, but not write), and build relationships with professors who can help me in the future

[twentysix]

Whoa, you got the funding confirmed already?! If so, Congrats.

I am on the same boat as both of you, not exactly a worthy enough applicant for decent Anthropology PhD programs. What I want out of the MA programs is to gain more research experience, improve my Spanish (i can speak and read, but not write), and build relationships with professors who can help me in the future

 

Heh, my Spanish is exactly the opposite of yours. I can read and write at an advanced level, but only converse at an intermediate level.  I have not spent extensive time in a spanish speaking community, only traveling in CDMX and Panama. So my biggest struggle is the on the fly nature of speaking/confidence in speaking.

Edited February 24, 2015 by twentysix

[buencabro]

Thank you all for responding! It's been helpful to read how you've thought through things. 

 

I applied to LAS MAs specifically as the transition from my B.S. (Anth) and B.A. (History) to a PhD.

 

I am using it as a way to make myself a significantly stronger PhD applicant, by further improving my familiarity with greater Latin America, my academic skills (including proficency in colonial mixtec and/or colonial nahautl), and increasing my networking within the field/region (Latin American History).

I do not/did not feel that I could get into a top History PhD for the fall of '15 and I see no point in pursuing a PhD without attending a top school.

I have one fully funded MA offer so far (waiting on UCLA/Tulane still)... so I won't be spending money to do this either.

That's awesome that you got funding! I got an offer that would cover tuition and enrollment fees, but I'm still worried the cost of living in the area will be prohibitive...  

 

I could easily get all of those things done in a MA program, except getting something published would be tough of course.

 

So yeah, you need to look at what kind of resources the MA LAS could do for you and make a plan of what you want to get out of the program for it to be really beneficial. 

 

Oh, and one of my former professors really pushed me to apply to this program...I might not have if it wasn't for them.

Those are all great reasons, and they really mirror my own thinking. On the other hand, I have also thought that for sociology at least, many schools accept students directly from undergrad. In some sense, I feel like the standard is lower for these types of applicants (for example, you wouldn't expect an undergrad to have published something in a reputable journal or have travelled to a conference), whereas for a masters, those qualifications become the norm once you move on to the PhD. I definitely also feel that I'm underqualified in terms of methodology, but all phd programs include that type of specific training. I just don't know how much more competitive you really become with the masters, not to mention that it's one or two extra years on top of the 5 min. required to complete PhD in the social sciences in the US. 

 

I'm just playing devil's advocate to see if others have thought about and resolved the same doubts that I have.

Victorydance, my advisor here has warned me against UT's MA! One of her best friends is one of the 7 latin americanists in the Gov't dep't that you've mentioned, and she has told me that there's currently a pretty large disconnect between the two programs. I spoke with her and was told that LLILAS is is very disorganized (to the point that she hasn't been in communication with them for a while) and has a heavy bias towards critical anthropology that has alienated her and other profs. I was really disappointed to hear this, since LLILAS is such an amazing resource (half my library books for my current thesis are from UT), and I applied anyway just to see what would happen, but I don't think I'll go given the lack of funding. 

 

Of course, this is just one professor's opinion (and very possibly, an unfounded grudge!), but it might be worth reaching out to make sure that you'll be able to have the kind of contact with the comparative politics profs that you're hoping for before you commit! 

[victorydance]

Those are all great reasons, and they really mirror my own thinking. On the other hand, I have also thought that for sociology at least, many schools accept students directly from undergrad. In some sense, I feel like the standard is lower for these types of applicants (for example, you wouldn't expect an undergrad to have published something in a reputable journal or have travelled to a conference), whereas for a masters, those qualifications become the norm once you move on to the PhD. I definitely also feel that I'm underqualified in terms of methodology, but all phd programs include that type of specific training. I just don't know how much more competitive you really become with the masters, not to mention that it's one or two extra years on top of the 5 min. required to complete PhD in the social sciences in the US. 

 

I think this "higher standard for MA applicants" is pretty óverstated. If you look at recent admissions in political science (and I am sure sociology is similar) you are looking at at least half of the incoming cohorts holding MA or graduate degrees of some kind. A good applicant is a good applicant. No one wants a shitty MA applicant in their program sure, but I don't intend on being one anyways. The MA itself isn't necessarily what's attractive to me, it's the resources I have at my disposal from it.

 

Ph.D. programs in political science heavily look at methods and math training in their applicants. If you have a good math foundation you are definitely looked upon more favourably. This could actually be the weakest part of my application so if I manage to go through a year sequence of graduate level quantitative methods than this is a huge plus to my application.

 

I think I would be a lot more favourable just because I will be focusing on improving all my weaknesses. I didn't have an amazing GPA during my undergrad, I am looking to get a 3.8+ GPA. No math and little methods training, looking to do at least 3 graduate methods courses. If I manage to improve those two things + do better on my GRE quant score I am an extremely competitive applicant with virtually no weaknesses in my application. 

 

I don't really care about the time thing, for one I already committed to only applying to MA programs this cycle, and two I am already a non-traditional student and not concerned with going through the process at blazing speed.

 

Victorydance, my advisor here has warned me against UT's MA! One of her best friends is one of the 7 latin americanists in the Gov't dep't that you've mentioned, and she has told me that there's currently a pretty large disconnect between the two programs. I spoke with her and was told that LLILAS is is very disorganized (to the point that she hasn't been in communication with them for a while) and has a heavy bias towards critical anthropology that has alienated her and other profs. I was really disappointed to hear this, since LLILAS is such an amazing resource (half my library books for my current thesis are from UT), and I applied anyway just to see what would happen, but I don't think I'll go given the lack of funding. 

 

Of course, this is just one professor's opinion (and very possibly, an unfounded grudge!), but it might be worth reaching out to make sure that you'll be able to have the kind of contact with the comparative politics profs that you're hoping for before you commit! 

 

 

I am not too worried about it, but I am going to the open house so I'll definitely be asking a lot of questions about how flexible the program is and how I can utilize the government department during my studies.

 

I also already have an interview for an RA position by emailing one of the profs, will probably email a few more to see what their response is like. 

 

--------------------

 

I think it also isn't necessarily just about improving my application...it's also about improving my personal skills. I love studying comparative politics and doing a MA in Latin American studies allows me to gain a lot of skills that I wouldn't have time to focus on during a doctoral program. It also allows me to finally assess whether academia is exactly what I want for my future even though I am pretty drawn to it already. Coming out of the program having a lot more substantive knowledge in Latin America, better stats training, better language proficiency, and other research skills honed I will be stronger as a student and have a clearer idea of the path I need to go on in the future. 

Edited February 25, 2015 by victorydance

[buencabro]

Thanks for your insight! It's helpful to hear the other side, especially since all my advice is coming from people who skipped the masters on the way to their PhD haha 

 

Les deseo a todos lo mejor el año que viene, y muy buena suerte! 

[twentysix]

Do any of you have any publications/conference presentations?

 

I had my senior thesis accepted to a conference in April. I also recieved travel money from one of my profs in the history department to fly to Portland for the conference which makes attending a no brainer. I am interested in the experience, but I have attended 2 other conferences previously (without presenting at them).

 

I think being accepted to present at a conference (without student-paper applications) was a boon to my MA application.

 

My senior thesis deals with immigration in the American civil war and is not LA related, but is original historical scholarship.

 

My girlfriend is completing her English MA this semester and she was able to present at 4 or 5 conferences, two of which were international. She was also able to get a review published. You can do serious CV building during an MA. Two years of graduate level work should also significantly improve GRE scores.

 

For me, at least, I think an MA was the only logical choice at this point and time.

 

¡Igualmente buencabro!

Edited February 25, 2015 by twentysix

[victorydance]

Got into UChicago, with a scholarship of approx. 25K. Makes the decision a bit harder...

 

No, I don't have any publications. In political science it's virtually impossible to get anything published as an undergrad. I have been turning my honours thesis into a workable manuscript but I need to add quantitative analysis which I don't have the proper training in for it to be publishable at a decent journal. 

[tomasdavis]

Im actually appling to MA Mideast studies programs, but I wanted to encourage anybody considering MA in Lat Am studies... I spent some time in Mexico and Colombia, and I think that the benefit of this kind of program is that you just get to explore your interests, may/may not improve job prospects, but I think the personal and intellectual experience would be fascinating.  If I hadnt transitioned to the Mideast a few years ago, Id be applying with you all...

[twentysix]

Im actually appling to MA Mideast studies programs, but I wanted to encourage anybody considering MA in Lat Am studies... I spent some time in Mexico and Colombia, and I think that the benefit of this kind of program is that you just get to explore your interests, may/may not improve job prospects, but I think the personal and intellectual experience would be fascinating.  If I hadnt transitioned to the Mideast a few years ago, Id be applying with you all...

 

I think everyone in the thread so far is aiming for a PhD. The MA is just a stopgap. Best of luck to you in your Mideast studies MA.

Edited February 27, 2015 by twentysix

[twentysix]

I was accepted to UCLA! Funding information to follow.

[Randomgal]

I was accepted to UCLA! Funding information to follow.

 

 

Congrats!!

[twentysix]

Congrats!!

 

Thanks. Check the decision status website to see if they decided on you too.

 

I didn't recieve an email or letter.

[Randomgal]

Okay, 

 

I checked...nothing. If it doesn't change, I'll freak out tomorrow. Congratulations again though! 

[twentysix]

Okay, 

 

I checked...nothing. If it doesn't change, I'll freak out tomorrow. Congratulations again though! 

 

https://appstatus.grad.ucla.edu/account/login.aspx

[Randomgal]

Yeah....I've checked once or twice an hour. It says no decision has been made.. Maybe they never got my transcript. Im just going to send a friendly email to see where they are at. Thanks though!

[twentysix]

I recieved an Email from the LAS department at UCLA a few minutes ago.

 

I recieved a $25,000 Latin American Studies fellowship for '15-16.

 

This pretty much locks up my attendance at UCLA. I just need to guarantee some form of a tuition waiver for year 2 of the master's.

[Randomgal]

I recieved an Email from the LAS department at UCLA a few minutes ago.

 

I recieved a $25,000 Latin American Studies fellowship for '15-16.

 

This pretty much locks up my attendance at UCLA. I just need to guarantee some form of a tuition waiver for year 2 of the master's.

 

Congratulations to you!  Well deserved!  

[Randomgal]

Got my decision, I had an inclination that it was going to be a rejection. Guess I'm one step closer going to UCSD now (not that I'm complaining

[twentysix]

UCLA's visitation day was just announced today.

 

Has anyone or everyone decided on where they are going in the fall? What was your funding package? Where did you get in/not get in?

 

I am still waiting on Tulane (hoping to hear from them tomorrow) and deciding between UCLA and UCSD.

[twentysix]

Got my decision, I had an inclination that it was going to be a rejection. Guess I'm one step closer going to UCSD now (not that I'm complaining )

 

UCSD is a very attractive option, I wouldn't be hurt either.

I went through a similar thing. I was rejected by Texas after I already had two acceptances so it didn't really bother me either.

[Randomgal]

UCSD is a very attractive option, I wouldn't be hurt either.

I went through a similar thing. I was rejected by Texas after I already had two acceptances so it didn't really bother me either.

 

I think I was more relieved than anything. But here is my round-up: 

 

Accepted: UCSD

Rejected: UCLA

Still applying: San Diego State, Cal State LA

 

Im going to submit the last two next week, and then I can call it a day!

[twentysix]

Best of luck on the last two apps! I'm still waiting to hear from Tulane... it is getting pretty late... about 1 month until acceptance deadlines.

Edited March 12, 2015 by twentysix