Comments on: Getting into graduate school in anthropology: What we/I look for in applicants http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/ Notes and Queries in Anthropology — A Group Blog Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:06:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Picking a Graduate School | Savage Minds http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-2/#comment-712070 Picking a Graduate School | Savage Minds Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:13:12 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-712070 [...] I realize that while I’ve written about making long-term plans, and Rex has written about preparing your application for graduate school (twice, actually), we haven’t really addressed this important question. [...] [...] I realize that while I’ve written about making long-term plans, and Rex has written about preparing your application for graduate school (twice, actually), we haven’t really addressed this important question. [...]

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]]> By: Rex http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-2/#comment-703071 Rex Wed, 01 Dec 2010 06:58:40 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-703071 This thread won't stop! I would recommend potential graduate students read "Getting What You Came For" to learn more about the art of application. I can't speak to issues of particular schools but for me the thing that makes a candidate stand out is always the personal statement -- this is where we really see their voice. This thread won’t stop!

I would recommend potential graduate students read “Getting What You Came For” to learn more about the art of application.

I can’t speak to issues of particular schools but for me the thing that makes a candidate stand out is always the personal statement — this is where we really see their voice.

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]]> By: JJ http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-2/#comment-693081 JJ Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:54:49 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-693081 How would you rank the integral components of the application? I am hoping for the following, since it reflects my current standing: Grades, fit, recommendations, and GRE scores. Set-up: I have two undergraduate degrees. My first did not end up so well, for various reasons, though my last semesters when I went to under 21 hours per term and was less busy with work, produced better grades. Anthropology was my second degree and I worked out a 4.0 major GPA and a 3.84 overall. I completed a fair amount of research for my statements of purpose, and overall I believe I am making my case and then some. I am applying to 4 schools and my fit is tailor-suited to jumping right in to projects with any of the faculty at the chosen schools. My letters of recommendation should also be good to grand. I was really charged and gung-ho about the process until now. I failed by being over-confident. MY GRE scores are the failure. I was practice-testing at least once a week and getting anywhere from the upper 1200s to the mid 1300s. Not the best, but I thought it would do the job. On test day my scores dropped to about 1100 combined. How much will the GRE impact my chances at the top schools in PA and the southeast? How would you rank the integral components of the application? I am hoping for the following, since it reflects my current standing:

Grades, fit, recommendations, and GRE scores.

Set-up:
I have two undergraduate degrees. My first did not end up so well, for various reasons, though my last semesters when I went to under 21 hours per term and was less busy with work, produced better grades.
Anthropology was my second degree and I worked out a 4.0 major GPA and a 3.84 overall.

I completed a fair amount of research for my statements of purpose, and overall I believe I am making my case and then some. I am applying to 4 schools and my fit is tailor-suited to jumping right in to projects with any of the faculty at the chosen schools. My letters of recommendation should also be good to grand.

I was really charged and gung-ho about the process until now. I failed by being over-confident. MY GRE scores are the failure. I was practice-testing at least once a week and getting anywhere from the upper 1200s to the mid 1300s. Not the best, but I thought it would do the job. On test day my scores dropped to about 1100 combined.

How much will the GRE impact my chances at the top schools in PA and the southeast?

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]]> By: Shelley http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-630909 Shelley Fri, 14 May 2010 17:03:12 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-630909 I will graduate from McGill in a year. I am an American student and would like to eventually return to Canada to work. Would it be better to get an American PhD, say from one of the top schools (luck and fit providing) or one from a Canadian university? I will graduate from McGill in a year. I am an American student and would like to eventually return to Canada to work. Would it be better to get an American PhD, say from one of the top schools (luck and fit providing) or one from a Canadian university?

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]]> By: Rick http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-628665 Rick Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:27:24 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-628665 Reo, actually there's a reason for that. I was told at my undergrad. institution by the chair that if I got an MA there, I would not be allowed to get a PhD later. He said it might be possible, but he strongly advised against it. This is because each dept. is slightly different, and has a slightly different mix of emphasized theories, methods, sub-fields, etc... To stay at just one institution, therefore is to not gain a more holistic worldview needed for our discipline. I completely agree with this. Like I said, I went to a theoretically rigorous college, but it just didn't match my goals when I did a semester of grad. school there. I did research and transfer to a less prestigious program, which was method heavy; less theory. It was the best thing I could have done, because I got the best of both worlds. However, the guys in the program at my current school that got there undergrad. there, are behind where they should be with theory, yet with a MS they can actually put together a project from scratch for a client and complete it when they graduate, which is something that very few master's only graduates can do. Reo, actually there’s a reason for that. I was told at my undergrad. institution by the chair that if I got an MA there, I would not be allowed to get a PhD later.
He said it might be possible, but he strongly advised against it. This is because each dept. is slightly different, and has a slightly different mix of emphasized theories, methods, sub-fields, etc…
To stay at just one institution, therefore is to not gain a more holistic worldview needed for our discipline. I completely agree with this.
Like I said, I went to a theoretically rigorous college, but it just didn’t match my goals when I did a semester of grad. school there. I did research and transfer to a less prestigious program, which was method heavy; less theory.

It was the best thing I could have done, because I got the best of both worlds. However, the guys in the program at my current school that got there undergrad. there, are behind where they should be with theory, yet with a MS they can actually put together a project from scratch for a client and complete it when they graduate, which is something that very few master’s only graduates can do.

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]]> By: Reo http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-628659 Reo Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:04:33 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-628659 I also want to throw something out there for anyone who is applying for grad school in anthro right now. If you were at a prestigious school for undergrad, don't invest all your hopes and dreams into some sort of homecoming. I've been told by my old adviser that with so many applications this year, they're using any reason they can get to weed people out. Most anthro departments discriminate against their own undergrads, so if it's between you and someone else with an equally strong application from University-of-Whatever, that guy's going to get it. It seems counter-intuitive, since they know you better, obviously, but just think of it as tough love. Probably better for your career in the long run to make more contacts with people in different departments anyway. I also want to throw something out there for anyone who is applying for grad school in anthro right now. If you were at a prestigious school for undergrad, don’t invest all your hopes and dreams into some sort of homecoming.

I’ve been told by my old adviser that with so many applications this year, they’re using any reason they can get to weed people out. Most anthro departments discriminate against their own undergrads, so if it’s between you and someone else with an equally strong application from University-of-Whatever, that guy’s going to get it.

It seems counter-intuitive, since they know you better, obviously, but just think of it as tough love. Probably better for your career in the long run to make more contacts with people in different departments anyway.

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]]> By: Rick http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-628647 Rick Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:36:28 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-628647 "I would add emphasize the “fit” part. Not only should you do due diligence to see if it is the right place for you and your desires, for your own happiness… but if you end up being admitted because you have strong grades, letters and scores, then think twice! You risk being unhappy, not fitting in, and having to do it all over again." I completely agree with this. Think about what you want to do, and what your professional goals are, and seek out which institution will give you what you need to gain the theoretical, and practical, skills you need to make them happen. So, the U. of Chicago or Columbia would be fantastic schools for someone that wants to be an academic, but a horrible choice for someone wanting to go applied. Reverse that scenario for a future professor to go to South Florida or U. of North Texas (completely applied schools). When a school tells you that they "value and teach the four fields," for their M.A. program, you have to ask yourself how that will make you marketable if you don't want to go on to get either another masters or a PhD. So, in my case I went to one of the completely applied, and easy to get into and cheap, schools above, and I'm now the primary investigator/consultant for a major U.S. city's federal stimulus development for low-income communities. If I went to an Ivy league school, I wouldn't have the skills, experience, or ability to do that, perhaps even with a PhD, but I would have serious debt. So while I am very happy I went to a very rigorous, four-field undergrad. program, continuing to learn about things like human evolution, or Meso-American glyphs, for my M.S. would have been pointless for me now. So, understand that if you go to an academically based, 4-field MA program, you will either have to get another degree, or a PhD if you actually want to work as an anthropologist. Your choice. If I ever become clinically insane and go for a PhD though, its gonna be an extremely competitive program. “I would add emphasize the “fit” part. Not only should you do due diligence to see if it is the right place for you and your desires, for your own happiness… but if you end up being admitted because you have strong grades, letters and scores, then think twice! You risk being unhappy, not fitting in, and having to do it all over again.”

I completely agree with this. Think about what you want to do, and what your professional goals are, and seek out which institution will give you what you need to gain the theoretical, and practical, skills you need to make them happen.

So, the U. of Chicago or Columbia would be fantastic schools for someone that wants to be an academic, but a horrible choice for someone wanting to go applied. Reverse that scenario for a future professor to go to South Florida or U. of North Texas (completely applied schools).

When a school tells you that they “value and teach the four fields,” for their M.A. program, you have to ask yourself how that will make you marketable if you don’t want to go on to get either another masters or a PhD.
So, in my case I went to one of the completely applied, and easy to get into and cheap, schools above, and I’m now the primary investigator/consultant for a major U.S. city’s federal stimulus development for low-income communities. If I went to an Ivy league school, I wouldn’t have the skills, experience, or ability to do that, perhaps even with a PhD, but I would have serious debt. So while I am very happy I went to a very rigorous, four-field undergrad. program, continuing to learn about things like human evolution, or Meso-American glyphs, for my M.S. would have been pointless for me now.

So, understand that if you go to an academically based, 4-field MA program, you will either have to get another degree, or a PhD if you actually want to work as an anthropologist. Your choice.
If I ever become clinically insane and go for a PhD though, its gonna be an extremely competitive program.

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]]> By: John McCreery http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-628645 John McCreery Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:05:52 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-628645 A small tip on applying for things: Jobs, grants, graduate schools. _Ask not what they can do for you. Ask what you can do for them._ The strongest appeal in the world is the one that says, "I've taken the trouble to understand you, to understand the work you do and why it's important to you," followed by, "Here is what I can contribute." A small tip on applying for things: Jobs, grants, graduate schools.

_Ask not what they can do for you. Ask what you can do for them._

The strongest appeal in the world is the one that says, “I’ve taken the trouble to understand you, to understand the work you do and why it’s important to you,” followed by, “Here is what I can contribute.”

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]]> By: Tony Waters http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-628644 Tony Waters Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:01:59 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-628644 Wow, reading over these comments gives me the heebeejeebees. De ja vu of applications from the past, and the interminable waits. My advice is always to apply (people who don't apply never get in), and then cast your net wide. Students, who have little control over the outcome like to believe that it is a matter of getting the right match between grades, test scores, letters, etc. This is true. But there is a big element of arbitrariness in grad school applications, too. The department you are applying to has more or fewer slots in a particular year, the professor you wnat to work with has no influence one year, but a lot the next. Or that professor gets awarded a sabbatical suddenly, and can't follow through on a promised sponsorship. Bottom line, if you are admitted, don't be too cocky--it may not be because you were the "very best." If you are rejected, chalk it up to bad luck. For everyone, cast your net wide. Just like dice, the more times you throw them, the more likely you are to throw the magic number! Wow, reading over these comments gives me the heebeejeebees. De ja vu of applications from the past, and the interminable waits.

My advice is always to apply (people who don’t apply never get in), and then cast your net wide. Students, who have little control over the outcome like to believe that it is a matter of getting the right match between grades, test scores, letters, etc. This is true. But there is a big element of arbitrariness in grad school applications, too. The department you are applying to has more or fewer slots in a particular year, the professor you wnat to work with has no influence one year, but a lot the next. Or that professor gets awarded a sabbatical suddenly, and can’t follow through on a promised sponsorship.

Bottom line, if you are admitted, don’t be too cocky–it may not be because you were the “very best.” If you are rejected, chalk it up to bad luck. For everyone, cast your net wide. Just like dice, the more times you throw them, the more likely you are to throw the magic number!

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]]> By: lily http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-628639 lily Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:18:07 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-628639 What is your advice for someone like me? I am waiting for my applications to get back and I am super nervous. 1. I graduated from Purdue University with a 2.6, over a 3.0 in anthropology and related ancient history courses (I want to study anthropological archaeology of the Near East). 2. I have good GRE scores, 1200+ and the writing test in the 99th percentile. 3. I have three years of field experience, 1 of which was in a supervisory position in the region I am interested in studying. 4. I took a year as a non-marticulated student at Universiity of Chicago and earned a 3.8 GPA. 5. I did some community college before I went to Purdue and earned a 3.3, altogether my GPA from all three colleges is over a 3.0. 6. I have excellent letters of recommendation, including one from a personal friend of my potential advisor. 7. I met with all of the faculty beforehand, and sent them thank-you notes after the meeting. I feel that the meetings went well. 8. I wrote really good statements of purpose, detailing how the department and I would be a good fit for each other. SO DO I HAVE A CHANCE??? I'm going crazy waiting for the results. What is your advice for someone like me? I am waiting for my applications to get back and I am super nervous.

1. I graduated from Purdue University with a 2.6, over a 3.0 in anthropology and related ancient history courses (I want to study anthropological archaeology of the Near East).

2. I have good GRE scores, 1200+ and the writing test in the 99th percentile.

3. I have three years of field experience, 1 of which was in a supervisory position in the region I am interested in studying.

4. I took a year as a non-marticulated student at Universiity of Chicago and earned a 3.8 GPA.

5. I did some community college before I went to Purdue and earned a 3.3, altogether my GPA from all three colleges is over a 3.0.

6. I have excellent letters of recommendation, including one from a personal friend of my potential advisor.

7. I met with all of the faculty beforehand, and sent them thank-you notes after the meeting. I feel that the meetings went well.

8. I wrote really good statements of purpose, detailing how the department and I would be a good fit for each other.

SO DO I HAVE A CHANCE??? I’m going crazy waiting for the results.

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]]> By: wondering http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-627332 wondering Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:40:42 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-627332 Can anyone tell me how to best go about switching from bio anth to cultural anth? I have an MA in bio anth, and really no experience in cultural anth, but want to switch to cultural for a PhD. Can anyone tell me how to best go about switching from bio anth to cultural anth? I have an MA in bio anth, and really no experience in cultural anth, but want to switch to cultural for a PhD.

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]]> By: (More) advice on graduate school applications | Savage Minds http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-626482 (More) advice on graduate school applications | Savage Minds Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:58:19 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-626482 [...] for graduate school applications are coming up again. Last year I wrote some quick pointers on applying to graduate school but since then I’ve developed my boiler-plate for our school even more as additional requests [...] [...] for graduate school applications are coming up again. Last year I wrote some quick pointers on applying to graduate school but since then I’ve developed my boiler-plate for our school even more as additional requests [...]

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]]> By: Magnus http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-613098 Magnus Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:23:16 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-613098 Being a prospective international graduate student I was wondering whether the same considerations about international cultural differences came into play when judging GRE scores? In my experience education systems in e.g. European countries do not teach students to handle standardized tests instead focusing on practical application of learned skills. For example there is a cultural disadvantage to international students in some of the reading and verbal sections that clearly favour students who have the kind of understanding of the world that you'd get in an American educational system. There is also an obvious linguistic disadvantage to students with English as a second language. Does this prompt the admissions committee to look more kindly on GRE scores by international students or do they rather see it as a way to raise the bar for international students so that only the very, very best (those who can compete directly with national students in the areas that the GRE measure) are accepted? Being a prospective international graduate student I was wondering whether the same considerations about international cultural differences came into play when judging GRE scores? In my experience education systems in e.g. European countries do not teach students to handle standardized tests instead focusing on practical application of learned skills. For example there is a cultural disadvantage to international students in some of the reading and verbal sections that clearly favour students who have the kind of understanding of the world that you’d get in an American educational system. There is also an obvious linguistic disadvantage to students with English as a second language. Does this prompt the admissions committee to look more kindly on GRE scores by international students or do they rather see it as a way to raise the bar for international students so that only the very, very best (those who can compete directly with national students in the areas that the GRE measure) are accepted?

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]]> By: peach http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-603836 peach Wed, 20 May 2009 17:57:06 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-603836 Hello, I am going to apply for the 2010-11 admission and would like to start thinking about the personal statement early. Any reference book or website recommended? Thanks in advance! Hello,

I am going to apply for the 2010-11 admission and would like to start thinking about the personal statement early. Any reference book or website recommended? Thanks in advance!

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]]> By: cj http://savageminds.org/2009/02/23/getting-into-graduate-school-in-anthropology-what-wei-look-for-in-applicants/comment-page-1/#comment-596279 cj Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:40:33 +0000 http://savageminds.org/?p=1660#comment-596279 @ RW. Canadian schools are less competitive than American schools. The most ambitious Canadians tend to go to the US. The approach here is something midway between the US and the UK. That is, there is usually a year of coursework, then comprehensive exams, the proposal, language requirement, fieldwork, and dissertation. As a foreigner, you will NOT qualify for the largest source of funding, the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, but you will qualify for provincial funding (at least in Ontario), and potentially funding from wherever you are from. You have not provided any of your topical interests, so I cannot comment on an appropriate school. I suggest you expend some effort looking into this on your own, though. If you want a job in the US, you will do better with a recognized American degree. Some Canadians from top schools (Toronto, McGill) work in the US, but not too many. @ RW. Canadian schools are less competitive than American schools. The most ambitious Canadians tend to go to the US.

The approach here is something midway between the US and the UK. That is, there is usually a year of coursework, then comprehensive exams, the proposal, language requirement, fieldwork, and dissertation.

As a foreigner, you will NOT qualify for the largest source of funding, the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, but you will qualify for provincial funding (at least in Ontario), and potentially funding from wherever you are from.

You have not provided any of your topical interests, so I cannot comment on an appropriate school. I suggest you expend some effort looking into this on your own, though.

If you want a job in the US, you will do better with a recognized American degree. Some Canadians from top schools (Toronto, McGill) work in the US, but not too many.

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