Anthropology PhD advice?

vociferous
Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:55:29 +0000

Well first of all GPA and Test scores will be important in your admissions opportunities. I would take a GRE prep course if you can afford to. Think of the cost as an investment. You also want not only to get in but to get funding. Here are the factors that will determine your opportunities:

GPA, Test Scores, Writing Sample, Personal Statement (which is really a research statement or plan for dissertation), Reputation of Undergrad institution and Letters of Rec.

All of these are weighed pretty evenly but if your dissertation plan is particularly strong then it could factor more heavily.

In your personal statement, you don’t really want to get too “personal” you want to clearly outline how you will write a dissertation on your topic of choice and what sources you are going to use to do so.

You also want to apply to as many programs (at least 15) as possible, because you want to give yourself more opportunities for funding. In some ways there is no rhyme or reason to grad admissions, you will get into some schools that are ranked way higher than schools you are rejected to, it is more about fit. Also if your grades, test scores, letters and research plan are of high quality you should not have to pay for grad school. You can get fellowships or TAships which pay all your tuition and give you a living allowance.

Also, some schools will allow free “diversity” applications for underrepresented or first generation college students. Check out the CIC from the Midwest schools.

Here is a link for top Anthro programs

[NRC Rankings in Anthropology](NRC Rankings in Anthropology)