Anthropology PhD advice?

breathfire
Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:49:53 +0000

Hello Everyone,

I’m a senior at New York University, finishing my last semester with BA in Anthropology.
I am taking a year off before graduate school, but that means I have to start
searching for schools/professors/programs now or at least very soon.

Here’s the info: I’m a cultural anthropology track, my honors thesis is on witchcraft accusations phenomena (symbolic anthropology). I am interested in Africa/African studies but I don’t have a specific location. While I gravitate toward symoblic anthropology, field of religious experiences, I don’t want to stray away from the material–politics, “development,” NGOs. I also have an interest in linguistic anthro (I know, another field), as analyzing languages has helped me greatly in understanding cultures.

Here are the Qs:

How important is it for Anthro admissions that I have a specific geo area?
For methodology: if the program is particularly strong in historic/political analysis (Columbia, I think) and I hold interest in symbolic as well, is this alright or should I stick to their methodology (for the application essay)?
Taking a year off: good idea? What should I do to make it seem worth while–no, I do not hold a Fulbright or anything fancy. I’m not going to work at Starbucks either, but any suggestions for a student with a tight budget at best? (I mention this b/c I am often suggested international travel) Research? Teaching? Learning language?
Any advice you can give on finding the right school, program, steps to take now, GRE, GPA “requirements”—any relevant experiences you guys have would be so helpful!


Thanks to All,
Breath