<p>I will be applying to graduate school next year, so I’ve been trying to find programs in which I would be a good fit. </p>
<p>I just have a general question: how competitive are Cultural Anth and Middle Eastern Studies (Or Islamic Studies) MA and PhD programmes compared to other social science programmes such as psychology and sociology?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>The competitiveness of Middle Eastern studies grad programs has increased significantly in recent years, especially since 9/11, as the number of applicants has risen while many programs have yet to make accomodations for that increase. The competition depends on many factors, includiing GRE scores, GPA, the prestige of your undergrad institution, but often rests predominately on your research, publications and letters of recommendation (“who you know”). Get involved in conferences, write, publish, get to know the crowd, as in any field. </p>
<p>What schools did you have in mind when applying? Where are you studying at now?</p>
<p>If I could recommend one school to study Middle Eastern Studies it would be SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) in London. It is a whole university specialising in the subject. They also have a strong anthropology department plus you do not have to take the GRE.</p>