<p>Essentially, going for the PhD is pretty similar to going to med school :)</p>
<p>I’m considering my PhD in History… it’s crazy, really. I have NOT gotten into a single conversation with a professor who did NOT bring up the length of the time it takes to finish a PhD. I heard an average range between 7-9 years. Believe me, I’d want to finish as fast as possible… because I’d want to get to my dream job (in a museum)! 
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<p>While it is important to see how long it takes people to get their doctorates, my advisor also pointed out that I should ask my potential advisors how long it takes for their students to reach the ABD (All But Dissertation) stage because of all the langauge and course requirements. Once you get to the ABD, you’re done, you’re on your own to do that dissertation in order to get that elusive degree. That’s why it’s so important for potential applicants to prepare themselves as much as they can in terms of languages so they can get it all done and out of the way.</p>