grad study in history info please....

ticklemepink
Mon, 07 Aug 2006 09:59:25 +0000

I spent this summer asking around for advice and suggestions for grad schools in terms of getting a PhD in History. I want to get one so I can come back and work as a researcher or have one of the higher-level jobs at a museum (I’m a lowly intern right now…).

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

1. Minimum GPA of 3.3 and GRE Verbal of 700 to at least be qualifed for any PhD program- high GRE scores tell the admissions that you’re very likely to stick out with the program.

2. DON’T GO to grad school if you can think other ways to work with your interests- like working in the library or teach at a high school. Or law school- those take less time.
4)Take a year off ONLY to earn money or to study language (as a Europeanist- you’d need to know French or German)

3. Learn your languages over the summer, NOT during school year so you can focus more and won’t kill your GPA (well, it does for me)

4. Press hard to convince the professor of your choice to admit you

5. Pick a dissertation topic that you have a personal connection with and really love- that kind of connection will make the whole research and writing process easier

6. Try to get a killer fin-aid package for the first two years- you shouldn’t work so you can really focus on your studies

Things were emphasized that definitely gets you in and through grad school- knowledge of languages, good match with a professor, and your natural drive.

Having a natural drive is essential- I’ve asked how did they just keep going after they considered dropping out. They all said that it was their natural drive that kept them going- not much they could really do about it. Having that gets you through burn-outs and tough times- I’ve been there… it’s just really weird how you got over the other side of the fence when you thought things were impossible to accomplish!

Good luck- start talking to your professors for program suggestions. Networking is a HUGE key- take advantage of their suggestions to increase your chances of being accepted at certain PhD programs.