history ph.d at top schools

gyurta
Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:04:26 +0000

I’m applying to history ph.d programs at top schools (e.g. Cornell, Harvard, UT Austin…) and wondering if I have any chance of getting accepted. I am an international applicant from a non-English speaking area. I think I have fairly good statement of purpose, recommendation letters, writing sample, etc. I’m worried about the following:

1) My TOEFL is 112, which I believe is fine, but my GRE is V162(90%) Q170(99%) AW4.5(72%). It seems my V and AW are kinda low (especially AW)…

2) My GPA in junior and senior years is 3.95, but my cumulative GPA is 3.54 (well bellow average) and my major GPA is 3.70 (still kinda low).

3) I am an economics major and didn’t take many history classes at my home institution, though I’ve done two major history researches and took 3 history classes focused on my intended field of study in the U.S.

I know it’s impossible to predict admission results, but I would appreciate it if you could just tell me your impression.