History PhD and reputation (tiers)

soleprovider14
Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:01:08 +0000

I have posted previously regarding history PhD programs, my stats, chances, etc. but I have a more specific question this time.

I am a junior at a not too well known university in the Midwest, currently majoring in History and minoring in Religious Studies. I am planning on applying to mostly PhD programs (a few MA) next year hoping to focus on modern German history.

My stats (so far) are:
3.6 major GPA
3.6/3.7 overall GPA
working on a large, international research project (has more to do with Russian lit than history) this semester
Had one internship working with archives at a historical society, will most likely be an intern at the public museum this summer utilizing my fluency in Hebrew
Fluent in Hebrew, Russian, and proficient in French, currently studying German (will have 3 semester done by graduation)
Treasurer/Vice President of local Phi Alpha Theta (history honor’s society) chapter
Good LOR’s
Will be taking the GRE in August

My question is, what “tier” of schools should I be looking at applying to? I am well aware that I should be applying due to specific departments, professors, and their research, which I am doing, but I am still wondering if with my stats should there be certain schools that I should not waste my time applying to?

Basically, what are my “reaches, matches, safeties?”

I have found specific departments that I would like to work in but am still worried that the schools these departments are in are “out of my league”.

I’m looking at applying to:
Georgetown
BU
BC
Michigan
Chicago
Berkeley

Should I apply to the above schools, or will I just be wasting my time applying to programs that my stats don’t necessarily “match”.

Thanks for any help.