<p>Just a thought I’d like to throw to the mercy of your expertise. Fifteen ish years ago I graduated in English from a UK Ivy with pretty respectable grades (B+/A-). Since then I’ve practised law for a while, but eventually switched to teaching at high school level, a really wide range of subjects. most recently to put my wife through professional school. Along the way I picked up a masters in law (with distinction), and last time I had a crack at the GRE I averaged 1430, with 700 verbal. </p>
<p>Right now, I am looking to return to grad school with a very general view to doing something personally rewarding that might lead to an interesting job, preferably teaching or advising in some way. I will need funding, and probably, for that reason, an MA is out, but I have the time and commitment to pursue a Ph.D.</p>
<p>Most important to me is quality of institution (Ivy would be ideal) and freshness of program. I have started and withdrawn from shoddy programs in the past, and I am wary of anything that sounds too flexible. To give you an example of my thinking, the History of Technology program at Stanford appeals, as does the more general history of science program at Harvard. However, my background is quite diverse, so I do not know whether I would meet formal requirements. From what I hear, there is usually flexibility if you’re a good match in other areas. I am less interested in ‘pure’ disciplines, and more attracted to quirky ideas. </p>
<p>Also, as a mature professional, do I have a shot with references of colleagues and supervisors? I have little opportunity or funding to take an MA, or conduct formal research, but I do have time to read and research independently.</p>
<p>Happy, of course, to contact individual professors, but wondered if any of you all had come across interesting, perhaps multidisciplinary, fields…</p>
<p>Any thoughts? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance…</p>