grad school angst
Oct. 21st, 2009 04:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
robinsnestI've been putting a lot of research into graduate programs, and I'm so confused as to what's the right way to go. Or if I'd even get INTO a graduate program.
1. Temple- Masters
pros: I think I have a stronger chance of getting into a masters program
They have a public history focus which I find really intriguing.
Cons: they offer NO financial aid to master's students
2. Temple- Phd
pros: Full scholarships available
It's a PHD!
possibility of teaching academically
They do have spring start dates if I can't get it together
cons: Deadline is dec 15th
I need three academic references and I'm not sure who they'd be
I need a writing sample, meaning i have to write a paper
I'm doubtful I'd even get in.
If I get a PHD does that limit me to teaching? what about being a curator?
3. Upen Masters
pros: masters degree
cons: no financial aid available
4. UPenn PHD
Pros: full scholarship for almost all phd students
Extremely strong track record for student placement in tenure track positions
cons: highly competitive I probably wouldn't get in
Clearly geared towards creating tenure track professors
It doesn't help that I'm not sure beyond "i really really miss learning, I want academic challenges" that I'm not sure what i want in life. Does my strong missing of college indicate that really being a college professor WOULD be my best course of action? I would certainly be encouraged to write and research then. Is it dumb to try to get in without a masters? It says it's not required but is it really required? If I try to set up a meeting with someone from each of these departments is it tacky to try to find out what my odds of admission are? I know that seems like a bad question but I really want to know! do they accept non-standard track students. I don't have a bachelors that directly applies to history, but I've used my B.A. in theater to almost exclusively look at historical costume.
Bah I don't know what to do with myself!
1. Temple- Masters
pros: I think I have a stronger chance of getting into a masters program
They have a public history focus which I find really intriguing.
Cons: they offer NO financial aid to master's students
2. Temple- Phd
pros: Full scholarships available
It's a PHD!
possibility of teaching academically
They do have spring start dates if I can't get it together
cons: Deadline is dec 15th
I need three academic references and I'm not sure who they'd be
I need a writing sample, meaning i have to write a paper
I'm doubtful I'd even get in.
If I get a PHD does that limit me to teaching? what about being a curator?
3. Upen Masters
pros: masters degree
cons: no financial aid available
4. UPenn PHD
Pros: full scholarship for almost all phd students
Extremely strong track record for student placement in tenure track positions
cons: highly competitive I probably wouldn't get in
Clearly geared towards creating tenure track professors
It doesn't help that I'm not sure beyond "i really really miss learning, I want academic challenges" that I'm not sure what i want in life. Does my strong missing of college indicate that really being a college professor WOULD be my best course of action? I would certainly be encouraged to write and research then. Is it dumb to try to get in without a masters? It says it's not required but is it really required? If I try to set up a meeting with someone from each of these departments is it tacky to try to find out what my odds of admission are? I know that seems like a bad question but I really want to know! do they accept non-standard track students. I don't have a bachelors that directly applies to history, but I've used my B.A. in theater to almost exclusively look at historical costume.
Bah I don't know what to do with myself!
