Classics Chances

Graduate School
1

<p>Hey guys, </p>

<p>I have seen previous posts on this topic (like WilliamC's suggestions), but I want a few more opinions because I feel my professors just have too positive an outlook on graduate study. </p>

<p>Junior at an ivy, want to go to graduate school in Classics. My areas of interest would be greek epic as well as the latin novel, especially how they were influenced by egypt and asia minor (apuleius, for example). sorry if that bit was of interest to no one. </p>

<p>CUMGPA: 3.80</p>

<p>MAJGPA: 3.96 (do i count elementary level courses?). looks good except for a B- in greek history...just was overwhelmed with non-classics coursework during finals. </p>

<p>TESTS: Haven't taken the GRE yet, but SAT is 2370 and the practice tests seem somewhat similar to it so far. </p>

<p>LANGUAGES: I'll be finished with the Classics major by next semester with a focus on Latin, so I'll have room on my schedule to take advanced courses (beyond the intermediate level) in Greek and maybe look into graduate-level classes offered in Latin. Am I solid on the languages?</p>

<p>I studied French for several years in high school, so I'll brush up and take a qualifying test to show I can at least read it (I've completely forgotten how to speak it with any fluency). </p>

<p>I realize graduate school is not wholly a numbers game, but what do my chances look like at the Ivies (which are mostly in the top 10 graduate schools) and where else can I aim? </p>

<p>What can I do this summer to improve my chances? I have two previous internships that have nothing to do with Classics. Is it worth trying to publish something? Is it important?</p>

<p>Also, what's the likelihood of getting full funding in Classics if I pursue the doctorate degree? Incurring major debt is a big deal for me, and something my professors for some reason don't consider a serious concern. </p>

<p>Thanks guys--I hope the answers here help other Classics people too.</p>

2

<p>Before I write anything else, let me direct you to the Classical Journal website. It's an extremely useful source of information about the prerequisites, selectivity, and funding for various Classics programs.</p>

<p>The</a> Classical Journal</p>

<p>
[quote]
I'll be finished with the Classics major by next semester with a focus on Latin, so I'll have room on my schedule to take advanced courses (beyond the intermediate level) in Greek and maybe look into graduate-level classes offered in Latin. Am I solid on the languages?

[/quote]
Yes. You might try some composition courses, if you haven't already.</p>

<p>
[quote]
What can I do this summer to improve my chances?

[/quote]

Learn German. It's as important as French and not knowing it sets you at a distinct disadvantage. A field school in archaeology might serve you well, as well as being a very fun experience. Your professors can probably hook you up with an appropriate excavation and possibly even get funding for you.</p>

<p>
[quote]
what do my chances look like at the Ivies (which are mostly in the top 10 graduate schools) and where else can I aim?

[/quote]

Out of curiosity, why the Ivies? Yale would be good for your interests, and quite possibly Penn and Brown as well, but several other programs would serve you at least as well (e.g. Michigan, UNC, and NYU). Chicago has an innovative program in the Ancient Mediterranean World that I think would fit you rather well. Your profile seems strong, but it's important that you can find at least one or two professors at each university who are willing to work with you. You can have the best application in the world and not get in if the professors decide your interests are not a match with theirs. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Is it worth trying to publish something? Is it important?

[/quote]
Do you plan to write a thesis? Graduate programs will be looking for the ability to produce good research, and a thesis makes a great writing sample.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Also, what's the likelihood of getting full funding in Classics if I pursue the doctorate degree? Incurring major debt is a big deal for me, and something my professors for some reason don't consider a serious concern.

[/quote]

The odds are very good, actually. Strong Classics programs usually offer reasonable funding.</p>

3

<p>thanks for the helpful response--the Classics Journal looks especially useful. I spent almost all of today looking at French verbs. German will be this summer. </p>

<p>I'll be working on a thesis this coming semester, and maybe continue with in through the summer as well. </p>

<p>I don't have a good feel yet for where Classics departments stand, which is why I simply said Ivies...but I'll read through the Classics Journal and begin talking to my professors. </p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

4

<p>Hi roark2,</p>

<p>I'm not a classicist, but I am a humanities person (and an early medievalist, which is about as close to a classicist as you can be without actually being one. :) ) I wanted to give my two cents regarding just one of your questions, and maybe other actual classics people can either confirm or correct my advice. It seems to me that if you have a viable opportunity to publish in your field before applying to Ph.D. programs, you absolutely should do it: it says a lot about your initiative and maturity, it suggests that you know what you're getting yourself into by applying to programs (i.e., you know what real research actually entails), and it also shows that you have the chops to make a contribution to your field. Furthermore, many articles are just about exactly the right length for a writing sample. It's much, much easier to put together an excellent writing sample if you've already polished up a paper for a peer-reviewed publication.</p>

<p>I also think that Archaeologist makes a great point re: a thesis. Could you undertake a thesis with the goal of polishing one of your chapters to become an article?</p>