Classics PhD?

Graduate School
1

<p>I am new to this site, and I couldn't help noticing multiple references to the increasing competitiveness of PhD programs in Classics. I am applying to Classical Philology PhD programs this year (I graduated with a BA last May and am working for a year to rid myself of debt and provide financial freedom to pursue graduate work), and I feel that I have strong stats- but I'm not sure if even these stats are enough.</p>

<p>I did well in undergrad- I had a 4.0 and was the valedictorian of a top private research university. 780 V, 740 Q, 6 AW. Presentations on Latin literature at four professional conferences, strong relationships with numerous Classics faculty members, 4 years of Latin in HS, 4 in College (above the intermediate level), 1 year Greek in HS, 4 yrs. in college. Strong reading knowledge of French and have experience reading French literature, Strong Honors thesis that received the department's top award. Leadership involvement in various department Classics-related clubs.</p>

<p>How important are post-bac programs? I've taken graduate Classics courses at my university and felt to be at least on par with the Grad students there. Do post-bac programs make one more competitve even if the language preparation is strong beforehand? I came into game a little late, and I haven't taken the time to evaluate the competitiveness of the application process.</p>

2

<p>From what I've been gathering, since my obsession with this whole application process began months ago, leads me to believe that you don't really need to do a post-bac at all. All Classics programs look for strong training in languages. Your training is very strong. The post-bac seems like an option to boost Latin and Greek prep for those who underestimated the importance of the languages in undergrad.
Stat-wise, I don't think there is much you can improve on and if your academic record is indicative at all of your focus, I'm sure your SOP is well-written too.
Barring the inevitable oddity that this process seems to produce, I'd say you're in pretty good shape to get accepted to the programs of your choice.</p>