<p>I am a history senior focusing on Medieval history. I have always liked Medieval history and I have done fairly well in all my history classes. My history GPA is about 3.6-3.7. However, my overall GPA is not so great due to math and science classes I had to take. It is a 3.7 right now. It might be a 3.4 by the time I graduate. How important is the GPA? how much is it looked at? is it a deal breaker?
I have already began speaking with some of my professors. My seminar professor who I have taken several classes with says I am a strong student with strong writing skills. Also, I am foreign so I come fluent in 2 languages. I am also studying Latin. I haven't taken the GRE yet but I believe I will do okay as I have been preparing. I have been looking at several programs across the United States. I also wrote a pretty decent seminar paper that I will use as my sample( I got a 95 on it.)
How well do my chances look? I am mostly concerned about my GPA. I am willing to work as hard as possible for the letter I will write. I also tried to take the 3 same history professors so they would become familiar with me. I heard that helps to get better recommendation letters.
I know it is a bit silly to ask..but some MA students I have spoken with said that I have the advantage of being foreign. They have mentioned that MA programs just don't want another cookie cutter middle class individual. They want people with different perspectives and views that can bring new things to the table. Could that really be something that favors me?</p>
<p>Have you written a thesis yet? That experience alone will tell you whether the PhD is for you or not. “Just liking history” is NEVER going to cut it in graduate school. There is far too much work for someone who just likes history. My mom likes history a lot but when she found out my reading load and started reading one of my books, she couldn’t believe what I had to put up with.</p>
<p>Medieval history will require much more than Latin. You need to have French and German as well. </p>
<p>What sources are used for your seminar paper? How much of it is based on original research and analysis? Those are some of the major questions that the professors will be asking when they read your writing sample. They want to see evidence of excellent research and writing that are required for the profession. Your application will be treated as a potential (very) junior colleague.</p>
<p>There’s no line for a GPA that will get you IN but anything below 3.0 will keep you out. Your professors need to be able to support your application and you as a future historian. Apply to schools that they suggest- they know people there who know and trust them… those are the ones where you can stand a better chance of getting in.</p>
<p>I have taken some seminars and have had pretty intensive reading loads. I typically had to read one book per week(ignoring other classes) before and I did not mind it to be honest. I found the material extremely interesting.
As far as research goes, I have had to use both primary and secondary sources. I have also used sources in other languages (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and French.) I also used a fairly large amount of sources.
The professors I have spoken with have recommended some schools to consider. I am looking at all their recommendations very seriously and will apply to some of them. My professors seem to like me and have complimented me and my work. I take it as a good sign at this point.</p>