<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>I'm in the middle of an Ancient History degree at University College London and I'm thinking of applying to an American university for a PhD in Classics, preferably somewhere in the North East of America. I should be coming out of UCL with a high 2.1 or first (having done three years of Greek and two of Latin) but I'm really not sure how that equates with GPA averages and what sort of level of school I should aim for with that.</p>
<p>Also, I'm really not sure if I should go for a PhD in Classics or to apply for a PhD in History. My inclination is towards History, my interests being Late Antiquity and particularly political/economic aspects. The language side is mainly utilitarian for me. So any help with particularly good programs for that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any replies.</p>
<p>Classics admissions have become extremely competitive. </p>
<p>From my experience applying last year - 3/2 in the languages is an absolute minimum. I had 4L/2G and completely struck out. I have since learned that I <em>might</em> have had better luck had I applied to masters programs. As it is I'll be continuing at Penn in the Post Bac program, adding a year each of Letin and Greek as well as a year of German.</p>
<p>I'll still apply to masters programs later this fall.</p>
<p>Now... the traditional Classics degree in the US is mainly a "classical philology" degree. So as you suggest, you may be better off in history program. Naturally, I can recommend Penn's program:</p>
<p>Graduate</a> Group in Ancient History</p>
<p>You'll also need to take the GRE for must programs in the US so if you're applying for Fall 2009 admissions, you'll need to get moving on that.</p>
<p>I have no firm ide of how to translate your 2.1 First to US GPA. I'm sure someone at your uni. can do the conversion for you.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>