<p>I suck at titles. </p>
<p>However, the prompt at the top instructed me to post and introduce myself. Do I get points for following directions?</p>
<p>I am a somewhat non-trad student applying to PhD anthro programs for next fall. My story -- minus the sad details -- is a seven year break in my UG record. All As and Bs in my graded coursework BUT barely a 2.9/3.0 because I didn't withdraw properly seven years ago and have a semester full of withdrawals dragging down my GPA. A 3.7 or so in my major courses (English). Not a competitve school, though. But, I have taken on as much as I can to overcome that: independent study, summer research, etc. </p>
<p>I have work experience in school admissions and financial aid, and I am positioning my SOP to address the inequities that identity, culture and class present in the formation of academic communities. I'm interested in anthro - versus, say, education or sociology - because I want the subject's experience as presented through qualitative research. I think that gets lost in quantitative studies. Plus, narrative is my strong suit. I published as a creative writer during my wayward years. Should I mention that kind of thing?</p>
<p>I am fortunate to have earned an UG fellowship with summer research experience. That's where I am now. I'm working on my writing sample, have two of my three LOR in process. I'm compiling a list -- want to cast a wide net -- and I'm taking the GRE in three weeks. My pretests range around 1180 - 1220 depending on the day. STRONG verbal (95% percentile) and HORRID quantitative (not even gonna tell you). I am taking a prep course right now but it is hard to focus on it as much as I would like because I'm also doing research, writing and schmoozing mentors. </p>
<p>If it matters I am a self-identified minority and a woman.</p>
<p>So, that's me, I think. I greatly appreciate any feedback on how best to overcome my GPA weakness and non-trad status. I don't know if it matters as much with graduate school as it does with law schools? </p>
<p>Also, programs I should consider? Any and all suggestions are great. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>As soon as I think I know anything useful that could be of help, I look forward to repaying the favor on the boards. :)</p>
<p>A seven year break between undergrad and grad is a non-issue; you just have to mention that you were employed as they like to know how you spent the time. And go ahead and mention your creative writing, because it shows you have a sustained interest in something creative. </p>
<p>However, a low quantitative score will be a major issue, because anthro PhD applicants are expected to be proficient in quantitative research, and GRE quant scores are what departments use to gauge that skill level. I know you are more interested in qualitative research, but there will be courses that require quantitative skill. You absolutely need a solid GRE quant GRE score to be a competitive applicant, even at schools with ho-hum anthro departments. The GRE quantitative section primarily tests high school math – algebra and geometry – and there is also a fair amount of statistics on the test. If you can’t get a decent quant GRE score now, your best bet would be to take college algebra and statistics at a community college. These classes are frequently offered at night, after work, and you should be able to take them in the same semester. It may delay your application a year, but with a low quant score your application may not get read anyway. I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but visit a few websites for anth programs, as some publish the bare minimum GRE scores they require.</p>
<p>Well, my last go-round I had a 660/480. I am currently in a class so it’s inching upward. I just really forgot most of it. Algebra is not a problem, but I was never the kind of spatial thinker for whom geometry and calculus made total sense. But, in viewing cultural anthro websites I’ve seen almost no published GRE minumums. If anything I am seeing something along the lines of “strong scores” but “no cut-offs”. Do you have any linkage that gives such guidelines? I’d appreciate it.</p>
<p>sociology often requires some level of math/stats, but as far as i know, most anthropology programs don’t care about the quant score if you’re doing cultural anthropology. i’d actually never heard of the quant score mattering before this, so if i were the OP, i’d contact grad directors at prospective schools to ask if they look at the Q scores.</p>
<p>I spoke with someone at Duke and she did not seem concerned about my quant scores. Granted, I’m still working on getting them up there, but I’ll never be in the 90th percentile. I am still wondering about how best to address the bad semester and gap in my statements. </p>
<p>Also, I have a phone interview set up with a dean of an anthro dept. next week. Any suggestions on prepping for the conversation? Should I be prepared to lead the discussion, and if so, how best to approach that?</p>
<p>Just curious, what is a “self-identified minority?”</p>
<p>Race is a funny thing. There is how people percieve you and then there is how you percieve yourself. Therefore, I am referencing how I perceive of myself. Granted, I doubt too many people would disagree based on on phenotype, but these days choosing ambiguity is all the rage and I just want to be clear. When presented with the all-important boxes, I choose one that identifies me as non-white.</p>
<p>Just a couple comments:</p>
<p>Old GPA - have one or your LOR writers comment on your situation - nearly anything <em>you</em> could say will sound like an excuse, even when it’s not. A professor can talk about how you overcame your situation and excelled. Address the gap in terms of how it prepared you to to focus on your specific goals. </p>
<p>Creative Writing - list publications in your CV. One of your LOR writers can help you judge how to do it. </p>
<p>Minority Status - don’t be afraid to milk that for all it’s worth! Universities are very aware of the inequities you mention and work hard (sometimes) to overcome them. Look carefully at the state flagship schools in the midwest - Minnesota, Wisconsin, Penn State, etc. They tend to draw a rather homogenous group of students and encourage minority applicants.</p>
<p>GRE - I’m sure it’s been mentioned in the class, but it bears repeating - the first 10 questions determine a very large percentage of your score so allocate your time accordingly. Use ETS’s PowerPrep software - it is virtually identical to the real test.</p>
<p>Call to Dean - you’ll want to have some specific questions about the program and the university. Study their website, particularly the graduate school website so you can come up with some questions regarding school wide fellowship opportunities. I’d also want to know about their graduation/flunk out rates, time to degree, and what kind of job placement record they have. You can also ask about recent graduates who have done work in your intended area - who their advisors were, and so forth. </p>
<p>If you have time, snag one of your LOR writers at office hours and run your questioons by him/her. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>