<p>I'm applying to history ph.d programs at top schools (e.g. Cornell, Harvard, UT Austin...) and wondering if I have any chance of getting accepted. I am an international applicant from a non-English speaking area. I think I have fairly good statement of purpose, recommendation letters, writing sample, etc. I'm worried about the following:</p>
<p>1) My TOEFL is 112, which I believe is fine, but my GRE is V162(90%) Q170(99%) AW4.5(72%). It seems my V and AW are kinda low (especially AW)...</p>
<p>2) My GPA in junior and senior years is 3.95, but my cumulative GPA is 3.54 (well bellow average) and my major GPA is 3.70 (still kinda low).</p>
<p>3) I am an economics major and didn't take many history classes at my home institution, though I've done two major history researches and took 3 history classes focused on my intended field of study in the U.S.</p>
<p>I know it's impossible to predict admission results, but I would appreciate it if you could just tell me your impression.</p>
<p>You can’t have “fairly good” statement, especially for history PhD. It needs to be very interesting with flawless writing. Get back to work on that until you can say “it’s amazing!”</p>
<p>Unfortunately, history PhD admissions are very subjective so your statement, writing sample and letters are extremely important. Your numbers are secondary.</p>
<p>The US history field is extremely competitive and more so than other fields. What’s your native language? Do you have interest in researching that area?</p>
<p>yes, my intended area of study is East Asia and my mother tongue is Japanese. I’m also capable of Chinese. So as far as language is concerned, I think I’m fine.</p>
<p>I know what really matters in the end isn’t numbers. I did a lot of research on programs and professors of each university I am applying to, and wrote very focused statements reflecting professors’ teaching interests. But I’ll take your advice and try to improve it!</p>
<p>I’m still worried about numbers because, as is often said, they can’t help you but can hurt you…</p>