<p>I am starting the application process for fall 2010 to phD programs in Religion/History (differs depending on how the university classifies it.)
I am for some reason incredibly nervous about applying. Something about deeming myself on the level of my professors, who are all so knowledgeable/brilliant is giving me pause. I'd just like some honest assessments of my chances, knowing full well that phD admissions have more to do with an individual and his/her match with a professor's interests than any combination of numbers.</p>
<p>That said, here are my basic stats:
-3.95 GPA from top women's college, BA in History, concentration in Religion
-Thesis awarded distinction
-Graduated summa cum laude, department honors
-Member of PBK
-Significant research experience. 4 years interning at a NY museum doing research projects (I currently work there full time doing research/writing of tours, etc.) 3 years as a research assistant for a former professor, currently working as only assistant for a forthcoming book from NYU Press.</p>
<p>I haven't taken my GREs, but scored 750 verbal and 630 math in my first practice exam. Will hopefully improve math slightly.</p>
<p>I have recommendations secured from the professor for whom I do research, my thesis adviser, and will hopefully have another from a major name in the field, former professor, with whom I will be meeting shortly.</p>
<p>I will be applying to Northeast schools, aiming for Columbia, Harvard or Yale. Do I have a shot? What can I do now, having completed undergrad last year, to boost my chances?</p>
<p>Broaden your list of schools- consider applying upwards of 8 schools. There are no safeties for history PhD programs.</p>
<p>It looks like your stats and resume will clear the first hurdle. What you need to do now is find the right professors whom you’d like to work with. We can’t give you an idea or suggestions for schools and professors unless you can be a little more specific about your research interests.</p>
<p>Don’t be intimidated by your professors! They’re human beings! Seriously. The more time you spend with them on a friendly level, the more you realize that they sometimes have their own ego issues and ask just as many questions as you do about a topic. I’ve sat through faculty seminars and I must admit that their questions to the presenters could be asked by anyone in the field regardless of their status just as so long they have the confidence to ask! Also, to get where they are today, it’s the result of being in the field for a long, long time. It’s a long climb of knowledge but you will get there. You will also find out that professors do have broad interests in their field despite the narrowness of their research projects. I’ve met with a number of professors who openly admit that they don’t know everything in their field and are always up for more learning (isn’t that the point of being in the academia??) Sometimes if they have a nagging question in their head, they’ll ask their students who don’t really have anything to write about for a research paper to find the answer.</p>
<p>Are you up for writing a book review as a supplement to one of your applications? If no, then don’t apply to Yale.</p>
<p>I think your success will be all about fit. If your intended subfield of specialization is a good match with current faculty, you should do very well in terms of admissions. Be sure to mention your “good fit” in your SOPs, mentioning appropriate faculty.</p>