Submatriculation bad for antrhro PhD admissions?

Graduate School
1

<p>Greetings!</p>

<p>I'm currently a sophmore at UPenn, where students can submatriculate into the Masters program as undergrads (earn a BA+MA in 4 years by taking 10 graduate level classes). I really wanted to do this before persuing a PhD in anthro and a prof. in my concentration (physical anthro) thought it would be a good idea/challenge, but major advisor (who spent years in charge of screening archaeology PhD apps for Penn), didn't think it would look good for grad. admissions and said I should focus on taking MORE classes in MORE areas of anth. than harder classes in one specific area (physical anth). Any thoughts on how specializing early and earning a BA/MA in 4 years might impact PhD admissions?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>I cannot speak to anthro, but I do speak from a closely cognate field. </p>

<p>In my experience, a grad admissions committee would argue about your lack of breadth in the discipline. The undergraduate level is the only opportunity to gain this breadth, as graduate study by definition emphasizes greater specialization within the discipline.</p>

<p>It seems to me that you have two good sources of advice. I just side with your major advisor.</p>

3

<p>Thanks Prof. X! Anyone else?</p>