<p>Hi,I was accepted to the MAPH program as an alternative to the PhD program at UChicago. I was wondering if anyone on this forum had a similar experience. Also, what is the general reputation of this program? My dad, upon hearing that it was only a year-long program, blurted "Oh, it's some certificate program." But I know it's a legitimate, intensified MA program. So would having this MA in Humanities be the gem of a stepping stone they promise they are, or is it a way to admit students w/o funding and boost income for other students at the university?</p>
<p>Here are some plusses that are apparent to me:
1) I will complete a Master's Thesis paper under an advisor (aka, new writing sample)
2) Opportunities for publications/conferences
3) Chance to study under top professors in my specific field
4) Program is geared towards moving into a PhD program.</p>
<p>I mean, they must see potential in me if they recommended me for this. I knew I was being romantically hopeful applying to UChicago in the first place. I didn't come from a strong background (mid-UC undergrad degree, 3.5 gpa and 2 C+'s in my intended field (unheard of!), no pubs/conf). So, if by paying for this expensive program (35K alone for tuition, 20K for housing and life -- all debt) and working hard, i can get into a great school with funding, would it all be worth it in the end? Or am I just being blinded by silly dreams and this program is really less than it makes itself up to be?</p>
<p>Argh! And to make matters worse, so far it's my only option and my parents are dead set against it w/o even considering the details. They would rather have me get straight into a funded phd program, as if it's so easy to do after I've been rejected. It's going to be a rough ride to get them to consent. Not that it ultimately matters, but it still does. </p>
<p>Thanks for letting me ramble. Any advice, suggestions, or insight will be greatly appreciated. </p>
<p>Happy Monday!</p>
<p>There is a GREAT thread on this over at Gradcafe Forums. The consensus is that its a way for Chicago to fund its PhD students and is not at all a backdoor to an eventual doctorate. I ruge you strongly to go over to gradcafe, find the thread and read it.</p>
<p>Hm, I didn't get that impression at all. That was a great resource, however, and I appreciate you leading me to it. :)</p>
<p>jminner,</p>
<p>I'm not a philosophy student, but I found that particular thread really interesting and informative. As enticing as it may seem to go to Chicago, I think you need to think long and hard before paying 60K for a one year program that may very well be a terminal Masters.</p>
<p>i totally hear your point. that's why im sweating bullets over this.
there is such a different attitude wherever i ask that it's not really helping at all!
thanks for your advice. -60K does freak me out.</p>
<p>Have you thought about taking a year off to do a few more classes or work a bit than reapplying? I know it seems like the end of the world to wait for another year before grad school, but you may be thanking yourself for your patience when you aren't 60K in the hole.</p>
<p>That's the thing, I've been out of college since 2004. I've been working in a job related to my field for 2.5 years and I feel ready to go back to school. I've also been attending community college to boost my language skills. I just don't know what else I can do to significantly change my application in the next year other than my SOP and writing sample.</p>
<p>jminner,</p>
<p>Have you thought of maybe applying somewhere else besides Chicago? Getting into any PhD program is tough, but getting into a philosophy PhD progream at Chicago is insanely difficult. They accept something like 4% of applicants. Are you hellbent on going to Chicago?</p>
<p>of course i have. i applied to five schools on top of chicago. oh and i should mention i'm not in philosophy, rather asian art history. the top prof in my field is there and it's really rare to find a university who has an asian specialist of my area at all. hopefully some of the other schools work out, but i'm worried because this looks like it will be all i have as an option. i'm in a haze its 530 in the morning and i'm posting on cc!</p>
<p>my college roomie did the maph.. not worth it. she had a heckuva time getting a job post-graduation</p>
<p>did she go straight from undergrad?</p>
<p>do you think it makes a difference that i have 3 years experience directly in my field working in a world class institution? or am i being naive by quitting?</p>
<p>jminner,</p>
<p>Bluntly, I would say you are being naive. The MAPH program is one of America's most notorious piggy banks. I know it is tough to say "no" to a world class insititution, but you will probably thank yourself that you did in a few years when you aren't saddled with enormous debt and back doing the same job you are doing now.</p>