<p>Hi,
I know this is probably an obsessive question (considering I'm currently only in my senior year of high school), but I've been considering going to grad school for history after graduating. However, the college I'm thinking about attending (St. John's College in MD) offers neither undergraduate research opportunities or a history major. What do you think of my chances of finding undergraduate research opportunities (preferably during summer vacation) at another university so that I can gain experience and decide whether or not I really want to "do" history? Would going to St. John's completely destroy my chances come application time? Thanks!</p>
<p>“Research” in history is not like in the sciences, where there are things like summer research programs, and opportunities to work in labs.</p>
<p>Research experience in history is gained by writing research papers (like a senior thesis), and doing research in archives in order to complete these papers. Independent studies with professors are also a good way to design your own research project.</p>
<p>Stop worrying, and go to the college you like best (as long as that college provides the financial support you need).</p>
<p>I agree, you can look up research programs to do during the summers at different places so that shouldnt be a problem.</p>
<p>no, i think professor x’s point was that in history, you DON’T do research programs in the summer. that is not how “research” happens in that field. rather, historical research is conducted when a student writes research papers or a senior thesis and does primary source archival work. this is, as professor x stated, different than research in the sciences.</p>
<p>if your college doesn’t even have a history major, and you’re really sure you want to at least study history, see what their course offerings are like. i know that i had wanted to study latin american and african history as an undergrad. one school i applied to taught latin american courses but no african ones, and the other taught african history but not latin american. so… just make sure st john’s offers some history courses you’re interested in. you don’t need a major in history to get an MA or PhD in history. in fact, a lot of programs like that their graduate students are coming from different educational backgrounds, so it definitely won’t kill your chances.</p>
<p>you DO, however, want to take upper level (3rd/4th year) courses in history and write at least one historical research paper so you have a writing sample for your applications. if st john’s doesn’t even offer upper level history classes, that could be a problem. you don’t need the major, but some familiarity with the field is probably necessary.</p>
<p>I think you will get excellent training at St. John’s Anapolis (and New Mexico should you take the option to do a year or more at the other campus.) I don’t get that many of the folks responding here know that St. John’s is a Great Books program–perhaps THE Great Books program-- and all classes are small seminar format, Socratic method and all.</p>
<p>You will get fantastic experience studying primary source materials, not just in History, but in the Sciences and all liberal arts. What could be better training if you still have the same goal upon graduation? I think this is an amazing and exciting school. Certainly not for everyone, but they welcome non-traditional students, you will have incredible interactions with them and the Dons. They have excellent admit rates to grad schools and law schools, iirc, check it out.</p>
<p>It is always okay to think about your prospective college’s rep for grad and professional school admits. Not obsessive at all, just due dilligence. You can decide later, of course.</p>
<p>If I could get into a wayback machine, this may have been the school for me (tried a little to push it on dd, but no way.)</p>
<p>I agree with BrownParent. The unique structure of St. John’s College (not St. John’s University, for those who aren’t familiar) will likely provide you with ample research opportunities and a solid background in history with an interdisciplinary approach. Although you won’t be able to major in history, history will be a part of the curriculum. The small size should provide an excellent environment for one-on-one research projects with professors. The only question will be whether you will be able to take modern languages. And if you’re already passionate about, say, twentieth century American history, you may be frustrated by the rigid curriculum. </p>
<p>St. John’s College is known for graduating students who can think, and graduate programs will likely know that.</p>
<p>One more thing: Have you gone for your interview yet? If not, then you might want to ask about St. John’s graduate school preparation/placement.</p>
<p>And here is one blurb about St John’s College, from sparknotes along with a few other unique colleges.
[SparkCollege:</a> Ten Treasure Colleges](<a href=“http://www.sparknotes.com/college/admissions/page8.html]SparkCollege:”>http://www.sparknotes.com/college/admissions/page8.html)</p>
<p>Really, everthing you will study there will be History. History of math, science, nations, teaching. </p>
<p>If it happens that you do go there, can you blog about it? I have always wanted to talk to someone who went there. Maybe you can get a book deal out of it if you are clever and interesting. (lol)</p>
<p>4 or 5 years ago I looked into grad school placement from there and it is very impressive. If you look on the website, there is some info. It may seem dated, but that is because the study is on undergrad colleges with grads who COMPLETED doctorates.</p>
<p>My D is currently applying to grad school in history, and came extremely close to attending St. John’s as an undergrad, so I understand your concern. I think the other 2 posters have it correct–St. John’s does quite well in grad schol placement.
Another good thing about the college is that you will be reading primary sources in original languages—language preparation is very important for grad school apps. If I were you, I would look for ways to augment your study of modern languages during the summers. On top of Greek and Latin, you’ll read some sources in French–add a language that would fit with the area you eventually want to study.</p>