What are my chances/How competitive are English MA programs?

Graduate School
1

Hey, y’all,

I graduated from a BA program in 2014, then decided in 2016 that I wanted to eventually get a Ph.D. in English. I’ve decided to get an MA first because I want to make absolutely sure that I’m prepared for a Ph.D. and that I have a competitive application. I’m just now entering my second semester of post-baccalaureate classes.

I have no idea how competitive my application will be, or what stratum of school I should be applying to. My two biggest liabilities, I think, is that my undergrad GPA was a 3.7 (which seems low for English) and I don’t yet have any publications (I’ll be submitting to some conferences this fall, but I likely won’t know if I’m accepted until after MA applications are due).

On the plus side, my GRE scores are good–V 168, Q 160, Analytical 6–and my post-baccalaureate GPA is a 4.0. I’m also trying my best to ingratiate myself with professors this semester, and should continue to perform well academically. I have a clear focus and area of study and am taking classes that are relevant to that area of study.

I’m applying to my undergraduate school (ranked around #60 for English graduate programs), three other schools with similar rankings (in the 50s and 60s), and a dream school that’s ranked in the low 30s.

In your view, what are my chances? Should I apply to more, less-selective schools?

Thank you all.

2

A 3.7 isn’t low for English and most recent graduates don’t have any publications before applying to PhD programs, much less MA programs.

With a 3.7, a 4.0 postbaccalaureate GPA, and high GRE scores - and assuming a good writing sample - I’d say that you’d be a good candidate for English MA programs. Apply to a wide range, including some more selective ones where you might get funding. Don’t sell yourself short.