Applying to MAPSS?
A lot of people who end up pursuing the MAPSS degree were referred by PhD committees. However, I choose to apply directly to the program. I felt that, while I wanted to go to grad school, I didnāt quite have enough experience reading social scientific texts, nor did I have a firm handle on methodologies required of my discipline. MAPSS offered me the perfect opportunity toĀ ābrush upā on my skills.Ā
Do you want some pointers on applying to the program? If so, read on!
When I applied to the program, I used the programās very own guide on how to write a statement of purpose. You can find it here. Some important elements:
No fluff.
Structure your statement in four sections, beginning with a creative, original, but feasible research proposal (which should make up roughly 50% of your statement), followed by your previous training, relevant experience, and why you would be a good fit for the program.
Donāt start with your life story (You know, āIāve always loved anthropology, ever since I was young...ā).
It would behoove you to find some faculty advisors that you would be interested in working with. Since this is an MA application, Iām not sure if itās essential to name them, but it probably wouldnāt hurt.
Youāll need three letters of recommendation. I used two from Classics professors, and one from an anthropology professors. I donāt think the disciplines of these professors matter that much, but these teachers (who should also have PhDs) need to be able to vouch for your academic skills and your willingness to learn and succeed, yada yada yada.
The program doesnāt require a writing sample, largely because at the end of the MAPSS journey, you will be producing your very own thesis, which in turn will be used as a writing sample if you wish to apply to PhD programs. Woo!
The program does, however, require the GRE. I have no idea what their cut-off limits are, but Iāve been told many times that you need to merely beat the mean (If youāre wondering, I got V: 166 Q: 159 W: 5.0).
Youāll also want to have a properly decent GPA. The closer to 4.0 the better. Again, Iām not sure what the cutoff is (again, mine was 3.99*).
Be realistic about funding. When I applied, I was really, really, really banking on getting aid. In the end, I was lucky enough to receive a 50% tuition waver, which allowed me to attend the program, but had I received less than that (or none at all), I wouldāve been sunk. This program is excellent, but it is expensive.
Hope that helps!












