#grad application

Hi! I am attempting this so as to motivate myself a bit more! I am working on expanding my sample paper for grad school applications!

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 didn’t 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 to ‘brush up’ on my skills. 

Do you want some pointers on applying to the program? If so, read on!

When I applied to the program, I used the program’s 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.

Don’t start with your life story (You know, “I’ve always loved anthropology, ever since I was young...”).

It would behoove you to find some faculty advisors that you would be interested in working with. Since this is an MA application, I’m not sure if it’s essential to name them, but it probably wouldn’t hurt.

You’ll need three letters of recommendation. I used two from Classics professors, and one from an anthropology professors. I don’t 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 doesn’t 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 I’ve been told many times that you need to merely beat the mean (If you’re wondering, I got V: 166 Q: 159 W: 5.0).

You’ll also want to have a properly decent GPA. The closer to 4.0 the better. Again, I’m 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 would’ve been sunk. This program is excellent, but it is expensive.

On a side note, I'll turn my apps in for 2 more maybe at the end of the week making it 3/5 submitted. The last 2 I have to mail in, so those will be in at the beginning of the semester.