Yeah. Dr. Coppinger recommended setting up meetings with the chair of a school's department that you are interested in. What are you supposed to talk about? I guess just have some questions prepared or something. It seems rather awkward to me, even when I know people do it all the time. I'll let you know if I think of anything. :D

Also... you say you are looking into history PhD programs. Are you interested in a masters, or are you thinking the masters will come automatically from your school as you progress to PhD?

I probably want to go directly for the doctorate. It looks as if that'll give me better admission and financial-aid chances at the schools I'm interested in. I'm not sure what the usual procedure is on awarding a master's along the way, but at some schools I could be considered for the MA or MPhil at the end of the first or second year of studies.

Wilson, If you'd send me an e-mail, to ralphluker*AT*mindspring.com, outlining your areas of interest and the graduate departments in which you are interested, I'd be happy to reply with some suggestions.

Things I wished I known about the graduate schools I applied too.

1. How big is the department? (students/faculty)
2. How long does it usually take to finish?
3. What is the funding situation (how much/who gets it)?
4. How success have Ph.D.s been in getting jobs? What type of schools have the ended up at?
5. What are the requirements of the program (how many courses, how many minor areas, what are pre-lims like)?
6. What is the funding situation like once poeple reach the ABD stage?

Thanks! I think that will be very helpful. I appreciate it very much.

Hey Jonathan,
this is your cousin rachel. My dad showed me your site. I'm in a phd program now in psychology. The way it works for in psychology departments is that it really helps if you have a specific professor to work with on your research. someone whose interests line up with yours. so it's very good that you're looking into the specific faculty. i have a friend in the history department here, and it sounds like they work the same way.
One thing you should probably ask is if the faculty member would be able to take on a new student the year you would be coming. (would that be fall of 2006?)
and i know that it feels awkward to just email someone randomly like this, but just introduce yourself and your interests, and tell the faculty member what you like about his/her research. ask some random quesiton, and see what comes of it.
good luck!
rachel

Hello!

Graduate students in a program are a great resource, but remember it is like listening to undergraduates evaluate a program or professor. Some suggestions are helpful; some are based on an individual experience or perception.

You've got a cousin Jared AND a cousin Rachel. I officially have the willies.

If it makes you feel better, they don't know each other.