| Full-time graduate program |
The admissions process was relatively standard for this program. It
involved the typical requirements: GRE scores; three letters of
recommendation; transcripts; application form; personal statement. At the
time, there was no Internet, so there was no way to track anything
online.
Admissions for this graduate program (in history) was determined by the
department (under general university guidelines.) This is standard
practice at many universities. The department proved flexible on
deadlines, since one of my items arrived a few days late. This may not be
the case at larger universities.
One nice feature is that students interested in the Contemporary History
Institute could apply simultaneously to that program - and apply for
funding - by simply checking a box on the application form.
Letters of recommendation seemed to have significant bearing. One of my
letters came from a mentor of the program director at Ohio University.
When possible, choose your references in part based on their connections
and research. If you want to get into Stanford, look for a reference from
a Stanford Ph.D., or at least for someone whose research is well-
respected.
In some cases, it appears that students also increased their chances for
admission and fellowship by meeting with faculty in advance of applying.
Being a groupie with guest lecturers from other universities might help
you get a foot in the door, if they teach in the program to which you are
applying.
Overall, the admissions process here seemed very dependent upon
personality, as is the case at many schools. Make sure that the faculty
member with whom you want to study has some reason to sort you out from
the pack, because he or she may only get to pick 1 or 2 students for
admission.
It also might be wise to find out how many students that faculty member
expects to take in the coming year, as this can help you gauge your
admissions prospects. Don't forget to find out whether your desired
advisor will be on sabbatical or retiring during your studies; this can
wreak havoc with progress toward degree completion.
I'd also strongly discourage anyone from choosing a Ph.D. program based
on an untenured faculty member's presence. If this potential advisor is
denied tenure after you enroll, you are left without an advisor. I have
known of cases like this at the University of Texas and at Yale. It's not
easy, once you're in a program, to find a new advisor.
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Ohio University: Graduate Humanities/Social Sciences/Education Degrees Admission & Application Surveys
