MA or PhD (History) Am I even competitive?
Want to be interdisciplinary! Rank matters!
It's application season and I'm applying to a few MA and PhD's. I'm not set on having to go this cycle but I still want to know my chances. I ultimately want a PhD but I might want/need more experience before jumping right in. I want to go to a top school and if I don't get in, I will reapply until I do. I also don't know whether I should prioritize MA applications or PhD's, I don't want to waste time applying for a PhD, when I'm not going to get in
About me:
20 year old, First Gen, Child of Immigrants
3.97 gpa at a small commuter state school, History-Social Science BA, Bay Area, Poli Sci Minor. Graduating in 2 years (Fall 2026).
Published in my school's history journal, presented same paper in my school's history conference. Presented an EITC Policy proposal at a R1, presented my research methods regarding my research topic at a a separate R1. One Public History presentation and demonstration
R1 pregrad research program , A diff R1 Pregrad program, Another R1 pregrad program, R1 Graduate Seminar, Phi Alpha Theta President, Conducting Faculty mentored research with stipend on a State's water policies, Conducting Faculty mentored research about aanhpi patients partnered with a diff r1 with stipend, Invited but not attending an ivys pre grad program, One award for a piece of Historical Writing.
Worked and continue to work in food industry/customer service since 13 (7 years), editor on a history journal, writing tutor, language and history instructor, Cultural/historical martial arts coach, captain, expert, previous legal intern, Air National Guard, Non-Profit Coordinator,
Volunteering: Youth mentor, Flood relief fundraising, 2020 Global Farmers protest solidarity organizer
History, Diaspora, Religion, Politics, Erasure, Very Interdisciplinary, Anthropology
Research skills: Primary-source analysis • Historical research • Translation • Manuscript study • Manuscript binding
2 relevent fluent languages, 1 relevent language working proficiency,
Please Help!