Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Transcripts
- GRE test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Fellowship or loan
Step1
Visit the Peterson's website to select schools that offer a PhD. in history. This one-stop site saves your valuable time with links to application packets, Ph.D. fellowship links and exam information. If you want to save retrieve your data for future use, register for a free account here.
Step2
Get advice about preparation for graduate school at Grad Schools. This site has many resources to help you complete the PhD program admissions process properly. If a personal essay is required to complete your admissions application, consider taking their free course on application essays to improve your chances of being accepted.
Step3
Register at the Educational Testing Service website to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). This exam is mandatory for almost all accredited graduate programs in History. Download exam preparation materials and study guides for the GRE at ETS. Many public libraries have GRE test preparation books and classes.
Step4
Request admissions applications and financial aid information from a maximum of five schools. Consider whether you are willing to relocate to go to a school before you spend time and money applying to schools outside your local area.
Step5
Complete the admissions process for at least two or three schools. Order and pay for your transcripts and GRE test scores. Ask your references to write letters of recommendation and send them to the admissions contact for your department.
Step6
Enroll and complete the degree courses. Depending on the school's Ph.D. requirements, expect to finish classes in no more than three years. Many programs require students to pass a comprehensive subject examination before continuing to full Ph.D. candidacy.
Step7
Conduct the research for your dissertation and successfully defend it. For most people this takes an additional two years, sometimes more.
