What are the drawbacks of getting a Ph.D. in English?

At Penn, we are insulated from economic realities. It is important to recognize these realities before pursuing graduate work in English. Research-oriented jobs that give you time to pursue your own work are very few. Jobs that pay well and grant free access to resources for research are few and available to a small shrinking tier of academics. The workload is up, salaries are down, and the pressures to perform brilliantly in all functions, as teacher, colleague and administrator, are unlikely to lessen and will probably intensify over the next 10-15 years. While there are good reasons to study literature at the graduate level, the job market for English Ph.D.'s remains one of the most difficult corners of the economy. What does graduate study involve? In the first year of graduate school, students take a heavy load of classes and read roughly 800 pages a week. Usually they are not TA's at this point. The workload is difficult, but the year is enjoyable for most students - because they are reading, writing, and thinking about the things that interest them. In the middle years of a Ph.D. program, students teach and take classes while preparing for their area exams. This period is incredibly demanding. It is followed by the dissertation period which typically lasts two to three years. At this point most students teach classes, (and sometimes work extra jobs) while researching, organizing and writing their dissertations. In all of these phases, time management skills and discipline are essential, along with social support. If you do decide to get your Ph.D., it is your passion for your subject that will get you through.

How do I determine if I should apply for graduate school in English?

There are several ways to determine if graduate school in English is the right pathway for you. First, read a variety of literary criticism to see if it interests you. If you do not like literary criticism as it is produced now, do not get your Ph.D. Second, go for your Ph.D. if you think it would be a great thing to do, but not with the expectation of a guaranteed academic career, since that may be unrealistic. There must be a strong element of pleasure in the experience. It takes eight years on average to get a Ph.D., a long time to be without a stable salary or benefits; usually, you are doing a lot of things at once. When you finish, if you do want to teach, generally you may consider a variety of types of teaching, including high school, or even alternate careers. Consulting firms also hire Ph.D.'s.

Does it really matter where I get my Ph.D.?

It is important to do your Ph.D. at one of the top 12 schools. These schools will position you better for the future. Usually, you receive full tuition benefits and a five-year stipend. Admission to these schools is highly selective; however, it often helps to have done some graduate work. If you have a master's, the programs may look more favorably on your application. If you do not get into one of the top programs, it is better to wait another year and perhaps work on an M.A.(Master of Arts). 

How can I begin to prepare for graduate school while I am an undergraduate?

One of the most helpful things you can do is talk to your English professors here at Penn. Discuss your plans for the future. Develop relationships with professors in your area of interest. When the time comes to ask for a recommendation, a professor who knows you and your interests can write a more detailed and helpful recommendation. They understand the rigors of graduate school and can offer advice and an insider's perspective to help you determine if you should continue your study of literature at the graduate level. Your professors also know where other professors are working and can provide you with contacts at other universities.

How important is the GRE in the admissions process?

The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is required for graduate programs. You will take the general test, consisting of verbal, analytical, and quantitative sections, and an English subject test. The general test can be taken on computer, but the subject test is still pencil and paper. The subject test is offered four times a year and the last administration is in October each year. Although the general test is not as important as the subject test for admission, some university-wide fellowships are linked to GRE scores. Prepare well. The test can be used as a measure to indicate your endurance. Both the subject and general tests are long, so do not plan to take both on the same day.

What are some helpful ways to prepare for the GRE?

At Penn, take at least one literary theory course. A background in theory will help you with the subject test of the GRE. Also for the subject test, you need to have general knowledge across a range of periods. The Norton Anthologies provide this, so familiarize yourself with them. You can also request information and sample tests from ETS at (800)GRE-CALL. For the general test, review courses are offered by many test prep companies. These can be helpful, but are not necessary to do well.

What area should I specialize in? Is any one area/period advantageous?

Of course, your concentration should follow your interests and passions. While no one area of study is advantageous, earlier periods do have a smaller pool of applicants. Many applicants to Ph.D. programs specialize in 20th century literature. If this is your area of specialty, realize that typically more than half of a school's applicants will have that same focus, despite the fact that faculty in an English department specialize in a range of areas covering the entire span of literature. Therefore, if you have concentrated solely on 20th century literature, it would be beneficial to develop proficiency in other areas, and indicate potential alternate research interests on your application.

How should I structure my personal essay?

Your personal essay should be academically oriented. Literary theory should be woven into the statement. It is already assumed that you love literature and the study of literature. Your essay should discuss your research interests and future plans. The more focused you sound in your essay (and in an interview) the better. Name-dropping and theory-dropping that are not substantial are not successful. Show what you know about your subject in your essay. Let a faculty member look over your essay and offer advice.

How can I go about researching the programs?

The internet can be an excellent source of information for you as you begin to research graduate programs. Not only can you find official department web pages, but you can also find links to professors' and graduate students' own home pages. These individualized pages can give you a more personal view of the program and its participants. E-mail is an excellent tool to ask specific questions as well.

What are some important things to look for when researching different schools?

Research the funding of the schools you are interested in. What is the funding structure of the school? How is everyone funded? When will they fund you? For how long? If funding does not appear to be equitable, it could result in a competitive and divisive atmosphere. Funding at some schools is dependent upon performance and can become more and more competitive as you go on. Research the strengths and weaknesses of a program. Find out what sort of student faculty are they searching for? Does the department have an atmosphere in which you think you can thrive? Is there a support structure for graduate students in the department and in the university? What areas is it strongest in? The English department at Penn tends to emphasize historical and interdisciplinary approaches, while some other top schools are more theoretical. Know a school and its program well before you apply or interview.

Should I visit the schools I am interested in?

Yes. You will be at the school for many years should you decide to go there. Visit and speak with students and professors in the program to get a real feel for the school and its atmosphere. Get as many perspectives as you can. Ask well-thought out questions and listen carefully as you visit. Sit in on classes if possible (those taught by standing faculty and graduate students).

Should I take time off between undergraduate and graduate work?

It is highly recommended and advantageous for you to take some time off before entering a Ph.D. program. A few schools take a large percentage of students just out of college, but there is the problem of your own stamina. Can you keep up the pace? A year or more of working allows you to save money for graduate school and gives you a break from the academic world. If you want to defer admission and a school says no, still ask. It is true that the longer you take off, the older you will be when you finish, but a brief intermission in your academic pursuits can add to your desire and commitment for graduate work.

Should I plan to get an M.A. first?

In the past six years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Ph.D. applicants who have completed an M.A. M.A. programs are either terminal or segue into Ph.D. programs. Most M.A. programs at better universities are terminal and most programs have a prejudice against their own M.A. students. An M.A. is not required, but it is looked favorably upon.

What about graduate school in Great Britain?

In Britain, graduate programs are much less structured than American programs. Ph.D. students in British universities do not gain teaching experience. After completing their degree, these students have to build up a teaching record in order to get a job at an American university. In British universities, students are left more to their own devices and run the risk of not developing a network among American universities. Foreign students are not funded by British schools but may be able to get specific foundation fellowships. If you are interested in study in Britain, you need to do your research early.