Expert: Ralph Salier - 2/25/2010

Question
What is the best school to go to for archeology if you don't know what kind of archeology you want to go in to? I'm a sophomore in high school and I would like to start looking at schools?

Answer
Hi Emma,

Many schools tend to specialize in specific cultural areas.  Some focus on Rome/Greece, others Egypt or the Aztec or Maya etc... Some are more generalist and focus on North American archaeology.  The skills are transferable to other cultures of course.  I would recommend that you look at UNT, ASU and UArizona, U of Chicago, UC San Diego and the U of Florida.  All have good basic programs in Archaeology.  

But at this point, you need to focus on your studies in High School.  Be sure to take the hardest curriculum you can like AP or IB as this will be viewed by the universities at a higher level.  Yes they are much harder with a ton of home work but it is a better education and will do a much better job of preparing you for college.  Make sure that you take biology, chemistry, physics and yes, earth science.  History of course and at least one language would be highly recommend.  Learn how to write well so, take the English courses that require a lot of writing.  And finally, besides archaeology, what other interests do you have?  Always think of having a back up plan.