Expert: Sue Kayton - 1/5/2011

Question
Hello,
Iīm 28 year old, I studied Archeology in my own country Ecuador, It was a bachelorīs degree, I aprooved 2 years, then I left school, it was 6 years ago. Now a days I live in New York and I would like to go back to school and continue with Archeology, but I donīt know where to start. Do I need a GED? can I validate the classes I toke before? or I have to start again? can You help me? Iīm completly lost. I really appreciate  all the information that you can provide me I Donīt kwon anything about USA universities or colleges.
Thanks for your help

Answer
A GED is equivalent to a high school diploma.  If you graduated high school in Ecuador, then you do not need a GED.  

You are probably thinking of the GRE, which is a standardized test that qualifies you for graduate school.  If you are applying to grad school for a PhD in archaeology, then yes, you will need to take the GRE.  Get a review book (sold online or in brick-and-mortar bookstores) and practice and review before you take the GRE.  

You will need to find which universities teach archaeology, if they offer scholarships, and what other requirements (besides the GRE test) they have.  They will all require a transcript from your undergraduate college, plus letters of recommendation from professors and/or job supervisors.  

Find professional publications by archaeologists, for archaeologists.  They will have ads from universities trying to hire archarology professors, plus links to archaeology seminars and conventions.  These links will help you find other resources, and email people who work in the field to ask them more information.  Here is a link to the website for the American Institute of America, as an example.

http://www.archaeological.org/

Good luck!