cokohlik

Hi there,
I think the first thing you should realize is this - you are feeling exactly like 95% of all the other students that will be in your class!
Try not to worry about formatting- this is something, like other have said, that you can easily accomplish. Graduate school is all about becoming an independent thinker, synthesizing materials, and learning how to convey your opinions/thoughts in a professional manner.
Readings: There will be a lot...and you will be expected to do more than 'just' read. You will have to really understand and think beyond the page....criticize the work, think about the benefits, limitations, and future directions...I even brought in additional papers for my classes (the students hated me, but for me, it was connecting ideas and expanding my understanding of the topic)...try not to look at just the readings week by week, but try and connect them, and bring that into class.
Class: My classes were very much like seminars in the fact that they were mostly discussion base. At first, it will be intimidating to speak up and talk...but force yourself, and you will find it comes easier and easier. Don't worry about questions you have, or if you think your ideas are off...I always think it's important to show that you think outside the box, and can support your opinions. Also, I think it's important to sometimes question what you're given...not every professor will give you readings that they think are the gold standard- some will want to challenge you and how you think
Seminars: My seminars were student presentations and discussions. It's hard not to feel intimidated and nervous during these periods (we all do), but look at it as a learning experience in a friendly environment. Engage and participate- the more you do, the more comfortable you will become. Take opportunities to get feedback on your work from your peers- and collaborate! This is what the experience is all about!
Coursework: I would recommend always meeting with your professor to discuss your final research paper. I don't know about your department/field..but often times, professors will look at drafts and give feedback. Take that opportunity to get the feedback and advice, so you can know exactly what they expect. Also, hook up with other students...peer feedback is great- but reviewing others work is a great opportunity for you to learn and will help your own writing.
Overall: remember that you're just heading into grad school..you're not expected to know everything! this is a learning experience! be open, and take every opportunity to engage with your peers and professors. Don't be afraid to speak- remember, 99% of the people there want you to be successful! They don't want you to crash and burn- so think of it as a friendly environment!
Don't be scared- be excited! it's common to be nervous, but try and think about how amazing, rich, and fun it will be

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfcmzmIqXw1qbhvnwo1_500.gif

Made my day.

ack, I guess I'm the minority here. Hoping that going straight from undergrad won't burn me out :/

I wouldn't worry too much about that, contiguous

From my parents, "Why do you want to escape from the real world by doing a PhD?"

Agh, people say that to me all the time too! Or they think that grad school is just College 2.0 and that I simply don't want to be in the "real world." Please. Grad school is a job. I'll just happen to get paid less, work long hours, and learn constantly about things I enjoy.

I'm not sure. I visited a few weeks ago and they told me the cohort is typically 3-4 students. Some people get tuition waivers, some tuition plus fellowship.... one of my undergraduate faculty members attended for PhD and said that she was unfunded her first year then funded completely afterwards.

That's what I thought, too -- 3-4 students. It seems like there's more than that this year but I guess they probably over-admit to see who declines? Anyway, ahh! That's exciting! UDel has an agreement with Bryn Mawr where grad students can take classes there at no extra charge, so.... All you Bryn Mawr folk, let's meet! Eventually. ... When school starts. ... In AUGUST!

School y u so far away?

Friends!!! I have to tell you -- you may have already seen in my blog, but I want to post here for good measure.

I got into my dream school (UDel)!!!!   I was admitted to the MA (applied to PhD) but they are extremely generous with their financial offer and I just cannot wait to start! I'm so excited!!! After all this time! On the 21st of March! I thought all hope was lost, but here they are, rescuing me from despair. I burst into tears just thinking about it. I wonder if the elation passes.

Thank you all for all of your support these past few, terrible months. You're the best!

I read a similar article, also by William Pannapacker (the article you quoted was in his pen name) that he wrote last year and it flew me into a rage. I cannot stand his articles. I don't understand him.

Thisis how I deal/dealt with it.


I too wouldn't pursue a PhD unless it was fully funded. That amount of loans, for me, simply isn't something I could ever justify. However, luckily many PhD programs here in the States admit with funding (at least in art history).


When you get discouraged, you have to just keep reminding yourself that you're dedicating yourself to years of specialized study because you enjoy what you do and enjoy pursuing and creating knowledge. That's what I remind myself. You know if graduate school is something that you can and should dedicate yourself to for the betterment of your self or your career or both, and articles like this shouldn't deter you if indeed graduate study is what you really want. Jobs will come. It's scary, I admit that. I'm terrified of graduating and then being on the job market. But at least I'll have achieved the first part of my goal (the PhD), and I can worry about jobs when the time comes, maybe a year or two before actual matriculation.

I hope this is helpful or encouraging. Chin up!

Edited because the formatting was crazy. Double edit: He's written at least 2 articles saying the exact same thing -- this one, in 2009, and the one I read, in 2011 -- and probably some in between. I feel like he's made it his life's work to tell people NOT to go to graduate school.

The two-volume set Art Since 1900 (by Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Benjamin Buchloh, and Yve-Alain Bois) would be a great place to start. It's pretty dense, quite comprehensive, and just an all-around good investment.

I have this! I was going to recommend it too It's awesome.  A lady in my church gave it to me for free one day... happy day.

Not a meme. Still relevant.
I feel like....

http://gabcanfly.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/kermit-yay-flail-o.gif

This.

*looks around then raises hand*

This is my third time applying (which might explain some of my freakouts lol).  Right now I'm feeling pretty down about my chances but others keep telling me to keep my head up.  Honestly, it's not that much different than applying for a second time, you already know what you have to do and what to expect...but it is frustrating going through it again.  I also find it a little embarrassing to be honest, but I just have to keep reminding myself that the timing right now just plain sucks.  It is what it is.  Each time I apply I improve my application (first time retaking the GRE, second time enrolling - and soon earning - a masters degree, among other things) and make sure I am applying to the schools with the best fit.  I guess I have come to the point that I am determined to get in no matter what that takes.  If I don't get accepted this year, then I will apply one more time and after that...I'll figure it out then I guess.

I am really lucky that my advisor is on my side, backing me up, with all of this.  I don't think he really understands just having him on my side really helps me keep applying.  My family has been the type that just doesn't understand why I would do this (though they are slowly turning around) so having someone who understands the stress of this (especially with the multiple application cycles) has been so helpful.

If you (or anyone else) wants to PM about my experiences go ahead and I'll answer!

psychdork, that's really inspiring! I love that you're so persistent and believe so strong in this Embarrassment is a good word -- if I have to do this again, I'll be really embarrassed to go to my professors and ask for letters again... The cost doesn't help, either. I'm hoping that this Master's program I've been admitted to will work out, or of course, I hope that I'll miraculously get into a PhD program this year, but if not... it's encouraging to know that there are other people (you! ) out there who don't give up. I really hope you get in this round!!! Persistence will be rewarded, eventually. That's something I firmly believe. And like Steve Jobs and many others have said: it's important that you love what you do. I love what I do. It's clear that you love what you do. And we'll keep pursuing it no matter what.

I have to admit, that I sort of wish we were back in the (insert any century pre-21st century here) Century, because I'm sure that applying to graduate school has never been more competitive, more emotionally draining, or more exhausting.

I wish you all the best! I hope you keep us posted!

Only 29??! You're a baby! Hang in there Oseirus, it's only March 9th! All will be revealed in time, young grasshopper.

Haha! Read this as I was thinking about how old I feel (23). I really want to be a young grasshopper annnd for all to be revealed.

4 straight rejection so far... sigh...

Aggg. I'm sorry. I know the feeling. Last year I had 5 straight rejections and I only applied to 5 programs. Take heart, though, you still have 6 programs to hear from.

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Oh no!! Upvote quota This is amazing!!

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Not funny, but, this is how I feel right now.

http://caravaggista.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sad-all-the-things-meme-generator-get-into-all-the-schools-b5abc1.jpg

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... so far... at 4:30 EST? ...