Bearcat1

I have these email dreams, then wake up and look for them on my phone. In the midst of what is now real panic because the emails have gone missing, I finally become coherent enough to realize it was a dream. But at this point I'm all worked up and can't get back to sleep so I just lie there and stress some more.

I am also an only child, and I'm turning blue in the face trying to explain to my mom why she shouldn't pack up and follow my husband and I wherever I get in. She seems to think that I'll move this once, graduate, then get a job at the same university. And is unwilling to listen to anyone tell her otherwise. Oy. Just what I need is her following me.

Also crazy. I'm trying to schedule every minute of my day so that I don't have time to think about how crazy. I created a syllabus for the language workbooks I'm trying to get through, with assignments and deadlines. If we can just make it through the next three and a half weeks, we'll hear something...right?!?!?

I'm so sorry. How fortunate to have had that person in your life to encourage your dreams. And how proud you will make them!!!

So an interview request will be straight-forward. Unfortunately, (or not?) only 2-3 of the programs I applied to conduct interviews. So in all likelihood, I will be kept in suspense until I open the emails. Great. I'm afraid my vision will go blurry and I won't be able to read them. I might have to open all emails on my phone in the stairwell at work where I can have a private mental breakdown, rather than share it with everyone in my office. Oh, it's not too late! I didn't think about it until it started driving me crazy, then I put a moratorium on all things application related.

I've had a couple dreams about not being prepared for winter. As in, I have a hoodie and it's ten degrees and dumping snow. All my top choice programs are in places that snow, which I have no experience with, but I think it's a metaphor for feeling unprepared (or unqualified) for those programs. Maybe. Or maybe it's because hoodies are the only winter wear I own and I'm clueless about such things.

I agree with TakeruK, and definitely wouldn't send extras if they aren't all stellar. If you think one won't be as good, certainly don't include it. I would only send more than are required if you're certain they are all equally strong.

Yes, you'll have to send everything, but it's likely they won't take your community college GPA into account.

A lot of art historians deal with things like that, but I've never come across any of those terms in art historical writing. Generally they use Freud and Lacan to explain reactions to art, which I don't find ever applies to what I study. Maybe I will break new ground and combine theory with actual, current behavioral methodology! The secret science nerd in me is always up for combining science with art.

Wow, that's so fancy and impressive. (I realize that will read as sarcasm, which it is most certainly not.) Sometimes I forget I'm in such an unprecise field, and that really we make a lot of things up. This is so much more neat and tidy than anything I ever do.

I've heard from several professors that any extra materials, if they don't want them, are just ignored. So no harm, no foul if you send extras.

I have a question for all the sciencey people who've been admitted: what is the subject line of the emails (if, of course you've received acceptances via email)? Do you know while still in your inbox that it's good news? Or do you stare at the email and prepare yourself for the worst because the subject line tells you nothing?

They never sent your letters then asked how your apps were going?!?!?!? I'm sure they can still send them...I've read a bunch of posts here about schools accepting LORs late. (I'm so mad that anyone would make your little cupcake avatar sad! I picture you as a perpetually happy person, unless you're disappointed, and then I picture your cupcake with a sad face, little flag dragging forlornly on the ground...)

This is exactly what I've been doing. And nothing has worked to manage my anxiety. I had a dream I was watching my POI at my top choice argue on my behalf with the admissions committee. But because I was outside looking in a window, I couldn't tell how it was going. I woke up in a panic and it took a while to realize it wasn't real. And then I decided she probably doesn't want me anyway and wouldn't argue for me. This is the roller coaster I'll be on for four more weeks.

YAY!!! I was worried for you (worrying about other people's apps allows me to worry less about mine...I think).

If that's the case then I agree, don't mention having children. If it's a documented statistic, then it is very likely something adcoms will consider (regardless of whether it's fair).

I have no children, but I do not hide the fact that I'm married, although I don't mention it anywhere but in my "Diversity Statements." My MA thesis, however, is dedicated to my husband, and since it's practically the first page of that, I don't think hiding it would be possible. Many of the people I've spoken to have asked whether my husband will move with me, and that seemed to be a concern. They all seemed relieved when I said yes. (Which makes sense, because I'm sure the likelihood of someone completing a program away from their spouse is significantly lower than if their spouse was local.) As far as children, I can't answer that. I tend to agree with your first bit of advice, however, based on things I've heard from professors with children. If the faculty you are meeting with (and current students in that department) don't have their own children, asking about family-friendliness may be pointless. Perhaps the graduate division website has information about such things? I wouldn't have a clue about anything like that, since it doesn't pertain to me, but it's quite possible that those things exist. And if anyone was upset with you for hiding that information (should you choose to) you can simply state that you are a private person. Your personal situation should have absolutely no bearing on your admission to a program, and keeping it private is your choice. You're not trying to be sneaky. Good luck with whatever you decide. Having the capacity to pursue a PhD with small children is an incredible thing; keep that in mind whatever the outcome.

ME TOO!!!! And all my friends think I'm insane. Pshaw! If other people are doing it, it's not insane, right?

I think 10% is good. I vacillate between about 20 and 0%, so a steady 10% is great! And although I know it adds tremendous pressure, how great to have someone (who knows about such things) so confident in your prospects.

I made a spreadsheet with the notification dates of all the programs I applied to. And even though the earliest from last year is Jan. 19th via email, I've been checking my apps at least three times a day.

Well, going to a bar to celebrate exams would be a three times a year thing, at the most. I wouldn't classify that as partying, and I do drink, but several of my colleagues don't and I don't drink when I'm with them and we're still very close. If you are in a super fabulous, supportive department now, I understand your fears. I'm terrified to start a program without my MA advisor, who is much like a mother to me. She tells me I shouldn't be looking for someone like her as an advisor, because I'll limit myself, but I really can't imagine grad school without someone like her! Maybe, since you've been in a wonderful departmental environment, you can cultivate that at your new program? And you should definitely select the program that is the best fit for you, and not base your decision on rumors you've heard about the students there; they could all be lies!!!

With your language prep, I think you are well-situated. It is true that you may better position yourself for a top PhD program with an MA, but it is much more difficult to change your research focus from MA to PhD than from BA to MA/PhD. So, again, Trinity may be very limiting. (Is that an MA program or a BA? If it's a BA, disregard that last bit.) And you're so welcome, any time!!! I really do wish you the best of luck. It's nice to know that there is someone else out there who didn't know what they wanted to be when they grew up until later, like me.

I'm pretty sure that when people refer to universities as "party schools" they are referring only to undergrads. I have yet to meet a grad student with time to "party" (my definition of a party would be time to have a glass of wine and read a book for fun...woohoo!) so I don't think you should worry about that, or about having to limit your friends. I would think your colleagues won't be partiers either.

I sent my materials to Toronto the same way, and they were updated as received in the application system about a week after I sent it. A week after that (2 weeks from mailing date) I got an email from USPS saying they couldn't locate the package. (This was after I signed up online to be notified of delivery.) So it could be delivered and the system is just off. Also, for schools that are closed over the break, a lot of them have mail held at a post office because there's no way to get into buildings to deliver it, so it could just be sitting at a post office. Don't panic yet, but I would maybe give the department a call.

I'm not familiar with Trinity's program; is the application deadline this coming April for the Fall of 2014? Or for this coming Fall? If you are interested now in Irish art, then it sounds like a good idea. Keep in mind, however, that if their program is only Irish art, you will be stuck with it if you continue on to a PhD program. That will also be EXTREMELY limiting when it comes to curatorial work. (And I can't recall ever seeing a professor in a US program who works on Irish art, so you may end up "stuck" in Europe.) Your advisor is right in telling you to focus on your art history grades. You have a compelling story (which you should explain in your Statement of Purpose) regarding your less than stellar grades, and you've had internships that show your passion for your new major. I think admissions committees will focus on your more recent grades. If your goal is to curate, you will need a PhD, so although you are interested in the program at Williams, I would advise that you look into PhD programs as well. Apply to Williams, but also to PhD programs. And one thing you haven't mentioned is languages, which will be a major factor in your applications (in the US at least). You have a year and a half before Fall 2014, so work on getting one research language under your belt (German is your best bet, as most programs and curatorial positions will require it). I was in a similar situation, starting my BA as a bio major and not being motivated, so I completely understand where you're coming from. PM me if you want to talk about more specifics. And good luck!!!