Lamantin

Of course, there's also Wei-Cheng Lin at UNC, who just published his first book, and (if I'm not mistaken) was a student of Wu Hung at UChicago. UNC offers an MA program, with some full funding for certain students according to the website, and offers the opportunity to continue into the PhD program. Edit: He doesn't work on contemporary East Asian Art, so that's probably a no-go, unless your interests start moving further into the past.

"how super saiyan would change our historical outlook, ie what if hitler was super saiyan" Yes, I've also thought about this. Perhaps the more important question would be: what if Hitler were a marshmallow? How would the Allied Command have responded? I honestly can't believe no one has written a book on that question yet. Now, I think manga and anime present interesting problems and suggest areas of research that have yet to be explored, but your attitude toward it certainly isn't academic, nor does it seem aware of the constraints of the subject. It made for a good laugh though.

There certainly are schools that not only require such relationships to be reported, they see any "romantic" relationship, as defined by university policy, as grounds for termination. That's precisely the rule at my university. Whether it's ethical or not is a separate issue. The implication that there is something, well, not right about the large age difference seems to me based on the assumption of a power relationship. The TA is twenty years older than the student, so perhaps the TA is creepy/taking advantage of the student because of the difference in authority. We simply can't determine the validity of that claim, nor do I think it pertinent to the actual issues at hand: what is university policy? are the two in open violation of that policy? and does the OP feel obliged to report those facts?

Microfilm is intimately related to grad school. All those old periodicals, books, and rare materials you need for your thesis? They're on Microfilm (or worse, microfiche). One project for an archival research methods course had us go through microfilms page by page and write evaluations on our findings. I actually like microfilm because it forces you to really deal with the material, to see what is where and how it's arranged, rather than miss what might be important by using other search methods. At least at my university, microfilm also comes with free printing, which saves me lots of money. Embrace the microfilm.

Congrats, Helpmegradcafe! Would you mind saying where?

That would be more than fine, brazilianbuddy.

Congratulations, brazilianbuddy! That's certainly wonderful news. My one word of caution is that funding is a bit tenuous at Wisconsin. I say this as someone who was admitted to the MA program and offered funding, but ultimately went elsewhere. So be sure to be upfront with the department and your POI in particular about whatever concerns and hesitations you may have about funding. This isn't to detract from your acceptance, but to simply pass on the situation from last year's cycle. As an aside, it's highly doubtful that the Graduate School would turn down the recommendation of the department. Do you have a sense of with whom you'd like to study?

How important is math to art history? I wouldn't retake the GRE for a math score, though there's certainly room for improvement on the verbal score. Keep in mind that the GRE won't get you in anywhere, it will only keep you out, but at scores likely much lower than this. I suggest concentrating on the more important aspects of of your application (e.g., statement, writing sample).

I can't answer your first question, but I do have some advice on the second matter. It might be helpful to have worked in a library of some sort before considering going into a library science program. It depends on where your focus is. Are you more interested in getting an MA in art history and seeing what kinds of job you could get with that? or are you fairly confident that archives and library work are for you? In reality, it might be that you have an equal passion for both, or you might lean one way or the other. Now, I do know of a highly reputable dual degree program at UNC, which allows students to complete course work for an MA in art history and a MLS over three years. And from what I've heard, the program has a very well known archivist (not that could tell you who she is).

I find it hard to believe that the quant score comes into much consideration, unless the grad school as a whole has particular cut-offs for scores above, say, 1200. That's common in some science fields, but not in art history (from what I know). Can you give us an idea of what a 'terrible' score is? I scored in the 50th percentile, and it's never been an issue.

Don't discredit programs that have both MAs and PhDs. In some cases, as it is in my program, entrance into the PhD is often a formality upon completing the MA. These MAs can come with funding, too. But make sure that the MA feeds into the PhD (this may require reading between the lines), unlike programs such as Rutgers and UPenn, which distinctly separate the two degrees and offer absolutely no funding for the MA. UW Madison and UNC-Chapel Hill are good programs that would fit the bill, which I note only because I see it in your list. NYU IFA for the Masters, on the other hand, has a certain reputation for being a cashcow. I don't know if this is still the case, but it was the word in the last cycle.

Questions that cannot be reasonably answered by the department's or the graduate school's website, including their FAQ sections, could be appropriate to direct to the DGS or, better yet, the department secretary. The questions you put in parentheses seem like the information typically found on the website and FAQ section. I imagine that if a department does respond, it will simply direct you to the department website. Questions about your fit with a potential adviser are best directed to that individual, and there are several places you can look to see how to write such a letter. Now, for the meat of your question: I think it's inappropriate to direct those kinds of questions to schools or departments. They can't reasonably know because it's relative. You'll be judged in comparison to other applicants, and they haven't reviewed those applications. That doesn't mean you can't have an idea of what school you'd be competitive for based on previous years' statistics, and you should have a good sense of that based on conversations with your professors, but it won't spell your fate. Each department looks at applications holistically. That means that no one number or item will determine whether the department accepts you or not. You can overcome a low GPA by having outstanding letters of recommendation (no, don't provide extra letters. Do exactly as the application asks), a concise and focused statement of purpose, and well researched and well written writing sample (preferably one in the field you'd like to study, but no matter what, it should be your strongest) and a good verbal GRE score. These are all things you should strive for regardless of your GPA. A high GPA certainly won't be your trump for getting into grad school. As a side note, not all departments conduct interviews. Those that do will contact you to schedule one, not the other way around. More than that, I think those questions betray a lack of confidence on your part. Be sure to not be apologetic about your GPA; if needed, explain the circumstances, but you're there to research, and that should be the focus of your conversations. Frankly, I would surprised if any department sent a detailed response to your line of questioning. Walk it off, and focus on putting together an excellent application.

Let's say in the course of rallying yourself for PhD applications, you've stumbled across the abysmal job prospects, lack of stability, and geographic immobility of the professor life (read: likely adjunct). You've internalized this. You understand it's a gamble. But, in the back of your mind, you've started thinking about what opportunities the MA can bring you, and whether it might be a more employable degree. What would you say are the career options for someone with an MA in the field?

I'm wondering what others think about taking fun or hobby courses while in grad school. I realize that most of my energies will go to my intended field of study (art history), but I've always had varied interests that, in my opinion, are most easily pursued through actual courses. I was a studio art major and art history major in undergrad, and I'd like to continue painting and making pottery. I want to keep myself sane and, frankly, I really enjoy making art. the problem is finding the materials, community, and alloted time can be difficult if you're not an active professional. Does anyone know if taking one class, even auditing a class, is frowned upon? am I going to be so bogged down that this won't be realistic? I assume that if one can make time for a hobby outside school, one could just as easily do it with a hobby inside school.

Thanks for the information and thoughts. It's too dishonest and unpleasant for me to go through it, but I'm glad I see how the process would go. Anoveldave: I'm leaning toward accepting school 2's offer and waiting out the funding waitlist. If it doesn't come through, I'll work on my resume and try again next year.