Soycap

I understand. I still have a lot of loans out from my undergrad, also. I mentioned SOAS because the MA program is only one year, and quite inexpensive as far as MA programs go, and you would only have to pay for 1 year. Plus, they have quite a few in-house scholarships you can apply for. I do hope you get into a PhD program with full funding! It's also possible to work full time and go to school part-time, which a lot of people at the IFA do for the MA program - a great option for people who can't take out full loans. It is a frustrating process with a lot of focus on money. I'm just saying - don't get discouraged. You never know - and it's worth it just to apply and see what happens with funding. In the end - I'm sure it will all work out. Keep your head up!

m-ttl, I went to a state school for undergrad and now I'm at the IFA doing an MA in Asian art history. I also got accepted to Penn - so you shouldn't assume that the name of your undergraduate degree is automatically going to get you rejected from more prestigious programs. I personally feel that with a BA from a state school, I wanted to have a better name from my MA program to balance it out a bit for my future pursuits (which may end with an MA, or may continue onto a PhD, I'm not sure yet). It is, however, obviously pointless to attend a school where no one on the faculty is teaching what you are planning to focus on. My undergraduate path was basically a result of my financial situation - but there are others like me at the IFA who took a leap of faith with loans for two years (in the end it's sort of like a car payment but way more important and valuable…isn't it?). There's nothing better to invest in than your education. And I think in your case, maybe getting an MA at a school with a bit of a name would be good step towards then going for a PhD at a top 20 school. The thing about the top 20 schools is that they do provide a lot of opportunity for you during and after your program, which a smaller institution with fewer museum connections might not be able to offer. Just a thought! Also - did you look at SOAS? Quite affordable and it's an extremely prestigious program in the field of Asian studies and Asian art, though it doesn't show up on the top lists because it is so specialized.

I know someone who did an MA in E Asia studies and then went on to a history PhD. I guess it depends on your focus. I considered EALC degrees but found I'm having better luck overall honing in more on the specific concentration (art history). I'm sure you could stay in academics with a phd in EALC and teach.

I'm waiting, as well. I also have an overseas admit with an earlier response deadline but I emailed them and they said they don't charge to accept and then change your mind. You should reach out to them and see if they have a similar policy, because it's a shame not to be able to consider all of your options!

April 1! Last year's results board looks like they found out sooner so let's keep our fingers crossed. What is everyone's focus? I'm applying for East Asian art history.

I struggle with this too! But I think I've decided that I'll just have to love contemporary Japanese literature as a part of my life but not my career, while I study East Asian art history. But being on cloud 9 after that dinner does indicate a passion in the political side, etc! So you'd probably be happy in either!

UOregon offers some pretty nice funding for Art History MAs and TA-ships!

I just got into Penn's EALC MA program today. I'm an art history China/Tibet/Buddhist person so I have a tough decision to make. I still have 4 schools to hear back from but at this point I'm torn between Penn and SOAS.

Has anyone gone to SOAS? I got into their East Asian Art history MA program and am trying to decide. Does anyone know if this Masters has a good reputation, and if you went, how did you like it? Thanks for your thoughts!