Nofia

nice! have you gone down to visit yet?

Anyone else? I just sent in my acceptance letter. I'm going for a phd in history.

no they didn't...I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that you're in!!

I emailed the grad coordinator last week and she emailed back saying I'd been rejected. It would be nice if they would actually notify people--my status online hasn't changed.

hmph, halfway through another week and still no news! what gives here?

I emphasized the public history aspect of my degree, but spoke very little about my grad school experience--I spent most of my SOP talking about research interests and some about my undergrad research, and discussed my current employment at bit since its such a research/writing intensive job. I think there is still some feeling among certain professors/academics that getting your phd and then not staying in academia is a decision to be looked down upon, which is unfortunate, because curators and other public historians do contribute to scholarship AND they educate the wider public. well, that and a staggering number of newly minted phds aren't able to get tenure track jobs. That said, you're right, the phd plus a certificate in museum studies will get you to be the curator (or assistant/associate curator), which is, I assume, where you'd want to be, much faster than just a museum studies MA would (tis a pretty general/interdisciplinary degree).. If you get into NYU you can probably do the museum studies certificate program too, or just take classes in the department. I loved every class honestly, and they offer great electives...including a course on religion and museums, which I didn't take but sounded pretty fascinating. Their program is a good mix of academic and hands on too, though I chose the program because they emphasized the theoretical/academic aspects far more than the practical stuff (most of us had plenty of museum experience already anyway). The professors are amazing too!

I actually finished my MA in museum studies at NYU in May 07. I've been working at an exhibition design firm for a couple years now...before that I'd worked at 4 different museus/historical societies. I love museums/public history, but I definitely feel the need to go all the way and get the phd (hence going right back to school!). where did you apply? I can definitely tell you a lot about it, and I loved my program :0)

i know! maybe they'll surprise us and let us know today (please!) the fellow I spoke to didnt seem to know much and had to go ask someone, so who knows. sigh!

I second suggestions for working in archives or in a museum (though not giving tours...work with the registrar if you want to get to see/handle objects and documents or with the curator if you want to do research, write scholarly essays, and write exhibit scripts/labels). Being around the authentic stuff of history is pretty amazing, and while every job has its drawbacks and can be boring sometimes, you will see and learn amazing things in the archives/museum field.

I just called and they said decisions would be sent out in the next 2 weeks. harumph.

true true; I think I went 3/5 research focus 2/5 past experience maybe? Past experience certainly wasn't a small portion of it by any means, but I did have to limit it from what I wrote in my first draft (I initially had the proportions flipped and my advisor told me to revise so the emphasis was on the research interests).

My undergrad/thesis advisor gave me some pointers and then made me write and rewrite and rewrite until he thought my PS was acceptable to send out. And then I rewrote it again after sending it to some potential mentors in programs I wanted to go to, one of whom suggested I make edits to it before applying to the school. While preparing it, I read examples online, and then focused mostly on what I wanted to research, but spent some (limited) time discussing both my previous research experience and how my job and MA (in a related but different field) were a practical application of the field of research I want to go into. I think anecdotes can be helpful if you've had some experiences outside of academia that might need to be explained.

I so agree with Minnesotan...there is definitely that sense of being an imposter! I did an MA in museum studies while working full time and as soon as you posted this I was like, my god, doing a PhD is going to be so much different, I will never be able to balance this type of program like I could the museum studies program. ack! panic! Making it through before must have just been a fluke and I must have somehow fooled everyone at NYU into giving me my MA, and they so won't fall for it in a phd program! I'm exaggerating hugely of course, but it helps then to realize this is a harmful mindset, and in reality, I'll get it done the same way I finished my MA a semester early...time management/keeping to a schedule and making sure I put myself first (exercise, eating well, etc.) We're over the first of many hurdles here, have faith in yourself that you'll adjust to the workload and do just fine.

Yeah, I would love to see the US Modern rankings too!

America public policy/affairs during the Cold War, particularly under Eisenhower. they have a great school of public affairs at UVA, and the professor that I hope to work with has similar interests.

:0) Thanks! I'm not actually all that worried...we did the long distance thing while I was in college. Besides, housing is cheaper in VA than it is in Westchester County/NYC, maybe he'll come along with some prodding haha.

oh my goodness, I just checked the University of Virginia site and it said admit under my status...I am so so happy. I hope I am one of the lucky who get some funding. This was my top choice (well...ok, Yale was my top choice because I wanted to be near my boyfriend, but realistically, UVA has the best program and professors, so deep down it was my top choice haha) and after 3 rejections from other schools I was feeling very sorry for myself. I am very pleased!

thanks! it really relieves so much of the anxiety to just know when the decisions are coming. this is great to hear!

Argh, rejected by this one too. now I have only 2 schools to hear from...I'm getting very nervous since I'm 0-3 right now, and UT was one of the schools where I got encouraging emails from two of the professors when I wrote them back in the fall.

hopefully they'll post it on the status page soon...I'll be away for a few days for work, and not being able to check my regular mailbox is going to be a drag!

my advisor said the same thing, and most of the programs I'd want to study in don't offer terminal MAs. I know some schools do though...for those of you thinking of going this route, does it matter if the program you do your MA in have good professors in your subfield? I feel like I might have a hard time looking for an MA program with folks who study what I'm hoping to study (cold war/public policy)...but if I don't get in anywhere maybe next year when I apply again, I'll look into those too? what is everyones opinion?

anybody have any idea when they'll be sending out notifications? I tried to call the history office yesterday, but got the graduate coordinator's voicemail and was way to chicken to leave a message haha.

no good news...and no change to the status page either. harumph!

I just checked my status page and it says the same thing yours did. maybe they're rejecting us in batches ;-)

Congratulations!! That is fantastic news :0)