artmuse

That is just how Harvard and most of the top programs operate. They want you to get take classes, get to know the professors, and integrate into the program before starting a dissertation. The fact that your friend had that MA is probably why they got into Harvard in the first place. Not just because they have the degree, but because of the many reasons Josephine mentioned above that drive students to get a terminal MA before applying to PhD programs. While an MA is not a necessity to get into a great program, I wouldn't call it a weakness in any way. The type of scholarship you are producing when you graduate from a good MA program is often more appealing to admissions committees than work done by many undergraduates who just haven't had the time to develop their interests or writing styles. Of course there are exceptions to this but I wouldn't discourage anyone from getting a terminal MA if they can get funding and feel that they aren't prepared for PhD programs yet.

I didn't hear anything today so I'm assuming that this is the end of the road. If none of us got an email today then it's possible that they are just busy or disorganized, but I'm not too hopeful.

I don't think mckee is saying that terminal MA programs aren't a good option. It's just that when you go into a MA program where they also offer a PhD, you often end up not only funding these students but also fighting for attention. I have a couple of friends at the IFA masters program and while there are many strengths including great professors, the reality of having 45+ students in a year as well as PhD students just means less personal attention. If you are motivated and willing to deal with the competition then it can be a good experience. Also, there are very good masters programs that fund students so it doesn't have to be one or the other.

Has anyone heard back about interviews? Why must they keep us in a constant state of anxiety??? That's what grad school applications are for.

I got the same finalist email informing me about interview decisions on the 13th. I'm assuming that there will be another cut before interviews and then a final decision by April 6th as they said in the original email. Good luck everyone!

Has anyone heard anything yet?

I've applied for the undergraduate internship a few times and never gotten it. I'm hoping I might have a better shot as a Graduate student this year. There are fewer spots but I think because it's only MA students there are probably far fewer applicants. I hope we hear soon!

I applied this year too, but it seems like when they say "finalists will be notified by March 1st" they actually mean on March 1st. I haven't heard anything yet. Good luck everyone!

There aren't a lot of funding options out there. The Javits Fellowships and a few others only let you apply if you are getting the highest possible degree in your field. Since I'm about to start a MA program I'm not eligible. I know it's a longshot but any advice for outside funding options for MA students???

You really took the words out of my mouth! I just sent my acceptance this morning to a school that I never would have believed I'd get into and yet I'm still feeling like I may have made the wrong choice. For me it means a move away from a major city, where my friends and all of my contacts in the museum world are, to a place that feels like the middle of nowhere. Even though I know it's what's best for me, this was such a difficult choice. I'm hoping that in a few days or even a few weeks I'll adjust to the idea. Congratulations on getting into a few programs and choosing a great offer with funding!

I definitely wouldn't discount the Whitney or the Whitney ISP program. While it's not at all equivalent to a graduate degree, it is a really great program that is well respected by other museums and can be a great addition to your education in the arts. Many prominent curators, artists, and art critics have taken part in the program. Everyone I know that's done it speaks of it as a formative experience in their careers. Also I think it's very dismissive and completely untrue to say that the Whitney doesn't have a good reputation for contemporary art. I work in the modern department a major New York museum much larger than the Whitney where their exhibitions and scholarship are taken very seriously. They definitely take a lot of risks with young artists that many other institutions wouldn't. Particularly with the biennial, which continues to play an important role in contemporary art scene. I don't think the discussion of the ISP or any other programs really has to do with the original discussion here though. To the original poster I would say that in most cases if you definitely want to go onto a PhD program then a straight Art History masters is probably your best bet. I think these things will change with time but for now the programs with alternative focuses are viewed somewhat warily by PhD programs and even museums. On the other hand, if you feel that the program has enough of an art historical focus to prepare you for further study, I would say go for it. There is no right or wrong path.

This has definitely been the experience I've had working in museums as well but it does vary from institution to institution. I've interned in a few of the big art museums in new york and while most rarely consider a candidate without the right degree, for others experience can cancel this requirement out. I know while working at a major museum this summer some of the curatorial assistants and even an assistant curator there had worked their way up from interns with no graduate degrees while some of them had a PhD already. In many situations it's just about getting your foot in the door. However, those without degrees recognized that they'll have to go back to school to progress any further. At small town museums these requirements are much looser. In my opinion you need to get the degree that's right for you at the moment. I realized during this process that I'm really not prepared for a PhD yet and that taking more time and getting a masters degree will probably be better for me no matter what my eventual goal is.

It feels very rude to me but apparently not something unusual this year. I'm still waiting on three schools, which is half of the ones I applied to this year. All of them seem to have just put me on hold until the end and won't get back to my requests for information.

snooze, were you able to get in touch with them??? I'm desperate for an update besides my empty mailbox. I doubt my chances at this point but I really just want to know by April.

At this point I just don't know what to do with Williams. Are we on some second-tier waitlist they just won't tell you about? It seems like this is a new way of doing it since they sent out all the decisions earlier in years past. I've been coming home expecting a rejection letter for the past couple of weeks but it hasn't come yet. sigh....i hate waiting