[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

Is anyone familiar with programs that have faculty which are particularly interested/work in the preservation and management of religious spaces?

 

I've done consulting work in preservation and archive management for the town of Mount Vernon, IA; same style of work in Bethania, NC, and just wrapped up a HP project in Nashville, TN for the Nashville City Cemetery Association.

 

I've struggled finding faculty with religious interests in the field of HP, though I do realize that some programs lump this into cultural management/preservation - which is fine, I'm just looking for faculty with particular interests in religion, sacred space, American religious history (you get the idea).

 

Please consider reaching out to Michael Tomlan at Cornell. He is teaching a class on this subject next semester.

[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

Congrats on making your decision, architect!!!

[Moving to graduate school with significant other]

The hardest part for me has been making my partner comfortable with it all, and not getting offended and taking his worrywart nature as meaning he didn't support me. I probably won't have an income for at least a semester, and I know that worries him even though we can afford it. After 4 years of being an adult with a job, it bothers me to need money from someone else, too, regardless of the relationship. Sometimes I feel guilty that I am basically getting my way on every aspect of this.

 

This is exactly what's going on with me right now, too. My SO tends to be the planner/worrier, and I'm the "happy-go-lucky we'll figure it out as it comes along" type in these situations. We ground each other in that respect, I think. I'm also going to school after working full-time for two years... it seems viewing grad school as MY full time job will help me a little, but not having a real income will definitely make me a little self conscious.

 

It is SO awesome to see other people making the same transition!

[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

ladygirltomboy, thanks SO MUCH for your input on state schools.  UOregon and Rutgers are actually the two I am looking at most seriously.  I'm a bit afraid that the Rutgers program is more museum studies under the title of "preservation studies," but maybe that's not a bad thing.  I'm interested in Rutgers because it would be in-state and I'm not sure why exactly I'm interested in Oregon but...I am.  It looks like there might be a lot of opportunities there.  I actually applied for the Croatia Field School this summer as they accept people who are not currently enrolled in degree programs.

 

I know nothing about those Canadian schools, but I'll definitely look into them.  I have heard of Willowbank and the program sounds really interesting.  However, because it's a "diploma" program and not a Master's (or even Bachelor's), I have no idea how it counts academically.  I'm also not sure if I want to focus on conservation.

 

It's only March (many months before application season rolls around) but every now and then I get sucked into this black hole of researching grad schools!

 

Another Jersey resident interested in HP?! Hiya!

 

Good for you for starting your search this early. It's kind of fun when you don't have to worry about application due dates being right around the corner!

[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

Just going to gatecrash this thread - has anyone here applied for Hist Pres at Pratt??

Or know anyone who has already been through the program there? 

Seems like there are mixed opinions &  if anyone else has any other info/opinions it would be a huge help to me!

 

I can vouch for ladygirltomboy's input on Pratt's program. One of the program directors I've spoken to was VERY hesitant to recommend Pratt, as the program is in limbo at the moment. He said something similar about Clemson (although I had already applied when he mentioned this... there's $75.00 I'll never get back.)

 

If I remember correctly, the University of Minnesota and the University of Texas (Austin) have HP programs (or focuses within the program) that required one to have an MArch before applying. Worth considering, perhaps. I've heard great things about both. UPenn offers an MS in HP with a focus in preservation design.

 

On a side note, a huge deciding factor for me was whether or not a program had American architectural history classes listed as a requirement. You'd be surprised by how many don't even provide that background. A great piece of advice I received was to look at the professors in the program, see where and what they studied (some programs are more archaeology focused, others are policy focused, etc.), and weigh your options that way.

 

I'm not enrolled in any program yet though (and am still completely incapable of making a decision, ah!) so a current student may have different advice.

 

Best of luck in your search!

[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

I really, really appreciate your insight! A lot of what you're saying seems to line up with what I've heard. I spoke with a professor at a school who told me Pratt's program is in limbo at the moment as well. I ruled out Clemson a while ago so it's comforting that your friend's experiences back up my reasoning.

 

Because I'm pretty sure I'd like to go the planning route, I'm stuck between Cornell and Penn's programs at the moment. Tricky decision. I am a little concerned that Philly's program could be "Philly-centric" (in the way that Columbia's sounds like a study of NYC), but I've read about Penn professors taking trips to Ecuador and Europe.

 

I'm sorry that you're having such a lousy experience at a program that promised you otherwise That's very disheartening and I would be just as upset. I wish you luck in your architectural history program at your next institution!

[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

Hi there ladygirl...

 

Could you give any insight into the HP programs that your colleagues are in? Which programs they are unhappy with?

 

I'm a little concerned!

[Netflix binging]

Ditto to the post above... I love 30 Rock, Parks and Rec and House of Cards is AMAZING. Good to see another PLL addict, too

 

I enjoy Archer (I don't usually go for those adult cartoon shows but this one actually has me laughing out loud sometimes) and started a show called The Returned (Les Revenants) last night. It's more of a thriller... SUPER creepy. I had to stop watching it last night and put on something funny just so I could fall asleep. It's incredible though. French with subtitles, if you're OK with that.

 

And it that's totally not your style... maybe Arrested Development?

[Philadelphia, PA]

Yay! I don't find out my stipend for another 2 days! The wait is killlinngggg me. I'm setting my sights on parts of University City, Rittenhouse, Center City and Grad Hospital. A friend suggested Fairmount as well but we'll see.

[Philadelphia, PA]

I noticed it's quiet around here too. I THINK I'm headed to Penn! Apartment searching has been fun but also slightly overwhelming...

[What surprised you the most going through this whole process?]

I was surprised that the worst part of the entire process, for me, was just waiting. Between hitting "submit" on all my applications and hearing back from my programs, I was an absolute mess.

 

Also surprised just how fluid of a process it is. I was accepted to my dream program and then accepted to a similar program that was just on the edge of my radar. My dream program gave me little to no funding, but that second program offered me a research assistantship. Despite always thinking that I'd attend my dream program NO MATTER WHAT!!! I just couldn't swing it. It wouldn't make sense. I'm still a little bummed and I go back and forth, but I'm realizing just how great of a fit the program I'm headed to is. So excited!

[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

Thank you! Well, I applied to two others but these two acceptances have really ended my search (which I am extremely grateful for). I never expected to hear back so early, ESPECIALLY from Penn! Congratulations on your acceptance! I was wondering who the other admit was in the results search!

 

Thanks for the input, I will absolutely see you at the open house Just noticed you're in GA, so that'll be a really exciting visit for you especially! I'm so impatient myself I doubt I'll be able to relax until then. I think I'll shoot you a private message, it would be nice to have someone to discuss things with since I think we may be the only two HP students on gradcafe this year.

 

Best of luck in your remaining four choices, but having Penn already under your belt is a really great start!

[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

rlmcman, I think taking a general chem course is a great idea and can only help. I don't plan to focus on conservation, so I'm not sure how much more than that you would need. Why not email some of the professors you're interested in and ask them what they think? (Sorry for just seeing this now, it's been a hectic week!)

 

On another note, I seem to be in a position I'd never, ever anticipated... I've been offered acceptances from both Cornell and Penn and I am COMPLETELY stuck on where to go. I've written out pros and cons lists and everything. Every time I think I've made up my mind, I change it.

 

Penn has offered me a research assistantship which is incredible. I haven't heard from Cornell regarding a financial aid package yet, but should within the next week or so. But even if they don't offer me anything, should I rule them out?

 

Does anyone have any insight here that may help me out? Any information on any school?! The open houses next month will be a huge help, I'm sure... but there's no way I'll stop thinking in circles until then!

[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

Yay! I was worried I was alone... Cornell, Penn, Clemson and Maryland. And yourself?

 

I keep checking the results survey even though it seems these programs don't usually send responses until the end of February at the EARLIEST. Ahh!

[Historic Preservation -- Lots of Questions!]

Anybody else applying to HP programs for Fall 2014? Anybody else wanna freak out with me?!?

[Johns Hopkins MA in Communications?]

Hello fellow preservation lover! I see that you applied to Clemson, which is just down the road from me. I also attended the College of Charleston for my BA. So lots of coincidences all around! Good luck with your applications. I almost went for my MA in historic preservation. I was admitted to the Savannah College of Art and Design but then lost my job, so I decided not to take on that kind of debt. And now unfortunately, South Carolina is not very receptive to historic preservation, jobs are very few and far in between, so I've decided that since I can't move (stubborn husband, unfortunately) that would not make economic sense to pursue the MA in hist pres. So my advice to you is be prepared to move where ever you need to get a job! And I would even venture to say that if you get accepted to multiple programs, be aware of networking and getting potential jobs following completion of your degree. For example, at Clemson, you may make some good connections, but with the job market being so poor here for historic preservation, you may do better attending another school where you can make the connections that will lead to a job. Just my two cents. :-)

 

Best of luck to you!

 

I truly appreciate your advice and will keep this in mind. Nice to find someone with experience. Thank you! Best of luck to you as well.

[Johns Hopkins MA in Communications?]

Well, this is kind of a funny bunch of little coincidences. I have a BA in history but I am looking to study historic preservation in grad school... AND I work full-time in government myself.

 

I would like to say that I know nothing about Johns Hopkins or communications programs of any sort..... sorry for the let down in advance!

 

If you're interested in PR, I wonder if you have any lobbyist contacts through your government experience. Perhaps you could get some sort of internship. After all, someone with a government background would fit perfectly in a government affairs-type PR setting, and people in those fields switch back and forth relatively frequently, in my experience. Maybe you've found the same thing?

 

As far as the GRE goes, don't underestimate yourself! I say this because I am also a poor test taker and most likely the worst math student you will ever speak to in your life. I think it would certainly open up doors for you! I was looking at programs that did not require the GRE and was shocked by how few there were in my field. Perhaps it's different in communications, though. Not to mention, a strong verbal score will look wonderful and is something to be extremely proud of regardless. Just something to consider!

 

I'm sorry if this was of no help at all, I just couldn't resist after reading all the similarities between the two of us. I wish you luck in your program search!

[How Are You Coping With The Torture Of Waiting???]

Also, occurs to me that this is a GREAT time for a vacation, except for the part where they want to do phone interviews. Maybe vacations within the country in areas with good cell reception and wifi access.

 

I would also LOVE a vacation! Stuck in the northeast and we are getting pummeled with snow. Usually I find a million ways to kill time and not worry but being stuck inside just encourages me to check my email, mailbox, application status, results search, you name it. I just want to sit on a beach somewhere!

[Sh*t people say when you are applying to grad school]

My boyfriend and I plan to move in together once we find out where I'm accepted. We're both ready to move out of our area and start somewhere new, which is really exciting. I would say that most of the feedback I get is related to that aspect, rather than the grad school aspect. People seem to be a lot more focused on, "Well, you must be getting married soon then!" To add that sort of pressure on TOP of what could be a series of rejection letters... I mean... geez.

 

Anyone else experiencing anything like this?

[How Are You Coping With The Torture Of Waiting???]

I joined the gym and I plan on doing spin class twice a week and yoga once a week. So far I have been keeping up with the spin classes. I've never been able to keep working out a habit, but with all of this waiting it has been good to have another goal to focus on! I also watched the first 9 seasons of Grey's Anatomy. 9 seasons! How did I do that? Why did I do that?

 

 

That's awesome. I'm trying to do the whole "focus on fitness" thing too, but it seems to have the opposite effect... "Now I have to worry about grad school AND fitness!? I should just eat everything instead." 9 seasons is really impressive though, be proud. I just caught up on 4.5 seasons of The Good Wife and now I don't know what to watch, so I'm just kind of... sitting... waiting....