Swagato

^ What are your interests/areas?

? Am I missing something...

You can let coordinators know about this. I suspect they'll be acceptable since you'll send them in just a week hence. It often takes at least a week just to consolidate all the incoming applications into files.

Since Joselit's departure does leave a significant gap in the program's strengths, I have faith in the department that they'll do what's necessary. On the other hand, it'd be unreasonable to expect a lightning-fast replacement, especially in academia where these things take time.

I'd be happy to do a read-through.

Most programs allow for some leeway when it comes to letters. But this varies, so if you're concerned about a particular program, check with them. Most should be fine for up to a week after the application deadline.

Fair enough. Having lived in cities of varying sizes (New Haven, Chicago, NYC, Albuquerque...) I can say that Chicago is actually a strange mix of small-town ambience with many of the attractions of a major city. While you get your major cultural attractions and downtown fun, you also find a very relaxed vibe that is definitely not present in, say, NYC (at least for me). It's worth thinking about. Also, UChicago is in Hyde Park, which definitely feels somewhat detached from the rest of the city. Not as familiar with Northwestern, but I think that, too, is in a more secluded, smaller area.

Out of curiosity, why are you restricting your locations?

I would treat SOP word requirements, especially if any indications are provided, fairly seriously. The SOP is not only an expression of yourself as a future scholar; it's also an indicator that you can put together an excellent project proposal (something academics will be doing for the entirety of their professional careers). On a more practical level, yours will just be one among dozens of SOPs being read. Why needlessly provoke possible irritation with a document that flagrantly exceeds what's requested?

I think it's a little dangerous to make some of the assumptions m-ttl has made in this thread. As someone currently in one of "those" programs, I should emphasize that my peers are comprise a surprisingly diverse lot. I mean diverse in all its senses. Not everyone wants to be a professor. A friend is currently doing a year at MoMA. And, entirely anecdotally, I certainly do not fit the "privileged" framework, hence why I say it is risky to make such blanket assumptions. As for museum work, I'm not sure you have in mind. A lot of "museum work" involves research that can compete with the best "academic" research out there. Many people here have past museum experience, or have worked at museums/archives as part of their graduate training. Clearly, the emphasis is on *research* rather than, say, organizing day-trips for high schoolers. Much depends on what, exactly, you wish to achieve.

I think reading http://philosophy.uchicago.edu/prospective/admissions.html will help those of who you wonder about the "process." It is for a specific discipline, but it is part of the humanities and, as such, likely has much in common with admissions procedures at most departments.

http://arthistorynewsletter.com/blog/?p=5204 From 2011, but more or less okay to go by. The list condivi suggested is pretty decent. It's true that reputation counts for a great deal, even if you don't intend to pursue an academic career track. If your letter-writers are pushing you to apply to a higher tier, what have you to lose? It's not like you'll be paying for this anyway.

There is a reasonably acceptable list: http://arthistorynewsletter.com/blog/?p=5204 However that's from 2011, and there have been shake-ups since. Nemerov and soon Joselit aren't/won't be at Yale, so depending on who comes in, there will be some movement. Darby English left Chicago for Williams, but Chicago in general has made some big hires. The rest of your list seems acceptable, but I'm not sure I'd agree with Stanford's inclusion.

I had 34 endnotes. My writing sample was 17 pages of text. I'm not sure if that's "too many" but I really, really doubt that adcoms are going to close-read your endnotes.

Thread seems quiet this year. Just curious who's aiming where.

The job market should be a relevant consideration at any stage.

About 110. You'll only do the Core course as a cohort; after that you mostly split up into your chosen areas (i.e. English, Cinema Studies, whatever).

I was accepted to MAPH with significantly more modest "stats." What matters is much more the quality of your writing sample and your statement of purpose.

Oh wow, I didn't know Darby English left Chicago. But yes, there is huge emphasis on interdisciplinary work between Art History and Cinema and Media Studies there. Dan Morgan, who just joined CMS there, is co-authoring a book on film and philosophy with Richard Neer (who I believe is already affiliated with CMS despite being primarily in Art History). Gunning and Tsivian both regularly offer courses of interest to both disciplines. And as pointed out, WJT Mitchell and Lauren Berlant both work on cross-disciplinary issues. It really is a fantastic place for anyone interested in modern/contemporary work (because a lot of contemporary art moves between CMS and more traditional "art history").

University of Iowa, if I remember, also requires mailed-in materials. This was for the Film Studies program, but it's housed in the Dept. of Cinema and Comp Lit.

I don't think it's being on a high horse to realize that it matters significantly where you earn your PhD when you go on the job market eventually.

It'll soon be a crucial time for many of you. Good luck!

^ I agree. Certainly, reputation matters. But there should be a balance between desiring the "value" of a reference's reputation and whether that person can truly write for you. As mentioned, a lukewarm, obligatory reference is not at all a good thing.

Just wanted to note that Joselit is leaving Yale for the CUNY Graduate Center. No doubt the department will make a suitable hire shortly. Still, something to keep in mind.

Your GPAs are perfectly fine. The GRE could be better, but I would focus far more on more weighty things: statement of purpose, writing sample, and letters.