0000

I agree. A PhD is a research degree. While I think developing research skills is an important part of an MFA, the depth of research required for a PhD seems like a bit much for art practice. At least in the US there is no incentive to get one since it won't offer up any new opportunities. Post MFA, an artist has all the time they want to go into more depth on a particular project so I don't see the point in getting a PhD unless in the pursuit of that degree you will develop skills that you would need and otherwise not obtain while getting an MFA.

As others have said, reapplying is fine. I did it before (not in art) and it worked out for me. Got into one of the top programs in that field.

lol.

WTF?!?!?!?

Not to sound snarky, but why exactly are you applying to MFA programs then? It seems that engaging with art in an academic environment is not for you (which is perfectly fine).

I'm amazed at how much debt people here seem to be willing to go into for an art degree. They'll never be able to pay all that money back.

Going to a "lower tier" school isn't necessarily going to hold you back in achieving your career goals (just like going to a big name school doesn't guarantee them), but the thing to think about is why certain schools are deemed "lower tier." Often times it is based on resources and opportunities available to students, as well as the success of its graduates and the faculty. These all factor into how likely you will be to achieve your goals, but doesn't necessarily mean you won't if you can overcome the limitations of these programs. But instead of applying to lower tier schools (and I agree with others that UNLV is not necessarily lower tier), I would suggest taking an honest look at your application. Are your grades competitive? How much fieldwork/lab experience do you have? Do you have experience in the area (region/theory/method) in which you propose to do your dissertation work? Are the schools you are applying to a good fit with what you are proposing in your statement of purpose? Do you have a firm grasp on the current thinking regarding your research interests and questions and have you clearly conveyed them in your SOP? If you don't already have a master's degree, I would considering going to a master's only program first and use that as a stepping stone for getting into a top program. I know a lot of people who have done this (many are now in TT positions) and it really can make a difference.

Congrats on your interviews! I only applied to 2 schools this round because of my life situation and got into one and assume I got rejected from the other. Now it's the whole "let's see what funding there is" waiting game. So maybe I'll be in a program in the fall or maybe not. Good luck through the rest of this process!

Thanks and best of luck to you as well. UCLA is my dream school for the MFA. I went there as an undergrad (not in art) and would have loved to have returned there.

We're academics. It's our job to overanalyze trivial things until they no longer exist in any meaningful way.

I went to Berkeley for grad school (not for history) and have really enjoyed this thread. I had a great time there and it is a fantastic university. Having said that, grad school is a completely demoralizing and humiliating experience anywhere you go. So get used to being treated like crap and having to deal with it. The application process is nothing compared to what you will have to endure while in a program. Also, don't get too upset about getting rejected. The review of applications is so random anyways don't try figuring it out. Rejection does not = you being inadequate/not good enough/a failure, etc. Just put together the best application you can and hope for the best. I am back applying to grad schools in a completely different discipline now and I am fine if I get rejected since I already know what is on the other side of being accepted. Anyways. Good luck to you all!