reremoop

@steve3020 Thanks! I was able to connect my specific interests in history (material culture studies/living history) to my background in the arts. For example: "I had come to realize that my interest and talent in the arts did not fulfill my desire for intellectual study. Although I had long planned to create visual and material culture, I instead found myself eager to study it." I basically said that as an artist experienced and interested in the creative process, I'd have a unique perspective to study material culture, especially in regards to the modern resurgence of craft in the US. I am sure that you probably studied something in politics or experienced something that you can connect to your interest in literature/philosophy. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!

Best of luck to you. I majored in Fine Art as an undergrad and realized in my Junior year that I couldn't see myself as a starving artist. It has been a bit of a journey, but I was just accepted into a number of History MA programs this year, with one fully funded and at least two partially funded. It is totally possible to transition. I know that history is a bit different than philosophy, but what I think really helped me was that I had been out of school for a little bit, had some work experience, relevant volunteer/intern experience, took a couple of graduate courses in the subject, and finally, I was able to connect my interests in history to my background in the arts. Try to convince the schools that you apply to that you will have a unique perspective to study "X" because you have a background in "Y".

This thread really should be stickied. I had seen it a few years ago and forgot it. If it was a sticky I think it would be easier for applicants to continuously add data every year.

I am waiting to hear what the funding is from UMass Amherst, but I hope we hear from Brown soon. I already have another school I'm leaning towards but I could probably be persuaded with more funding, though I don't think I'll get a better offer than what I have already. I'd like to just accept the offer and start planning for the fall.

I have been working full-time since graduating from undergrad in a mostly unrelated field to what I plan to study in a MA program. I didn't go straight into graduate school. During the past few years I have managed to pay off most of my student debt, while affording to take a couple of graduate courses as a non-degree student. A few cycles ago I attempted to apply to a PhD program in American Studies (I was taking a course at the school at the time) knowing full well I would likely not get in. Of course I didn't get in, so I took the time to build on my record as an academic, proving myself through graduate coursework, working on a writing sample, etc. I knew that I would benefit from a MA program prior to going for a PhD. While I have a pretty narrowed area of focus, I think I need more exposure to research at the graduate level to be fully successful in as a PhD student. I don't think it would hurt for you to apply to both MA programs and PhD programs. Out of the 6 MA programs I have applied to, I have been accepted to all but one that I am still waiting on. One offer is for full funding, at least two provide partial (almost full) funding. I did not want to do a MA first because I had always thought I would pay out of pocket, but that will not be the case. Cast your net widely if you can afford the application fees. Even if you are a strong student, you may not be accepted into the PhD program of your dreams, but you may get accepted as a MA student to a school where you will not need to take on debt and you can prove yourself. If you find that you cannot present yourself as a great candidate due to the stress of senior year, take the following year to work, perhaps intern, work on your language skills, etc. I was upset after realizing I'd need a MA to be more competitive, but I think it has all worked out for the best.

@insidethesun @archerslineThank you both-- It makes total sense when you think about it rationally. It is just hard to separate emotion from such a huge life decision. @knp -- I will definitely be holding your virtual hand as I write to the programs!!! Usually I have my partner proofread my scary e-mails to make sure I sound coherent, which sometimes helps.

I applied to 6 MA History programs for the fall. I got into all but 1, and I am waiting for news from that school. Half of my programs have given me pretty generous funding. I know I am going to have to turn at least 4 schools down, and 5 if I get into the last. I am really nervous about when and how to do this. The departments have been really kind (some going over my application early to make sure I can consider their offer, etc.) and I have certain deadlines in which I need to respond, between 2 weeks and 30 days from the decision. I have anxiety in general and I know I am blowing this way out of proportion, but I am absolutely dreading sending those e-mails. In addition, I am having major anxiety about making the right decision. I thought I would be excited to get into most of my programs after a failed attempt a few years ago, but I have no clue if I'm doing this right. Ugh.

I am in the exact same boat as you. I applied to 6 MA programs in public history (and related fields - history, museum studies, etc). I have been accepted to all but Brown's Public Humanities program and I am waiting to hear back. While I am dazzled by Brown's reputation I do not think I would go because of the high cost. I received a great financial package from one of the lesser ranked programs (full funding + generous stipend to TA). I was also accepted at some slightly better ranked state programs with partial funding and small stipends and also a well recognized state program with no funding information at this point. I am highly leaning towards the program with full funding-- but I worry slightly about prospects for applying for PhD programs if I go down that route in the future. If the school you are wondering about happens to be in the Northeast US, PM me-- I'd be curious to see if we are talking about the same program!

Anyone hear anything from BU?