Way_Harsh_Tai

Thanks! That is really nice of you to say! You sound like a very capable scholar as well-- and obviously Columbia agrees! Just for privacy reasons, I do not want to post too much about my interests and subfield on the forum. The art history world is actually very small, and I can just imagine running into one of you at CAA or something one day: “Tai… is that you?!” Hahaha! But I will send you a private message with some more details. For all of the lurkers out there, there are a few more things that I will add. I hope that this might help you as you plan your graduate careers. I am by no means a fount of knowledge, but I will offer a few more thoughts anyway, for what it’s worth…. Yes, my field of interest is one of the more popular ones, unfortunately—as is the medium about which I tend to write. Furthermore, the best word that I could use to describe my master’s thesis is “weird.” While this could potentially be a great strength, it could also make it more difficult to find an advisor with similar concerns and methodological investments. Finally, I will reveal that my thesis was thematic. In other words, each chapter was dedicated to a completely different work of art. The common thread was the relatively obscure theme that I explored with respect to each work. Through visual analysis, I traced the development of this theme through space and across time. So, as you may have already deduced, I am almost the polar opposite of my pal “Livcee” (I think that we are probably pals now, right?!). Livcee has an extremely specific interest that is apparently quite uncommon (and possibly unique language skills to go with it). I, on the other hand, focus on a very popular medium within an equally popular subfield. And, to make matters worse, my interests are simultaneously broad and bizarre. I feel like encouraging everyone to follow their passion and let their natural inclinations guide them. And you should! At the end of the day, you really cannot do otherwise. However, the question of whether or not your writing is likely to appeal to a potential adviser is a very real one—and certainly something to consider as you select your writing sample and craft your application.

Hey there! Thank you all for the kind words and support! I really appreciate the camaraderie. It is good to hear that some people think that work experience can improve an application. I had actually heard the opposite (not that it is bad, but simply irrelevant-- unless you are a nontraditional student with extensive experience). This comes as very good news, since it looks like I will probably be out in the work force for the next year or two. My writing sample is actually very original, but that does not necessarily mean that it is good (obviously!!). I can only guess at this point, but it seems as if it must be either the writing sample or my statement of purpose that is holding me back… Just my two cents (for those who might be interested): If I could do it over again, I would apply to more schools. I only applied to a small number of programs that I felt were the best fit (hardly any, though they were carefully selected). I know that this goes against the grain a little bit, but I am starting to think that this might have been a tactical error on my part. I can’t help but imagine that I would have had a better chance of being accepted somewhere if I had applied more broadly…. I think that if I could improve my proficiency in a third (or even fourth) language, that might also help my odds. Perhaps for candidates who (for whatever reason) don’t immediately stand out as “strong,” two foreign languages simply won’t cut it anymore…. If people who only have undergraduate degrees are submitting better writing samples than I am (post-MA), however, no amount of foreign language skills will make up for that… (sigh)… Well, I guess it’s not over ‘til it’s over! Good luck to everyone! It is nice to hear about all of the success stories here—I will live vicariously through you!

WTF??? Post re Columbia is gone now?? Today is such a weird day for me!

Oh wow!! Congratulations!!! That is a game changer! Absolutely seething with envy, but very happy for you! .... I am in the opposite position: I am getting the sense that it will be rejections all around for me this year. No contact from any prospective schools thus far, save for one rejection. Not sure how I could improve my application. I already have a master's degree in art history, I have a high GPA (both grad and undergrad), my GRE scores are high (minus the math section--yikes!), my letters of rec are very positive (or so I think!), I can read French and German, and I have pertinent work experience (teaching assistant positions, curatorial internships, etc). I guess maybe my writing sample isn't up to par?? I suppose that the ordinary (read: not first tier) liberal arts college that I attended for undergrad isn't doing me any favors either. Anyway, I just wanted to put this "out there" for all my fellow rejects on this board! You are not alone! Application season is ROUGH! Maybe some of the people who have received acceptances would be willing to share their wisdom? Good luck to all those who are still waiting to hear back from schools. The next few weeks will be hard-- we just have to hang in there! XO

Oh gosh! NYU has already contacted shortlisted candidates? FML!! But in all seriousness, good luck with the interviews!