mitzydoodle

You could try visiting more programs/POIs, but I know there are mixed opinions on this.

Ummmm....your user name stopped me in my tracks for a few seconds before I realized it was referring to comp. lit.... My advisor was recently denied tenure, and told me that it shouldn't be a problem to get into another program because the situation isn't my fault and adcoms understand that these things happen. I ultimately decided to change my area of specialization so I could stay in the department and not have to reapply, move, etc, but it seems that as long as you have good recs and the situation was clearly out of your hands, no one is going to hold that against you.

I was accepted to Princeton for Fall 2010 and I got a call from my POI about two weeks before official results came out. It seems they make the calls to check your interest in the program so that they extend offers to those likely to come. At the time, I was told that my POI/department was recommending me, but the decision had to be confirmed by the Graduate College before official offers are extended, hence the two week wait.

A friend of mine finished her PhD there about two years ago. She only had nice things to say about the program- and William Wallace is top notch.

If you feel like the "fits" are fairly equal, I would base my decision on cost, going with the cheaper option. Not knowing more specific details (which I don't blame you for not wanting to publicize), it is difficult to give you meaningful advice. Feel free to PM me if you want.

Are they MA or PhD programs?

I'd avoid taking on that much debt at all costs ;-) Could you tell us a bit more about the "fits" at each program? You'll probably get more meaningful advice that way.

A friend of mine was accepted to JHU some time ago...if you look back in this thread you'll find it. Don't know when they will officially notify-I haven't heard anything back but have another great acceptance, so I'm not worried about it. Best of luck to all.

Best of luck to those still waiting...I hope everyone finds a good "home"

Hi MetisUlysses, Congrats on making the decision to switch to the art history track. While I have no idea how likely it would be for you to get into a top 5 MA program, I am sure there is an MA program that you can find. While a top 5 MA certainly doesn't hurt a PhD application, I wouldn't say it is necessary for getting into a top 5-10 PhD program. Find a program that you think is a good fit, hopefully has some funding, and allows you to start making connections in the field. While in the MA, do your absolute best (of course) and consciously keep an eye on your CV so that you can flesh out all areas. Best of luck to you.

I second the congrats! Good job!

No offense, but I think you need to re-think your strategy. Ideally, you should have had these conversations before submitting your application (though that is not always necessary for acceptance). Sure, you can be brave and call them and ask for more consideration, but there is no guarantee that an interview will result from that call. You may just annoy them, especially if their decisions are being finalized. It is very competitive this year. Lots of qualified people will not get in. I'm really not sure how much this last-ditch effort would help. Anyone else have any thoughts?

My impression is that schools want to be sure that the offers they extend are accepted. So they feel out the situation before formally accepting you. While not official, it sounds like a pretty safe offer. BUT, there is the risk that if you tell them you are holding out for another offer, they waitlist you instead of officially extending the offer. There are tons of threads on this- you should be able to search and find a few. It really is an uncomfortable situation to be in. Perhaps someone has more insight in Columbia's inner workings and can be more helpful.

First, congrats! Second, is the offer official or unofficial?

More art-opoly ideas: The Income Tax space should instead be Restoration/Conservation fees: Pay $200 or 10% of your assets. Chance/Community Chest: Your museum acquires a rare Greek vase: collect $200 and Your are fined for acquring a Greek vase on the Black Market. Pay $200 and You take a research trip to Italy. Lose a turn. and A work of art is stolen from XXX museum. Pay $250 and lose a turn to retrieve it. This is too funny!

I was told it will take til about early March for official offers to come out.

Keep in mind that I am in a completely different discipline- but from the way you have described it, it does seem like you should have made contact sooner. There is nothing that can be done now about that. At this point in the game, I don't know how much contacting will help, but I doubt it would hurt much to bring a little more visibility to your application, even if it is at the risk of causing some annoyance. Best of luck to you.

I hope they had a fee waiver, and that's why they decided to apply...that's pretty bad.

I got a phone call from my top choice this week. The phone rang and the caller ID came up XXXX University. I took a deep breath and picked up--I was shaking during the entire conversation and am pretty sure this came through in my voice. Thank goodness it wasn't a skype call!

The number I cited was what was told to my friend by a member of the adcom. Whether it refers to the number of applications received or merely begun on the application website, I do not know. But it is the number that this particular prof wanted to convey to my friend. It is not based on the number of applications other art history departments received this year. I'll stick with my source.

Strangelight- I don't have much help to add (I think fugglogician is right on in suggesting you ask your department for info and getting a fake-and cheap/not flashing- wedding ring for yourself. I do want to add that if you decide to take weapons, be sure that whatever you carry is legal in the country you take it to. I doubt you'd be taking a taser or anything like that, but just be sure so that you don't cause yourself undue problems. Props to you for having the courage to follow your research in less than ideal conditions.

This is what my friend told me. I don't think he'd lie or exaggerate, but it is possible that he heard the number wrong, or was misquoted. He also said they plan to take three, but didn't mention how many offers they would extend to yield the three- he didn't mention anything about a waitlist (doesn't mean there isn't one). FWIW, at the beginning of December (EDIT- it was mid-December), they already had over 60 apps submitted, and the deadline was January 15.