stilnovista

Hey everyone! I was contacted via email last week to set up an interview with one of my schools. I won't be able to make it there in person because of geographical distance and my work schedule, especially because the interview is slated to be just a half hour to forty minutes. Instead, they were willing to allow me to do a Skype/phone interview. I've done my fair share of phone interviews for jobs and even for one other graduate program (abroad), but I'm wondering if anyone has any insight or advice as to what in particular a program might want to know after reviewing my materials, regardless of the method of interview. They already know a good deal about me from my application, so what might they like me to expound upon? If it helps at all, this is a program with a very particular focus (material culture), and I think I'm very well suited as a candidate to their approaches and mission. I'd love to hear from anyone who's recently gone through the process of an admissions interview. Thanks in advance!

Let's get more active up in here! This is actually my second go at applying to Art History programs; I applied to a bunch of REALLY ambitious PhD programs in December of my senior year of undergrad and was not admitted to any of them, surprise. I did also apply to two MA programs, one in the US and one in the UK, and was admitted to both. However, because I didn't have the monetary resources and got very little in the way of funding, I opted to take time off to work instead. And now...here I am! I'm applying to six programs, a few of which are terminal MAs, a few of which are MA/PhD track programs. I'm also applying to the Bard Graduate Center, which isn't strictly Art History but instead design history and material culture. I was advised to apply there last time because of my research interests and ignored the advice, but it is actually a really great fit for my methodology. Oh, and, I'm an Italianist, with a special interest in domestic art and material culture and gender identity as created/manifested through visual production in the 16th century.

This is my second round of applications in Art History, and I've been asked by one of my prospective programs to set up a phone appointment with the Dean. I had actually e-mailed her directly to clarify requirements for a writing sample, and she suggested that if I were interested in applying, I should speak with her. I'm just wondering if anyone here has had a similar discussion, and what it entailed. I have done phone interviews for grad programs before, but it was after my materials had been submitted and reviewed and was with a specific professor with whom I had hoped to work. Any advice on information about myself that I might need to prep, or any initial questions it would be prudent to ask? I've also registered for an Open House there in early December, well before applications are due, and I know quite a bit about the program already. Thanks in advance!

I have to say I'm quite shocked that none of the admitted students who have posted here (including me) were awarded any funding. I'm assuming that we're all Americans. How do they expect any of us to attend, honestly? My course would have been perfect, but I'm now resigned to relinquishing that possibility.

Has anyone heard ANYTHING from UMaryland at all? I have one offer that I'm considering, but time is running out and I just want Maryland to tell me yes or no so I can definitively make up my mind.

Does anyone know anything about funding at Bryn Mawr? I was accepted with a full tuition waiver but no stipend, a situation that is really not financially feasible for me. I contacted the department, and their response was that they would look to the list of funding offers "with my inquiry in mind" if anything opens up. I was also advised that there are positions available in library and elsewhere for graduate students, but that there are no TA-ships for first-year graduate students. Will I be able to support myself if I attend? Is anyone familiar with how competitive funding is and whether I'm likely to have opportunities to secure fellowships in the future? Bryn Mawr is looking to be my only viable option, since my only other admit to date was the Courtauld, and they're giving me zero funding. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!

For what it's worth, I was interviewed by phone on Wednesday and received an offer today. I think I might be the person fullofpink mentioned, as well.