Little-bird

Jeez, I love the snark and pomp of some people on this thread. Look, guys, most of us don't need a reality check. We know it's hard out there, getting into grad programs is really competitive, the market is bad, top schools get you better jobs, not everyone's cut out to do this, blah blah blah. Sure, a lot of people don't get in on the first try (that is totally NOT unique to art history, by the way - I've heard plenty of success stories from other disciplines from humanities to the sciences), but I REALLY don't think that means you "don't belong there." I'm sorry, that's just bullshit. Please quote me some reputable sources (your "experience" doesn't count) that say the people who struggle to get in, or (GASP) fight the hardest to be there are the ones who drop out ABD or earlier - from what I've read on the subject, most students drop out due to mental health issues (caused by the stress of working toward a PhD), a bad study environment, realizing they will have better job prospects in other fields, etc. etc. I don't see how that directly correlates with acceptance to one program or getting in on the second or third try, especially if amending your application is enough to get you in the second time. That's just false logic. It could be something as simple as you're not emphasizing the right things, you need to re-frame your research, or yes, get more experience in some area.  This isn't necessarily a reflection of your ability to succeed, especially early in your career.
If we know all this and still wish to pursue this career, that's our business. If we decide it isn't worth it later, that is also our business. We'll figure it out ourselves. Some of us aren't pursuing this career simply to teach in a top-ten institution. Delight in the fact you've said your piece and take your negativity and elitism elsewhere. 
#sorrynotsorry

@radredhead @welshforjohn the masters at NYU. Not ready for a Ph.D. and not sure I need it for what I want to do. 
Yeah lol I grew up in LA and never got my license (it's a long story), but I do feel it would be very limiting up at Bard. The facilities are nice and they do a lot for their students as far as trying to make them comfortable. That said, it felt very insular. I didn't know Irvine had a program, but from what you described, it sounds like you might get more hands on experience with curating because it is integrated? Just speculating.