I am looking to reapply to PhD programs in art history. I applied last round without success during my final semester of a Master's program and feel that finishing my thesis and everything else that entailed prevented me from giving my applications to PhD programs everything I could. I didn't graduate from undergrad with a terribly high GPA, took time off and worked, went back to school, and graduated from my Master's with a 3.9. I am wondering if anyone has an advice as to how to position myself to be more desirable for programs this second time around. I've been taking on curatorial jobs, taking classes at night, and planning on retaking my GREs. Is it inappropriate to reach out to professors you want to work with again for the second time around? What's the best way to approach this situation? Any advice would be so helpful! Thanks!!!