poppyos

I think you have a good chance, but I think you are too fixated on your GRE scores. I don't know what all of those numbers mean, since I have yet to take the GRE, but most top-30 schools want an overall package: not everyone tests well on standardized tests, and English is "one of those subjects", that has a search committee, for people who can do more than pass a multiple choice exam. If that makes sense. I think you should focus more on your writing sample, since re-taking the tests, that only yield slightly improved results, is just a waste of time and money, since you are ignoring the other features that are apart of your application. It sounds harsh, but it is true, and many people fixate so much on those final score details, that they do not realize that there is potential elsewhere. Another option would be, to apply to "safety net" schools, that you know you would have an easier time getting into, then building your reputation and time, to get established in the field, and transfer elsewhere. It might not be what you want to hear, but it is something to consider. I also think that if you take this option, you should appreciate the time being spent in helping you, and not just view people as transient fields, through which to gain competence, then abandon them, when you are seen by others who are higher established in the academic field, at more reputable schools. I think people focus on school ranking so much, that they do not appreciate the dynamics at play, and just use people as a means to an end. Mental health is important. I think that everyone likes being established. Everyone wants to attend the best graduate schools, but there is a difference between working on something, and getting up to the potential of what they are looking for, than just using people, and that's where the conflict arises among the forums, that discuss college applications. Do you mind me asking, which schools you are applying to? Maybe finding people online, and in person who attended, would be a good way to find other ways to make yourself look like a more desirable candidate, if you cannot get your test scores to improve. I only have a Bachelors degree in women's studies. I graduated in August 2015, and am still talking about saving up for graduate school, that has yet to happen. Applying as an in-state student, vs. international or out of state student, also has an impact on your consideration. Or at least so I've heard. I wouldn't view it as setting yourself up, but being realistic is a good idea. Like, only applying to esteemed programs is not a good idea, since that could lead to regret later on. Not being meant as an insult, but it is a reality that not all people with high test scores and GPAs get into programs. Some programs take lower GPAs if they see potential in the applicant as a candidate for accomplished work. As I said, English is one of those fields, that doesn't have a set standard: yes, they would have pre-recruisites, but they do not have just those things. It's "one of those subjects", that has an over-all package theme. Good luck! Feel free to DM me. I like talking about grad school applications, even though I am still trying to apply.

A good graduate program, is important, but the affordability is something that matters most. I will be paying for this myself, and relying on grants, which means that I have to have a good budget. U Penn is far out of my league in terms of GPA requirement, and admittance rate. I considered Boston University since it was a good school, and Boston is affordable. I've only visited, but it seems okay. I am not really looking forward to the Harvard crowd though. I don't really want to be surrounded by Ivy League society. Most people do not have this holier than though persona, but there is this atmosphere of elite that I am afraid of becoming. Not the violent type, those are few in number and don't understand the environment they wish to become. But the over achiever working for the man type. Is what I want to avoid in my fragile state of mind. It is not that they are bad people, I just don't think it is fair and excludes a lot of people who wouldn't have access.

Hello: I am going to get a little personal here, and ask if it is rude to ask prospective advisors or professors to get coffee with you; wit all of the controversy surrounding work place professionalism, and the possibility that it might be seen as favoritism, would asking an advisor or professor in a department you want to apply for to get coffee with you, be rude? Would it be unethical? Would it create conflict between you and other members of the department? I ask, since I am hoping to visit schools at some point within the next year, and while there, if I meet any professors who might be keen on talking further, I could go on Yelp and find someone to communicate with. For those who might suggest same-sex professor might be better (I am a cis-woman), I find that hetero-normative, and since I'm bi, the problems of it becoming a date (or it being seen as one), would still be problematic. I guess to put it bluntly: I know that some people have this ideology that if your working, your working: your not there to socialize, but I am not one of those people. And unfortunately with this hyper-professional environment, the lines get blurred when people try to be kind and communicate in a friendly manner, and people assume you have some romantic interest in them (when you don't). For those who feel more comfortable, DM (direct messages), are accepted. Thank you, Poppy

I do not know if it is normal or not, but I like the above suggestion. I guess to add to that, it might be a good idea to check the status of your application online: like if you log into your application, does it give you a status update at all? If not, you could go on there and confirm that you put in the correct contact information and/or address. Maybe there is a tracking number for the notification letter from the schools? Most Universities do not give the application status over the phone (or email in some cases), because of privacy - with anyone being able to use someone's phone or email to impersonate someone, but there are avenues through which you can gauge whether or not you have been admitted, or get an idea of how serious of a candidate you are. Have you gotten promotional emails from the school? If so, you might be in luck. Has anyone from the school contacted you about doing a tour, interview, discussion, or update on the department you applied to? That might be another good sign. I would recommend that you consider calling like the above person said, but email also works too. I just don't know how stringent those schools are about releasing private information over the phone or email. Thanks, good luck!

Hey! I am also interested in getting my MA in Art History, but I do not know if that is the right degree for me. I guess, speaking of personal experience of my college life, I think applying as early as possible is best - waiting at the last minute doesn't seem like a possibility here, since your thinking about it now, but it is never to early to visit. You may not speak with faculty; pick outa faculty advisor; or determine which Museums you would like to do your fellowship in, BUT you can at least visit different areas, see what the Universities are like to apply to, and get a sense of where you want to live, and what type of art you want to study. I personally am interested in understanding the dynamics between feminism and art, and how activism can be used in art, but I think that is a very broad scope, and determining that would be difficult for me, since I want to move to an urban area, but I'm not sure how to go about doing that. I definitely suggest that if you have the financial means to do so, that you try to do it, and give yourself options as to where you want to move to, and what schools you want to apply to. I cannot create or make art, so if you can create or make art, it would be beneficial if you make a portfolio. Even if the program does not require it, it would be great if you made one - it might strengthen your application. Good luck! Urban areas, tend to have the most to offer in terms of Museums, and Philadelphia has a lot of Museums, but they do not have the schools I am looking for in terms of application: I am considering Boston, MA. Which is somewhat nerve racking but exciting. I have only been there once, and it was when I was a child, and I do not remember much.

@_kita: Thank you for responding. I know about Temple and Drexel, but I wanted to go to a University that was more known for "The Arts" if that makes sense - prestigious in its own right, without it being an Ivy League to be apart of the elitist culture. I have not heard of Moore College, or the University of The Arts, and the only school that I found online that met my criteria so far is Boston University. I guess to clarify, the reason why I am looking to other areas outside of Philadelphia, is that I want to live in Brooklyn, and cannot afford it, so New York City - lite cities are where I am trying to go; from my understanding, those areas are: Boston and Philadelphia. I have visited Philadelphia several times, and I liked it when I visited it, but since I couldn't find any schools that fit that criteria, that city was out of the list of options. Where does your husband teach? I'm sorry, significant other? You can PM me, if you do not feel comfortable posting it in a public setting, and if you don't feel comfortable sending me a private message, you can just give me vague information on here. I cannot paint or draw or sculpt, which is frustrating, because I really would like to know how to paint, so programs that I am interested in, would have to have that stipulation - applicants are not required to know how to paint, draw, sculpt, photograph, upon admission. Do you know if there is the requirement of specializing in a specific genera of Art, to get a Masters in Art History? I cannot figure out what genera I would like to focus on, since I really want to do or learn about, feminist art, that does not have a specific time period.

Hey: I was hoping to get some help... I am interested in getting my Masters in Art History, and I am not sure if that is the right program for me. Is it possible for people to comment, to give me some advice? If it works better for you, you can message me through the blog/ forum. I have my Bachelors in Women's Studies, with minors in Philosophy and Sociology, and I am hoping to start a career as a Curator. I am not sure what that all entails, but I basically want to work in a Museum and teach people about art, that has some type of political significance, specifically art that pertains to feminism and gender issues. I not only want to teach people about the art (in a Museum setting), but I also want to understand the art, and its historical context. It would be a bonus if I can fix or restore the art as well.. Unless that is a separate career. All useful advice is appreciated. I am hoping to move to Boston, MA (Boston University), to get the degree - they have Museums out there as well, and New York is out of my price range in terms of the cost of living. I do not want to move to Philadelphia, since the only good school", that I am aware of out there is University of Philadelphia, and I do not have the GPA or interest in going to an Ivy League school. Thank you!