No MA, though i have an MA acceptance from last year with partial funding that I deferred. I am thinking about the MA, but I'm honestly feeling incredibly disheartened at this point - I would really only want the MA as a stepping stone to a PhD. Mostly, I do not want to use my time and money on an MA that would not guarantee admission to a PhD program.
I know that's not how it goes, so I'm trying to decide if I want to stay in the field. I know it's rough for the humanities which is a a part of the rejection, but not getting in to programs has been a major blow to my self esteem and estimation of my own intelligence. I've worked my tail off thus far, and despite my love of the field and my topic, I simply find my motivation and passion being depleted. I would accept any PhD program in a heartbeat, I want to contribute, but there is something emotionally and mentally taxing getting rejected by a field that has dwindling opportunities. No matter how much I love history, I really need to consider if this is my path.
I just wish rejection didn't make me feel stupid or lazy.