AM20128

So, I just got my rejection from the IFA (a really impersonal one, given that I'd done an interview). While it obviously isnt over till it's over, everywhere that I applied has already sent out acceptances, so I'm pretty sure I'm not getting in anywhere this year. I know that this year was a really tough year and that just having gotten an interview is a sign that I'm not just shouting into the void, but this is my second year in a row getting rejected from 6+ schools, and I'm feeling super discouraged--Does anyone who's been in a similar position have any perspective to offer on regrouping?

Long time lurker, first time poster and all that. I applied to 7 PhD programs this year, including Michigan and WashU st. Louis (both of which, from what I'm hearing, I can assume I'm not getting in or I'd have heard something by now.) I also had an interview at the IFA this week. As a previous poster mentioned, it was a bit like a panel discussion and they were definitely asking pointed questions. Re: questions about the IFA's application boom and reduced cohort--I got my MA there a few years ago, so I was able to ask my old advisor about it: they are only taking 5 this year (normally 12) and they definitely got an avalanche of applications. I'd say that's a combination of fewer museum/gallery jobs and lots of people who are deciding to make big life changes as well as the fact that several other top schools aren't accepting applications (I was waitlisted at UPenn last year and was really disappointed not to be able to give it another go this year.) Anyway, I hope that this is helpful in any way! Good luck to everyone!