arthousedirector

As someone who was accepted into a few PhD programs for film and media, I can say that I met many people who finished their MAs at NYU and were accepted into PhD programs. Additionally, many other people I met in opening weekends had also come from cinema studies programs for their MA. However, I also know many people (myself included) that were accepted into a Film/Media PhD from English, creative writing, and other Humanities MA programs. Ultimately in your MA year(s) it is about the work you produce, the quality of your research, and your ability to speak about your place in the field. In all of my interviews I was asked to articulate not just why I wanted to go to such and such school or my research, but rather how my work and interests fit into a broader critical discussion. Did I recognize how my work was similar or different to previously published work?, etc. Quality time with faculty and time to do your research (which will ideally produce better, more informed work) is more important than a prestigious name. If you can do both at NYU over another place then go for it. Your recommendations, writing sample, and SOP will be more important than your pedigree. One reason to go to a school with known faculty is to cultivate relationships with them not just as a means to an end, but as a long term professional relationship (which will also hopefully translate into their connections at other institutions). So you really should be asking how much time students (who actually try and not just whine because it wasn't automatically handed to them) spend with professors, and how willing professors are to look over work in progress and research questions. So, In answer to your concerns. NYU MA cinema studies students get into PhD programs (good, competitive schools), but you do not need to go to NYU cinema studies for your MA to be able to compete for those same PhD slots.

They are interviewing 20 people for the 6-8 PhD slots. I hope that helps. Sometimes it's better to clear up any uncertainty.

I was curious if this was happening to anyone else because it's driving me crazy. I keep getting the UT-Austin rejection letter over and over again in my email inbox. I get it already, I'm rejected! Stop sending me emails!

I also had an interview and was told that UW would not know until late February early March because of budget cuts throughout the UW system. I don't know if that helps, but you've also been through the process before.