Chicken Dan

Thanks for yr. well wishes. I'm applying to PhD programs, not MA programs; I'm in the same boat with funding as you. Before I started my MA here, I applied to U. Kansas (got in - no funding.) Chinese art history is very strange, because there are so few truly excellent professors in the United States. I know that U. Mich has a good Chinese program - Martin Powers isn't really into modern stuff like me, but maybe they're worth a second look. And UChicago (although i hear that funding is awful) might make my list for next year, too. The funny thing about the MA program at Taiwan University is that it's a three or four year program. I (mistakenly it seems) thought that two years of work would be enough to prove my salt to the admission committees. I guess I'm going to have to prepare for orals, after all. ugh. What a nightmare.

Well, I just got rejected from Princeton. The world of Chinese art history is very small, and I was hoping that the fact that I'm taking MA work in Chinese and translating for the National Palace Museum would put me ahead of the pack. Obviously I thought wrong. This rejection is especially sad because a professor at P-town encouraged me to continue my studies way back in 2003. Only Harvard stands between me and a third year here. This is awful.

Congrats again! It must be great to know that you've got options for next year, even if you haven't heard from the schools you'd most like to attend. French art sounds amazing, and totally different from what I'm into (early 20th century Chinese calligraphy.) I was rejected from WUSTL earlier this week, which was pretty awful, but I still have two more schools to hear from and a guaranteed spot for a third year in the MA program here. The gambler in me puts my odds at 50/50. Waiting is awful.

China's (and Taiwan) aren't so bad. If you're serious, you should look into the Department of Education grants given for Master's and PhD studies in Taiwan. I'm on a two-year scholarship here in Taiwan, where I'm studying art history. Of course, I'd like to hear back from schools so that I can LEAVE Taiwan, but at least I know that I can stay here should I fail utterly. Waiting is killing me, especially as I stay up late checking my application status online during office hours in the States...

Congrats on the acceptance. What's your area of specialization?

Hi Kelly. You're not alone; I'm applying for East Asian Art History programs. I applied to three, and none are the same as those you listed. I haven't heard anything yet, but that's not so strange considering that I'm living abroad and mail needs to be forwarded from my US address. The waiting is awful. Awful! Good luck!