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I honestly think that is the right choice. Hunter has a great program with people comparable to the IFA, but you will get more personalized attention and probably more help with your Ph.D. applications than I did! Just wanted to note that at the end of the day, prestige is not the main thing for getting into programs or getting jobs. I know people from Hunter who have gotten dream jobs that IFA students weren't qualified for because they did not get as intensive a training. Bottom line, you will probably be a better scholar coming out of Hunter. I wish sometimes that someone would have given me that advice at the time, although I don't regret my decision.

I was accepted to some MAs with full funding, and chose to go to the IFA with very little funding. I had identified a specific advisor that I wanted to work with, so I think it was worth it (even though I have loans now that I'll probably have to pay back for the next 50 years). When it came time to apply for Ph.D. programs, I applied in the NY area only, and got into two top programs with funding and got waitlisted at the IFA. I know that many people in my cohort at the IFA applied to Ph.D. programs around the country and didn't get in anywhere. Unless you have a specific advisor that you want to work with at the IFA, I don't know if it will be worth it. The level of study at Hunter seems as competitive as at the IFA, but without the name and prestige. If money is not an issue, choose the IFA. If not, I would go with Hunter because it is as good as the IFA for Modern and Contemporary, but a lot cheaper. CUNY seems to also give their students more scholarly opportunities than the IFA, where I had to scramble myself to find conferences to apply to and work on papers for publishing quite independently. It seems like you'll get more individual attention at Hunter, rather than the IFA focuses on its Ph.D. students a lot more than the MAs. You will also be able to take classes at the Grad Center, which honestly is a lot more intense than the IFA.

Thanks mrb1145. Where are you heading to instead?

I would definitely contact professors before making your decision. I am PM'ing you about PHD details.

Hey CUNY Art History admits! Congrats! Since there are apparently only eight of us this year, I figured I would start a thread so we can share ideas/thoughts/concerns. CUNY seems to be rising in all facets and it's an exciting time to go there.

Hi Sylvia, It really depends on what you want to study. I'm finishing my MA at the IFA right now, and for my field it was the best possible choice. I acquired a strong background and got some experience presenting at conferences and publishing. I have a close relationship with my advisor and he's helped me a lot with everything while I was there. If you're studying Chinese art, you have two great people to work with at the IFA. Some advisors are sometimes unavailable, and some are really old. The students can be ditzy, but you'll find your niche of nice people who will help you and exchange ideas. The most important is that you look at your advisor and see whether it's a good fit so that you're prepared to apply for a Ph.D. and get in once you've completed the MA. While I have very few friends at the IFA, I've made very close ones and I'm satisfied with that. If you're looking for a small collegial atmosphere, it's obviously not the place to go. For conferences and publications, you'll have to apply on your own, although my advisor was very helpful with both of those things. Basically, you'll be on your own and will have to know when to grap good opportunities. The IFA can be a great place in some circumstances, and the opposite in others. Hope this helps!

Thanks BrazilianBuddy!!!

Hi KayKay12, I was in the same situation, got an MA and then re-applied. I've gotten offers at good programs now, but know many people with MAs that haven't. Unless you feel unprepared for the Ph.D. (as I felt my first time around), it may be worth reviewing your application, adding to your resume and re-applying for both Ph.D.s and MAs next year, and see what happens. Do you feel like your current offer isn't worth the time?

congrats! May I ask what your field is?

Swagato, congrats on your acceptance! I was wondering if you could share how your application differed from one year to the next. Thanks!

Thank you kmatsu, and congrats!!! Was the email from your POI?

thank you Bearcat, I saw the posts and was looking for some more info-were both people contacted beforehand? How? What are their fields?

I think low 30,000 is reasonable, and you can always add that this number is a flexible estimate. Good luck with the apps!

Did anyone hear from Rutgers? Was there an interview?

Did anyone hear from Rutgers? Was there an interview?