fullofpink

Numbers are definitely not everything, as seen by the comments above. I think what really helps an application is experience (research, internships, publications, presentations, relevant work experience), grant and scholarships received, and how closely their interests match with their intended POI or the department objectives. Even then, a LOT is on the department itself. Some POIs have too many students, or they are no longer interested in gathering students who want to study their interests. Some POIs might be going on sabbatical or retiring in the near future, and so forth. It's all very much up in the air.

Yes, listen to this advice. Also note that some funding packages you receive will only be receive when you are enrolled as a student, once you reach candidacy, sometimes you MUST seek out external funding - it will def. be in your interest to apply then.

You must submit a FAFSA for each year you are in school. Your income can easily change from year to year which alters the awards you receive.

1. You need to first apply for a pin. Since this is your first time applying for one, I'm guessing, they have to snail mail it to you. Expect to receive this in 2-3 weeks. Once you get your pin, you can sign into FAFSA and submit your report. It's only asking you to verify your W-2 information, but if you haven't submitted your income tax return, that's ok - they just need an estimate. They'll confirm the figures once it is finally submitted. You can ask for FAFSA profiles from all the schools you apply to. They will send you your estimated family contribution (EFC) which is based on what you have saved up and what you make yearly - which is what FAFSA assumes you should contribute to your studies that year (if you are going to a school that costs 50,000 and you make 100$/month, your EFC might be like $1000, etc. Random and not accurate example). Your SAR (student aid report) will list what they expect your tuition to cost and how much you might expect from the government. As an undergraduate, FAFSA is exceptional because of the plethora of need-based grants and work-study opportunities if you qualified. Mostly for grad schools it will be subsidized and unsubsidized loans, but honestly, they are cheaper in APR than private loans, if you need it. It doesn't hurt to apply. However, the sooner you apply, the more money you get. Really, do it today. 2. I would highly suggest picking up "Getting What you Came For" - there's a good chapter on this. Also, you might want to look at theprofessorisin.com, she talks about how to negotiate these TT tracks and a few other things. I've been using her interview techniques and travel tips. 3. As soon as available. In fact, some scholarships, like the Ford Foundation, you can apply even if you haven't applied yet. The funding is contingent if you get in or not.

Tourists in the museum is a great thing - I love it! Also, re: the Met, the overall policy wasn't just class-warfare, it was also an instruction exercise. Half the Met's board was against opening to the public, so the half that wanted to open its door saw this policy as a happy medium - it was in their best interest to "educate" the masses not only in art but also in propriety.

Well damn.

I recall everyone at MOMA simply snapping their pics of Starry Night and then briskly moving on. One of my issues is with the Mona Lisa, as seen by the photos below. How can anyone enjoy the art?

Berkeley too. Yale and Columbia after then!

THIS is well said.

Yeah, I just find it a waste of time. The only time I get up in arms is if someone is blatantly rude. I thought the whole discussion was civil enough. I mean, I had one chick tell me on here that I was a waste of an applicant because I'd get into a PhD program and start popping out babies and leave the program simply because I mentioned that PhD students have other options if academia doesn't float their boat.

Yeah, I don't get it either, Hal

Soooooo jealous about the Treasures of the Louvre, sounds awesome.

Yes, OSU already sent out the invites. They did it the other week(?)

My alma mater knows of the grad cafe - but Im unsure if anyone checks it. I know some of the grad students do, though.

I would be interested to see the application deadline dates attached for the specific years - this might be another indicator as to why the review dates were set. I know that this year, Berkeley's app was due by Dec. 10th, which was much, much earlier than any of my other ones.

My guess is the interview is 30-45 minutes. The bracket I was given was between an hour (11:30; 12:30; 1:30), so they can't last too long. Unsure about questions though

No no! No problem at all. I actually had this discussion of interview clothing yesterday with a PhD candidate who interviewed with CASVA. Many of the advisers guided her towards that 90s professional businesswoman look (pantsuit, conservative, etc.) whereas the latest trend seems to veer towards more feminine, dress/skirt look. It's an interesting switch. I've actually worked in the art history field for some time now, and already know what I'm wearing Both to Williams and this new place! Pretty excited!

I'm interviewing there at the end of the month - however, I'm actually physically going there because I want to meet the faculty and I do interview better in person. However, I understand the dilemma, traveling there is rough if you can't just drive there yourself. Good luck with your decision!

I agree - just admit that you are that person; no need to elaborate or defend yourself and no need to reiterate your commitment to a phd program.

There's a Masters of Science in Architecture Studies at MIT (SMArchS degree), http://architecture.mit.edu/history-theory-and-criticism/degree/smarchs. However, as far I understand, there is no funding for the program.

Have you tried using a different web browser? I recently had to help my professor upload my own recommendations. The supporting materials would not upload at all in Internet Explorer, but there were no issues when we used Mozilla Firefox.

If you hold a BA and the exhibition review was actually a review of the exhibition (as opposed to simply a description of the exhibition, similar to a press release), then yes. You can include it. If you already hold a MA, you should be concentrating on academic publishing. Unfortunately, the press releases do not count.

I think you would have better luck if you were to say, "I am interested in Schools X, Y, and Z for 20th century. Does anyone have first hand experience with these programs?"

No need to justify your change of past plans, just explain how your studies have influenced you to the direction you are studying today -- including the internships. I wouldn't bog them down with any mishaps, they probably aren't going to really care. I wouldn't spend more than one paragraph mentioning undergraduate education. I would use a paragraph to talk about your internship experiences and how they have motivated you for your intended career choice. I would also spend a good chunk talking about the school you are applying to individually. Livejournal use to have some good statements to look at, but most require an account to look at: http://applyingtograd.livejournal.com/tag/art%20history. Don't know how useful they may be.

Please do not include the anecdote about your exposure to the arts. This is a big no-no in the art history statement of purpose. I would start off strong by stating your intellectual achievements (Where you got your BA and how your coursework introduced you to film, which is what you want to get). You also do not explain or at least mention in your post why the school you are applying to is a particularly good fit. I would spend a good portion of your Statement making a case for this. Your statement isn't a statement about the deciding factors that make you want to go to grad school, it's about the qualifications you have to pursue graduate work and how the school you are applying to will best serve yours and its own purposes by accepting you. Faculty that study in your area, internship opportunities, and classwork the school offers are all valid to discuss. Best of luck.