fullofpink

This has literally made me laugh way too hard and is exactly what I needed. Thanks!!! HAHA!

I discussed visits with my schools of interest - some said to definitely come before applications were due because they were NOT allowed to speak with me during their review process, but were eager to meet students beforehand. Others said don't bother coming unless I was accepted because then they pay for the trip. It definitely helps to have some communication beforehand.

Thanks for thinking of me, Anonymousbequest, and your are correct - I have had to face this issue. My CV is a wonderful and meticulously crafted document (I love updating it! I know that's weird!) and it pains me that some of the schools are not interested in it, at all. However, BEHOLD! - most schools have some form or document that they want you to fill out that speaks of your previous experiences/publications/presentations and allots room for the most relevant of information. I think that this allows the committee to bypass bad CVS/resumes (trust me, I've seen a few (and by a few, I mean a lot. It really helps to speak to your career counselor at school, guys!!!)) and really lets you know what experiences they are truly interested in.

Cheers! good luck with law school

My only advice is, submit the best application you can.

All your SOPs are 500 words? I thought most apps allotted 2 pages. Anyways, if your SOP must be that condensed, just focus on your dec. arts/material studies and relevant internships/experience and nix the irrelevant things. My emails were a brief introduction - 1st paragraph (2 sentences about my degree, experience, and current job (relevant)); 2nd paragraph (what experiences I've had at internships/jobs or research I've conducted in their field and why it has prepared me for more advance study); 3rd paragraph (1 sentence on the material of theirs I've read, how it relates to my interests. "Are you taking students this fall?"). Then a sentence of thanks and I hope to hear from them soon. 220 words.

Sorry, didn't read you were in your final year. If you are looking for one-year jobs/fellowships/internships, almost all jobs and internships open up in the Spring. Still, ask your adviser for recommendations but don't get your hopes up too much - it's still very tough competition out there, ESPECIALLY for fellowships and paid internships. I love how everyone has been boasting about extracurriculars lately - honestly, they mean very little. Please don't highlight these types of activities on your resume. Show your art historical strengths and lessen or eliminate the talents you have that fall outside this category. New applicants tend to want to show their entire range of experience but what it really does is distract from your good experiences. Highlight your best and most relevant skills and make sure your package is completely clean and tidy. Since you do have wonderful experience, taking a gap year and chilling isn't out of the question - but don't stray too far from art history - definitely carve some time for that as well (again, unpaid internships, working visitor services). Even being physically in an art history institution is better than being completely out of it; however, I know people with PhDs who are waiting tables while on the adjunct circuit, so don't be afraid to do something lax if you need that time for yourself. I started in my institution as a busser in the restaurant after getting my BA, and now I have one of the best jobs in the museum since I toughed it out, made contacts, and was offer a job once one opened.

Ask one of your advisers if they know someone who needs an intern or is looking for extra/temporary help. Check AAM for jobs. Most good BA jobs come from putting in your time at an institution or something. If you are planning on moving to a city with a museum, they are almost always looking for security guards/gallery assistants or visitor service/front end staff. You have a good background, but honestly, finding some kind of good job will be impossible at this time of year if you are looking for full-time employment. Not only will you sign a contract for at least 2 years, but if you have to move for grad school next summer, you might even end up working somewhere for less than a year which won't bode well for any institution, especially if you'd like to keep good relations. Having a current title is not as important as having good experiences, which you do. There are tons of temporary opportunities. If you haven't discovered linkedin yet, I suggest you check them out.

You can explain your command of the field more in a statement of purpose than in one thesis paper, and especially in a term paper. If you understand the scholarship in your area, then that accounts way more than having written a paper in it. Also, when applying to a program, it wouldn't be odd to contact the school and see what paper would suit the topic best. My guess is that anyone would suggest submitting the one most relevant to your intended area. i do agree that they will see you did a thesis on renaissance art, but if you are applying to German expressionism, they'll wonder why you didn't submit one on that. I'm PMing you later tonight, as a head's up

When I was in NYC the other week, I was surprised to discover that some positions were averaging well over 1,000 applicants. Ouch. However, 8 months was only November and I would argue that the best hiring season really is spring/summer. There are jobs available, but they are definitely not "entry" level. Very few and far between, unfortunately There is some good advice in the discussion regarding jobs. My friend at a Masters program said their adviser said the the best to get a job is to start smoking. I don't think that person was half-wrong, lol.

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Is-anyone-else-having-difficulty-3716377.S.67408281?view=&srchtype=discussedNews&gid=3716377&item=67408281&type=member&trk=eml-anet_dig-b_pd-ttl-cn&ut=3s61rKTyxY8Rk1

Being "competitive" for a PhD program is very different than being ready for a PhD program. Some people may have tons of experience but if they do not know how to direct their focus and present a full package, then they will easily be left in the dust. If you know what you want to study, if you know how to go about it, and if you already have the credentials (languages, some research experience) then you have as decent a chance as anyone else. I would also suggest adding Virginia Commonwealth University to your list. They just hired a Renaissance scholar and German expressionist scholar. Also, if you can decide upon one, you probably have a good chance getting into their PhD program.

Sounds like you have a good chance. I wouldn't worry about your biology/science grades at all - especially if your last 2 years are above average. What do you want to do with your MA?

1. For a PhD, you will need to having reading fluency in 2 foreign languages - most likely German and one that focuses on your area. 2. Yes, there is a ton of competition. Most schools are now limiting the # of PhD students they take to well-under 10 (many under 5) mostly because there are so many unemployed PhDs. A few years ago, CAA said that within 2 years 50% of Art history positions were cut with very little chance of coming back. Many schools are picking up adjuncts at a ridiculously low cost, not providing benefits. I actually think that you career goals are very realistic, but I would caution you on being so explicit in your applications. 3. Most PhD programs will offer some kind of funding, only the best students will get full fellowships and teaching assistantships.Even then, sometimes that is not enough to cover the cost of expenses. However, once you are in grad school (and depending on the location), art jobs tend to come easily if you network well. I think it would definitely be in your best interest to find a few books on PhD process and applications - they definitely helped me!

You are too concerned about what a "top tier" school means - find the professors/authors you are interested in and follow their trail. I could argue that all mod/con has some focus on gender studies/visual culture/critical theory, so right now your descriptions are too broad - what disciplines and methodologies do you adhere to? That right there will get your ball rolling. Find the American contemporary specialists, cater your SOP to their program, and you'd have a better chance.

Violetvivian is right: Getting a PhD on outsider art alone will be the first challenge, the second is finding a curating job where you only concentrate on outsider/folk art might also be extremely difficult. While there are a limited number of people who specialize in this area, the jobs tend to be held until death or retirement, so if a job opens up there is less competition; however, given the current market, I wouldn't be surprised if things have changed a bit. [At my alma mater, the person who studies outsider art is the african-american professor]. There are so many circumstances that must be examined. For instance, if you are hell-bent on living in NYC then you might need to get a PhD concentrating on 20th-century art with a specialization in outsider art. However, now you are competing with all the mod/con people and even then, the curating jobs just in folk art are few. I stressed the MA because the MA programs allow a lot more flexibility in terms of research and you are perfectly qualified for small museum curating jobs with that degree and that specialization (if you have a lot of museum administrative experience already). I know I saw a job with a concentration on folk on AAM HQ, but I don't recall the exact title - I feel like it may have been in Virginia - I also saw a few opportunities in Utah (these mostly fall under national park sites, etc.). If you're the adventurous type.

If you sent a snail mail letter to the DGS at my program, you would never get a response - they'd wonder why you were to technically incomprehensible. I would really see that person's anecdote as one example, but I really wouldn't stress their advice. I emailed 4/4 of my POIs last fall and got 3/4 responses back. The last one is a really important professor so I wasn't surprised I didn't get a response. Two of the other professors were fantastic, made appointments with me, and discussed the program and objectives thoroughly. They were definitely my top two choices. Go with your gut, I would email later summer (August-Sept) rather than in the middle.

To be a curator of Outsider Art alone, you can probably do well with a MA (and some museum administration curriculum) and work at smaller, regional museums. There were a few job listings that fell under that category lately, and they required only a BA because they aren't high-demand - I have no idea who was hired to fill these positions, but I would definitely assume a MA would suffice.

Hello, welcome! Since you are already a professional, I doubt your UG records will count for too much. They will probably examine your overall GPA and your AH gpa, but they will definitely take your studio classes into consideration since you are going into contemporary (which tends to have a high concentration on artistic understanding). 1. Since your background is kinda all over the place, I would produce a paper that concentrates on what you are applying for. Tidy up an already developed paper or create a new one in your subject. I'm not sure what a "close analysis" means - do you mean formal? At my alma mater, as an instructor you are granted one or two classes to take a semester for free - if this is an option, why don't you collaborate with one of the tenured Art history professors to do a UG thesis? It's only a thought. 2. Honestly, I'm of the opinion that you should aim for at least a 160V - however, some places only require at least a 75% verbal which is a 156/157 (I think). In all, just try to do your best. 3. Really, I wouldn't worry about your grades (especially since they are from Berkeley), instead, I would concentrate on making sure you convey your current understanding of your field. Your SOP is going to be much more important than your UG grades, which seem to be from many many years ago. Best of luck

Is the position Limited Term? If it is, and it doesn't extend for at least a year, I personally wouldn't hold off grad school. However, if it is unlimited, then definitely go for it! Who knows? You might do a terminal program while working full time later in your life

@ Runks, I have a colleague who went to Syracuse for a MA - my colleague is an impressive scholar in their own right, but it doesn't sound like the program was that great. However, my colleague enjoyed the experience since they went to a very small undergraduate school and felt they didn't have the skills/knowledge to go straight to a PhD. However, this colleague only got into one PhD program and it's a bit low on the "scale." Take that how you will. Honestly, I am someone who strictly believes that the individual is worth more than the school name or rank - so if you work hard on your own accomplishments, it will only bode well for you.

As someone with a MA who - I suppose - wrote a thesis in their field on a topic they would like to continue studying, I feel like adcoms will wonder why you didn't send a portion of your thesis. However, if you have papers that are more in tune with the program you are applying for, just make sure that the paper is stellar. It may not be so simple as a reexamining of your application materials - it could be your professional duties. Are you presenting at conferences or symposia? Have you published? Have you won any scholarships at your university or research grants? Many people in MA programs and those with the MA degree will already have this kind of competitive background. And adcoms can spot someone who is investing in themselves a mile away - overall, I would say (especially with a MA), that your professional activities will be just as important if not moreso than tweaking a writing sample and tightening up a SOP. Edit: I wanted to add this consideration: have you worked in your field? Teaching/researching/museum or gallery work? Is it significant? I'm only asking because if you look at Harvard's past acceptances (they post bios every year), these kids come from somewhat non-traditional backgrounds (as in, Got a BA, then went to MA, and now is in PhD). However, the majority have worked in their field, most at a major museum, many of them have graduated from an Ivy league university, and there are those who don't even have a significant background in art history. Something to consider. [Also, you don't need to explain to me (or anyone) on a public forum what you have and have not done. I just wanted to inform you, so don't feel pressured to describe your activities.]

Yeah, that's totally not the approach to attempt when applying to grad school.

Yes - if these schools fit your interests the best then definitely apply again. Remember, Harvard/Yale/Princeton/Columbia/CUNY get well over 200 applications each and elimination processes are usually brutal. I notice that you applied to only top tier schools - is this intentional or do these schools absolutely fit your interests best? I only mention this because if you are listing the schools you are applying to in your applications, an adcom might look at it and wonder why your range of interests in the field is so broad (lacking focus), or if your only intent is to get into a top tier school. It *may* read to an adcom that you are more naive than learned about the process - not that this absolutely applies, but it might be a thought. I've always wondered about it and would love to know others opinions.