Meeting / Interview Advice -- MA/PhD Application

[curiouser and curiouser]

Howdy, folks. I've recently set up "meetings" with two professors at my top choice program, but coming from outside the field of art history (my background is in architecture), I feel like I have no idea what to expect at these things. I applied last year, got wait-listed at a couple places, but came away with no acceptances, and I really want to make sure I cover all my bases this year. Anyone have any priceless advice for me? How should I prepare? Thanks!

[snooze]

This is probably obvious, but you should definitely read articles and such by the people you're interested in studying with, so you get a sense of their interests and methodologies. You should also be prepared to articulately define your interests. And definitely come up with some good reasons as to why you want to be an art historian and not an architect anymore. I would also avoid asking any questions that are easily found on the school's website.

That's all I got, really. I've never been on an official interview, but I've awkwardly approached professors at seminars, and I think they're more inclined to pay attention to you if you have good questions and don't appear to be the typical eager graduate school applicant.

Oh, also: RELAX.

I was really nervous once when I went to talk to someone I admired and as a result, I tripped up the stairs right in front of them because I was so frazzled. So just be yourself and stay cool!