Application Thread Fall 2025

[sleepymaterialculturelover]

hi all. i decided to take things into my own hands while i am bored at work and create this thread even if it is a bit early. 

i am applying to phd programs straight from undergrad (i know i know. whatever you have to say to me, i guarantee i have already heard it.) my research interests are in southern american art history and material culture. trying to write my statement of purpose and going insane 🙆‍♀️

interested to hear how other people are getting along this early in the process!

[sleepymaterialculturelover]

hi guys. even if no one is posting yet,  i thought i would post an update so far just for fun. I just finished writing my last statement of purpose, and I just added all of my recommenders into the application portals. the process of editing begins! i have spoken with the DGS of several programs, pois have mostly responded, and am going to in-person visit days for a few others. i feel really good about the schools!

I have edited my list down to eight schools. I am struggling to decide whether to strategically apply to mas at the programs with both ma and phd programs–that have a chance of funding, of course–or to just go straight for the phd. i can't tell if my chances as a ba student are so bad that i shouldn't even try, or if I should go for it, and then maybe get thrown into the ma app piles if rejected. its tough! 

Edited October 15 by sleepymaterialculturelover

[Maggie Cheung]

Hey there! Thanks for starting the thread! I'm applying to terminal MA programs for Fall 2025 with a focus on Contemporary Art, specifically socially engaged practices. I'm applying to 10 programs, mostly state schools that offer full funding, with the most prestigious being Williams.

Congratulations on being so far along in the process-- I'm still ironing out my general statement and beginning to try and tailor it to specific programs. Since you said you were going insane when you first started writing them, do you have any words of advice? What helped you get to the point where you felt like they were finished?

It obviously depends on the school, but a lot of smaller state schools that I've been researching encourage students applying straight from undergrad. My undergraduate advisor recommended I apply to PhD programs since funding opportunities are so much more plentiful than terminal MA's. And I think institutions like the idea of funding someone who will be around for 7-8 years as opposed to just 2-3! 

 

[sleepymaterialculturelover]

15 hours ago, Maggie Cheung said:

Hey there! Thanks for starting the thread! I'm applying to terminal MA programs for Fall 2025 with a focus on Contemporary Art, specifically socially engaged practices. I'm applying to 10 programs, mostly state schools that offer full funding, with the most prestigious being Williams.

Congratulations on being so far along in the process-- I'm still ironing out my general statement and beginning to try and tailor it to specific programs. Since you said you were going insane when you first started writing them, do you have any words of advice? What helped you get to the point where you felt like they were finished?

It obviously depends on the school, but a lot of smaller state schools that I've been researching encourage students applying straight from undergrad. My undergraduate advisor recommended I apply to PhD programs since funding opportunities are so much more plentiful than terminal MA's. And I think institutions like the idea of funding someone who will be around for 7-8 years as opposed to just 2-3! 

 

hi hi so glad there is someone else on my thread now. your list of programs sounds very exciting! wishing you the best with getting your applications ready!

thank you thank you! honestly, i know people have said that reading a ton of advice can be counterproductive, so take this with a grain of salt, but i found that the hours i spent reading blogs, threads, and watching videos about what various people think should belong in an SoP helped a lot. i am sure you have already looked at stuff, but happy to send over everything i have looked at if not. before i felt very aimless and confused, but i think i got a very good understanding that discussing research interests and establishing fit should be the bulk of the essay. i think talking to DGSes and POIs helped me be specific about what i am drawn to in the program. i am very far from an expert though and i don't want to sound like i really know what i am doing either, we shall see if my essays are any good soon  i just stopped writing when i did not have anything left in me to say + i had hit 1000 words! 

im glad you think that there is a fighting chance for a ba applicant. i have heard so many different things, and i suppose it really does depend on the program!

 

[sleepymaterialculturelover]

sigh. sorry to be the only person posting on this thread but did anyone else get the email that BU isn't accepting applications?? can't tell if it is only for phd and if the masters is safe but 😐 not happy