2026-27 Applications!

[alexcats]

Hey everyone, thought I'd start a thread for questions/concerns/thoughts surrounding grad apps for art history this application cycle. I am applying for PhD and MA programs in South Asia!

[CezanneCezanne]

Applying for my PhD this time around—oh boy, here we go again

[alexcats]

On 8/26/2025 at 4:05 AM, CezanneCezanne said:

Applying for my PhD this time around—oh boy, here we go again

Good luck! What field are you applying into/what programs are you looking at?  

[CezanneCezanne]

I work on American art/visual culture and its intersections with the life + physical sciences, so looking at schools with faculty strong in interdisciplinary methodologies + maybe a few history of science programs for fun!

What about you? Thanks for posting this thread!

[alexcats]

On 8/29/2025 at 9:17 PM, CezanneCezanne said:

I work on American art/visual culture and its intersections with the life + physical sciences, so looking at schools with faculty strong in interdisciplinary methodologies + maybe a few history of science programs for fun!

What about you? Thanks for posting this thread!

That's such an interesting perspective to work from! I am applying to PhD programs with strong South Asian faculty - looking mainly at craft and artisinal labor, ideally with woven textiles as my primary inquiry. Also looking at interdisciplinary programs that might allow me to do making-focused research as well; i've been weaving for over 8 years now!

[delizabeth]

hi! i'm currently working on my applications. Does anyone have resources for personal statements/cover letters? i'm struggling a bit

[unejxliefxlle]

Hi! A little quiet in here, but I'm applying for the first time to MA programs and I'm very scared lol

[alexcats]

On 10/24/2025 at 6:53 AM, unejxliefxlle said:

Hi! A little quiet in here, but I'm applying for the first time to MA programs and I'm very scared lol

Hi! Me too! Feeling real nervous lol -- what programs are you looking at?

[unejxliefxlle]

On 10/29/2025 at 3:12 PM, alexcats said:

Hi! Me too! Feeling real nervous lol -- what programs are you looking at?

A couple outside the U.S. (ever since the closing of the MA at IU Bloomington, I've found programs that support my interest a little more there) and a few throughout the U.S. like the obvs: CUNY Hunter, Washington, Syracuse, UPenn (really doubting this last one), among others. But South Asia for you, how fun!

[BridesheadRevisited]

Hello everyone! How are the applications going? I'm applying for PhDs, trying not to stress out too much 🤪

[thetis-sea-nymph]

Hey all! I'm working on my PhD apps at the moment, but I'm finishing my MA at the University of Georgia this spring. I just wanted to say that those who are applying for MAs this year shouldn't sleep on this program! It's a fully-funded MA with a tuition waiver and a stipend linked to a teaching assistantship. The faculty here are fantastic and very supportive. 

[alexcats]

just sent in my first phd application today... good luck everyone.

[psychedelicate]

Hi all, I'm also applying this cycle. I just sent in a few on the 1st and am out of my mind

[kailistanford]

Hey everyone! I'm sending in my first MA applications soon!

[alexcats]

any news you guys? i haven't heard back from anywhere yet -- i know its way too early, but im curious!

[agnesmartin91]

On 12/23/2025 at 11:16 PM, alexcats said:

any news you guys? i haven't heard back from anywhere yet -- i know its way too early, but im curious!

Looks like we are on pace for a doozey of a cycle. Between established programs pausing admissions for incoming graduate students and other places laying off tenured faculty, who knows what will unravel.

[BridesheadRevisited]

No news for me yet, but the majority of my programs don't close applications until this week. I don't expect to hear anything for quite awhile 😪

[PuzzleHeadedPie]

I feel like it is even more stressing this cycle waiting to hear from schools.

[999]

Hi there! I just got an email from my POI at Brown asking me for an interview early next week. Good luck everyone!

[PuzzleHeadedPie]

Congratulations.

[artlover36]

hi! I applied this cycle. Have people been notified about interviews for MA yet? Or for PHD

[BridesheadRevisited]

On 1/9/2026 at 9:37 AM, eb15 said:

Hi there! I just got an email from my POI at Brown asking me for an interview early next week. Good luck everyone!

Congrats! Best of luck!

[psychedelicate]

I heard from UCSB about a month ago asking if I could resend an LOR because faculty were already reviewing applications and wanted to make a final decision "soon." I'm not sure if anyone else applied there. My current advisor also told me he was contacted by USC about his LOR for me, so I think they are getting ready as well. Haven't heard anything from anywhere else yet (field is ancient Peru)

[999]

Just a small update on Brown in case it’s useful: my POI indicated that the department will be making 3 offers plus 1 additional offer to join the waiting list (this had already come up in their personal statement workshop earlier this year, but I figured I’d pass it along here)

[BridesheadRevisited]

That's helpful, it's nice that they've been so transparent (though I didn't apply to Brown). Tough cycle this year! 

I still haven't heard a peep from any of my programs. My field is Italian Renaissance, if there's any other early modernists out there

'