madame x Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 While I’m still anxiously awaiting decisions from several schools (including my top choice), I’m becoming increasingly concerned that I’ll end up with the single admission that I received back in January. On bright side, this program is a great fit, fully-funded, and in a great location for me. But, alas, it has a pretty dismal standing in the unofficial NRC rankings. I know that reputation is important, especially when it comes to finding a good job. But my only other choice may be an entirely new career. This would be easier to swallow if I hadn’t spent the last decade of my life preparing for a career as an art historian. Granted, I wasn’t always 100% confident that I would pursue a PhD, and I spent several years working (in a major art museum) before entering an (admittedly unimpressive, but fully-funded and local) MA program, but I’m 100% committed now. I don’t have outstanding GRE scores or a perfect undergrad GPA, but my resume, recommendations, and research interests are totally solid. This is my second year as an applicant, and I simply can’t afford to go through this process again next year. In a potential worse-case-scenario, should I settle or just give up?
SaschaC Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 My understanding is that its much more important that you have a good fit of program and advisor than where your school ranks. Its basically much more what you do with yourself and your research and if your POI can help push you to get into conferences, fellowships, eventually jobs, etc. I'm in a similar boat, where I've heard from about half the schools I've applied to and so far only the one acceptance I got in early January. Its a good school but a younger program (only 10 years) but the professors who are there have all taught previously at top schools and are published in museum catalogues etc.. so clearly amazing people and the school is often ranked though I don't believe specifically for art history (again young program). So I would focus more on where you're going to be able to thrive and make yourself the best candidate for future job markets - because what you do with your schooling and research and other opportunities is ultimately going to be the most important. That's my attitude at least! Herbie 1
Herbie Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Give up? Hell no. If Art History is what you love and plan to have a profession in, giving up is not an option. I'd like to supplement that I'm not yelling at you either. Essentially we're in the same boat. My only acceptance was back in January. I've received one rejection since, and actually believe I have more to come. I went into this application season realizing that my uninspired GPA (major GPA is great, but last semester showed that studying/etc. did indeed pay off as far as what my professors thought of me), yucky GRE scores and lack of internships/etc. that many other potential applicants have, puts me at an extreme disadvantage. I second SashaC wholeheartedly. I'd like to add that NRC rankings for 2010 had some statistical controversy. In light of this, don't let World News/NRC/Peterson's/whatever tell you what college is best for you. If you visit the NRC site, sign in with an e-mail address, they let you see the hard statistics - broken down in attrition rates, funding, diversity, et. al. If there is something particularly glaring for that college, simply express your concern - like an attrition rate of .. 60% or something: "What's X program's completion rate, and why is it such?" Also, why settle if you are still waiting on further news? Ramblr 1
Ramblr Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Also, why settle if you are still waiting on further news? I, too, am waiting on a considerable amount of schools (more than 5) who have given no word as to admission/rejection/waitlist. In the meantime, I am looking at the schools (MA v PhD, state school v. private) I did get into and weighing my options, preparing a list of pros and cons so I can compare and contrast. I am approaching it as if some schools will come in at the very last minute, say very end of March or even the first few days of April. I want to be prepared to make an informed but timely decision then. Keep the faith! Don't lose hope!
summertouch Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 I, too, am waiting on a considerable amount of schools (more than 5) who have given no word as to admission/rejection/waitlist. In the meantime, I am looking at the schools (MA v PhD, state school v. private) I did get into and weighing my options, preparing a list of pros and cons so I can compare and contrast. I am approaching it as if some schools will come in at the very last minute, say very end of March or even the first few days of April. I want to be prepared to make an informed but timely decision then. Keep the faith! Don't lose hope! Gosh, I'm so relieved to see this post! indeed, I'm trying to think no news is good news. There's really nothing much I can do about my apps now except wait with hope and faith, I guess. I too am waiting on a couple of schools without hearing a word from any of them yet. As people say, you aren't rejected until you are rejected.
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