more info about Upenn terminal masters art history

[NaiXin02]

Anyone who can tell me more? I am interested in applying for Asian art history, but I have not found other information on the program than what is on the UPenn website.

Yeah, so here is also what I am really curious about: as expected, is this terminal MA program really competitive?

i know, I have seen everywhere on these forums not to underestimate one's own chances of admission, but I am somewhat discouraged from applying in the first place. because it's UPenn, so I suspect that it receives a lot of very good applicants.

Here is my info, if anyone can tell me if I should even apply or not.

I stand out from the crowd alright, but maybe not for the best reason. I am getting a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from a well-reputed art school, so a big chunk of my coursework is studio art (drawing, painting, sculpture). I took liberal arts courses at Brown University, for grades and credit, and at my art school. My GPA is 3.6-3.7, accounting for the fact that I have gotten low grades in a couple of liberal arts courses relevant to art history. I will probably fail the quant GRE but do fine (estimating 700+ from prep) on verbal. Recs will not be anything amazing, I never did research for anyone, etc., so nothing unusual there. I have had volunteering and internship experience at museums and a painting gallery.

So, my fear of turning off admissions is the few low grades that I have received (out of stupid decisions made in the past), and having nothing really distinguishing, except for maybe going to art school.

I greatly appreciate it, guys!

[tendaysleft]

What should distinguish you from other applicants is your personal statement and your writing sample. A 3.6-7 GPA is very good, and shouldn't disqualify you from getting into nearly anywhere, if your SOP and writing sample are strong enough. If you are really excited about the program, and you see a bunch of different faculty members with whom your interests mesh, and you're confident in your SOP and writing sample, then you should definitely apply.