Phd Art History questions

[juliette22]

Hi everybody,

I am applying for a PHD in art History and as a lot of students I am very stressed out.

Here is my story, I am french and came to the US last year for an exchange program at Hunter College for my 1st year of masters in art history. I have a gpa of 3.78 but my undergrad is more around 3.5. I am currently in the US, working for a photographer and doing research, as well as finishing my second year of master offsite for my french university, Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne.

So I have one thesis written and translated in english (re-read by an english major) (in France we are writting one thesis per year of masters so two in the end), experience in research and quite a lot of internships in museums and galleries.

I have one of my professors from Hunter, my research (internship) director and my boss (photographer) writing me a letter.

So I guess my first question is: am I really competitive? My toefl is 105 and I am taking the gre in 2 weeks but I do not hope for an amazing score because as you can probably tell my english is not perfect.

Also, is there a way to make the recommendation letter process easy for the writers? I plan on applying to more than 10 schools and they are all very busy and I am not sure they would actually take the time to send the letters to each schools.

And last but not least: Should I contact and/or go visit schools? I am in New York so I can easily go see schools on the east coast. I had different answers about wether or not I should contact professors I am interested in working with. (I am writing both of my thesis on Jasper Johns so I hope to specialize in the 20th century but I am not close-minded about it).

Thank you for reading me and I hope somebody has a couple of answers for me

Good luck for your applications!

[losemygrip]

Will your M.A. be from Hunter, or Sorbonne?

I'm guessing your plan is to apply to U.S.A. doctorate programs. Correct?

You just need to meet a minimum TOEFL score--whatever the Graduate School requires at the specific university. It's usually not too high. Having recommenders from the U.S. will also allay any concerns about language skills.

I believe being from France will actually help your chances.

If you're interested in continuing with Johns and that era, consider Stanford. Richard Meyer has just moved up there from USC. Brandon Joseph is at Columbia, I believe. Texas is also excellent in modern, with many faculty.

A lot of people on these boards have successfully contacted faculty members that they are interested in studying under. Personally, I would be a little intimidated to do that (back in my day, there was no email--you had to write an actual letter if you did this). I would probably just state in my application that I wanted to work with Professor X because of his/her interest in the 50s and 60s; or that you're interested in being in the program at the University of XYZ because of their strengths in modern, such as faculty A, B, and C. However, if you can get an introduction from a current faculty member, you can write and say, "My advisor, Suzy Q., suggested I write you."

In this country many applicants use a "folio service" that forwards copies of your letters. The university from which you graduate will often provide this service. However, most faculty here also know that they will be sending letters. It's part of the job. Once you have a letter written, it's pretty easy to crank it out for various applications.

[juliette22]

Thank you so much for your answers!

I will get my MA from the Sorbonne and yes I am applying to USA doctorate programs. I am meeting the minimums for the TOEFL (they usually are between 95-100 from what I have seen) but I am super stressed out about the GRE.

I feel kind of weird contacting teachers too, I can see how busy they are at Hunter or the Sorbonne and I don't think they would like it if every applicants contacts them. I will see for each school individually I guess. (I remember reading on some universities website that you have to contact a professor).

I guess I am going to just send the letters of recommendation by mail. (like I would prepare the envelopes and all and they just have to sign it or something).

Also, does anybody knows which service I should use to translate my transcripts? I was going for WES but it looks like they are only doing an evaluation of your grades and that you need to send them a translated copy. Those things are so expensive, and complicated looking so I am a little lost.

Thanks again Losemygrip!

Edited October 16, 2012 by juliette22

[Bearcat1]

I have had great luck contacting professors I'm hoping to work with. I've sent emails and had phone conversations with most of them, but if they are busy, they will tell you via email. I agree with losemygrip that professors don't mind writing letters of recommendation. Once the first is written, they are all basically the same, so I don't think it makes a big difference whether you apply to one or 20 schools. And most of the applications I have filled out require (or prefer) that recommendations be sent electronically, so check that out before you provide envelopes to everyone. I read in a previous post that providing a CV, a list of where you are applying with application due dates, and transcripts to each recommendor is great, and I've done that for mine, although I'm not sure if they needed that information. Good luck on your GREs!

[losemygrip]

I agree with Bearcatt. Be very organized about your letter requests. Provide all lists with addresses, deadlines, your CV, maybe statement of purpose, in some kind of file so that they can easily access everything.

I can't help with the translation service. Why don't you ask the French Department at Hunter who they might recommend?

[juliette22]

That sounds great, I am putting a list together for my recommenders and will start contacting some universities then.

I do not know anybody at the French Department at Hunter and I know from experience that the international office is not very useful for detailed questions like that, but I will give it a try!

Thank you!