Courtauld: Meet professors other than tutorial prof? (Sub-question: Courtauld or Tufts?)

[missy elliot smith]

Hi Everyone,

 

So I'm currently in the no-news-is-bad-news boat with two of the schools to which I applied, and I'm weighing my options with two of the schools I did get into. I'm hoping for any insight anyone might have to help me in my decision. 

 

I got into the Courtauld under a great professor who is famous in my field. My field is a specialized subset of contemporary and the first-choice option to which I was admitted is right up my alley. But the tutorial system is really giving me pause. I hope to apply to PhD programs in the year after graduating from the MA program, and I am concerned about recommenders. I should also mention that I graduated from undergrad two years ago, so I'm not sure how much longer those recommendations would be relevant or appropriate. In any case, I have one solid reference from college related to my field, and I'd need two more: if I go to the Courtauld, one would be from my tutorial professor, and then what? 

 

I'm also really interested in the work of a second professor at the Institute whose option was my second choice. This second option dealt in more thematic issues in contemporary art, and my interests involve significant overlap between the work of these two professors. So I was wondering if anyone who went to (or is attending) the Courtauld had any experience perhaps getting supplemental readings or advice from other professors.

 

I also got into Tufts, where I got partial funding (it'd still be more expensive than one year at the Courtauld) but my main POI is leaving. There are a few other professors who work in contemporary -- and two who relate really well to my secondary interests -- but no one who is a 100% fit. It's two years, there are more professors with whom I can form relationships, and staying in the US would be easier. Tufts feels like the more practical choice of the two for some reason, but I don't know if it's the right choice.

 

In any case, I'd appreciate any insight into recommenders, the Courtauld's tutorial system and professor relationships, and whether Tufts would be a good alternative. I'm leaning heavily towards the Courtauld, but those concerns are still very much in the back of my mind.

 

Thanks! Best of luck to everyone who is still waiting and congrats to all of the admits.

[Hegel's Bagels]

I think at this point you cannot make a wrong choice...so congratulations! You're in a good place so far...

That being said: it looks like you are choosing between apples and oranges and that is always difficult. I did not attend the Courtauld but I do know one or two PhD students who did their work there. They all loved it but both have expressed frustration with the one-year MA system. There is a lot to be said for a two-year program. You will forge stronger connections with your professors (....so better LoRs) and you will have the opportunity to develop a broader knowledge of art history at the graduate level. Having this knowledge base will be particularly useful when you eventually do a PhD and have to take your exams or teach survey. I think that that is my one reservation with the Courtauld; you end up with a highly-specialized knowledge of one field and that is not always a good thing this early on in the game. Moreover, perhaps it is the mentorship of a couple of professors who are not a 100% fit that will help you a generate a truly original thesis topic.

I'm casting a vote for Tufts but that is only my opinion and admittedly their US-style program is what I'm more familiar and comfortable with.

[missy elliot smith]

Thanks for the insight, Hegel's Bagels (which, by the way, is a pretty amazing name). Deciding has been tough, but I think I'm heading for the Courtauld. I got a look at the classes for the upcoming semester at Tufts and there was just nothing for me. That pretty much solidified it for me. I'm pretty bummed about Monica McTighe leaving. Tufts was tied for my top choice until I learned that this was her last semester. Such a shame!

 

In any case, if anyone reading this has gone to the Courtauld or is currently attending, I would love to hear more about your experience. I've managed to accost (that's a pretty accurate word) just one person who had attended the institute, and she was nice and answered my barrage of questions. I tried getting in touch with students through the Courtauld itself, but I was told me that they wouldn't be able to do that. So any advice, tips, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Edited March 22, 2013 by clamatto

[artlover]

Thanks for the insight, Hegel's Bagels (which, by the way, is a pretty amazing name). Deciding has been tough, but I think I'm heading for the Courtauld. I got a look at the classes for the upcoming semester at Tufts and there was just nothing for me. That pretty much solidified it for me. I'm pretty bummed about Monica McTighe leaving. Tufts was tied for my top choice until I learned that this was her last semester. Such a shame!

 

In any case, if anyone reading this has gone to the Courtauld or is currently attending, I would love to hear more about your experience. I've managed to accost (that's a pretty accurate word) just one person who had attended the institute, and she was nice and answered my barrage of questions. I tried getting in touch with students through the Courtauld itself, but I was told me that they wouldn't be able to do that. So any advice, tips, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Pm'ing you. 

[Hegel's Bagels]

Thanks for the insight, Hegel's Bagels (which, by the way, is a pretty amazing name). Deciding has been tough, but I think I'm heading for the Courtauld. I got a look at the classes for the upcoming semester at Tufts and there was just nothing for me. That pretty much solidified it for me. I'm pretty bummed about Monica McTighe leaving. Tufts was tied for my top choice until I learned that this was her last semester. Such a shame!

 

In any case, if anyone reading this has gone to the Courtauld or is currently attending, I would love to hear more about your experience. I've managed to accost (that's a pretty accurate word) just one person who had attended the institute, and she was nice and answered my barrage of questions. I tried getting in touch with students through the Courtauld itself, but I was told me that they wouldn't be able to do that. So any advice, tips, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Oof! Yea if your POI is leaving from Tufts then Courtauld is obviously the better option! I didn't get that from your OP. Best of luck at Courtauld...