Chinese student at IFA

[sylviawu]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm a Chinese student for fall 2013. I applied for 4 schools in art history and got 2 acceptances (SAIC-Dual degree: art history&arts admin // IFA-MA in art history) and 1 rejection for now. I've been doing a lot of researches on the schools and (not surprisingly) find that the forthcoming study in US might be a super challenge for me. So here I'm asking for more related info and your kind advices.

 

About the admissions, I think I'd take IFA while I'm still waiting for Modern Art (MODA) of Columbia, not sure if it's ever coming anyway...I have my BA in English literature and have worked in a museum, a gallery, an artist studio based in Shanghai. I'm thrilled that IFA accepted me as I didn't have art history courses during my BA (it's true! fire on me about that. I'm also terrified!!!)

 

I wish I can pursue a PhD in the future and would like to make the best of my MA experience. I have gone through all the threads in this art history forum about the related schools, and have been nervous about the descriptions of the atmosphere, students, professors, etc at IFA...I mean fierce competition is reasonable but I guess students are still friendly in general? Also the professors...I see everyone talking about their not being caring. I just would like to know more about the institute. Any information is much appreciated!

 

Someone mentions the fields of study at IFA. I notice Latin American art is regularly mentioned as their strong field. Any other? Also information on advisors?

 

I'm pretty much scared by all those negative comments on IFA...seems I need to be ready for hell there. Hope it's not true...

 

Again I would be very grateful if you can share anything about the institute, my possible preparation for the program, anything. Thank you all!

Edited March 22, 2013 by sylviawu

[abilap]

Hi Sylvia,

It really depends on what you want to study.  I'm finishing my MA at the IFA right now, and for my field it was the best possible choice.  I acquired a strong background and got some experience presenting at conferences and publishing.  I have a close relationship with my advisor and he's helped me a lot with everything while I was there.  If you're studying Chinese art, you have two great people to work with at the IFA.    Some advisors are sometimes unavailable, and some are really old.  The students can be ditzy, but you'll find your niche of nice people who will help you and exchange ideas.  The most important is that you look at your advisor and see whether it's a good fit so that you're prepared to apply for a Ph.D. and get in once you've completed the MA.  While I have very few friends at the IFA, I've made very close ones and I'm satisfied with that.  If you're looking for a small collegial atmosphere, it's obviously not the place to go.  For conferences and publications, you'll have to apply on your own, although my advisor was very helpful with both of those things.  Basically, you'll be on your own and will have to know when to grap good opportunities.  The IFA can be a great place in some circumstances, and the opposite in others.

Hope this helps!

[starbean50]

Hi Sylvia! Just wanted to let you know about Columbia MODA- there were some admits done by the department last week, and the letter said that GSAS would be sending out the general admission responses by next week. Hope this helps, good luck!

[sylviawu]

Hi Sylvia, It really depends on what you want to study.  I'm finishing my MA at the IFA right now, and for my field it was the best possible choice.  I acquired a strong background and got some experience presenting at conferences and publishing.  I have a close relationship with my advisor and he's helped me a lot with everything while I was there.  If you're studying Chinese art, you have two great people to work with at the IFA.    Some advisors are sometimes unavailable, and some are really old.  The students can be ditzy, but you'll find your niche of nice people who will help you and exchange ideas.  The most important is that you look at your advisor and see whether it's a good fit so that you're prepared to apply for a Ph.D. and get in once you've completed the MA.  While I have very few friends at the IFA, I've made very close ones and I'm satisfied with that.  If you're looking for a small collegial atmosphere, it's obviously not the place to go.  For conferences and publications, you'll have to apply on your own, although my advisor was very helpful with both of those things.  Basically, you'll be on your own and will have to know when to grap good opportunities.  The IFA can be a great place in some circumstances, and the opposite in others. Hope this helps!

Thanks abilap! Your information has been very helpful. As a Chinese student, one may naturally feel inclined to Chinese art, while I think I'm also very interested in critical studies of the modern and contemporary art and seeing art from a broader perspective, with the discussions on the mutual influences among other branches of the humanities for example. Do you think I should start contacting the professors whose areas better fit my interests? Or will there be any selection process for the MA students? I understand people mostly depend on themselves there and still thanks for the kind note. Btw I read a very old comment on the IFA saying that we'd better not choose seminars for the first semester (or year) before we get to know people? Does that even make sense? I have gone through last year's annual book and find a couple of seminars very interesting. Have you been admitted to the PhD already? Best wishes for your future study!

[sylviawu]

Hi Sylvia! Just wanted to let you know about Columbia MODA- there were some admits done by the department last week, and the letter said that GSAS would be sending out the general admission responses by next week. Hope this helps, good luck!

starbean, thank you for the notice. Yes I have seen some of the acceptances earlier but have not heard of any other in the following days. The admissions office at GSAS is simply unavailable...I called last November and was told that they already had my TOEFL&GRE scores but until today the status in the online application system are still 'awaiting' and I can never hear feedback from the admissions office either from email or phone. I guess I'm calling again in the days to follow. Just wanna make sure.

[abilap]

Thanks abilap! Your information has been very helpful. As a Chinese student, one may naturally feel inclined to Chinese art, while I think I'm also very interested in critical studies of the modern and contemporary art and seeing art from a broader perspective, with the discussions on the mutual influences among other branches of the humanities for example. Do you think I should start contacting the professors whose areas better fit my interests? Or will there be any selection process for the MA students? I understand people mostly depend on themselves there and still thanks for the kind note. Btw I read a very old comment on the IFA saying that we'd better not choose seminars for the first semester (or year) before we get to know people? Does that even make sense? I have gone through last year's annual book and find a couple of seminars very interesting. Have you been admitted to the PhD already? Best wishes for your future study!

I would definitely contact professors before making your decision.  I am PM'ing you about PHD details.

[sylviawu]

Thanks abilap!