Program Suggestions... Funded MAs?

[grubyczarnykot]

So, after this unsuccessful round of applications to PhD programs, I've decided to focus on applying to funded MA programs (and maybe one or two extremely-good-fit PhD programs another time around). My first round of applications was a bit messy, I think, and my research interests were not well-define. My writing sample was great (an award-winning essay, etc) but it didn't really match with my SOPs because I kind of wanted to stray a bit from what exactly that paper focused on. It was about Hedwig and the Angry Inch and its relation to performativity, although I stretched the application of performativity to political culture and not just sex/gender politics. 

 

So basically, my first round of apps were focused on gender/sexuality studies, new media, performativity, and how desire functions in late capitalism in relation to gender/sexuality/performativity. Okay that's a horrible summary but whatever. I applied to programs I thought fit my interests pretty perfectly - obviously UPenn was my dream school, and my professors all told me to definitely definitely apply there, but to no avail. 

 

However, having had some time since writing my last sample, I think 1) it could use updating (at the least) and/or 2) I should write a whole new sample altogether - one that is more tailored to my most recent research interests. I haven't actually tried to put this into a coherent description, but I've been interested in the way that feminine subjects relate to material objects and a sort of feminine alienation that results from having always to be quite external objects as opposed to internal subjects. Many of Jean Rhys's characters , especially Julia in After Leaving Mr. Mackenzie, I believe, exemplify this. I also think Anais Nin's fiction would be relevant to this. So I guess I'm leaning towards a more psychoanalytical approach, and my interests have switched from film/new media to Modernism? As you can see, I'm really confused. And I have no idea where to look for faculty/programs relevant to this stuff. I know exactly where to look for gender/performativity studies, as my closest professor is in this field and I've basically learned everything I know from her. I just don't know if I should be searching for people who focus on Modernism/women in Modernism/that time period or the more theoretical stuff. Obviously, in the past, I've researched programs based on theoretical fields, but now I'm just lost. 

 

Sorry for the essay. I hope someone can help me with program suggestions that have ANYTHING to do with ANYTHING I mentioned above? Even if you could suggest some literature/theory that pertains to that mess I just wrote up there, I'd be super grateful. I just don't know where to look. 

[BunnyWantsaPhD]

Sorry, I'm replying to your question, but I don't really have an answer to it! I will say this though:

It seems like your interests have changed a bit--so much so that you seem a bit unclear on what your interests actually are now. I think you need to sit down and really think through what your area of study is and then try to find people who work in that area. Look at who publishes the articles/books you're reading and then figure out where they work. 

 

The other way to do things--which is really long and tedious as well--is to go through the top 50 programs and looks at their lists of faculty and see who you want to study with. Then, find what they publish, read it, and see if it fits your interests. This seems to be working out better for me this year...

 

I did a round of applications last year that were pretty unsuccessful (I got into 1 PhD program, but decided it wasn't the place for me). When I was doing my search for places to apply, I basically looked at rankings and location (I only wanted to stay in one area of the country). This time, I'm focusing entirely on fit (and rankings, still). There are about 12 places I'm considering, and for about most of them, but 3 in particular,  I feel so excited about applying and could go on and on and on about why I fit their program. I have no idea how well this is all going to go, but I just feel like I know more about what my interests are and more about the schools this time around. 

 

Last year I felt like I was in your position--i.e. "Let me just find schools that have Victorian stuff and I'll be fine" instead of what I'm doing now "let me find places that have professors who have a similar take on Victorian studies that I am really excited to work with" (the second one sounds better, eh?). 
 

Good luck! It's a long process, but you'll do fine as long as you're clear about what your interests are and why you want to go to said program. So, looks like you're in the researching phase!

[somethinbruin]

Bunny gave some great advice, so I'll just tack on a few things.

 

I agree that you sound somewhat uncertain as to your focus. This will be a problem with applications to PhD departments, but it's not so much of an impediment to MA applications, I don't think. I applied to my MA program without a specific focus (I think in general I said early modern/Shakespeare) and left with a specific focus (narrative theory and contemporary anglophone literatures....pretty much a complete change from my original intent) that played well with my PhD applications. The two years in my master's program gave me the time and the breadth of classes to find where I fit as a scholar. PhD programs expect you to come in with a pretty clear definition of what you think you want to do, even if you change your mind while you are there. 

 

Modernism as an area of focus tends to be really competitive at US schools. A lot of students want to study that time period, so you'll have to narrow your focus to distinguish yourself. 

 

As for theorists, I quite liked Cixous ("Sorties" specifically) and Kristeva from my lit theory work. Consider giving them a read if you haven't already. 

 

So I think the answer to some of your questions lies in the level you're applying to. Should you consider writing a new sample? For PhD programs, this sounds like something you might want to do, since it will better articulate your new focus. For MA programs, the Hedwig essay you described seems more than adequate--those programs will be looking for a sample that shows your ability to write, research and make an argument.

 

Lastly, the MA program I attended funds students well, and has selected international students in recent classes. I don't disclose personally identifying information on the boards, but I'll PM you my program info. I felt that, in two years, it prepared me very well for PhD applications and coursework. Also, there was a thread on here entitled "Funding" (I think) that contained a google doc with financial aid/funding info for dozens of MA and PhD programs across the country. That might be a place to look for funded MA programs, although it has far fewer MA programs listed than PhD programs. There are many, many more MA programs out there that are smaller and didn't make the list, but still fund MA students.

 

Best of luck to you! 

[champagne]

This thread is a pretty good list of funded MA programs:

 

 

Obviously, you'll have to do your own research as a few of the programs listed might have taken away their funded MA's in recent months. Unfortunately, since state-funding is decreasing precipitously for higher education and research, the first big things to go tend to be funding packages for MA students, but the lists in that thread should be a good start for program research.