Art History bibliographies and SOP stress?

[m-ttl]

m-ttl,

 

I went to a state school for undergrad and now I'm at the IFA doing an MA in Asian art history. I also got accepted to Penn - so you shouldn't assume that the name of your undergraduate degree is automatically going to get you rejected from more prestigious programs. I personally feel that with a BA from a state school, I wanted to have a better name from my MA program to balance it out a bit for my future pursuits (which may end with an MA, or may continue onto a PhD, I'm not sure yet). It is, however, obviously pointless to attend a school where no one on the faculty is teaching what you are planning to focus on. 

 

My undergraduate path was basically a result of my financial situation - but there are others like me at the IFA who took a leap of faith with loans for two years (in the end it's sort of like a car payment but way more important and valuable…isn't it?). There's nothing better to invest in than your education. And I think in your case, maybe getting an MA at a school with a bit of a name would be good step towards then going for a PhD at a top 20 school. The thing about the top 20 schools is that they do provide a lot of opportunity for you during and after your program, which a smaller institution with fewer museum connections might not be able to offer. Just a thought! 

 

Also - did you look at SOAS? Quite affordable and it's an extremely prestigious program in the field of Asian studies and Asian art, though it doesn't show up on the top lists because it is so specialized. 

 

I cannot take out loans for an MA at that rate. Believe me, I already was forced to take out loans for my BA -- and have gone upwards of $30,000. I was able to exceed maximum loan limits for undergrads because my mother was denied the Parent PLUS loan, and therefore I was offered an additional $5,000 every year from the government. 

 

It's a nice thought, but I'm already never going to pay my loans back. I ended up applying to 7 schools. I don't want to appear defensive or angry, but at this point... well it's quite out of my hands. And I deliberately did not apply to any school I would have to pay for entirely on my own. This did mean I passed up otherwise wonderful or name brand institutions, I wouldn't be able to attend the IFA even if I got in, much less the SAOS. No point in applying to Chicago and getting admitted into the MAPH program either. 

 

I don't want to sound angry or upset, but I'm very aware of the limitations my finances have on my education. I was accepted to a "baby Ivy" college four years ago...and could not attend because they would not give me enough money to go. I ended up at home, at a state school and I'm still in quite a lot of debt. (To say nothing of the fact that I work two jobs, and my uni cut my hours that I can work on them total). 

 

It is what it is. Some people might be able to take out "like a car loan" on more school, and I cannot repeat that. If I'm exceedingly lucky I'll get into one of the MAs I applied to funded, (I did apply to Williams, fwiw), or one of the PhD programs which I can always do a terminal MA and move on. If I decide it doesn't have what I need/want. 

 

In a bizarre turn of events, I did end up applying to one Top Ten (which is how I went from 6 schools to 7). I met a PhD/alum of my university student weeks before the deadline, and we spent an evening discussing the program -- I was strongly encouraged to apply because the DGS wants more students. I thought it was a good match, and on a whim, or by fate, I have applied. I expect to be rejected, but nonetheless compiled a very compelling application, and might even be considered. It included the SOP and additional essays I am most proud of and most accurately convey myself and how I would fit into nearly every aspect of the university. 

 

If I'm rejected this round, I might just apply again after an MA. 

[Soycap]

I understand. I still have a lot of loans out from my undergrad, also. I mentioned SOAS because the MA program is only one year, and quite inexpensive as far as MA programs go, and you would only have to pay for 1 year. Plus, they have quite a few in-house scholarships you can apply for. I do hope you get into a PhD program with full funding! It's also possible to work full time and go to school part-time, which a lot of people at the IFA do for the MA program - a great option for people who can't take out full loans. 

 

It is a frustrating process with a lot of focus on money. I'm just saying - don't get discouraged. You never know - and it's worth it just to apply and see what happens with funding. In the end - I'm sure it will all work out. Keep your head up!