Fall 2016 Application Advice: Letter of Intent, Applying Early

[Joy93]

Hello everyone, 

I am looking to apply to various MA programs in Art History throughout the US and the UK for Fall 2016 entrance. I am wondering if anyone has any concrete advice about writing letters of intent/personal statements. In particular, how specific should I be about my research interests and the topic that I am interested in pursuing? How much detail is required? I have heard of PhD applicants sending their letters in along with extensive bibliographies -- is this necessary at the MA level? Are we expected to know specifics about a thesis topic that we want to pursue in advance of being accepted/beginning our studies? If anyone has any insight about how these letters differ in U.S. vs. UK applications, that would also be much appreciated. 

As well, I am wondering about the advantages of applying to U.S. MA programs early. I understand that most schools have a final deadline around early to mid December, but are our chances increased if we apply well in advance of these deadlines? Do most schools work with rolling applications? 

Thanks so much for the help! 

[rbakshi]

Hi Joy93,

As far as I've been advised by a potential supervisor at a U.S. school (for a PHD statement), I was told not to sound as if I have my mind made up about a particular topic because that could be seen by the committee as a sign of not wanting to avail the intellectual diversity of the department. When going through 500 applications for roughly 5-6 spots (at most top-ranked schools), the committee wants a student who will have an idea about his/her research interests (for example and these are rather broad for a reason: gender, patronage, critical theory, etc.), yet, still be open to the department's intellectual currents. For instance, a student could be applying to work with a South Asianist (with a dissertation area in pre-modern Nepal) but would draw upon methodologically from the Western Medievalist, Modernist, Islamicist, and/or East Asianist. This suggests an openness to new experiences on the part of a student.

Having said that, most statements usually begin with a research area/topic/object that you want to investigate. Begin by raising major/pertinent questions around your topic in such a manner as to address the geographic, chronological, and methodological strengths of the department and not just your supervisor. By addressing the department you show the committee your reasons to be in their program over and above another program. After all, you're working not just with a particular supervisor but with an entire department.

This is what I've been advised, but take it with a pinch of salt, as our situations are different (I'm applying for a PHD, you're applying for an M.A., our areas are probably different). As for rolling admissions, as far as I know most schools wait till after the application deadline to inform applicants. Finally, if you are applying to M.A. programs have you considered some in Canada. There are excellent standalone M.A. programs at Toronto, McGill, UBC, Victoria, Queens, and Montreal.

Hope this helps.    

Edited September 14, 2015 by rbakshi

[Gundohinus]

Regarding rolling admissions: it makes no difference in the US when you apply. The applications get funneled through a central system, and they don't reach the individual departments until after the official deadline. There's no advantage to applying early.

What is important is writing a really substantive, interesting, clear letter that's tailored to the individual programs you're applying to. Speak with your BA advisor about this, or other trusted faculty members. Have them read over your drafts of the letter, and be prepared to revise multiple times before your letter is ready to be competitive. It's MUCH better to take your time and do it right than to rush something into the pipeline.

[Kamelima]

Thank you, I´m applying for a Phd in Art history as well and this was very interesting. I have a littlebit of a problem though, because I´m very interested in Contemporary and medieval art which will never go together, and I´m willing to give one up. What do you guys think ehere is the chance of acceptance higher, what ould you apply for ? The other thing is that I´m german and not very used to writting letters of interest, do you know a webside ith examples? Is there such a thing or an online advisor webside?

[Gundohinus]

Well, you should follow your main interest first and foremost. These two sub-fields could not be more different their working methods, the kinds of skills you need, the kind of classes you'd need to take, etc. etc. Medieval is by far the "easier" to get into in terms of numbers -- people who want to study modern/contemporary typically comprise about half of applicants, so your chance of being selected from such a big pool is very slight compared to your chances if you're applying as a medievalist. For medievalists, though, you've got more of a burden to demonstrate your facility with multiple languages (you've already got German, clearly, but you'll also need French and preferably Latin), and to show your knowledge of more arcane topics. Go with the field that you are stronger in and, above all, that you want to commit yourself to primarily for the next 6-7 years of your life. Of course, you can also be a medievalist who takes some coursework in Contemporary art, or vice-versa. Never hurts to expand temporally. 

[Joan Callamezzo]

Both are equally hard to gain admittance into. Contemporary is difficult because of the glut of applicants, and medieval is difficult because of the required languages and historiography. While there is certainly a smaller pool of medievalists applying to each school, it is not like there is a quota system in place - If you are the only medievalist who applies and you are unqualified you won't get in. 

[neongolden]

Actually, there are a few people who deal with both Modern and Medieveal/Early Modern art.

Like Alexander Nagel at the IFA. Have you checked him out?

[Kamelima]

Yes that is actually what I´m applying for because I´m the most interested in his field. Robert Maxwell and Robert Slifkin are although both interested in some of the social context. Any others whoa are interested in applying to the IFA this year?