<p>I'm applying to a number of well-known art history program-- some for MA and some for PhD-- but am confused about the process and requirements. I'm praying someone here has enough savvy to clear some of the application fog and make the waiting time a little less bewildering. </p>
<p>As an undergraduate at a competitive honors program within a less-than-prestigious city university I've maintained an overall GPA of 3.97 with a double major in art history (3.97) and history (4.0). My total GRE is 1320, with 4.5 in writing. My writing sample is solid and I think my statement of purpose is alright, if a little long, but I'm less confident about my letters of recommendation. I have one good one from a history prof., one pretty good one from a museum official, and one wildcard (I haven't read it) from an art history prof. I also haven't contacted professors at any of my prospective universities.</p>
<p>Please, please, if you have an opinion, tell me whether or not you think I have a chance at top tier MA and PhD programs. I haven't really heard back from the schools yet, so I'll believe anything! And, since it's on the table, has anyone heard anything yet? Should I be worrying about the lack of interview invites, or is that not done in the humanities? When should I start freaking out about the tremendous non-response?</p>
<p>All wisdom, advice, and disillusionment welcome and anticipated!!! Thanks.</p>
<p>My experience is in the Classics/Classical Archaeology area so with that caveat…</p>
<p>GPA is excellent, don’t worry there.
GRE is very good, pretty much right where you want it to be but the AW score might be a hair low. An excellent writing sample will over-ride any glitches here.
LORs - you <em>REALLY</em> want LORs from professors but if the museum guy has a PhD and/or can speak directly to your intended specialty and/or is known for research and publication it may be fine.
School - Don’t worry about the rep of your school - your department/advisor/LOR writers reputations will overcome any overall lower reputation of your school. (And yes, they do all know each other.)</p>
<p>How is your language preparation? Many PhD programs will require reading knowledge of 2 appropriate research languages. You should have at least one “in the bag” for PhD program applications.</p>
<p>Every program will have slightly different baseline requirements that will also change from year to year - I <em>think</em> your stats fine. You are certainly at the level where you’ll get full consideration.</p>
<p>Timing changes slightly from year to year - my understanding is that even for programs with deadlines before mid-December, nothing really gets done until school starts again - so you can figure most adcoms only started reading apps. a couple weeks ago. Realistically I wouldn’t expect to see outright rejections for at least another couple weeks and possible acceptances sometime toward the middle of March. You might see interviews but that mainly seems to be a science/engineering thing. You will have the opportunity to visit programs that accept you before you make a commitment.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>WilliamC-- I just wanted to thank you for your terrific response, which is really one of the most useful I’ve received from anyone throughout this process. Good luck with Classics, if you’re still applying!!!</p>