You probably won't be able to publish before you're in grad school. Just focus on getting fantastic recommendation letters and additional research experience. I would apply for PhDs right off the bat.
Don't get too stressed about your GPA, especially since it seems to be the only aspect of your application that won't be stellar. The only problem you might run into is that some schools have a GPA "cut off" and won't even look at your application if it is under 3.5. I would look into that, just to make sure that you'll be considered if you apply - otherwise it'll just be a waste of your money.
Hmm, I am a little confused on cumulative GPA. My 3.1 cumulative is based on every class I have ever taken in my undergraduate studies in college. Looking at the UT Austin graduate application packet it says that the cumulative is based on this other calculation of your junior/senior level classes by the GIAC. If this is true, I definitely have over a 3.5. Please someone some clarification on this.
If that's what it says, then that's how they consider it! :) If anything is unclear, you can always call them at the school to get clarification, since each program is going to be different.
#1, the gpa isn't that big of a concern for GETTING into the school. Trust me, your resume with all those extracurriculars and internships attached will look a LOT better than many who will apply to the program
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First off, UT Austin requires a MA before you can apply to the PhD program. I'm attending there in the coming year, and just as a tip, they are receptive to taking students in British art. That being said, I just finished the process for applying to art history programs and I feel your pain.
I can only really echo brittdreams, getting great recommendations will push you further than anything else. Especially when it comes to funding. Something I'm learning in this field is that there's a lot to be said for networking. I study in a very small subfield, and I got two HUGE names to write me letters. I'm almost certain that while I had a nice overall package that got me in to several programs, their recommendations are what got me money.
Do you think it would be worth a chance at applying for the MA program at UT Austin? I think I will get pretty good recommendations. I just don't know what to base it on? I couldn't see any of the three people I would ask for LORs writing anything negative about me? The teachers that I would get them from are:
A) British art history professor I meet with weekly (she supervises my honors thesis project) additionally I had taken classes with her and got A's.
B) Another professor who I've taken art history seminars, art history classes with that I have met with for meetings on my future plans with at least four times and has volunteered to write my LOR and e-mail colleagues at other schools, etc
C) Unsure about this one. Possibly the registrar at my school's art museum that I worked under for two years. We have a great relationship and she would write about my great work ethic, and research capabilities.
As I said last time you posted and then deleted this thread: the qualitative aspects of your application are far more important than the quantitative ones. Check on your reference letters to make sure they're going to be good, re-edit the writing sample and give it to someone else to read,
That said, Art History is a competitive field and your GPA is well below "so-so" so you should certainly consider putting some below top-tier schools and MA programs on your list of places to apply. The other thing to keep in mind is that schools care more about your grades in your last two years worth of credits than in your over all GPA. Steady improvement and a good showing in your senior classes are what's important.
I think the main think you need to do is get in contact with a potential supervisor at the schools you want to apply to.
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I can only really echo brittdreams, getting great recommendations will push you further than anything else. Especially when it comes to funding. Something I'm learning in this field is that there's a lot to be said for networking. I study in a very small subfield, and I got two HUGE names to write me letters. I'm almost certain that while I had a nice overall package that got me in to several programs, their recommendations are what got me money.
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A) British art history professor I meet with weekly (she supervises my honors thesis project) additionally I had taken classes with her and got A's.
B) Another professor who I've taken art history seminars, art history classes with that I have met with for meetings on my future plans with at least four times and has volunteered to write my LOR and e-mail colleagues at other schools, etc
C) Unsure about this one. Possibly the registrar at my school's art museum that I worked under for two years. We have a great relationship and she would write about my great work ethic, and research capabilities.
Reply
Reply
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That said, Art History is a competitive field and your GPA is well below "so-so" so you should certainly consider putting some below top-tier schools and MA programs on your list of places to apply. The other thing to keep in mind is that schools care more about your grades in your last two years worth of credits than in your over all GPA. Steady improvement and a good showing in your senior classes are what's important.
I think the main think you need to do is get in contact with a potential supervisor at the schools you want to apply to.
Reply
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