nrotunda

We all are. Hang in there :-/

I've been googling how to prepare and just found this: http://mfyay.blogspot.com/2009/03/interview-notes-from-professor.html I think "Take time to answer questions honestly and when you don't know a good answer say these are things you hope to get a clearer perspective on in grad school." Is good to keep in mind.

Well congratulations! I'm from Fairmont, but I went to WVU. I studied art history. Did you take any photo classes with Michael Sherwin? Is the CAC still crazy and confusing?

I know! I didn't mean to say I was "old" just how can life history be "brief." I think that only talking about things that relate to your art makes a lot of sense. Although for the schools that aren't requiring it, I'm not putting it. I'm from WV too! Where did you get your undergrad?

I was debating on whether or not to comment on this post. I'm already done with one application and submitting another so be kind! This is the project I used for my portfolio. Edited down to 20 images: http://www.nikkirotunda.com/lewisstreet In my statement I addressed the use of b&w over color, which a MFA grad friend told me was important to do: "Black-and-white over color film was a conscious choice with this project. I didn’t want the viewer to get caught up in the implications of the alternative/communal lifestyle presented here, as that was not what fascinated me most about this particular living situation. The black-and-white adds an element of timelessness, so that what is presented here would not be associated with something that is new and cutting edge, but a fundamental truth of human relationships."

I can't tell you how hard it was getting it down to 500, especially given the amount of topics they wanted me to cover, including "brief life history." I'm 26 years old! Your comments help. Thanks so much! I'm still going to try and get this version under 700.

Is 824 words too many? Thoughts? :-/

Yes, statement of purpose. I've heard both. Same thing in most cases.

Yes I'm finished, and I'm not working up until the last minute :-) I had a ridiculous amount of material for my letter of intent (close to 2000 words). One program specified that they wanted no more than 500 words. So I edited it down to 500 exactly for this program. Another deadline is coming up and they do not want specify length. I want to keep it short because I know how many of these they must have to read, but in your opinions, what is the acceptable max?

For photography, anything I've read highly suggests showing work from only one series. I think it's different than painting, sculpture or any other visual arts.

So I plan on applying to both the MA in Art History and for an MFA in Photography at the same school. I'm limited location wise and want to increase my chances of getting into a program. Do you think this will make me look uncommitted to one area or is this common?

What kind of questions should I be asking when visiting schools or inquiring about programs? Thanks!