thepictureisstill

and I just said "I am writing to formally decline the offer of admission. Thank you so much for the consideration and time spent evaluating my application. Please pass these thanks onto the committee"

I emailed all my schools so they had it in writing. If I was in contact with a particular person, I also shot them an email thanking them for all the time and attention. All emails I've sent out have gotten a "please come visit us if you're ever out this way". So left it on a good note. If you call, follow up with an email so they have a paper trail.

I know one super-mega talented amazing gal on here has received her funding offer from SAIC.

I am sure it'd be great for SAIC, yes. Obviously all personal opinion (and I am not saavy with celebrities or what goes on in their lives/performances etc), but damn...hopefully he sets up a Kanye fund for the performance department and maybe they can offer more money to accepted students in the future. I am not familiar with his work outside of College Dropout, which, was a good album.

Wow. I'd be pissed if they gave him an honorary doctorate and I was one of the people who had to pay $44k/year...

Email their graduate coordinator and ask for willing grad student's emails. If they post their grad students profile on BU's art website, find their email and hit them up. Be proactive. Don't go in blind. You might hate the school and end up wasting your/professors time and the school's funding which would go to another student. Make an educated choice.

I am totally checked out of work; telling myself the same things! Feeling fortunate to not give a fuck...about my job.

Yes! This is exactly what I meant when I said to pit offers against each other. Don't be bashful people. Sounds like you went with the rational decision, good for you!

What What's Frances' insta handle?! and yours? i'm thepictureisstill everyone's favorite people to follow on instagram, go!

much yes!

Which schools are you talking about? It's more about finding the right place for your work. Some schools aren't fully funded though and some just have 1 full ride per department. That's research you have to do beforehand so you know what you're getting into. I think the caliber of my work isn't anything special compared to what else I've seen on this site but I was offered full rides + more than enough extra money...so I think the reality is very present. Just gotta find the right outlet. Blondertongue- I agree with you 100%. One has to personally look at their work (leave the emotional attachment at the door) and really ask themselves if they can pay back those loans through selling work. For me, I don't make stuff that has any worth as a commodity.

Second all this. Commit when your top choice admits you AND offers full funding. Otherwise, you have until April 15 to decide (US schools). If you don't get the great offer from your top choice, I'd hold out until you know all funding info. You can also use funding from one school to help you get more money at another.

congrats to you! you must be very happy

Thanks for all the happy words peeps. I've declined at UW, Burren and Oregon thus far- hopefully to someone on this forum's benefit. Withdrew my SMFA app and I'll withdraw the rest this week...I am so looking forward to checking "accept" and signing my funding letter tomorrow; this strenuous process is over. I also want to repeat what Czarina stated...hold out for the package that's best for you and often times it takes a couple rounds of the application game. Money is a factor for most and not at all for some. There are many fully funded opportunities out there and not carrying debt after grad school will give you that much more freedom to do your work.

I have spent the last half hour crying and shaking. Accepted to University of Michigan with full tuition waiver and generous stipend. Can't believe it.

You should absolutely use this to your advantage. There's nothing sleazy about that.

I would say most schools that go to NPD conduct interviews. What do you mean when you say you're not necessarily expecting one? Speculative, but I'd image a positive interaction might help chances of being asked to interview.

Hi all, I've posted documentation from my newest performance on my site. I'd love to hear your thoughts. http://www.ruthkburke.com/far.html

In case anyone needs a distraction: http://www.zooview.tv/ the gentoo and rockhopper penguins are entertaining.

Oh man. Dream school interview went terrible. I was so nervous and blubbered so much.

Yes, schools have been asking me. I've been honest about interviews/offers/funding (vague on $$ amounts) and just omitting the name of specific universities. You can use offers from school A to sort of "barter" with school B.

Second this. If you've been offered a fellowship at such a highly ranked institution....take it!!!!

Mine has "pending" still. You could be on a wait list or something...never know until you get a decision with your name on it.

After soaking in the Blue Lagoon all day (southwest Iceland), I get back to an acceptance email from Oregon. Best. Day. Ever.

No word from Oregon. When I interviewed, they said they'd know in a couple weeks...that was a while ago. I have been so tempted to contact them. Looking ahead to my Michigan interview on Monday. Really excited. They gave interviewees exactly what they should prep for, super rad.