EDay27

Hey everyone, here's a newbie question regarding image resolution- Is it absolutely necessary to submit your portfolio images at 72dpi? It seems most schools using slide room will accept anything in the range of 5-10mb, at which point dpi doesn't really matter. Most of my images are saved at 240 or 300 dpi. I tried shrinking them down to 72dpi, but some were so small I couldn't possibly submit them. So far, my strategy has been to stick to the mb limit and disregarded the 72dpi… dun dun dun. Am I doomed?

That's how I look at it too. If you like the program and could really see yourself there, why not apply? The more schools you apply to, the better your chances of getting in. There's no such thing as a "safety" school, most are incredibly selective, and if you're seeking fellowships/ TAships/full funding, competition is high. One of my professors said to shoot for 7, another advised a minimum of 10. I'm shooting for the latter. It's pricey, but I planned for it well in advance. Luckily, my recommenders have been fantastic and punctual in the process.

Thanks a lot for the feedback, Alex. I just realized I posted under the wrong topic, since I'll be applying for 2014. D'oh! I really enjoyed your Screengrams, black books, and the serial photographs. Your work has that investigative, anti-authoritative streak I know and love. Lots of fascinating material you're exploring. To answer your question, I'm applying to UC Santa Barbara, U New Mexico, UC Boulder, Tyler, U South Florida, Wayne State University (here in Detroit), Rutgers, Syracuse, Boston U, and possibly U of Arizona. (5 down, 5 to go) How about yourself?

Hey seamonkey, thanks for the info! Are you currently attending? I just applied to USF's program, for many of the reasons you've mentioned. The alumni and faculty work is fresh, the funding is fantastic, and the opportunities to teach are massively appealing. Living in Michigan for the last 3 years, I've grown to hate the snow, the slush, and the potholes. Location/weather isn't the biggest factor for me, but Tampa sounds lovely.

I've been struggling with something in the application process and I wonder if anyone could lend some advice. When a school asks for both a statement of intent and an artist statement, is it okay to repeat yourself? I'm treating the artist statement as a condensed description of my artwork, while the statement of intent delves more into my background, future goals, etc. Still, there's a lot of overlap, and I've used the same sentences to describe my process in each statement. Again, just wondering if anyone else was struggling with this.

Hello everyone, first time caller/ long time listener here, just thought I'd share my work and participate for once. ericaday.net Any feedback and/or criticism would be more than welcome and greatly appreciated. Like many of you, I've still got paintings to add to the portfolio, statements to write, and transcripts to mail. I graduated with my BFA in 2010 and I've been researching grad programs ever since. The process of applying for an MFA is a huge undertaking, and this forum has been such an incredible resource. You're a very talented, intelligent, and insightful bunch. I've seen your art, I've read about your experiences, and I share in your aspirations and fears. As Prince once sang, this is what it sounds like, when doves cry. ;-)

Great read, Jerry Saltz rocks. I came across this article yesterday and it really helped to put things in perspective. I spent four years in a private art college and racked up over 80,000 in debt, even after a string of generous scholarships. I consider myself very lucky in that my parents have offered to pay for half. My undergraduate experience was invaluable, truly the best four years of my life, and well worth the investment. However, when it comes to the MFA, I refuse to pay for it. I simply can't afford to. I've spent the better part of the last 3 years researching graduate programs and I'm only applying to those that offer full rides, stipends, and work-study/ TA positions. These programs do exist, and although they don't all rank among the "US News World Report top ten", they're still fine programs with fantastic faculty, accomplished alumni, and opportunities abound. 100,000 for an MFA? Maybe if I could realistically make 100,000 a year upon graduation. Not very likely as an emerging visual artist. Also worth checking out is the article that Saltz referenced- http://www.blouinartinfo.com/print/node/989814