tabbykiki

Ahhh, I was just looking and JUST saw that! Hmmm, I wonder? Here's something else to ponder. Do all schools ALWAYS interview everyone they admit? I'd like to think some schools may not have a need to interview someone if the application materials were spot on and exactly what they were looking for. You know what I mean?

Happyland, I haven't seen anyone on this thread mention communication from RISD. I did apply for their Digital+Media program and haven't heard anything. Based on past years notifications in the results database, looks like they are one of the schools that notify later than most.

Any updates or news from George Mason, VCU, Virginia Tech, RISD, Notre Dame, University of Baltimore or UCF? Really wish I would hear from these schools one way or the other...

I was referring specifically to RISD.

Nope... But based on past results looks like they often wait very late in the season to get back with applicants. Did you have your VCU interview yet? Who is it with? Just curious as that is one of my top school choices. Haven't heard anything yet. :/

HMMM... I just checked my portfolio and it is in the same exact order I submitted it in. Strange that others would be out of order. Maybe they haven't looked at mine yet.

My sister lives in Garden City... I'm up north about 50 miles south of the bridge. Considered applying to EMU & UM but ended up ruling them out. But, tried to keep a diverse list of schools, not all top tier, some less known. Oh, and welcome Ralpho!

Mustafa, you said VCU GD - I'm assuming Graphic Design. Is that the same as their Visual Communications MFA program or something different???

Almost had a heart attack as I checked my email to see an email from George Mason U's MFA program. Apparently they misplaced my resume so they just needed a copy of it again. I did confirm with them that they still had my portfolio and was told they had a "transition in their office" and my resume might have been accidentally misplaced. So, if you applied to GMU, be aware. I also asked her for timeframe of decisions... Thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. Response: "Typically decisions are made by March 15th. Depending on the number of applicants, it could be earlier or later than that. But hopefully that gives you a frame of reference." The waiting is torture.

Thanks for the info. Still waiting on VCU for Visual Communications (plus almost all of the other schools I applied to). I've got to get focused on something else to keep my mind off of this waiting and the possibilities. It's hard because so much of my future depends on where I'm going to grad school.

I'm starting to detest the words "complete ready for review" when I login to the portal. Waiting is incredibly difficult. I just want an answer one way or the other. *sigh*

Sorry to hear that. Wondering if VCU's other depts will be sending out decisions soon as well. Anxious to hear from some of my schools.

Good to know, thanks. I applied for the Vis Comm program at VCU... Not a lot of data out there on typical notification dates.

Curious about VCU as well...

I'm interested in this as well... I decided to add another school last minute and they require the GRE. Thanks.

Crossing my fingers for you. This has got to be the longest wait in history. Anyone else notice in the Results area how just about every other genre or subject (besides Art) has result submissions? What is it with the Art programs taking so much longer? I get the review of the portfolio perhaps being more time consuming, but think about all the written materials the other applicants have to submit as well. *sigh*

In case anyone has applied to the University of Central Florida for their MFA in Emergent Media (Studio & the Computer) program, I have some news to pass along. "We’re looking to have decisions on completed applications out within the next month, if not a little sooner." They were referring to February as I got this email end of January. Hopefully we'll have decisions soon.

I feel yeah. Over corporate America and the added stress. Come on March!! (Should have some answers and more sunshine by then!)

I agree and love the positive message. I already have an excellent paying job in corporate America, which I could sludge through for another year if I had to, but I'm really anxious to move forward on my education now that I've made up my mind. The waiting... Well sucks, lol.

Today I found myself rethinking applying and putting myself out there to be judged. I hate days like this. Just wish I could fast forward to decision time.

Congrats!

Forgot to mention, the CAA directory was invaluable in my research, as well was Peterson's. All full of a wealth of knowledge. Even better than that, was just straight up asking profs for stats. I even emailed graduates of the programs I was interested in, and found them on LinkedIn. Got some great and helpful replies. The profs that responded told me straight up their stats for various programs. UCF has all of that listed right on their website! What program are you apply to at WSU? What's your field?

Hi there EDay27, All good points. I live in northern lower Michigan, although I have lived in Brighton in years past, originally growing up in Indiana. I don't *hate* Michigan per se, but I'm itching to get out of the touristy area I live in and have my children experience larger cities with more to offer outside of Michigan. As a family of five, we've made a big decision to relocate across the country based on the school that offers me the best funding package (and acceptance of course). Had to chuckle on your ArtPrize mention... lol I think ArtPrize is a great thing for our state and for residing artists.... but yeah. In regards to Michigan colleges/universities. I was considering EMU, UM and MSU at varying times during my grad school research. UM just turned me off in regards to program offerings so they got crossed off the list. I reached out to EMU & MSU before app season (in Oct / Nov) and was a bit disappointed with the communication (or lack there of). A prof from EMU spelled my name wrong and seemed reluctant to meet up so I could tour the facilities. Never heard from MSU. I wouldn't have even considered State, but a good friend of mine graduated with her Bachelors in Graphic Design and talked the program up. Oh well. I did not receive my undergrad from an instate school. Actually, I'm a mid-thirties professional that decided to go back to school after going to school originally for Computer Science/Networking. Due to having a family and professional career, I opted for an online program and will graduate with my BFA in Vis Comm (specialization in Web Design) this April from American InterContinental University. Whether attending an online school that isn't well known for the arts will hurt my chances getting into a grad school or not doesn't have me worried. Either they will like my portfolio or not, will appreciate my 3.9 GPA and relevant professional experience or they won't. I think being older and a bit wiser in some regards (compared to how I was when I was 21) makes me realize some of the little things peeps worry about in regards to grad school doesn't matter at all. Either you're a fit or you aren't. And, that being said, Michigan schools weren't a fit for me unfortunately, so I took the chance on the possibility of a big time move.

LOL. I ended applying to several programs in VA... Guess anything is better than Michigan in my eyes

I am so glad you mentioned this. I don't know if anyone else had a "strategy" when they narrowed down the schools they ultimately applied to, but I did. My first criteria was if I would be happy there and / or liked the program and profs. After I narrowed the list down with this, then I compiled some heavy research to spread my odds around. Numbers I took into consideration were: # of Applicants, # of Accepted, Acceptance Rate, Average Stipend, Tuition Remission, and Cost of Living. There were a lot of programs I really could see myself attending, but my goal was NOT to apply only at the top tier schools but rather have a good solid chance of getting in to several places based on stats based on chance of acceptance. Here's how it shook out for where I applied: Notre Dame - 7% VCU - 12% RISD - 22% George Mason - 26% SCAD - 41% ("safety school") Virginia Tech - 50% UCF - 50% U of Baltimore - 64% Getting the numbers took some digging and some may be a bit skewed depending on if it includes the entire grad school acceptances or not. But, I thought it was worthwhile to spread my numbers around. Of course, VCU & Notre Dame are my dream schools, but if I get accepted to any of the others, I would attend. The decision ultimately comes down to funding. I'm really surprised that others may not have researched the schools extensively on the basis of applications vs. acceptances. There are some real gems out there that perhaps do not get many applicants but are great schools. Take Virginia Tech's MFA in Creative Technologies program 10 applicants, 5 accepted in 2012. Excellent funding. One of the profs even took the time to Skype with me before I applied in November to tell me about the program. I'd be honored to attend here and even though it's only a 50% acceptance rate, you have a hell of a better chance gaining acceptance here than at say VCU where they get approx. 726 apps vs 84 acceptances. Just something to think about.