Loric

Long story short: schools don't like being safety schools.

No, you don't have to answer. Most won't care, but I'm sure there's some sticklers for "did not follow directions." Going over word limits by a single word also annoys those people. On the flip side , commitment/interest is often a factor in acceptances. If you list notably "better" schools which you realistically have a shot if getting into - or worse when asked to rank, rank the school you're applying to low in the list - they see you as an unlikely real candidate. They will try not to "waste" an acceptance in you and move to the next person on the list.

It'll bode well for you. Admissions won't think much of it. At worst they'll not realize the connection, whip out their red pen, mark up the letters and rubric score them as if they were from anywhere. They'll probably recognize them though and it'll be to your benefit.

Obligatory USF joke: http://m.quickmeme.com/meme/363h5e

I assume time refers to time based media - video, presentation, etc.. "NA" works if it forces itself as a required field. Many people are submitting things like animation reels, etc.. I'd email them for clarification on the image list. The image list tends to be an artifact of the "send us a portfolio" then "send us a CD with your portfolio images" which is now "look at the nifty website you upload everything to." Minimum image size is typically 72dpi and 1000 pixels in any direction. So at least one measure needs to be 1000. You may need to rephotograph some lower quality images. You want white backgrounds and floors, if possible. Good lighting.. not just whatever is in a room. Best is a good photo of a gallery installation or on site if installed outdoors, in a bank lobby, etc..

They'll probably use some other calculation of their own with an emphasis on the major so whatever number you gave them wont matter.

Also.. this isn't meant to be mean spirited.. but just look at the "oops" moments that get posted nearly daily on this forum. In the hundred or so apps, there's lots of "oops" moments. Things completely wrong, not able to be scored on the rubric due to incorrect submission, etc.. Much of your competition is going to self-eliminate. This doesn't mean your typo on page 15 of a 35 page writing sample will sink you.. but honestly look at the huge mistakes people are making and posting about. Then consider all the people who are oblivious to the fact that they made similar mistakes.

Just remember, some of those 3.9's will not be able to write to save their lives and will come off as people they don't want to work with either. The advice I've gotten and given over the years is that the adcomm is made up of the people in your profession and academia in general. Think of how varied this group is. Now force them together to make a decision. You'll be surprised at who is in your corner going to bat for you. For every prestige whore there's typically at least one "emotional buyer" who wont let the sob story with terrible scores be ignored. Play to your strengths when applying and hope you come off as interesting to a wide swath of people. And for god's sake, don't write "ever since I was a child.."

This is why I'm thankful to be applying to a program on rolling admissions. I know my file is being looked at on its own.

I find it strange that you consider technique the "making" of the art but ignore that it is fully "made." Nothing is natural or spring from the earth by itself. Everything is chosen, or in the case of bad art, not chosen or not considered enough. Being derivative or masturbatory are blatantly bad technique. Concept is a technique. It is a technical aspect. It has a known value and measure and bring educated in the art form you make choices to have a "good" technique. The example of Michael Bay films assumes script writing has no rules. It does, several. It is formulaic. Google "dramatica story form" which is one of the industry standards. Good concept is a technical skill. It can be learned and can be measured, taught, and refined.

I am kind of baffled how people apply to multiple areas of concentration. Doesn't the undergrad force a particular route? I can't imagine being prolific enough to have suitable portfolio materials for multiple areas.

God, don't ever aspire to be most people. That's like asking to be boring, base, and as uninteresting as possible.

The key with spray paint is not to paint how they do on TV. Short quick sprays and use of a shield to create clean lines.

Kickboxing.

Maybe he'd be less violent if he became a tech mogul. Even the evil companies seem to have very altruistic heads.

You can only reverse engineer so much. We have issues replicating devices made centuries ago that we have instructions to build.

So you're saying these other works are based on the forms presented in the L group? Interesting. I never thought if it that way, and when someone would say L was "Hellenistic baroque" I assumed they meant baroque as the derogatory term for excess (which it is, was). I guess if anything you'd have to look for areas where L is beyond physical possibility - the eyebrows for example - and try to find those traits in later works.

It won't work cuz there's no cellular network..?

I'd say it depends in the overall tone. One of the comments from a friend in the industry was that my SOP made him laugh out loud a few times - in the good way. But much if what I write has that same irreverent tone throughout. It's not tacked on somewhere. Plus I'm applying for an MFA. I'd not expect such tone from someone in your field.

Following up - I googled it. Found like 4 other people who got such cards. The good news is they are all admitted students.

Ok. Ok. Googled it. It's not unheard of - and not just my advisor either. But they are ALL admitted students.

No one likes getting their head smashed by gorillas but people still seek diamonds.

So far no one else seems to have ever gotten one from admissions.

Good to know I'm not the only one freaked out

No. Sop is positive only. Sell yourself. Apologize for nothing.