JoJoYang

Wow, just got a really late interview request from UIC! So if you haven't heard anything from a school, don't lose hope!

Hi All! I thought since we are all in the process of hearing back from schools and deciding where we would go, I would bring this matter up and ask you guys what you think! I personally applied to both public and private schools and now have the problem of deciding between the two. Few of the matters I would like to ask for your opinion. 1) Ranking or no ranking? Does it really matter that much? With my concentration, many of the top schools are all private. Say between Pratt institute and University of Wisconsin, or University of Texas, which one seems more reputable to you? Especially in Design? 2) Is it true that some of the private institutions have better connection as far as faculty is concerned? Like Yale graduates tend to either stay teaching at Yale, or go to other private schools to teach like RISD, PRATT....etc. 3) Should one really go where the money goes? Money is very important, but what if the school is kind of lame? I know you can always work hard in a bad school, and be a terrible student in a good school, but how much does the reputation of a school goes into play after you graduate? 4) If one's goal is to go into academia (Design in my case) would it be better to go a public school or private school? Is it mostly public school grads get public school jobs and private school grads gets private school jobs? 5) What is a better investment? Cheap public school that is not that good, or expensive private schools that is reputable? I know it is impossible to be totally objective when talking about a department/school, it varies, but theses are just some of the questions I have. Thanks!

Congrats! I guess its pretty unlikely for me now, but I will not lose hope! What made you apply to them in the first place? Are you familiar with their program? I actually don't know much about the school. Anything helps! thanks!

I applied for the early dead line too, thought I would hear a bit earlier. I've not heard anything about interviews, I just checked my application portal, and it says "Referred to College for Review" under "Decision", so not sure what that really means. More waiting I guess. Good luck waiting!

Has anyone hear anything from the University of Illinois Chicago for graphic design?

Got into Pratt with 15K/year scholarship!!! First good news in this whole process.... What is everyone's thought on Pratt?? Doesn't seem like a lot of people applied.

Has anyone heard anything from University of Washington-Seattle? or University of Illinois-Chicago? All this "no-contact-no-chance" talk is making me really sad.... not a good way to go into a committee interview with Pratt tomorrow like this....I need a pep talk! LOL

Finally, first acceptance to University of Texas Arlington. Not my first choice, but at least some good news after all this time.

Hmmm....I guess that means I'm rejected. How sad. Do you know when they will send out an official decision?

Did any one applied to UCSD MFA for graphic design? And has anyone have any contact with them, or heard anything from them?

I know! Even though the professor assured me that it will be fine and that I should just be myself, i'm still nervous! Interviewing with a panel feels like you are being grilled, its you vs. them. but I'm trying to think possitively. And even though it is cliche to say, I'm going to try my best to be myself. I had an interview once (not with a panel) and with one of the questions I tried to make up something deep, intellectual and profound to say, then I choked up. So I learn from that time, there is no need to be pretentious and be someone I'm not. It wouldn't be good anyways if they think I'm a certain way and I turn out not. So anyways, good luck to you!

My interview was through Skype I had an interview with Pratt on Feb 13th, and am invited for a second interview for March 7th. The interview was pretty casual, I had it with one of their associate professor. He asked me what I did after I graduated, how long I worked, what I did, why I want to go back to grad school, why I want to go to Pratt, told me a little about the program, and asked me how I can contribute to their program. Depending how you answer your questions, it might lead to a completely different set of questions, so, I think all you need to do to prepare is to be yourself. One of my friend reminded me yesterday, that not only they are learning about you, you are learning about them too. This is a chance for you to ask some questions. The worst thing is at the end when they ask you if you have any questions, and you go "ermm......nope". Think of something you would like to know about the program, and see if Pratt is a good fit for YOU, not only if you are a good fit for THEM. I'm a bit more nervous about the committee interview, there will be 4~5 professors, and students are invited to sit in as well. my nerves Anyone has any experience interviewing with a panel?

JUST GOT A SECOND INTERVIEW WITH PRATT. EEK! First one was with a professor, this one is going to be with the committee!! Anyone has any experience? What is going to happen?? XD

Bhavik, I applied quite late and haven't heard back yet. Will let you know!

Hi! I would love to find out more about GSA! Were you an international student? How was that like? What is it like to live in Glasgow? Did you graduate with ridiculous amount of debt? What major were you? Do you have any experience with the Communication Design Department? How hard is it to get it? How many people are in the program? If you are familiar with ComDes, is the school aim towards more commercial or academia aproach in educating their students? There are just some questions I have, please feel free to elaborate! Thanks so much!

Just got an unofficial e-mail from UT Austin, Waitlisted. They said I should be glad since they only offer the spots to 5 people, still depressed.

Klp, Thank you for your feed back! I will definetly take into account what you are saying about the blue circles. I'm applying for MFA design/visual communication programs, and what you said about the photographs are very good, I was a bit hesitant about putting them on in the first place. Again, thanks for your feed back, anything helps! Good luck with your applications!

Thank you, that is the kind of things I would like to know, people's experiences in visiting the place. Thank you very much for your opinion, I definetly will plan a trip to visit myself! Thanks! I will e-mail her today!

Don't give up! you should definetly ask them how many are on the wait list, to give yourself some idea. Personally I see this whole thing as a positive process. If you have to apply next year, you definetly will have more experience and more confident in knowing what you are doing. You can do it!

Does anyone knows anything about the MFA graphics program at University of Wisconsin Madison? I know they are # 2 for printmaking, and something like # 18 for fine arts in general (Ranking isn't everything, I know) But does anyone have any experience or heard any thing about their graphic design program? Also on University of Texas in Austin, does anyone have anything on them? I'm not so familiar with their design program, it seems like they incoporate alot more than just graphics. I've trying to reach out to some of their grad students, or simply trying to find more on their website, but with no luck. Since this is my terminal degree, I really want to make the right decision. I need help! Thanks!

Does anyone have anything on this?

Sorry, I don't know about that. I was only interviewed for the MFA program, and the interviewer told me I should hear back from them some times in the first or second week of march. Good luck!

Thanks helpful_little_elf I went ahead and hid my quoted text. Good call.

Hey guys, Anyone knows anything about the MFA graphics program at University of Wisconsin Madison? I know they are # 2 for printmaking, and something like # 18 for fine arts in general (Ranking isn't everything, I know) But does anyone have any experience or heard any thing about their graphic design program? I've trying to reach out to some of their grad students, or simply trying to find more on their website, but with no luck. Since this is my terminal degree, I really want to make the right decision. Thanks!

Thanks bhavika.aggarwal! At least now I know I'm not the only one that is concerned.