cookiemonster

Thank you everyone. So I thought about it a lot, and I decided that in the end, I definitely don't want to spend my whole life working for a corporation. I mean, that to me is a waste. I only want to do it for a couple of years, just to see what it is.... because I'm curious, and I want to learn things and see different sides. So in general, I think the Pratt graphic design would be, in a sense, limiting. Because, it is a "professional training" more than development of my own thoughts, ideas, creativity, etc. It is somewhat of a "factory" i mean there's like 100 people graduating just from Pratt every year with their degree in GD. I thought Cranbrook is a lot more motivating and the smallest community, resulting from the selectivity, would in the end provide me with a broader range of options in the end, rather than limit me, which is what i fear the most. I mean, my undergraduate institution was limiting enough!! Plus, I was thinking of getting a PhD in Art History later on, and that would be almost impossible with a "professional degree" that taught me how to design book covers and perfume bottles.... I feel that if you have the solid background and well-developed visual perception and intelligence, you should be able to apply them to many fields... I don't know. I'm visiting Cranbrook next week. Unless they disappoint me greatly, I think this is where I'll be for the next 2 years...

Hi everybody, I am so happy to hear things are working out with all of you! I mean it was much more intense about 6 weeks ago when nobody knew anything!! I have a little dilemma going on in my head, and I thought I'd share and ask for advice. So, Cranbrook is my favorite school, and I got accepted there in the Print Media program, and all of this is fantastic. Two days ago, I also received my acceptance to Pratt, for their Communication Arts program, which was kind of a stretch for me, I wanted to just try if I would get in, since my background is not in graphic design, but in fine art. Which was, you know, also good. At the end of the day, I would like to have a job, say for an ad agency, creating logos, etc. because branding is what really really interests me, and also do my art on the side, if possible. From that perspective, Pratt would be the perfect match. Yet I love the freedom that students at Cranbrook have and work they produce better. For the system at Pratt is pretty much like undergraduate, and I don't like that. I just hate the fact that I'll have to spend graduate school doing sample "book cover design" projects and "mock perfume bottle packaging".... I feel this is too limiting. And I kind of believe that your education should be broadening your perspectives, rather than narrowing them. So... I'm really confused as to what to do... Could I possibly earn my MFA at Cranbrook in print, and then go and work in the industry without having a degree in graphic design? And possibly do my own art on the side? I'd appreciate any advice! Are there cases when people with MFA degrees don't only work as independent artists or college professors, and apply their skills and knowledge to other fields?

Stafford load maybe? I am not sure how these things work for Americans. As an international, I have applied for funding from educational foundations and banks back home... Not sure how much money I'm going to get, though... My parents will cover some of my expenses, but certainly not all... ughh..

ahahaha SAIC gave me the whole "how exciting get a BFA instead!" deal LOL. Ok, the artist that I'll be working with in Cranbrook used to teach there for 4 years before joining Cranbrook.... and I mean... BFA at SAIC vs MFA at Cranbrook.. I don't know.. lol

ahahahahaha that IS HILARIOUS!!!! HAHAHA it is me!!!! wow! way to go mass media communications! jeez! how are you kid? come up to the printshop one day, u know, to pay a visit:) How's ur drama going? MassArt interview? Me and Jen were wondering the other day how you're doing! yeah, i'm pretty thrilled about cranbrook, and they are so so nice! I don't think i'm waiting for the rest of my replies...

Congrats, pointedears!!! MICA is a great school, I applied there too, but have not heard from them yet... Hahaha, I DO! wow, it's a small world. How did u know? Do u go there too? Do I perhaps know you? Hahaha this is awesome! On the BS/BFA issue, I think it does probably depend on the school, but I think it also has to do with how they feel about how dedicated you are to the subject. And quite frankly, if you are in a BFA program, logically you'd expect to get an MFA, you'd have all the credentials, requirements, etc. But if you really think about it, a person in a BS program, that concentrates entirely on one field, in which he is well aware that he can not earn a degree (perhaps just a concentration or a minor), but still works his/her hardest to get the best out of, is in fact taking a much higher risk than that person earning a BFA. After all, that person would know that his/her chances at earning an MFA are presumably lower compared to BFAs, his/her degree would not necessarily find him a job, so that presents a lot of possible complications in the future! Yet, they still work their hardest and give it a try... Now, if that's not dedication, I don't know what is....

Thank you, graphikchik! I saw your portfolio earlier today, I think it looks really nice!

I don't have a BFA either, by the way. Not only that, I have a BS, and it's not in printmaking... It's in general design arts, and I've been doing prints for the past year and a half... so I guess they really don't emphasize that as much...

Well, I got an email last week, because by mistake I had omitted my place of birth from my application, so they emailed me and said "I am about to send you admissions information but I have noticed you have missed your birthdate from your application. Please provide it" So i thought that was just a technicality, since other accepted students had already received e-mails, and my email was like "what's ur place of birth".... So i seriously thought i'd been rejected. I mean, couldn't she simply say "Congrats, you're admitted! Now please provide your birthdate" you know? Or that's what I thought the email should sound if I were admitted... but today I got the big envelope in the mail, dated March 03. No other e-mail, by the way. So I guess they don't only notify you by e-mail. Oh, and I also have not had an interview or anything like that... That's why I really can't believe this!....

Accepted to Cranbrook... this is unbelievable!

Pointedears, I got an e-mail last week from Cranbrook (printmedia) that said "she was about to send me admissions information" (basically my rejection) on Monday, March 3. Have not received anything yet. But yeah, to me it seems that acceptances are mainly communicated through e-mail first. It makes sense, they'd want to let you know asap, if they want you there!

Yaay for internationals! I'm an international student too, but I'm earning my Bachelor's in the US. Well, I hope everything works out for you! Good luck on your interviews and keep us posted!

On another note, when will art schools start writing polite letters? I mean it's discouraging enough that you didn't get admitted, they might as well act politely. I don't know where they get their stuck up attitude from... I've read comments on rejections with the previous year stated on them!!! What the hell? are we so "not worth the effort"?

Hi, pointedears, and welcome to our little "tragicomedy"! Wow, you have applied to a lot of schools! I wish I did that too, seeing the outcomes... I only did 5, but I physically did not have time as I am graduating college now, so... I saw you have an interview with CalArts, that sounds awesome, they're a really good school!! (Funny, but I didn't apply (for printmaking) there since I received their catalogue and I thought that was by far the ugliest thing I've ever seen. lol. Maybe... a wrong decision...). Have you heard anything from Cranbrook, though? I heard some people got their acceptances already...

labmouse, sorry to hear that. I know this stinx, but don't feel too discouraged... #2 on the waitlist is not bad at all! I think u have a chance of getting in! So, it's not over till it's over... btw, did Pratt send you an official letter or an e-mail? And does anyone know anybody actually accepted at Pratt? I haven't heard ANYTHING from them.. it's really annoying.. weren't they the ones who said admissions would be mailed in April? WTF, it's now March 7....