Summers

I really liked it while I was there. There was some disorganization due to both department and university wide changes, but I think that's all straightened out now. The faculty are super awesome...and there are a lot of them, and with diverse interests, so you will definitely find faculty you want to work with. There is endless equipment you can checkout, you just need to find the time to do it, but something definitely worth taking advantage of. I don't know if you've been to visit, but there are no private studios, but there was a brand new photo grad space being built, which is supposed to be really nice. Though you do have some options for taking courses in other disciplines, it is not an interdisciplinary program, which is something I've decided that I'm looking for, as my work has moved in that direction. Finances are tough though. The scholarship and assistantship offered barely make a dent. I thought I was ok with it, but it is also all the other money you need to spend on living expenses and supplies. It really all adds up. That's why I'm looking for programs with tuition waivers and stipend. If you are ok with the financials, I think you'd be happy there. There are ups and downs, though I think you'll find that in any program, but the excellent faculty make up for any short comings. Rochester has some great things to offer, particularly the George Eastman House. Their historic process workshops are expensive, but worth every penny. You won't find someone more knowledgeable or inspiring than Mark Osterman. Personally, I wasn't a big fan of upstate New York. The winter's are oppressive, especially when you come from a sunny place. The skies are gray all winter long, and the winters are extra long.

I was admitted to RIT photo a couple of years ago and received a phone call the third week in March. Not sure if that is the norm or if they were behind schedule that year. I didn't stay at RIT, primarily for financial reasons, so I just applied for this fall.

Has anyone heard anything from the University of Arizona?

201oldmill, When did you interview with UConn? I applied there but haven't heard. Do you know if they've completed interviews?

I feel the same way.

Thanks, Mr. Sad! That's good advice!

Just received my rejection letter from Michigan via email

I am a photo person too. How did they contact you...phone, email, etc? I wonder if they've already contacted everyone they are accepting. I will be super disappointed if they have. They are one of my top choices. I thought I had a high chance of being accepted because it went really well when I met with the director and one of the photography faculty during my visit. I also spoke with them after my visit and the director said he was really impressed with my work. I guess sometimes things don't always turn the way you think they will.

unicorny, I noticed that you were accepted to USF. Congrats! Is it for the University of San Francisco or the University of South Florida? I applied to South Florida.

I'm assuming rejection too, but still keeping my fingers crossed. I see you applied to Indiana University. Me too. Not a word yet though.

Haven't heard from Michigan either. I'm going to wait a little longer and then perhaps contact one of the professors I was communicating with there.

Thanks for posting this! I applied to UCI but didn't hear from them. I didn't know if it was still too soon, but if you heard back a couple weeks ago, I think I might be crossing them off. Haven't heard from any of the schools I applied to. A couple of them had Feb 1 deadlines...so still hopeful............

I find it tricky as well. I'm working on statements at the moment . Some schools are very specific in what they want you to write, while others don't specify. Some are one page limits, some two pages. Some want just an SOP while others want an SOP and an artist statement. In some cases, I'll be writing almost an entirely different statement. For the schools that ask for a 500 word limit SOP, I feel like I'm struggling to address everything. Does anyone have any suggestions for what the most important things are to include in the SOP and how much weight to give each of them? Thanks!