littlenova

@Mbadger: That's cool that you are looking at all your possibilities. I actually like all the schools on your list and am familiar with them. Houston is especially cool, because you have Fotofest each year. I hail from Florida and know alot about FSU. Thus, the wondering. Maybe it's grown since I last visited. I know UF had a great undergrad program. @Shutterbug: Great list! Good luck...I thought MassArt only offered an MFA in Studio. Maybe I am thinking of their low-residency. I almost applied for that and went with MECA instead.

When I spoke with a former student two years ago, they informed me that Yale's admission changes each year. The admissions person I spoke with said "up to 10". They will not admit a set number of applications, though. Some years, he said, they have let in as little as a "handful---like 2 or 3". Are you sure you are not thinking of undergrad photo as well? I dunno. Perhaps I was given the wrong information. I am not confusing it with Columbia. Entirely different program. A good friend of mine went to Columbia and I was very close to applying there. You are correct in that they also only admit a small group. I am not deterring anyone from applying. I am the poster girl for encouraging EVERYONE to apply wherever they want to. I just think it's important to be realistic as well. Part of the cool thing about this forum is to exchange info.

Mbadger....FSU is kinda random, no?

I own a home/studio in DC. So, I want to kind of stay local. My schools: MICA, VCU and GMU (GMU has hinted at a full fellowship...I am looking for full funding.) Low residency: AIB, MECA, BARD I heard it was highly competitive this year. I don't know if I can wait a month!!!!!

Yo Photo people: I believe Vermont, Skowhegan and Lightwork are great places to apply. I have had friends and peers that have gone and highly recommend them. That being said, most residencies are not really grad school "prep", because they tend to look at exceptional bodies of work, a decent exhibition record or those that have completed an MFA. This is not always the case, but it is pretty competitive. But, you never know unless you apply! I just did a photo residency at Atlantic Center for the Arts this past fall with Rineke Dijkstra. ACA was brilliant. Last year, they had Thomas Struth. They rarely have photographers, but when they do---it's a magical place to live for a month (on the beach) and work alongside some of the most amazing artists. There were 7 of us and I was the only one without an MFA. I have no clue how I got so lucky...but, I'm glad I applied. The staff said depending on the popularity of the master artist you could be up against 35 other candidates or 200. Mine was pretty popular because of who Rineke is. But, some of them are easier to get into. And you can apply as many times as you want. (Each year...) http://www.atlanticc...r_dijkstra.html Only down side...you have bring your own equipment. Not as awesome as Lightwork where they have beautiful darkrooms. But, VSC is like that, too. So.... Incidentally, I got 100% grant funding from the Joan Mitchell Foundation. SCORE! So, yeah...They are out there. You just have to look.

Yale is HIGHLY selective. (Like the highest...especially for Photo...Like we are talking 2-3 people.) Not just because it's Ivy League, but because of Greg Crewdson. That being said... New Mexico is an exceptional program. If I lived on the west coast, I would go for it...

SFAI, SAIC, Bard and Parsons are great schools. (I kinda like them in that order, too.lol.) I think what's funny about this forum is that people want to know opinions about what schools are "better". I am a firm believer that faculty and what work is coming out of the program supersedes the so-called reputation. (Hey, snobby RISD, I'm talking to you...) After researching many photo programs...I, of course, loved Yale, Columbia and New Mexico. But, my husband is going for his Phd and debt was a huge factor for us. Moving was not an option, because now is not the time to sell our home. So...in the end I chose some great local programs. I met with faculty and I really like my choices...It's a very personal decision. I almost applied to SFAI, but the money is what stopped me. It's pretty expensive to go there...my friend who is a Photo major there says they aren't great with giving aid. But...legends like Larry Sultan built that program up. Great school! I applied to VCU, MICA and GMU for local schools and Boston and MECA for their low-residency options. So...We'll see what happens. Best of luck to you! I am biting my nails, too.