jojobee

Hi gang! Everyone remembering to eat/sleep properly in these dire times? I have no news. I just wanted to take up space to say: WE ARE ALMOST DONE WITH THE FIRST WEEK OF FEBRUARY.

Insanely jealous that you have news already! Congratulations!! And go team!!!

shutterbug: Yay! Another photog! This is my first time applying for grad school and if I were to go through it again, I'd definitely like to research more schools that are off the beaten path. UMass Dartmouth sounds awesome! I'm definitely big on teaching, too. And as much as I appreciate flashy websites, you're definitely right that a visit can result in a "Uh... This is nothing like the photos and pretty promises."

I really love that as their teacher, you took the time to boast about your students on this board! Congrats to your students! I still remember the sting of waitlist-and-reject from Brown for undergrad... Sigh. How time flies.

Hey Roll Right, I found this thread because I was cracking up at seadub and wanted to read more of her/his prolific posts. But I did want to throw my two cents towards your comment. Statistically speaking, you're right: the downturn of the economy has somewhat evened out the numbers of employed women and men. However, this isn't due to progress in terms of equal opportunities for women, simply that more men--more of whom are in high-pay white-collar jobs--are losing their jobs than women. And my bad jacib! I obviously missed the memo

Helen: thanks for looking out! Yeah, RCA is notoriously expensive for internationals. Luckily, I have family in the area so I wouldn't have to worry about housing, at least--that is, if I get in (dun dun dun). Congrats on getting in last year! I think, even if they want to leech money from us, they want to do so from top notch students! So, well done either way, I say! Are you reapplying?

lol!! Yes, I strongly advise doing that before the committee! One thing I absolutely have to remind myself before an interview is to SLOW DOWN. My brain goes on rapid fire when I'm nervous. Good luck! Rooting for ya!

I'm not applying to Brown, but I thought those of you who don't read gossip news (not that I do!) might be interested in this tidbit: Hermione Granger (err... the actress who plays her in the movies, I mean) has been at Brown for undergrad for a year (or so). Anyway, a lot of folks are saying that's why Brown's -undergrad- applicant pool has skyrocketed. And no, the trend isn't across the board, so to speak, in the sense that Brown's seen an unprecedented rise that puts their numbers above and beyond, say, Yale's.

I probably won't be much help -- but I had to reply because your post title had me LOL-ing! One thing I've been doing is asking questions in my head and saying answers out loud. Basically, talking to myself. You feel hella silly, but you know, all the great writers/editors tell you to read your work out loud and I think somehow this is related, yeah? Just get used to rambling to yourself. Listen to your voice: its quirks, its kinks. Along the lines of yoga, sorry if this sounds super out there, but I once had a dance instructor always start out class with a series of moves that were about the elements or something. Anyway, the element that was supposed to keep us calm and grounded was--obviously--earth. Starting with your hands by your side and your feet spread shoulder-width apart, you jump and land so that your toes are pointing to their respective sides (left to left, right to right) with your knees are bent and your arms spread out, parallel to the ground. Err. I wish I could draw a picture. Hah! Hold the stance and concentrate on your breathing. You're smart and know you're confident. It'll all work out.

littlenova: Location's really important to me too. Definitely a smart move to stay local if you're happy where you are! I also think that's a strong argument for why you want to be in certain programs. Sending good vibes your way! nathan: A belated congrats on Rutgers! I hope all the schools will be more generous this year! Also, I remember checking out your flickr before and I actually thought a few of your Moment pieces were a touch Crewdson-esque. You have really striking work! Best of luck! mbadger: When I'm a carnie, I shall put in a good word to the other carnies for you ! And yes. I should just go ahead and duct tape my phone to my left hand. I've taken to sleeping with it under my pillow. Shhh.

ATumble: my prof's wife did the MFA in sculpture at Yale and sings its praises. Fingers crossed for you! I haven't heard of Slade; I'll have to look it up! Maybe we'll both end up in the UK, eh? Re: more competition than years past -- yeah, I'm worried that like last year, due to the floundering economy, unprecedented masses will flock to grad school. mbadger: those are some serious programs, too! Good luck!! I wish I'd known more about SAIC. I think I would've liked to apply. Your top choice? If I don't get in anywhere, I think I'll move to another country and work as a carnie. Something practical.

Oh, ATumble, it's unbearable, isn't it? If I may, where are you applying? Me: Yale, Columbia, NYU, and RCA (UK). I know it's a massive risk to only apply to the cream of the crop, but if I'm going to be in debt, I should be so in style, right?

You guys! My heart is about to explode!! I need to know I'm not alone!