crey01

I am CONFLICTED! SO I got into a fair number of schools and I already sent in my letter of intent to Calarts just last week. Then OF COURSE, I finally get accepted to UCI (after being on the waitlist, I think.) UCI offers pretty much a free ride and its a great school. BUT what I have been hearing is that calarts is a better school all around. I am not too afraid of debt. Like I always say, you get what you pay for and my artwork (and me as an artist) is an investment...BUT still, free ride. does sound pretty nice. Does anyone have any insight into the different programs, pros and cons (besides the money, I am very clear about those hard numbers)...I am looking for some good advice about the different MFA studio art programs. any personal experiences, inside tips, etc...ANYthing!

I live in LA and hear all sorts of things regarding the many different programs around the city, especially during my application process. I have heard nothing but bad things from Otis. I know they have a great reputation as an undergraduate school, but all of my professors (I went to USC for art undergrad) and my boss (an artist who went to Otis for undergrad) said the MFA program has too many problems (not developed, thought out, etc...) and doesn't help the artists (they look at the students as competition). I don't know anything about Pratt so I can't give you an opinion on that school, BUT I have lived in LA for a decade now and I know that the program is not respected here. Not to say that some great artists have come out of the program...you can always make the best of a program and make it your own.

The art centers of the US are pretty much in Los Angeles and New York. From my experience working for and with many major artist...the west coast seems to be a better place to produce art, make connections, etc...BUT I know that the place to sell your art or get more international exposure, you want to be represented by the east coast. I believe both coasts need each other. But if I would have to choose, I would go with SFAI. San Francisco is a great (and very close knit family) art community. I am pretty sure that Boston has great art and a good community, but I don't hear too many things coming from that city.

well then, that explains it...I am on the waiting list once again. when I called they said that I should know around the 15th. Of course they don't have the guts to actually call or email the waitlisters to let them know their status. So I guess I will find out when the dust settles and students decide (10 spots a year). I will probably not go there (if I get in), I got into Calarts and I'm pretty excited about it... But it would be nice to be accepted for more options.

the school told me that the program is 10 students per year.

Ok, So I am almost done hearing back from all of my schools...still waiting on UCI. I called them and they said that the decision should be made by the 15th. Is there anyone that was actually accepted into the MFA art program? I know there were a few rejections BUT I am wondering now that I am on an unofficial waiting list (just like last year, they are SO incredibly unprofessional!) Also, I never interviewed with Columbia but I know some people have gotten in recently...have people been rejected because I haven't heard anything??? annoying. also: what are people's thoughts on SVA vs Calarts for MFA Art.

sorry...forgot to mention the residency, Skowhegan.

Denied today...bummer. But got into the ACA this summer, so not super sad.

Going in May! pretty excited!

Hmmm, I haven't gotten mine yet. Thats a bit odd.

has anyone gotten their Calarts financial package yet???

Which program? very interesting...This might mean I am on the waiting list or rejected, but I know some people were already rejected. hmmm...

has anyone heard from UCI? I interviewed with them late Feb, early March and I haven't heard anything.

I called the main office yesterday to find out the specific date of the decision because I got accepted to another residency that wanted my letter of intent on the 29th of March... so the pressure was on and I needed to find out. Of course they were still "reviewing" and the decisions wouldn't be made until the middle of the month, so the whole "first week of April" thing they mention on their site is not correct. I would probably assume that they received a lot of applicants this year too. Just a heads up.

Glad you're checking it out. what I would ask: What kind of access to faculty? are they doing regular studio visits. I would ask them to explain more about the written thesis that accompanies the exhibition. most schools don't do this and CCA feels very strongly about it. I think its a great idea, getting a chance to have a critical focus on artists writing about their work...most artists don't know shit about writing. I think getting more info from them on their thoughts about the written thesis would be important. ask about access to facilities...I found out that some of the schools I visited had very limited access (super strict about interdisciplinary facility policy), while others encouraged you to learn every trade, trick, and machine in the school. when I visited, I think they told me that they support the interdisciplinary thing. also ask about the SF art scene. It's still a big mystery to me. I know its strong and people are really into it but what interests me is the super close knit community. some of the artists that work at both SFAI and CCA are super rockstars in SF but don't really go outside of the scene. its definitely different than LA or NY...but maybe in a good way. How are the studios selected? some schools have a lottery, some just figure it out (lord of the flies), etc... and of course the usual suspects of : teaching assistantships? connection of the school to the art scene? hope that helps. good luck and have fun...

Having toured both campuses I would say that CCA is a little more equipped to handle MFA students (and ranked higher, for what thats worth.) The facilities are new and the studios are very nice (and pretty good size, I've been on a lot of tours and those are one of the best). most of your life/campus/ etc will be in SF as opposed to oakland...which is nice. I LOVED SFAI's russian hill campus....its a great place BUT then you realize that maybe SFAI is a great school for undergraduates and not grads...kind of like Otis in LA. Their undergrad is great but the grad is a little on the so-so side. I did the same thing as you... visited the main campus but then was over seeing the rest, from what I've heard on this forum, I think the curtain/no door thing plus it being in oakland is a bit amateurish, but guess I can't judge too much without seeing them. if you are deciding between the east coast or the west coast, I am biased...the west coast is the best coast! I think our art scene (LA and SF) is more on the radar recently than the obvious favorite NY. I am from LA and even with the norcal/socal rivalry I can say that San Francisco is an amazing city. some of the best food in the country...again, I love LA but have to admit the SF food is better. Ok, enough ranting. Good luck with your decision and congrats, both GREAT schools!

where are you located? because you should have received it by now. I would call them. It seems pretty irresponsible of them to just leave you hanging like that especially when the letter of intent in coming up.

received an acceptance package in the mail. dated March 17th...got a second letter in the package about a $5K scholarship too. Not sure if that has anything to do with my financial offer or if it is separate/on top of that. have not received my financial package yet.

Got a phone call from a faculty member yesterday to ask me if I had any questions or concerns...really just wanted to know if I was going there or not because there is a long waitlist apparently and the waitlisters are calling and bugging them. I said that I was about 99% sure that I was going to calarts but I didn't want to jump the gun without seeing the financial package first. She totally understood and said they should be coming in the next couple of days. she mentioned the letters should be dated on the 1st of april. So I think we shall see the financial packages coming soon. what is your first choice, If you don't mind me asking?

Yes, I received mine a few days ago. not really an impressive package. kinda bummed.

You should ask for an extension on your letter of intent for parsons. Most schools will grant you a bit more time if you explain yourself and your need. I got into SVA (I'm new genres/installation). Not sure if I am going to go because I got into my first choice calarts. I thought SVA was just fine art and not focused on emphasis, if thats the case then my spot would open up...do you know what number on the waiting list?

Thank you SO very much! This is all very helpful. I am looking forward to going to this residency. It's going to be a great experience...finally hearing something (not on the site) from someone who attended is GREAT.

pretty sure UCSD, Like UCI and USC, gives out free rides to everyone, if you are excepted of course.

I am not in painting but I did receive an acceptance letter from SVA in the mail, without interviewing (which I find odd). I applied to MFA fine art (my work is more new genres/installation). I was out of the country for 9 days and it was there when I got back. I also applied to Columbia and have not heard anything as well. Considering everyone on this forum is saying interviews are necessary for Columbia, I am assuming its a no. Has anyone heard from UCI? I interviewed with them at the beginning of the month and I haven't heard anything since...just waiting on them and columbia to be done with this process, even though I think I have made up my mind already even without hearing back from these schools.

Just received my Funding package in the mail from CCA. They gave me 9K each year in scholarship. is that alot...considering these are expensive schools it seems like that is not very much. wasn't impressed. If they gave me more, I might give the SF schools a little more attention. any thoughts?