flawed

I was in a similar situation, from a non-arts background and accepted to SAIC as a prior degree, I declined Parsons, Pratt, SVA and SAIC due to better financial packages from MFA programs elsewhere. For me, funding was the most important/limiting factor. I guess it all comes down to your priorities.

Hmm.. I guess the reputation that certain schools have outside of the US is quite different from within. I see you're based in NYC; would you recommend SVA then? That must have been a poor experience. I wish I could have toured the schools I applied to. Yeah, pushing it off for another year would give me time to earn more and do some research on better programs. I'll have to wait and see how things turn out. Anyways, have you reached a decision yet? I was accepted to SMFA too, but did not hear about scholarship. Was this included in your online decision letter? The impression I got from my Skype interview was that it's a pretty large program with no particular focus.

Yeah, SVA will probably be turned down for financial reasons. If I don't hear back from RIT, it comes down to either Pratt or Parsons but I don't know much about them. (Thoughts anyone?) I'm having slight regrets about not applying to programs with better funding, which I only knew about after the deadlines.

Sadly, less than $10k/year for both schools.

Thanks. I saw the "accepted students" tab a few days ago, and now the decision letter is also available at the admission hub.

I got mine in the same e-mail.

A few days ago, I got an e-mail from RIT informing me that I've been waitlisted. And then I received the exact same e-mail today but addressed to a different person. I have a feeling it's a looong list.

Hey onbeingblue, I got the same offer from SAIC. I think the prior degree program is recommended to those coming from a non-arts background. It's similar to a transfer student, and you can earn a BFA in 2 years or so. I've decided to pass.

I have no study/work experience in the arts — just the portfolio that I submitted. I'm looking forward to a challenging 2-3 years.

Glad to hear it went well. Mine was pretty similar – the standard questions and a few follow-ups to my response. And... now we both have a long wait ahead.

Congrats d e o. I got an e-mail from Pratt too. Small funding though.

How did it go? I'm waiting for mine.

Waitlisted at RIT by e-mail.

Accepted to SVA's three-year program by e-mail. No interview. The three-year seems appropriate since I haven't taken any classes on art history.

Did anyone attend SMFA Graduate Interview Day? My Skype interview is coming up! I'd really appreciate it if you could share your experience.

My application status for SVA changed today from 'application ready for review' to 'decision will be sent via e-mail/mail.'

Skype interviews scheduled with SMFA Boston and CalArts in the 2nd week of March.

Yep, prior degree is what they call it. The number of semesters may vary depending on your transcript. Those with more credits acknowledged can complete the program in less than 2 years. The merit scholarship ($5000 per year) was a decisive factor for me. I simply would not be able to afford that since I had initially planned on a 2-year program. If you receive other MFA offers, I think you should take it.

Have not heard back from RISD, SVA, UCLA and RIT

Yeah, it was tough getting LORs from faculty in completely unrelated fields. They didn't really understand why I wanted to switch fields. I'll definitely be doing more research on this post-bacc option until the results are announced.

You're right! April 1 is the deadline for MICA and SAIC post-bac, and March 15 for SMFA. I'll probably leave the post-bacc as a plan B if the other schools don't work out.

Thanks technotronic for the reply. I was not aware of post-bacc programs, but I would have applied if I had known. They seem like a good fit for me since I'm feeling rather in between myself, and also more appealing given my financial situation. The portfolio I submitted was my first attempt at coming up with a cohesive body of work so I was actually quite surprised to get interview offers. I guess I'll just sit back and let things play out, and hopefully "the decision will be made" for me like you said. Good luck on your upcoming interviews

I'm turning 30 this year with no academic/work experience in the arts (B.Sc and MA in totally unrelated fields). So far, I have been admitted to the BFA program at SAIC and interviews scheduled with 3 other schools for MFA programs. If I choose to go to SAIC, I will be able to earn a BFA in 2.5 years since they have acknowledged about 60 credits from my previous school. Funding results will be out in a few weeks. It's still early to tell since I haven't received other offers, but I'm wondering what your thoughts are on pursuing a MFA without a traditional arts background. Would it be better for me (at this age) to start out from a BFA? My purpose is to learn and develop as an artist, and not so much in the prestige associated with degrees.