Hamburgers86

Hi guys, I totally feel for you too. One of the reasons your interviews may have felt hectic were because USC decided to change the way the candidates are selected, at least for this year. Normally, all the mfa faculty would conduct the interviews but this year admin decided they would select/interview some folks and only some faculty selected/interviewed candidates. All in all, you can imagine why it may have felt weird. I tentatively said yes and submitted my deposit, but I'm actually waiting to see how the program settles down this spring. I think it's absolutely insane that the school hasn't decided which faculty will be there next year, the available funding and TAships. They refuse to answer any questions related to this topic. It's safe to say all of this has nothing to do with the faculty, rather it's these huge shifts in admin, specifically the new Dean's vision. Pretty bat shit crazy BUT the school remains to have really good resources that other programs do not offer, like a 25k teaching fellowship for one recent alum, or a 5k travel grant for a recent alum to research, develop, and exhibit new work. TAships that waive your tuition completely and offer a 11k stipend are still available but they will be more competitive. It might be that this year isn't the right year to go and that I apply again next year or focus on another school. I declined Bard because it wasn't the right time to leave due to family matters, but it's a school that will be at the top of my list if USC does not pan out.

Hi guys, I've been lurking the last few weeks but am at the point where I would love your input for my situation! Just posted in the funding and decisions thread too - what can I say I'm eager for advice Accepted to Bard and USC. USC is offering 15k, first and second yr. Tuition is 39k/yr. There is the possibility of a TA ship in the 2nd yr, which covers tuition + 11k stipend (must apply, I think it's competitive - every other mfa student receives one). So that means at the very least a 30k loan and the most an 80k loan. Administration at USC isn't particularly nice or flexible about funding currently. They are also known to have a terrible rapport w students and faculty, but the program does have amazing facilities in an amazing city, and they have some great grants for alum to teach at USC and travel/research. Oh and classes you can take in other esteemed depts. Bard is offering 11k and their tuition total for summer and spring is 19k. That's 24k for the three summer program. These costs do not include the studio I would have to rent during my time in LA (where I live) and pay for access to the facilities I would like to use. Super nice administration and generous and thoughtful photo faculty. The program is in beautiful Upstate NY, but I do not see myself living on the east coast or moving to NYC. I'm currently in LA and have more of a community hear already so I question how I would nurture these east coast connections. The program is super intense but they say you get more FaceTime w faculty than a traditional school. You have studio visits nearly every other day during those 8 weeks. I'd have to figure out how to operate in a completely different place to achieve what I'm evolving in my work. Could be a great limitation and/or a pain in the butt since I'm moving towards sculpture. Both have amazing intimate student communities and great faculty. What would you do?

Hi guys, I've been lurking the last few weeks but am at the point where I would love your input for my situation! Accepted to Bard and USC. USC is offering 15k, first and second yr. Tuition is 39k/yr. There is the possibility of a TA ship, which covers tuition + 11k stipend (must apply, I think it's competitive - every other mfa student receives one). So that means at the very least a 30k loan and the most an 80k loan. Administration at USC isn't particularly nice or flexible about funding currently. They are also known to have a terrible rapport w students and faculty, but the program does have amazing facilities in an amazing city, and they have some great grants for alum to teach at USC and travel/research. Oh and classes you can take in other esteemed depts. Bard is offering 11k and their tuition total for summer and spring is 19k. That's 24k for school which does not include the studio I would have to rent during my time in LA (where I live) and pay for access to the facilities I would like to use. Super nice administration and generous and thoughtful photo faculty. The program is in beautiful Upstate NY, but I do not see myself living on the east coast or moving to NYC. I'm currently in LA and have more of a community hear already so I question how I would nurture these east coast connections. The program is super intense but they say you get more FaceTime w faculty than a traditional school. You have studio visits nearly every other day during those 8 weeks. I'd have to figure out how to operate in a completely different place to achieve what I'm evolving in my work. Could be a great limitation and/or a pain in the butt since I'm moving towards sculpture. Both have amazing intimate student communities and great faculty. What would you do?