michaelwebster

Why do you think I am still on here? Its like having a pulse on the institutions and I get to see a variety of work by peers. Most of all I think more transparency is better and the schools have too much power as is.

All of the above. Depends on the program.

I am just saying that alot of students show up and don't back up their portfolio very well although they looked good on paper, so taking 20 out of 25 interviewees at Calarts seems almost pointless to have an interview. I was just speculating that maybe more people were also interviewing by phone.

Does the 25 interviewees include phone interviews too? If so that is a pretty ballsy to interview that few.

The only two schools I know for sure from my interviews is 40 for 10 spots, or 25% acceptance after interview.

I applied 2 years ago, so it definitely could have changed since then. Have you visited UNC already?

Of the four interviews I did, I did not really have to "defend" my work. I can imagine some programs may be that way, but mostly it seems they want to keep your interest in their program too, not just shoot you down. I think the most important questions, because they are too often overlooked, it to have good reasons for going to grad school, and specifically their grad school. If your personable and exciting regardless of how cold the interview is (and none of my interviews were cold) then you'll be fine.

UNC doesn't interview, they make acceptances based on the application only. I know you should be hearing from them soon if you get in, I was definitely notified in early or mid-February when I applied.

Well then I will see you here in a few weeks.

You shouldn't "accept" any offers unless you are sure that is your final decision. Just tell them you have other offers to consider and that you expect follow the April 15th deadline. If they say no, then you have to reconsider your options, but usually its less reputable schools that want to force the issue before April 15th so they can accept waitlisted people quicker.

Clifton, Jamaica is a great piece!

Only performance admits students without an interview (ironically, why not make them perform for it?) and I don't think anyone else on here applied to performance. I know they will send a finacial aid letter eventually, but I don't know if they tell who gets the free-ride in the acceptance letter or the financial aid letter.

I have to say I love Grant Kester's two books, Conversation Pieces and The One and The Many. They may not be relevant to most of the practices I see on this forum, they are focused on social practice/collaborative work, but they are excellent books. He teaches at UCSD.

The more international experience the better. Most everyone values varied and cross-cultural experiences in academia.

Should be soon since interviews are usually the first or second weekend of March.

The last two years for SAIC sculpture have been 1 or 2 people accepted from skype interviews, usually international, out of 10 new students. About 15 people skype interview out of 40 total. So at least at SAIC you chances are really diminished if you don't do it in person.

Yes, it is equally dismal for any full time positions. Adjunct positions aren't terribly hard to get, but its usually one class, no benefits, and you usually have to do them in whatever city you are already in. So if your in a small city or town, adjunct positions can be hard to find.

Definitely go to do the in-person interview if you really want to go to the school. Your acceptance rate it way higher for those that trek to the schools rather than skype or call (at least if your on the same continent as the school).

April 15 is the typical deadline for acceptance set by the Council of Graduate Schools. Some schools don't follow that date, the list is available as a PDF here http://www.cgsnet.org/?tabid=201. If they are on that list, then they shouldn't be asking you to commit before April 15th. And schools know your applying to many, its not impolite or insulting to ask to wait. They expect it.

April 15 is the typical deadline for acceptance set by the Council of Graduate Schools. Some schools don't follow that date, the list is available as a PDF here http://www.cgsnet.org/?tabid=201.

I agree that you should definitely keep your options open. But, I will say I believe I have learned a lot more at SAIC than I would have if I chose the much cheaper, smaller, more rural school (that is still a very good school) opinion. I could have driven myself to make great work at the other school, as I did through my undergrad, but I believe I have learned so much more at SAIC. I keep in touch with some of the faculty and students at the other school and have exhibitied with them, so I have a really good idea of the differences between the programs. Sometimes the expense is worth it.

Pretty much everyone is in the position of borrowing a lot of money who gets an MFA degree. A few are lucky enough to make it out without borrowing much, but even a full ride at most schools means you have to borrow for living expenses. You are far from being alone. I am currently applying for jobs to start paying off those loans once I graduate this May, and it is a little scary. I can't imagine trying to make a living off my work straight out of school and pay off loans.

For any of you applying next time, if you have 4 people that you can rely on to write letters, I would recommend it. That way if one doesn't make it you should still meet the quota.

I know SAIC photography has its own fairly large budget for its Parlor Room visiting artist series. The grad students run it all. You can see some of the websites from current students here: http://www.saic.edu/degrees_resources/departments/photo/#news_events

Would you want to go to a school that would cancel your admission for posting about it? Also, I really don't think many faculty know about this site or really care to.