Tim Riggins

Found out via email on April 14th that UT Austin isn't pulling anyone else off the painting waitlist. Not sure if they took anyone from the list.

Hi grad_wannabe --- I think you're absolutely right in what you said about one's place of study and the influence that it will have on future connections. I'm thinking that the situation is not as black and white as it had been described: it's not as though one's place of study would dictate his or her location after graduating. For instance, not all SAIC alums stay in Chicago, same for RISD and Providence. On the topic of buying students, I just can't get behind the language being used. If all of the top schools were paying us to get our MFAs, and if we went to the top bidder without any agency in the matter, then I would agree that we've been purchased. But in this circumstance, schools are lowering the amount of money that some people pay to get the degree and it's part of a more complicated equation in which the student decides among a variety of factors. True, costs are lowered competitively, but I wouldn't call it a meat market just yet.

Not so sure that where you get your MFA dictates where you stay to make your career. Also I don't think schools "buy" students. The students buy the degree, whether it's thirty or forty (the price of course varies based on a number of factors).

Hi Doc -- I don't think the 15 students stat apples to all concentrations; more likely it's for a specific department. I've heard (mainly from SAIC) that this is a very strong program. I've also heard (again from SAIC) that the drawing/painting post-bacs automatically get an interview in the next year's MFA admissions. Lastly, don't think you're burning any bridges by not attending. I was offered the post-bac program, decided to wait, reapplied three years later, and got into the MFA program. You're probably in good shape if you've been asked to interview for post-bac.

I am still hearing back from a couple of other programs, but it would be hard to turn down SAIC no matter what. I've been there a couple of times and I have a great impression of the school.

That's right Lisa --- I got an SAIC painting accept on Saturday (3/21) in the mail. I had even gotten antsy and emailed admissions earlier in the week to try to get an answer. Stonewalled. Snail mail only. Good luck to you.

Just got the nod from SAIC painting/drawing in the mail today. Big, big, big relief after a long struggle. Here's how it's looking: SAIC: Accepted (3/20) UT Austin: Waitlisted (2/28) Yale: Rejected (early Feb) UCLA: Rejected (3/13) RISD: TBD MICA: TBD Good luck to everyone, you're a great group.

Has anyone else heard back re: RISD painting interview?

Hey man, I like your stuff. Got a nice late Guston vibe going on. Good luck.

Just sent you the link. Still no news here.

Yes, the SAIC painting interview notifications were sent out the week before last. The interviews are taking place on March 6th - 7th. That's probably not great news if you haven't already heard, but very best of luck to you.

6th St will do that to you. I definitely remember meeting you at the UT studios and conjecturing about how great it would be to go to UT. Not to overanalyze things, but I noticed a couple of hits on my website on Friday from a UT Austin hosted network. Maybe there's a second round of reviewing going on...

OK, thanks for the info. I went over there in November. Nice people. Good luck to you too.

Hey team --- I haven't heard from UT (re: painting) as of today either. James, we actually met at one of the prospective student days in Austin. Good to see that you're in the fight. I live in Austin, so I'd be surprised if the notice delay is mail related. It sounds like they don't do interviews, but are selections still somehow made in rounds I wonder...