nowhere13

That's very interesting since I asked the IFA if they wanted or preferred experience prior to the program and the response I got was essentially "no". The person I spoke to pretty much alluded to the fact that they preferred people to not have any direct conservation experience...which I found somewhat odd. I know for the portfolio, they have a strict limit on the number of items you can present that are actual conservation work pieces. I don't have any experience personally, but we'll see how things go. I'm really not expecting to get in this year anyway....although obviously I'd be thrilled if I did! I'm glad they were happy with the program though! That's definitely a great sign.

I have spoken with conservators who basically say the same thing (i.e. that getting into a program is one of the hardest things to do). If you don't mind me asking, your friends who are in conservation programs now, what are their backgrounds? Do they like the program at the IFA? I have a double major in physics and art history from a top-tier school, but not a ton of studio experience. I am working on that now.

I appreciate your honesty. I guess I'll see if I even get in and how much funding I get and then make a decision based on that. The cost is really my greatest concern if I somehow get in, which I'm not really expecting. Thanks!

Oh wow, thanks, that's really helpful. Would you recommend the programs there in general though? In terms of academics and the people there. I hear the IFA can be somewhat catty but I don't know if the Conservation program is like that. I hear its more insulated and close-knit.

Oh wow, do you know if that's true for the Conservation program as well? 5k seems....unlivable. Even with a part-time job, I think that would be tough for a city like NY. Do most people take out loans there? Can you TA in the Conservation program as well? I'm just worried that even if I somehow get in, I won't be able to afford it!

For anyone who has gotten funding at the IFA, can you mention any details about the stipend? Thanks!

Any info on what the interview was like? I'm sure its very different from what the conservation interviews will be like...but still....

Thanks Shadow! Do you have any idea what an average stipend is at the IFA? Also, if you have any additional details about the Conservation program or about the IFA in general it would be greatly appreciated!

I just noticed on the results page that someone else posted for NYU's IFA Conservation program. To that person: I am curious if you found out anything about funding? I hear it is pretty stingy at the IFA, but I believe the conservation program may be different. Anyone out there currently at the IFA or can give me any info about it? Also, the interview process sounds very involved. I spoke with the Administrator about it...

I live in NYC actually so no flights or hotels needed fortunately. This is a pre-acceptance visit.

Hi everyone! I just got an email on Thursday from the IFA at NYU inviting me in for interviews the week of March 26th - April 2nd. I should state that this is for the Conservation program with an MA in Art History and a conservation certificate before people start freaking out. I guess the Conservation program might be a little different from the regular MA since I haven't seen anything from the IFA on the results page. Although it seems very early to send out interview requests now for over a month away! I don't get why it is so late! Has anyone else received a similar email? Also, can anyone give any advice for the interview? (i.e. what sort of questions they will ask, etc.) Also, if anyone has done an MA at the IFA, I would love to hear any thoughts you have on the program, faculty, etc. Thanks!