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helenforsdale

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Posts posted by helenforsdale

  1. I've called columbia and heard the same nonsense - yes, they let people in without interviews into the school of arts - but NOT in the fine arts department. And unfortunately, if you're waitlisted - you'd be waitlisted from the group of people they selected for interviews. If you haven't heard by now, it's most assuredly a rejection. It blows. This is my *third* time applying.

    My scores this year

    rej:

    yale (photo)

    columbia (photo)

    bard (although the letter said I was "too advanced and had progressed too far" for their program. (photo)

    Very, very frustrating. My third year applying to schools. I got into the RCA last year, but had to decline due to cost. I had a piece in the new museum and was awarded several grants this year, but I can't even score an interview at a single north american institution. Go figure. Don't know if I'll try again for a fourth year. Very disheartened.

    I've read here that Columbia wont admit (or presumably waitlist) anyone who hasn't interviewed. That said, I spoke with someone in their admissions office today and they told me that they actually do admit some people without interviews. Personally, I was actually more at peace with the idea of Columbia being a definite no. Now that there's still a slight possibility... I don't know, it's pretty nerve racking.

    Congratulations on the interview at Yale anyway - That's pretty big in and of it's self. Best of luck.

  2. Buck up, kid. You got interviews at two of the most prestigious, hard-to-get-into schools in the country (columbia and yale). I got rejected from both - I'd have loved to have been in yr shoes. Not bad for a recent undergrad - and most importantly, yr work is fantastic. And as we all know - the east coast rules. Way better to be in NYC than in LA.

    same here -- crying on the inside, numb on the outside. really wanted to be in LA. woomp womp.

  3. @Ghu, Re: Columbia - Nope, last year they notified interviews first week of march - photo rejections were received by the middle of the month. I don't think any photo people have heard yet...although I could be wrong.

    @Animal Re: London/RCA - I know I was a top choice for the program I got into, but I couldn't shake the fact that maybe they were just accepting me to bankroll the program. No, I didn't reapply. Most schools don't handle being rejected well. I've never once heard of a student who turned down an offer getting in again. And the financial situation wouldn't have changed. Yes, the RCA is part of FAFSA, but that doesnt help w/ the insane cost of living in London. I live in NYC and London is about 2, 3 times the cost. As far as reputation/difficulty of getting in goes - It's RCA>Goldsmiths>Slade

    Between the three, if money wasn't an issue, I'd pick the RCA hands down. The work that comes out of that school is just amazing. I would have fit in very well there - so it bums the heck out of me. Of course, I hate London, so there's that.

    And yeah - the EU has a very different approach. I've gotten into every EU school/program I've applied to, but can't manage to land a single offer in the US. It's frustrating the heck out of me.

    Regarding an interview, I had heard that Columbia gets back to MFA photo applicants the last week of March. Can anyone verify this? Has anyone heard back from Columbia yet who had applied to their photo concentration?

    Thanks!

  4. Hey - I got into the RCA two years ago. It's an amazing program, an amazing school that turns out some of the best artists around. I had to turn them down tho - they offer no funding or financial assistance to non-uk students. Not only that, but you pay approximately 8 times what the locals pay. So basically, foreign students are funding the education for the Brits. And that's not including the insane cost of living in london. So I just couldn't justify it. I'm constantly regretting it - everytime I see a new artist I like, they're always ex-RCA...but still I don't think I could have stomached paying 8 times what everyone else was paying for the same education.

    Goldsmiths is also excellent, tho not quite the caliber of the RCA - but they at least offer some financial assistance, but stil nothing amazing.

    So yeah - the RCA is incredible, but a very financially difficult option for foreigners.

    Also - Anyone heard from Columbia photo yet? I'm stupidly holding out hope. But really, if you haven't heard by them this week, then yr screwed. Lame, I know.

    Congrats on the interview for slade! How did the interview go? Did you have to make a special trip just for the interview? I just got an email earlier this week for an interview at Royal College of Art (!) and have been accepted via email letter to Goldsmiths (!!!) on Thursday. (Yes, looks like the English like my work or they are looking forward to my international money!) RCA refuses to do a phone interview so I have to decide if spending the money to fly to London is worth it, but now that I know about Goldsmiths I can at least check out their studios at the same time. Any reason you chose Slade specifically over the other London schools?

    Anyone out there have any information about Royal College of Art vs. Goldsmiths? Or just any info in general (have never been, don't know anyone who's been, and just know what the internet tells me which is very little!)

    So far:

    Goldsmiths - accepted (3/4)

    Yale - rej (2/8)

    CCA -

    Hunter -

    Bard - rej (2/15)

    SAIC - rej (2/5)

    UCLA -

    Penn State -

    Royal College of Art - email req. interview (2/25), interview (3/22)

    Good luck everyone!

  5. Sadly, this simply isn't true - the person you spoke with may have been speaking about the other departments in the school of art. Unfortunately for us - those applying for a visual arts MFA - they most certainly do interview everyone. There are only 25 people admitted per year - they curate the selection of students, and interviews are an important part of that process. I've known tons of kids who have gone there and sat on panels. They definitely interview everybody they're interested in.

    The only slim light we have - painting usually makes their calls earliest, new genres makes their decisions last.

    Blah, it sucks, I know.

    what a relief. thank you for sharing this.

  6. No, I agree - you should ignore all stats and apply to the schools you feel are a best fit. But yeah - if you look at Yale's site, you can see the exact amount of students in the program. Currently, there are 18 students in the photo department divided over two years. Make no mistake - even though they let in more students per year than Columbia, it is in no way any less competitive. Technically, they have a stronger photo/painting/sculpture department despite the larger size.

    When I spoke with a former student two years ago, they informed me that Yale's admission changes each year. The admissions person I spoke with said "up to 10". They will not admit a set number of applications, though. Some years, he said, they have let in as little as a "handful---like 2 or 3". Are you sure you are not thinking of undergrad photo as well? I dunno. Perhaps I was given the wrong information.

    I am not confusing it with Columbia. Entirely different program. A good friend of mine went to Columbia and I was very close to applying there. You are correct in that they also only admit a small group.

    I am not deterring anyone from applying. I am the poster girl for encouraging EVERYONE to apply wherever they want to. I just think it's important to be realistic as well. Part of the cool thing about this forum is to exchange info.

    wink.gif

  7. No, unfortunately I didn't. I don't know a lot of schools that respond well to rejection. I've never heard of anyone rejecting a school then getting in on a second application.

    But yeah, I'm bummed - I was a perfect fit for the department. I loved the faculty and students and I really felt that I fit in well there. I just can't figure it out financially. Yale, Columbia - at least funding is an option.

    But yeah, main reason I didn't reapply - I can't stand london. I'm a hard core New Yorker. I have a life here and I really like it.

    Helen: thanks for looking out! Yeah, RCA is notoriously expensive for internationals. Luckily, I have family in the area so I wouldn't have to worry about housing, at least--that is, if I get in (dun dun dun). Congrats on getting in last year! I think, even if they want to leech money from us, they want to do so from top notch students! So, well done either way, I say! Are you reapplying?

  8. Watch out w/ the RCA. I got in last year - they don't offer any financial aid - and they charge US student between seven and eight times what the British Residents pay. So essentially you're paying for 7 other students to attend. This isn't including the outrageous cost of living of London. I was really disappointed - they have an amazing program and I'm constantly impressed with their graduates. Slade, Goldsmiths offer a bit of funding to foreign students, but not the RCA. You can get student loan in the states for them though. But yeah, I had to turn them down, I couldn't stomach the idea that I was there possibly to fund a bunch of other students education.

    Oh, ATumble, it's unbearable, isn't it? If I may, where are you applying? Me: Yale, Columbia, NYU, and RCA (UK). I know it's a massive risk to only apply to the cream of the crop, but if I'm going to be in debt, I should be so in style, right?

  9. That's actually incorrect.

    Make no mistake - Yale is extremely competitive - but they let in approximately 10-12 people in per department. There are about 24-26 people in the photo department spread out over two years. If you go to the website - you can see the exact amount of people in each program, divided by year.

    I think you're thinking of Columbia - there are approximately 50 people in the entire program over two years. They let in about 24 people a year - about 3-5 of them are photographers.

    Yale is HIGHLY selective. (Like the highest...especially for Photo...Like we are talking 2-3 people.)

    Not just because it's Ivy League, but because of Greg Crewdson. That being said...

    New Mexico is an exceptional program. If I lived on the west coast, I would go for it...

  10. hmn. i spoke to soon - food for thought - i know that the royal college of art, slade and goldsmiths are two year programs - slade and goldsmiths offer both ma's and mfa's while the rca only offers an mfa, but is also a two year degree.

    From my understanding of the British degree system, an MA is in fact a lesser and different degree than an MFA. MAs are typically one year degrees, where as MFA are more intensive 2 year degrees that are offered at fewer schools. The only school in the UK that I can think of off the top of my head that offers the MFA is Goldsmiths, though I'm sure there are a few other schools as well.
  11. i don't follow your logic - why after getting a masters in london would you "have to" / want to do *another* masters in the states? an ma and an mfa are both terminal degrees. a mfa isn't any higher of an academic achievement than a ma. it would be completely redundant to do both.

    and while in the states, a mfa and a ma indicate a different focus of study, you are correct - they don't do mfa's in england, only ma's. but it's the exact same level of accomplishment. a british ma in studio art is the exact same thing as an american mfa in studio art.

    go to whichever program you'd benefit more from. if yr really hung up on having an american degree over a foreign one, go stateside. remember now is a really good time to study in london because the pound has dropped so much. it's not going to be as cost effectivet a few years from now after the market recovers.

    I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right place, but I'm looking for input on deciding between schools. I got accepted to the Pratt MFA program and the MA program at Chelsea College in London (MA is as high as they go). If I go to London I would have to come back here and get an MFA later I think, but it would add an international component to my resume. It also might give me a better shot at reapplying to CalArts, which was my top choice. On the other hand, Pratt is ranked highly and I could just get it done. Anyone have any advice? Any impressions of either school?
  12. cost - the school i got into is in england, and tuition there is insane. at the time, the pound was so high, it nearly doubled the cost of tuition of a local university. no matter how reputable a program, i couldn't stomach this. because of the high cost for international students, most british programs allow foreign students the option to defer. so that's what i did - largely because all those rejections kind of made me realize i didn't exactly know what i'd be doing in graduate school yet. it also made me doubt the reasons for my acceptance into the one program i did get into.

    anyways, i'm glad i waited. the pound has been reduced to 1:1.4 usd, and so now it's actually *cheaper* to go to school in london than here in the states, if you can believe that. about a 15k difference in tuition.

    still, i'd really like to reapply again next year for a local school. i didn't really think it out too well this time around. i'm busy working on a film and i spend a lot of time grant writing - so at the time, one application seemed to be enough - there aren't a lot of programs i would enjoy being in. but in retrospect, it was a bit of a half-assed attempt on my part.

  13. I have to say I agree with brosenth 100% - I think he's right on the money with this one. I was in a similar position - last year I applied to 6 programs, and only got into one, which was my second choice. I was devastated. I had just quit being a full time touring musician in a punk band and so going back to school seemed like the only option - I hadn't picked up a camera in a few years. Going through the rejections - it made me realize that my portfolio was in fact, rather weak - I had no focus or sense of direction - just a lot of drive and ideas. I was all over the place. As a result, I spent the last year really building up my portfolio - and I can honestly say I'm really proud of the work I've been doing. Not only that, but now I have a clear sense of direction - I know what my work is about and how to talk about it. Had I somehow been accepted to a program last year, I think I would have really floundered around, trying to figure out what I was doing.

    Putting another year into this will only make your work stronger. It's also true what brosenth said - most graduate programs never accept people right out of a bfa program. The few kids I know who went in after only taking a year off - their work isn't nearly as strong as those who waited a bit. Heck, I turned 30 this year - and the 7 or so years i've spent out of school have taught me way more than undergrad. But yeah, this is my second year out - and good chance I'll go for it again next year.

    So believe me - yr not in as bad of a position as you think you are. And remember - you don't need a school, or an mfa degree to allow you to make work - just believe in yourself and stay focused no matter what. A degree will never replace real life experience.

    I'm just kicking myself for only applying to one school this year - columbia (albeit in two departments, new genres and photography). Up against over 1400 people for only 26 slots. And of those 26 slots, only 3 were for photography. Impossible odds - and the sad truth is, no matter how strong of a portfolio - I know my aesthetic is radically different from what they're about. And really, I only applied because I wanted to stay in New York. So i'm in a pickle as well - I got into the Royal College of Art in London - but they need an answer soon. Do I wait another year, really build my portfolio, and this time for schools that are a better fit (yale, hunter)? or bite the bullet and attend the RCA. Or i could attend the RCA while reapplying back here in the states...

    but yeah, really kicking myself over not having the initiative to apply to yale...i think i would have had a good shot there.

    (edit - the rca is an amazing fit for me - i love the professors there - i'd be studying under someone i really admire - and their alumni list is incredible....but i hate london, and not sure it would lead to the gallery/art world contacts i'd like).

    But also - this website has been amazing. It's been really comforting to see everyone go through the same process as me - and freak out in the same way.

  14. that's kind of a relief to hear - i've had the same problems with columbia. i applied last year and they sent my rejection letter to an old address i hadn't lived at for 6 years and hadn't given to them. real odd - not sure how they would have gotten that information.

    this year i applied twice in two different divisions and they lost one of the applications. it was a whole what-to-do. i still haven't heard yet, and i've called a few times with no luck. my head is on the chopping block - just put me out of my misery already! yeesh!

    Here are my results so far:

    Painting programs:

    CCA - accepted

    RISD- interviewed and waiting

    SAIC- interviewed and waiting

    Yale- rejected

    Hunter- rejected

    Columbia- nothing - wtf? Has anyone else had problems w/ Columbia? First they said I had to resubmit my portfolio online and then they lost my $100 check. I have heard that interviews are scheduled, but I haven't heard from them either way. I thought I would have heard from them by now... I'm not impressed w/ their admin capabilities

  15. are you talking about film theory/history? or actual filmmaking?

    generally, with all things film related, both production, as well as theory/history nyu, usc and ucla tend to be top 3 in the country, all with very similar programs.

  16. well, i'd say yr better off than most people out of graduate school. getting funding from reputable sources such as the awf and nea is a pretty fantastic start. once you get one grant - yr very likely to get others.

    curious - why did you apply to graduate school in the first place? the reason a lot of people go is to get to a place similar to where you are. you sound pretty self motivated.

    as far as schools - it's very subjective. this is my second year applying and haven't fared much better this time around either. i'm 1 for 6. the decision is entirely based on who is currently in the program and the other people who have applied - they curate each year.

    to the person who said you should argue your rejection - it's not very likely that'll help you any. most schools don't provide feedback, and it's a bit annoying.

    Ok Here it goes:

    Pratt- Accepted

    Yale, RISD, Rutgers, Tulane- Reject

    SAIC- recommended for Post-Baccalaureate

    U Mass Amherst-nothing

    VCU- nothing

    Here's the thing, I have a good amount of experience as a professional artist. I'm young, but have published an artist book, received funding from Andy Worhol Foundation and National Endowment for the arts. Had Artist residencies and I have even sold all my pieces in a group show in nyc-post recession.(Im from midwest). But Ive received tons of rejects from these schools.

    1)Is there anyone that knows how this admissions process works?

    2)Which is better Pratt or SAIC post-bac. SAIC is a better school with a better rep, but I will still have to apply again for an MFA program. Pratts not that bad and its in NY, but its not that good either. What advice is out there?

  17. hey cd3, you wanna hit up yr columbia contact again? i've heard from various sources that yes, sculpture and painting have made their cuts and calls. no news on new genres or photo though. i've heard through the grapevine that if we haven't heard by now, that's it. regardless, i need you to kill my naive sense of false hope, please.

    also - i'm curious. anyone have any thoughts on british schools? is there a real advantage/disadvantage in going? i got into the rca. trying to figure this one out.

  18. i'm sorry, i take it back. but people have intentionally posted misleading info on here before - clearly, we're all nervous. it's our futures, dammit.

    but yeah, re columbia, i've heard sculpture and painting have made their calls. no news on photography, new genres or whatever else there is. i suspect if we haven't heard...well, that's it.

  19. it would just be nice to get some definitive answers - we all keep hearing things, but no one can actually confirm anything. but yeah - i remember columbia sent out their rejections this time last year...and i'm going to assume they notify their interviews before they notify their rejections.

  20. i'm going crazy - anyone hear anything else?

    I'm also calling out that other posting - the person who claimed to have already gotten into ucla and was interviewing at columbia and yale. sounds like a lot of hooey. i don't think ucla has sent out their acceptances yet. I remember both them and columbia were the last two i heard from when I applied last year.

  21. very, very impressive. interviews at all the top schools - what's yr secret?

    HI all,

    ucla: accepted via phone call a few weeks ago.

    Yale: interview 3/23

    hunter: interview 3/14

    columbia: interview 3/26 just got called sat

    still waiting from USC

    Regardless of what happens I'm leaning towards UCLA so I can stay in the area. Is that crazy?

    Good luck to you all

  22. the rca is *definitely not* free. i got in - the tuition works out to be close to 50k a year, not including living expenses.

    but you are correct - there is almost no funding given to non uk students...it's horrible.

    I think the Royal College of Art is the only british school that one could go to, because its free! I wish I was organized enough to apply there myself...

    Apparently (even if you are incredibly awesome, and i am not saying i am by any means) none of the british schools will offer funding to non british or non-Eu people at all. Its interesting that we give any student funding, and they don't give us anything.

    on another note, i just got off of a phone interview with Syracuse, and he mentioned what was in my recommendation letters (which was AWESOME to use for my next interviews). Since a lot of people on this board are interviewing, it might be a good idea to find out what is in those letters (I only knew one of them, because I had to print them out for her when she was abroad). Is this bad etiquette? I mean, obviously they aren't negative if you are getting an interview...

  23. thanks so much for the insight into the interview process. i've heard similar stories from other past applicants - and yes, i've heard that both columbia and yale pull the "ask a confrontational question". the advice given to me by a few people is "don't get into arguments with the panels". heh.

    in contrast, i interviewed at the royal college of art last year and it was amazingly pleasant. of course, they're british. but it was similar questions - why did i say this in my statement, how is that reflected in my work, why that school, what did i plan on doing, etc etc. i must have done alright, as i got in.

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