savantarde

A Room of My Own Personal Statement, As Written for SAIC In her 1929 essay, A Room of One's Own, Virginia Woolf posits that “...a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction” (4). In the Women's Studies program at the University of Arizona, my undergraduate cohort spoke often about Woolf's consideration of what was necessary for a woman to achieve success in the academic/creative arenas. Typically viewed as an exclusively feminist philosophy, A Room of One's Own need not be limited as such. More specifically, I've come to find that this ideology relates well to the artist, regardless of medium. It is necessary for one to possess time, space, and the support of like-minded others: a complete framework within which to bring their ideas to fruition. I was 25 before I made my first significant move toward finding “a room of my own.” January of 2007 marked my departure from the small, dusty, Mexican border-town of Yuma, Arizona. I landed a mere four hours east, in Tucson. Although I hadn't left the state, I was finally unfastening myself from what felt like a quarter century long stint of immobility. I didn't realize it at the time, but this history would prove an integral aspect of my burgeoning identity. I arrived at Visual Communications by way of a double-major in Art History and (as previously mentioned) Women's Studies, at the University of Arizona. Greatly fascinated by the ways in which social theory informs the visual artifact, and vice versa, I was initially interested in pursuing this dual degree, wherein I could immerse myself in the study of two such appropriately intersecting disciplines. Admittedly, I thought that a BA was “safer” than a BFA. This hesitance was rooted in the fact that there had been little in my hometown to help direct me toward a discipline, and too many who would sooner convince me that being an “artist” was simply an impractical dream. Conversely, I had always seen my own creativity as a wellspring of vitality—essential to my being. In whatever capacity or medium, the “gravitation pull” toward the physical construction of art has been too difficult to ignore. In the spring of 2009, I was granted admission into the Visual Communications program. Thus far, my undergraduate work represents a rigorous program of theory, and practice in the technical nuances of design. The more I've learned, the more possibilities have been introduced into my life and work. From where I began three semesters ago, to now, I have developed a real hunger for self-initiated, conceptually driven work: the kind that unfolds naturally, irrespective of medium. In this sense, I see graduate study as an altogether new, yet completely natural bridge between past and future. Whenever possible, I have imbued my undergraduate work with references to my identity—the identity that has literally grown out of the sequence of events outlined above. I have occupied many roles in life, most of which fell easily outside the realm of “normativity”--at least in comparison to the company that I kept. While my family and community-at-large were straight, church-going conservatives, I was the antithesis. Having seen and experienced the world almost entirely from its margins, I desire to give voice to the “spaces in between.” I want to call upon my own life experiences, while simultaneously exploring the ways in which they can be drawn parallel to the cumulative experiences of like others—namely those of the members of what would by my graduate cohort. Drawing from my background at the University of Arizona, as a non-traditional student versed in a number of previously studied subjects, I am most interested in furthering research on the topics of postmodern feminist ideologies, the impact of language upon the understanding of these subjects, and the elements of space and time (linear and non-linear) as shapers of identity. I believe the focus in my graduate studies would be best nurtured in the environment offered by the Visual Communications department at SAIC. By far, the greatest attraction is the Institute's insistence upon self-exploration and independent study. In October of 2009, I was invited to witness this firsthand, in VisCom graduate seminar. The encouragement provided students, to push themselves to make choices based on their instincts and interests, resonated most with my desires. Another draw: location. I have been swept away by Chicago! I have found it to possess the diversity of people and places that I so greatly want to be an integral part of my living and working experience for my graduate career. I genuinely hope that SAIC will be my next monumental step forward: the consummate place to establish what I believe would be a sublime “room of my own.”

Columbia College in Chicago has a pretty legit Interdisciplinary MFA. I got in there, but turned it down for my dream school. They seemed very cordial, and were definitely excited about sharing information on the possibilities available to InterArts students. They've also got some top-notch facilities!

Neither! Go with the middle, just to be safe. P.S., I am going to SAIC, so I had to chime in with a suggestion!

ugh. That all sounds so ridiculous. At what age do they consider a graduate student an adult? I left home at 17, and haven't had ANY financial support from my parents since then. Unfortunately, I had to wait until I was 24 to finish school--utterly ridiculous. There needs to be some form for people who are financially independent, regardless of age. Sorry you guys hafta go through all that BS...

I think I will take my chances, Jestem. A big part of my decision is the location. I want to be in Chicago, because I want to be situated in a place that--geographically--isn't swayed by the aesthetics or politics of either coast. I am very appreciative of the benefits that lie outside of the classroom, and inside the city. Also, I realize that SAIC's VisCom MFA is still a burgeoning program (I'm pretty sure it's "younger" in years, comparatively speaking). Another draw for me, is that SAIC encourages conceptual thought and practice--especially in this department. So, whether or not the program is strong or weak, relies heavily upon a person's understanding of what is SAIC's motive/intent in teaching, within the realm of graduate study.

Take a look at my reply for more on PostBacc programs.

I can only offer a very strong "no" for SVA. I'm unsure of the other programs. Congrats on your acceptances, though!

There are a LOT of folks posting herein, that would have you believe that the Post Bacc program--in principle--is simply an attempt on the school's behalf to rob you of your money. Don't listen to this. Matter of fact, don't listen very seriously to anyone who purports to know the facts, straight up, no ifs, ands, or buts. Let's take SAIC, for example, since they've already come up in this conversation. Their MFA program in Visual Communications has a "Pre-MFA" that is the PostBacc program WITH the 2-year MFA program--all rolled into one. Successful completion of the PostBacc year (as long as you don't screw it up royally) is an automatic entry into the MFA program. The reason the PostBacc exists has already been explained, so I won't belabor the point. This extra year can be a real advantage, if you choose to sign up for it. If the money is a concern, make your decisions accordingly, but don't let the cost (and the sinking feeling you are being screwed over--you're not) steer you away. The admissions committee that extends the PostBacc recommendation DOES see the strength in your work. However, the weaknesses--whatever they are--are also evident. Usually, these weak areas can be "fixed" during the PB. Also, if you see the PB as "an extra year" tacked on to a 2-year MFA program, remember that there are a number of schools whose programs are already set at 3 total years. I've heard from many of my faculty contacts that 3 years is always a safe bet for a successful and productive graduate experience.

Yes. It is completely different from one school to the next. Keep in mind. It's not yet April 15th (Decision D-Day). Many students will wait until the last minute deadline for decisions. Schools are also still handing out funding offers. This factors into decision-making very heavily. It isn't unheard of for offers to come-off waitlist status to take until the early summer months. It is definitely WAIT-intensive. Hence the awfully truthful name! Hang in there!!! We'll all know a whole lot more come April 15th!!!

I'm going to SAIC, but I'm not photo. So, in that respect, I wish I could better help you out! So yeah, I say SAIC. Chicago is amazing.

Anywhere in Arizona will require a car. The *only* place I can see getting away without one *might* be the Phoenix Metropolitan area, but only because they have reliable and regular buses at all times of day. Tucson bills itself as a "bike friendly" community, but I disagree, wholeheartedly. Everywhere in Arizona is sprawling, hence the need for vehicular transport.

I just got my Parsons financial aid award letter in the mail today. But, I haven't received any word on acceptance...??? Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Does this mean I am in?

Updated List, 3/27 REJECTED remains to be seen ACCEPTED SAIC WAITLISTED UIC Columbia College Chicago NO WORD Parsons Just wanted to say, that this whole process has been one, giant mind-****. I applied to four places, one of which (SAIC) was my tip-top choice. I had NO expectation of being admitted. I was playing it safe, so to speak. I am still finishing my undergrad, but am a non-traditional student. Being admitted to SAIC was a surprise, to say the least. It really puffed up my ego, and it was somewhat strange to hear that I had been waitlisted at Columbia College. Lame, actually. So, my words of advice are: expect the unexpected--ALWAYS. The admissions process DOES involve a certain degree of "luck," or good timing. There are MANY applicants, whose credentials are as good, better, or below yours. The order in which they receive applications, having a more-stellar-than-average applicant pool, and any number of other factors weigh in on the decisions. There is no telling what factors are in the mix for your particular application year.

No joke! The big mess of coupon circulars are a HUGE slap in the face right now. I already hated them for being a huge waste of paper, but this makes it doubly bad. I can say, with full confidence, that I have *NEVER* had such thin mail before. I've had at least 6 days with absolutely NO mail since sending applications. Painful, I tell ya!

So that explains why I haven't heard *anything* from Parsons. Right? I'm just waiting to hear back from all schools, on principle. I already have my decision made... ...well, unless someone wants to offer something just "irresistible."

Isn't it? Hear, hear for all the good news! So glad we're entering the homestretch. I feel as though we should all get a commemorative t-shirt or something: "I survived MFA admissions, 2010"

Why did you apply there, then? Sorry, don't mean to sound like a dick with that question. Just honestly curious!

SAIC makes it very clear that they are interested in admitting "conceptual" artists for their graduate studio programs. So, that would account for the responses you received from students. I'm curious as to how far along in the program they all were, and to what disciplines they belonged, respectively. It is possible that they have yet to develop an eloquent spoken synopsis of their own work. If that's not what you're looking for, by all means--don't go! Look for what *you* need. But also, don't draw blanket conclusions based on your encounters with a small group. And to answer a previous question--yes. I was admitted to SAIC for the Visual Communications MFA. So, perhaps I'm on this weird-assed crusade, championing the idea of subjectivity and "cultural relativism" when viewing other schools/programs???

Agreed. Sometimes skill and due diligence don't factor in to the equation. I don't necessarily believe in luck, but that's the best way to describe what happens to some people. On the flip side, though, I believe that *you* are your best advocate. The single greatest thing someone can learn to do is "market" themselves--whatever that may mean at any given time. You have to be willing to "rub elbows" with lots of different people if you want to make something happen for yourself.

Apologies, as I meant to reply to the posts before yours. And, you're right--ratings don't make a program. What I was arguing, however, is that there is nothing wrong with making a decision based on this fact alone--it all depends on where you're coming from, what your motives are. In a purely business sense, the name on a degree *will* be advantageous in ways that it wouldn't be for one without said "name." But, your work must be able to convey a sense of competency (one would hope) in order to sustain any level of true success in your chosen field.

I'm currently an undergrad student (last semester here) in Visual Communications at the UofA. Great school, in my opinion. Don't know much of the Painting Dept, but I've heard no complaints. Some great people working in all departments there, though. And Tucson is beautiful!

Hey now! Don't be unfair... It's important to remember that the grad experience is highly subjective. Every program at every school--regardless of their place on the list--has its share of pros and cons. In the end, it's up to the individual to weigh their options diligently, and to make a decision that best reflects all of their needs and wants. As far as SAIC goes, I've heard a whole LOT of negative. (Strangely enough, though, it seems to stem mostly from the undergraduate end.) Similarly, however, I've heard just as many "bad things" about other top 10, 20, 30+ schools. Thusly, I've learned not to rely upon word-of-mouth. I can't believe how many rumors fly around on this board about the graduate experience, for instance! You've got to trust your gut. That is why a visit should never be out of the question. If my October visit to SAIC had corroborated most of what I'd heard from others, I would've decided against going. Conversely, however, I was nothing short of impressed with the faculty, students, and facilities. That being said, I would also *love* to play Devil's Advocate. My thought regarding the top 10: why not choose to go to a school based on its ratings? If you are intent upon obtaining a degree that, by way of its ties to a renowned institution, might open doors for you that another degree wouldn't, who should call you out on that? Disingenuous? Not hardly. If you can see your way through the problems that might present themselves, based on your decision, more power to you! I certainly don't take issue with someone else's determination regarding a degree. Okay. My two cents spent.

Nope. Received my acceptance letter March 3rd, and haven't heard a peep since!

Ooh, you're lucky! At least you have results delivered via web! For some strange reason, all the schools I picked are old-fashioned in that respect. No online results. Damn!