Capybara

I also applied for Umass but at Dartmouth. I heard nothing.
But I already decided to go to MICA so yeah...

Hi all, 
Since I was only accepted to MICA, I'll def be going there, but am trying to decide between two programs - Mount Royal (multidisciplinary) and Photo and Electronic Media. Supposedly Mount Royal currently has a better reputation, but I got more money from PEM (50%, which is their biggest scholarship). I got 30% from Mount Royal. I've been talking to EVERYONE I can and thought maybe I'd post to this here trusty forum to see if anyone has any thoughts? 
Also, did anyone on this forum get accepted to UCLA New Genres? I don't recall seeing any acceptances. If someone was, I would love to look at their website! 
Thank you!!!

I'm not familiar with the MICA dorms specifically, but I used to live in the Mount Vernon/Midtown Belvedere neighborhood which is next to Bolton Hill. The area is very walkable and there are buses & a light rail train that run through MICA's campus to other areas of the city, so you could definitely do without a car. In terms of price--I rented a spacious 2 bedroom, fully furnished apartment for $1700/month ($850 per roommate). Unfurnished, you can find a lot cheaper.  Safety-wise, there is definitely some crime, but just be smart about it--don't walk alone at night, don't have your phone out/headphones in, pay attention, etc. Keep your wits about you, and you should be fine.
 
I moved to Baltimore 3 years ago for my Master's and stayed in the area (because Baltimore is awesome). Feel free to ask me any questions!

I understand that international student nervousness, assuming you're one. I wish you all the best. Try to distract yourself, make art and eat something nice. *Virtual hug*

So now that I'm done with my interviews, I thought I would summarize my experiences so prospective applicants next year will have some more information going in. I couldn't find much info about Pratt or RISD interviews this year, so I'd like to offer some insight. I'm going to omit the specific questions they asked about my work, as it isn't relevant. I will note how many were asked, however.
Boston U: Option between Skype or in-person interview. Flew there are I had someone to stay with. Three faculty members (Josephine Halvorson, Jaya Howey, Marc Schepens) and two MFA students were in the interview. It lasted about 15-20 minutes, and these are the questions posed to me:
- Why BU
- Why grad school/why now?
- Talk about the process of making your work
- How do you think your work fits into the lineage of contemp. painting (paraphrasing, but that's the jist)
- What artists are you looking at/inspire your work
- *Personal question about work*
- Any questions for us?
Overall tone was pleasant, but deadpan. I couldn't read the room at all, except for one moment of excitement from an interviewer. I ended up getting in and they seemed enthusiastic after all. I honestly thought I did something wrong initially, but I guess that's the tone they take during the interview. 
 
Pratt: Skype interview (no option for in-person, which i'm grateful for given the cost of flying). Two faculty members (Michael Brennan and Nat Meade). The whole interview lasted 17 minutes, with 3-4 of those being my questions. Here are the questions:
- I'm looking at *insert piece name here* and it seems to have these types of influences. Can you talk about that and how you make your work?
- Why grad school now? Why Pratt?
- Talk about artists you are influenced by
- Non-art influences
- Do you know such and such artists? (I did, but I'm bad with names. They let me google them while interviewing and we talked about them)
- *Few more personal questions about work*
Overall tone was extremely pleasant. They were openly complimentary during and after the interview, and very positive about my work and answers to their questions. They were both enthusiastic about the program and about the potential for me to come there. They had good, direct answers for my questions. The whole thing felt like a more intimate conversation about my work with people who were genuinely interested. I sent both of them follow-up emails and they both responded within a day or two. I heard back 3-4 days later via a phone call from the chair with scholarship info. They were timely, friendly, enthusiastic, and accomodating. 
 
RISD: Skype interview, but it was complicated. They really discourage doing Skype interviews, but due to the untimely, massive storm that hit on the day I was supposed to fly out, I couldn't make it. They were understanding, but I think that's the only reason I got a pass. They more or less told me that I wouldn't get in if I didn't show up in person. There were at least 10 faculty members for the interview. This was my longest interview at about 30-45 minutes. Kevin Zucker was leading the interview.
*All of the questions were very detailed, thoughtful (and tough) questions about my process, my concepts, my thinking, my interests, and my essay (which was a first). They asked me if I'd be ok with how rigorous their program was, and how it compares to the program I came from for undergrad*
Overall tone was somewhere in the middle. It wasn't necessarily enthusiastic (towards me), and definitely wasn't complimentary, but not malicious or unreasonable either. They did seem to put a lot of thought into everything they asked, and I really appreciated the effort and time that would take. The questions were serious and very specific, and I'm extremely grateful this was my last interview. I needed the most time to prepare for this one, and if you don't think about your technique, influences, concepts, and goals often, you better start practicing. Another website mentioned that they "grill you tribunal style". I wouldn't call that accurate. If you can't handle hard questions about your work and you tend to take it personally, I can understand how it may feel like that, but I've had way worse experiences in undergrad crits, and it just requires that you have a good level of awareness about your work. I wouldn't really expect less from a top school. They answered my questions directly and thoroughly, and were helpful and accommodating. I left unsure of whether or not I'd be accepted, but I didn't falter at all or stumble on questions, and I answered honestly and accurately, so if it's not a good fit for them, I won't take it to heart. I was just honored to even be considered.
 
I hope this is helpful for everyone, and good luck in our final days of this torturous season!
 
 

Illustration Practice MFA 
And yours is graphic design right?
Let's cross fingers for March

I got into MICA Illustration Practice today via email. :))
Can't wait to hear from SVA.

No interviews! Didn't hear from them at all until last night.
 
There was someone earlier in the thread who received an invite for gd already... I'm assuming rejection for myself lol

I got into MICA Illustration Practice today via email. :))
Can't wait to hear from SVA.

AAAHHHHHHHHHH!!! Accepted to Syracuse!!!!