slickjaketheruler

I didn't get that email, or an interview, or an update on my application, or a notification that I was rejected. I'm so confused with Tyler right now, and frustrated that I am so much in the dark with this process. I'm literally waiting on an answer from them so I can start negotiating with my other offers. I'm still somewhat hopeful, although since I didn't get an interview I feel like it's a rejection. The printmaking department head did say they application process is really outdated and archaic, so nothing is easy for them with facilitating it.

Anyone hear back from SUNY Purchase yet? I thought I saw somewhere that acceptances went out for them.

Yes, I did. Surprisingly with a scholarship. And I was completely shocked to see I got in.

I’m still waiting. I never interviewed though. So idk if that’s a rejection or waitlist situation.

When you make the decision or leap to come if you get in, you are more than welcome to ask for any advice on how to navigate the city. I can link you up to tons of resources!

Awesome! I've definitely seen one of his shows that included a bunch of the ceramic works.

ADA is a cool space. It's really small, maybe the size of a small 1 bedroom apartment. From what I know, the owner is a really nice and chill person. Most of the works there are paintings and wall sculptures (you won't see as much full scale installation or video art works). The space usually shows very vibrant artists that have more conceptual or abstract works. There's a few group shows that are curated by the owner usually in the summer or every once in a while in the winter that usually pulls from some artists in the Richmond area that don't have representation from the gallery. It's always a really fun space to pop into on opening nights. COVID has really taken a toll on how the space operates. I just looked on their site and I think they are restructuring their operations or something.

If it means anything, I currently live in Richmond at the moment and anytime there is a VCU sculpture exhibition, they are my favorite. I look forward to MFA thesis exhibitions each year. The only thing I know, is that most students have their first year funded completely (allegedly) and that there is some funding the second year. I know some students in the Craft Department that got most of the school funded and some painting/print people that got the entire thing funded. The school offers a lot of opportunity for students to travel (I believe the program requires a summer class or residency of some sort). One student I knew went to SAIC for the Abandon Practices Performance program in the summer and another spent the summer in Berlin. Richmond is very DIY in the sense that a lot of art spaces are really reflective of the students and emerging artists running the city; but I personally think (and others I have talked to) that VCU sculpture is super impressive. Let me know if you have any other questions about Richmond, I can answer anything from the perspective of an artist that didn't go to VCU.

I also got into SMFA, and I saw that a few days ago and was wondering the same thing. I really did like the faculty I interviewed with, but the school is just so expensive even with the scholarship they offered me. I think we’re in the same boat of not wanting to attend if it’s going to be a hectic time.

Who! Is! Still! Waiting! From! Tyler!!!?!?! Feels like a lifetime, lol

Just received an offer from SAIC Printmedia, with a 35% tuition scholarship. Im happy, but also upset that I probably won’t be able to afford it.

I would maybe start and think about the people you met at each university. Do you feel you have met enough grads and faculty at each school to make a good decision? One of the things I’m doing, is setting up virtual studio visits with the current grads now, so I can get a feel as to who would be looking at my work. They often have a lot more insight into the university than we give them credit for.

When I met with the printmaking department head at Tyler, he explained to me that they really don't like to offer admissions unless they are able to give some sort of financial aid. So their process tends be long, since they apply for fellowships on the students behalf to the Dean and university as a whole before sending any sort of notice of acceptance. They try to prioritize students they can give funding to. He explained to me that the process of applying for funding can take close to 4-6 weeks to hear back from the Dean of the university. I hope that might ease your mind of the wondering by any chance why you haven't heard back. It's probably because they are still weighing their options of who they can give that aid to.

Best of luck to you too! I hope everywhere else treats you amazing!

I would maybe not follow up if they asked not to email a thank you or contact them a thank you. But I’m a bit confused here, was the MFA director seeming standoffish? I get people are busy, but this is like the 4th time someone had an unpleasant interview moment in this year of interviews. I understand everyone has their own reasons for applying to universities of their choosing, but this to me, from what I’ve seen with everything with MICA, are some huge red flags. I would just really think on it. I know you’ll make the best decision for yourself and why you need from a program (just stating an opinion here). But I’d be really cautious before dropping money on the program.

Yeah, that’s some bs. A director like that should step down.

I’m afraid I might get that frustrating call as well. Still waiting on printmaking

I know some programs like you to have some life experience out of college to make. I applied my first year out of school, and got waitlisted to a few places. I was upset at the time, but looking back I’m so thankful I didn’t. My work has changed so completely in a 3 year span that I really know what I want from an MFA program.

For those of us that interviewed on Saturday with SAIC, when do you think we’ll hear back on acceptances?

I just received my acceptance as well. Congratulations!

They didn't mention anything in regards to the department as a whole.

I just had mine with print media and it went well. Super short, 20 minute interview. At the print media mixer last night, some of the graduate students took a moment to chat with us without the professors. Some of them applied to both photo and print. They all had the same experience with the interview with the photography department, that it felt very much defensive and not supportive of their actual work. Hope that gives you some piece of mind that it isn't just you, but that they do it to everyone allegedly.

Start with an admissions counselor. It's their job to help you get the information you need to make a clear decision with school. They'll most likely put you in contact with someone that can help you out or talk to. I just politely asked if I could speak with someone from the department. I don't think its weird asking out of the blue. You have to remember that these are people that work for a university. They aren't there for us to walk on eggshells around them. The way I see it, if they don't want to take time to talk for 20-30 minutes with an MFA student, then it's clear where their priorities land. I can give some pointers. I am applying for printmaking programs. And it's really important for me to be working with faculty that really have a grasp and understanding of how printmaking operates within the surrounding area of the university at large. I made it very clear with the admissions counselor that I wanted to have a discussion on what printmaking opportunities exist outside the university, and how the university supports student growth into other areas like nonprofit and experimental art spaces. Some universities put me in contact with a print shop manager, an adjust, or the department head who could best answer those questions. What I would personally would NOT do is ask to schedule a portfolio review. Just include your website in your signature and tailor your initial email specifically to something about the university or program at large. Rarely do I feel that a faculty member is going to say "wow your work looks great!" Instead let them browse your site on their own time. A lot of times, the professors I spoke with mentioned ways in which my work could blossom in their program, and in ways I didn't expect (such as moving towards more performance, textile, sculpturally). Use that time that you might have with a professor to talk about how the university program supports what you do. Long statement short, start with the counselor. They'll guide you to who you need to speak to. And from there, make it very clear about what you need to know about the university. It can even be, "I'm looking for a program that allows me explore ____ and ____. How could you see this university supporting it or helping me achieve that?"

I just heard back from SUNY Purchase for those that were waiting on that. They called to set up an interview.

I think most schools are interdisciplinary in their practice now days anyway (especially as an MFA student). I wouldn’t worry about it too much, as long as you believe the work you are making is in conversation with sculpture. And I’m sure faculty are understanding of having limited space and access to sculptural work. One of the graduate advisors at SAIC looked at my work and told me that I should also consider applying for the fibers and materials studies programs due to the way I work with printmaking. If your work is primarily sculptural but has aspects of printmaking, I think it’s okay to go either way. If I were in your shoes and a faculty member or interview went sour because you weren’t working “enough with sculpture,” I’d take that as a sign that maybe the school isn’t the right program for you.