Paintyface

The director of the program I accepted an offer from said that they had a massive influx in applications this year. It is a state program and I received a full tuition waiver, teaching fellowship and 15k stipend plus health insurance. Any time there is an economic downturn, there is an excess of applicants to graduate programs. Unemployment rates skyrocketed this year due to Covid so for many people grad school is a way to make yourself potentially more employable in a future where the job market in this country will be highly competitive due to repercussions from the pandemic. For programs like mine, that provide a stipend and TA-ship (which is essentially a job), it makes sense that there would be more applicants as it’s a way of furthering your career and being paid to do so, in a time where many (artists in particular) are facing grave financial uncertainty. For fee based programs in expensive urban locations, I’d imagine applications were less this year though. Not as many people willing to roll the dice and take on tuition debt or move and pay rent in NYC or similar cities. Good luck to every one out there, and remember to follow your own path and keep making art wherever you end up. There are many roads to success, and no matter what people have you believe, the art market recognizes talent and (surprise) good art! In the end, if your MFA helps nurture your talent, and guides/informs your art making process then it doesn’t really matter what ‘brand’ your school is. Your work will surface in the art world and you will find success.

Feel you on this. The best financial offer I received was from the school I least want to attend and my first choice which was supposed to be fully funded didn't offer me anything because of Covid budget restrictions. Such a tough decision.

Yeah, I haven't heard either way, but no interview so I'm assuming a rejection.

Were you notified via email?

This is an example of opinion clouding facts. Are you aware that the EXACT SAME "Top notch MFA reading list" is required in the Cal State MFA, in addition to Bell Hooks, Donna Haraway, Kimberly Crenshaw, J Munoz, Rachel Haidu, Kaulingfrecks, T.J. Demos, Teju Cole, etc etc.... You're right in that they are not easy texts to gloss over -- but perhaps you should do some more research before manipulating information in favor of your opinion and the very minimal information that it is based upon. Have you actually researched reading lists in the state funded programs? Did you think no one else on here is aware of the critical theory other programs offer...?

Thank you! There are those of us artists who are truly driven to make art, and are not motivated by the promise of a blue-chip gallery or a 'name-brand' school...is it inconceivable to some that we may actually have different needs, motivations and aspirations? Sorry, but if I was interested in hustling I'd do a business degree or I'd become a curator or gallerist. I am a painter, I want to expand my craft and delve into critical theory and immerse myself in creative dialogue with my peers. There are many institutions that cultivate this environment, not just Yale and the top 10. The patriarchal, elitist mind-set is SO incredibly retrograde, and perpetuates everything that is wrong with the abhorrent neolibral late-capitalist aspects of the art-world that undermines the rights of the artist and detracts from the actual art! For a so-called 'marxist' someone seems very uninformed about the super-structure that they are condoning-- especially in the company of fellow artists. Right now, blue-chip galleries are out of favor with artists anyway, the minute you sell out, your credibility is shot...there are plenty of cutting edge mid-level galleries who look at the work, not the CV of the artist...think Bill Powers of the Half Gallery or Kathy Grayson of The Hole. I think I'll maintain my authenticity as an artist and keep the focus on the art-making, not on making money, thank you very much. If you're making art for fame, money or status then it will always, always be visible in the lack of authenticity in your work. Stay true to yourself peeps! Enough of the negative, opinionated BS.

This might be helpful. Bit tedious to sift through and the info is a couple of years old, but VCU is in there. Tuition, Fellowship, TA positions etc. https://www.collegeart.org/pdf/publications/CAA-directory-visual-arts.pdf

Has anyone had to reschedule an interview due to a scheduling conflict or emergency? I have to reschedule (family medical emergency) but I’m really worried it’ll look unprofessional and they’ll reject me. Thoughts?

Someone posted this link a while ago, I believe that legally you don't have to make any decisions before April 15th. https://cgsnet.org/april-15-resolution-1?nl=

If your website is Squarespace check the analytics for geography which will tell you which locations have been viewing your website if you get any hits in relevant locations go to 'activity log' on the side menu, click on 'Visitor IP Address' and the referrer will be the name of the university or school.

Yikes. That sounds a little shady.

Painting and obsessively checking status too. Also looking at website analytics, although this can also be a source of anxiety and disappointment. I noticed 24 hits in one day all from different devices but ip address was one of the universities I applied to so I know they were checking me out. Haven't heard a peep and it's rough.

You are under no obligation to accept any offer until the deadline which should be mentioned in your letter of acceptance. If it's not, then contact admissions. I personally would not accept the offer until you hear from all other programs you applied to. Definitely don't pay any money prior to determining whether or not you'll be attending. Legally, offers can't just be rescinded for no reason, especially if it's prior to the deadline. Typically you evaluate the financial aid packages from all programs you are accepted to and then make a decision...

I've seen people with two MFA's but only when one was from an international institution and one from an American institution. I think this is quite common if you migrate to the United States as it would benefit you if you wanted to teach here. I'm from Australia and if I wanted to ever move back and teach at a University there I'd probably need to do a PhD in painting as that is the terminal degree there...it just depends on the situation.

I applied to Purchase but no word yet. Deadline was 02/01 and I know they were having issues with their portal so deadline was extended for some. I don't expect to hear anything for a while...

Not sure if you caught any of this, but the panel concluded that it wasn't time to kill the MFA, but disagreed with students having to pay any tuition or get into debt for an art education at all...also talked a lot about how MFA programs don't actually prepare you for the art world etc.

I agree...the art world has changed pretty dramatically in the past couple of years. Yale and Columbia are fantastic ways to get gallery representation straight out of school, but there are a lot of solid programs out there, especially if you are interested in pursuing a career in academia. It really depends on your aspirations...and how you define success... I read about this workshop tonight: https://www.vvrkshop.art/is-it-time-to-kill-the-mfa One of the guest speakers is Chris White, the director of the Carnegie Mellon school of Art...interesting timing with offers going out over the next couple of months. Thought it might be worth sharing... Also wanted to say that this thread is alleviating much of the anxiety I've felt this application season ?

I did for one program because it didn't require a personal or artist statement so that was the only opportunity I had to explain my process. For programs where I had to submit statements it seemed repetitive so I didn't...

I had to turn down Columbia for undergrad because I couldn't afford it. The decision still haunts me but I had no choice, tried everything to get the money together but had to accept a scholarship elsewhere in the end...

FAFSA requests you list all schools you're applying to (regardless of acceptance). You can list up to 10. Once you accept an offer you can edit your FAFSA and delete the schools you're not attending...

Congrats!!! Also, that's so interesting, when I asked about interviews they said it wasn't customary unless you were a potential fellowship/stipend candidate. Maybe painting is different than sculpture, not sure...

Nothing from BU painting yet over here...

I applied for BU painting too...no news yet ?

Anyone have any more info on painting at Hunter? I know they extended their deadline to 1/22. Would love to know how many applicants are accepted each year and when interviews typically take place...

through the check graduate status portal.