lazuli.

I did my undergrad at Oxford!
The MFA is really small and has a super critical atmosphere, its also 1 year and not 2 and it's really academically focused (it is Oxford after all). The intellectual atmosphere really pushes you to deconstruct and think critically about your practice and your choices which some may find intense. But if that is useful for your practice then youre in luck.
When you're there you'll be part of a college, and colleges make up the University itself, so theres no central campus in a traditional sense. So for example you might be at St. John's College, Oxford.
There is A LOT of grants available for materials and travel and the media experimentation is insane.
You can literally make anything provided its conceptually cohesive -- when I was in my first year I remember seeing entire crushed vans inside the studio.
The Bullingdon road studios are absolutely gorgeous, light, airy and spacious and the programme is entirely interdisciplinary. They have every facility you can think of as well and great workshop staff.
It is certainly a place you would go if you are concerned with process and theory, its super conceptual. And whilst I'm sure painters and sculptors in the traditional sense are welcome it is kind of uncommon. For instance there hadn't been an MFA show I went to during my undergrad (three years) where the works weren't really conceptual. But that's not a bad thing as such, as theyre really high quality.
I think the key thing which makes Ruskin good is that it attracts artists through and through. People don't go with the intention of being art world super stars (which is what I've heard is the case with Yale or UCLA etc) They go because they are dedicated/obsessed with making. And from what I've seen, it is not a competitive atmosphere either (also an apparent issue in the aforementioned schools), most likely because of the highly individualised program (which is made possible by being a part of a college AND the university and the fact that theres like 12 people a year).
Its far cheaper than american schools, probably more as an international student, but you get more for your buck. You're entitled to every single workshop and every collection and library that Oxford has to offer (LOTS).
The faculty are intelligent and dedicated, and include turner prize winning Elizabeth Price. Also it is Oxford! The literal best uni in the world!
The alumni network is also incredible, again because you're part of a college you'll meet people from all disciplines outside of Fine Art. From the Ruskin, I know quite a few alumni who are doing pretty well including those who are gallery artists, curators, doing PhDs in fine art (which oxford also offers) writers (a few guardian columnists), teachers. Also at least 2-3 people a year seem to be going onto the Whitney ISP, in the 2018/19 year there were 3 Ruskin peeps in one cohort at the Whitney so there must be something about them.
I could go on and on, Oxford as a city is cute and has really great galleries and eateries and perhaps the most beautiful architecture in the U.K. It is however quite small, but I am also from London.
On the whole, Ruskin is a one year program which works for some and not others. I would highly recommend if you're deeply intellectual and are interested in the potential that has for your work and if you are primarily concerned about your skills as an artist above all else. In all honesty, if you are expecting a success formula or are super commercially focused (not a bad thing, you do you!) then Ruskin really isn't that kind of place for you.
Hope this helped a bit!

I decided to accept the offer from Northwestern, I was looking for a heavily theoretical/conceptual program and in that regard it's hard to beat Northwestern, also the faculty are incredible and the funding package is insane, 37k with no work requirement the first year and a TA position the second year. Thank you all for the camaraderie.  

I just received a phone call from northwestern accepting me into the program. Extremely excited!

Updates!
SAIC (Low-res) - No Interview. Admitted. Funding at about 30% grant (including work-study)and 70% loans. I've sent emails about funding inquiry to possibly appeal/negotiate but they are not responsive. Not sure if I will try to call/schedule Financial Aid because the cost of attendance is just too high without other scholarships.
Bard (MFA Film/Video) - Interviewed. Admitted (through phone call this morning by program/discipline co-chair, admission letter/offer will be sent out 3/10 Friday). Waiting on funding info. Really considering this since it has the longest in-person residency among the other low-res programs (I'm a non-traditional student, parent, and spouse in my late 30s), and I am really excited about the film/video faculty and program structure.
 
Rooting for everyone! Decision season it is!

holy shit...just got into yale!!!!!

holy shit...just got into yale!!!!!

holy shit...just got into yale!!!!!

holy shit...just got into yale!!!!!

Just got accepted at yale omgg😭😭😭😭

Got an acceptance from UCONN, full funding with stipend!

🫠

Helloo!! Also had an interview for Yale but my questions were pretty generic (uh oh) but still kind of intense; why now/why Yale/What excites you/Whats your process? But feeling slightly better abt getting an interview this time after a deny+reapply 5 years ago. I literally can't focus on anything except the decisions coming within the next week lol.
Wishing you all the best !!

I found Yale interview to be intense as well - a lot of questions in 20m. No introductions just straight into it. The wait is really taxing.

Helloo!! Also had an interview for Yale but my questions were pretty generic (uh oh) but still kind of intense; why now/why Yale/What excites you/Whats your process? But feeling slightly better abt getting an interview this time after a deny+reapply 5 years ago. I literally can't focus on anything except the decisions coming within the next week lol.
Wishing you all the best !!

Hi, i participated in last year's forum and have been a lurker this year. finally feeling ready to join the convo after having finished my first two interviews last week with Yale and Columbia. Both went pretty well, and the questions were hyper-specific to my applications (Yale went as far as quoting parts of my written statement in a couple of their questions). I surprised the Columbia interviewers by showing them new work that I've made since applying, and they were very receptive to that and seemed super excited about it, which was nice.
Right now I'm still waiting to hear back from UCLA, like others. Was rejected by SAIC and Hunter, although the Hunter rejection surprised me since I previously have been accepted into their MFA program. Guess it wasn't meant to be !!

Ok everyone, my goal is to make it to Thursday without checking my emails for admissions info and/or logging in to my grad student portal. Would anyone like to do this with me in solidarity? 

Just got offered a full ride at RISD, kinda nuts!

They switched to zoom for covid and have no plans to go back. But before covid, from my limited understanding, you had to pay for everything. They understand it was sooo cost prohibitive and horrible logistics for everyone hence the no plans to move away from zoom interviews. 

Wow I just received an acceptance email from RISD Painting in the middle of the night from the Program Director JACKIE GENDEL. So extremely grateful feeling like I want to cry.
 
 

Got an interview for Yale Painting!! Honestly losing my mind after being rejected back in 2019 
Well done to everybody regardless!! Just applying and continuing on your craft is worth celebrating in and of itself!

Got an interview for Yale Painting!! Honestly losing my mind after being rejected back in 2019 
Well done to everybody regardless!! Just applying and continuing on your craft is worth celebrating in and of itself!

Got an interview for Yale Painting!! Honestly losing my mind after being rejected back in 2019 
Well done to everybody regardless!! Just applying and continuing on your craft is worth celebrating in and of itself!

Got an interview for Yale Painting!! Honestly losing my mind after being rejected back in 2019 
Well done to everybody regardless!! Just applying and continuing on your craft is worth celebrating in and of itself!

Congrats! I just got an invite to Yale painting/printmaking I’m feeling so relieved omg

Second-time applicant here and got an interview for Yale painting/printmaking!
Congrats to those who made it pass the first round! And cheering on everyone!! Don't give up!!!! This does not reflect your worth as a person or artist.