Demain

I landed at Hunter during their MFA show and happened to be able to speak with a painter and a sculptor who just graduated. I wasn't able to actually see the studios but I've heard they are cramped and a bit awkward. However, I think anything in the city will be a bit small. The grads that I spoke with were pleased with the program but both were lack luster about the amount of faculty interaction and help they have received post graduation. For me, getting a let up with teaching or showing after I graduate is huge. I think the high number of students : faculty at Hunter turns me off over other schools. I also took a look at NYU. There was a lot wrong with what's going on there, dispite some good work. Simple said, for the $70K that NYU wants you could pay for a much nicer program. They have had to cut all their TA ships and now if you want to teach they actually hire the grads as adjunct faculty. You can earn some money this way but its not much and its a lot of work. Studio access was also limited and awkward and with studio's on the 5th floor, material transport was an issue for me. So far, I must say, MICA has got my vote. The whole feeling is that of a program and town that is there to help you but not full of itself. Close enough to NY to keep tabs on whats going on but not overwhelmed in the thick of it. I went to SFAI recently. Again, a good program, some nice work, but the cost just doesn't line up with what you get imo. $80k+? Really?

@ Kaelynn - I personally think taking some time off allows one to appreciate the education more. I know that I was a bit young to really absorb everything in undergrad and I can't imagine having gone right into graduate school at 22. I'm sure it works for some very dedicated people but generally, doing a residency , going out and working in the field (or out of it in my case) gives you some perspective on the academic process. Also, I don't think its 100% necessary to visit each school you apply to, but I've been trying to and it has helped a ton. I have been able to rule out programs that looked great online and sounded great over the phone but just lacked a 'certain something' in person. Being in the room, on the campus, and in the town where you'll have to make work for 2+ years really helps determine if its a good fit. My 2 cents

Hello, I don't think I can give you all the answers you're looking for but I did just visit NYU Steinhardt in person a few days ago. I received a nice tour from one of the grad advisors but unfortunately that tour reflected some of the cramped and out of date conditions of the art building. I was told that funding has been essentially cut and that teaching oppertunities have been shifted to something unique. They actually hire the grads as adjunct faculty to teach classes while they are in the MFA program to get around the cut to the TA program. This pays about $4k per class per semester. I was told most of the grads try to teach 2 classes (sounds like A LOT of work) while they are studying. This still only brings the tuition down 16K/year ... leaving about 18k a year still to pay. This is tuition only as well, doesnt count trying to find a place to live in NY, the supplies, food etc... NYU takes in 10 grads, mixed specialties, out of a pool of about 300 applicants. I hope this helps, if you have any more questions let me know.

Hello everyone, I replied on another thread, I'm not sure which one is going to become our lifeline for communicating together for the 2011 season. I'm 29, a painter, graduated from UCD and then spent a few years 'out in the world'. I have not been showing or working as much as I'd like but I'm starting to get motivated now to get back to a productive routine. I'm from California and am currently out on the east coast checking out schools. I'm finding it a little difficult as much of the faculty is on vacation but I've been able to get a few studio tours and connect with some of the grads. I've looked at NYU and Hunter so far. MICA, Temple, U Penn and VCU are on the list; then its back to CA where I'll look at SFAI, CCA, UCB, UCLA, CSLB, Stanford and possibly Cal Arts. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to get to know each of the programs and the faculty at each of them. I actually asked a Temple advisor some questions about MICA the other day by mistake. I'm here for help and to offer any help that I can. If some of you people cant make it out to CA schools maybe I could forward info or reviews. Best of luck all.

Wow... I just wrote a full page reply to your post and it got deleted. I'm gearing up for the 2011 app season myself. I'm from California but currently out in PA checking out schools. I've looked at NYU and Hunter so far. NYU is off the list, despite the really nice tour. The facilities just arent worth the $. Hunter was great, the MFA show was good and the grads I spoke to gave good reviews. I'll be checking out U Penn, Temple, MICA, and possibly VCU this week. When I head back to CA, I'll be looking at UCB, UCSB, SFAI, CCA, Cal Arts, UCLA, CSLB, and Stanford. I'm finding it not an easy process to narrow down the list, there are so many great programs. I started off by filtering out where I'd like to live and I think personally I have to stay on the coasts; otherwise I'd be looking at Cranbrook, Champaign-Urbana, and Ohio State. My next filter is a tie between faculty I'd like to learn from and, sadly, funding. I spotted a list someone posted on here of 'sleeper' programs that were offering full funding to try and climb the ranks but I can't find the link now. Anyone know of a few programs like that or a list of them? I heard VCU is pretty generous right now. Best of luck to everyone.