graciej

hey guys, trying to say goodbye to this forum here. I didn't really post but I have been peeking this forum since mid February and occasionally received anxiety as well as comforts. Man, it's been a long journey, isn't it?
This is my second time applying and might be my last try. 
My only two goals are Bard and Yale. Last year, I got the interview at Bard and straight rejection at Yale. It was right before the pandemic when you could still meet people in the real world. I made some friends who are still in contact even today. I was very lucky to meet a milestone in my art career in 2020. I had two solo exhibitions in museums I admire. So I applied to MFA again last minute thinking I wouldn't want to "waste" the application materials I submitted. This year, I got interviews both at Bard and Yale, which felt like a huge encouragement to me --- the affirmation of my personal growth in a year. But I didn't ended up going to either of the schools. 
During this whole application process, one question I couldn't quite confidently answer is always: "Why do you need an MFA?" I wanted to do an MFA ten years ago even before I started my BFA. It felt like an important line on my to do list, but that's it. I have to constantly remind myself that MFA is just a path not a destination. I cannot use it as an escape for my career, a push for new projects, a window for a guaranteed "next stage". Of course, I'd love to be around with other talented artists who would inspire me and/or become lifelong friends with me. But even that won't be guaranteed with the price we have to pay for exchange. 
I will be moving to a new city next week starting a new chapter in my life. It is very sad to think that a journey ends here, but I also don't think that the faculties who already knew me will be willing to see my again at the interview lol. I will be somewhere else. The journey we are all taking is not about meeting milestones anyway. 
 
 

GUYS
 
I got accepted to CALARTS for Photography. What the fuck. I did not even have an interview. I got a notification and I thought it was a rejection. I definitely won't be able to go because of the finances, but the acceptance warms my heart. 

Sent in my email to accept a fully funded offer from ASU today. I am so incredibly excited! For those on waitlists, don't give up hope! (And also, for those who find themselves in the same position I found myself in last year with acceptances I couldn't afford, don't be afraid of trying again. I'm so happy I did.)

This forum has been pretty helpful, and I just want to wish you all the best of luck! 

Hi, so I am basically in the same situation. My understanding is that RCA, Slade, and Goldsmiths are the top U.K. schools. They may be slightly less known in the US but most academic and gallery people will be impressed and in Europe they are THE Columbia, SAIC, etc.  So that’s the prestige aspect. Obviously we all know that’s important but not necessary for success. We also all know that collectively, hundreds of students come out of these programs every goddamn year and very few reach the upper levels of success in the art world. All things to consider. 
 
That said, try not to get too caught up in the funding vs prestige debate because in my experience it’s a dead end. Try to think more holistically. For example, what’s the value to you of London as a city? What does financial stability mean to you as a person? Do you see yourself buying a house?  How scrappy do you feel? How fragile do you feel? How does the worst time of your life apply to this decision? How does the best time in your life apply to this decision? How much would you like to change who you are? I had three fully funded offers in the US and I chose Goldsmiths. To make my decision, I tried to think holistically. I’m ready for an adventure! Student debt doesn’t scare me because I’m marrying a shit ton of it lol. I want to take a shot at those upper tiers! Maybe I can teach at a great program or show in the Whitney when I’m 50! Or maybe not. Maybe it will just be two amazing years in London with amazing museums. And I’ll have debt forever. I can accept that.   I even thought of stuff like do I like British food? Is the idea of not driving a plus or a negative? Do you see yourself as a risk-taker? Why or why not? Does anything matter to you more than art? Why or why not?  I’m not telling you to choose RCA, I’m just sharing my process because I know it’s a really hard decision. 
TED talks are stupid but I’m going to share one below because it changed how I thought about this whole process and made me a lot more positive about my decision. 
You have two great options and this is a GOLDEN opportunity to define yourself as a person. What you want, what you are comfortable with, and everything else. Neither choice is wrong. What will make you happy is sticking up for whichever decision you make. Don’t question yourself, but adapt to your choice. Best of luck. 

I am so excited to announce that I was accepted into UCI Tuesday evening! Some of you might know I was originally waitlisted, but I received an email that funding has changed and they were able to add another spot for their incoming cohort! I still cannot believe this is real! Look forward to seeing some of y’all in California!

So, here's the final tally.
 
George Washington U (Fine Arts) - Rejected w/ no interview
U of Kansas (Expanded Media) - Rejected w/ no interview
U of W Milwaukee (Cinematic Arts) - Rejected w/ no interview
RISD (Digital + Media) - Rejected w/ no interview
U of M Ann Arbor (Art) - Rejected w/ no interview (though kind words followed)
U of W Madison (4-D Video & Performance) - Rejected after interview
MCAD (Visual Studies) - Accepted(!) w/ no interview (2/3rd tuition covered w/ merit scholarship)
VCU (Kinetic Imaging) - No word so assumed rejection
 
Needless to say, I'm extremely grateful but a little disheartened. On one hand, as a self taught artist who studied art history and theory in their own unguided way, its fulfilling to take such a large step to what I believe to be my path and to be going to a school (MCAD) that I feel is an excellent fit for me. On the other hand, I'd be lying if I said this was a perfect situation. I'd like more of a choice and despite my feelings about the school, it was my only acceptance and it seems the general consensus in the world I don't know much about is that it's not the most competitive program.
But with all this being said, I'm very excited to be going to MCAD. It's been fun and stress-relieving to have this forum as support and information. Thank you to everyone posting their thoughts, feelings, words of wisdom, and their success! I'm happy for all of you and those who posted their work, it's all very exciting and you're super talented.
Here's my website and Instagram. I'd love to keep up with any of you and your work so if you post your Instagram around in the forum I'll be sure to give you a follow.
ericdbutler.com
@ericedanielbutler

Thanks so much! That is really helpful, I appreciate your insight!

Well said and congratulations on accepting what sounds like a great offer from Oregon!!
 
Can I ask, was it IU Bloomington that you heard back from? If so, I’m curious if you interviewed with them and how you heard back. Of course, only if you are willing to share your experience!!

Thank you!! I’m really excited to see where it takes me, I feel like it’s the right choice and I can’t wait to move out there. 
 
And yes, it was IU Bloomington! I interviewed for the fibers program back in early February. I was put under a pretty early time crunch from another program that was offering me funding, so I reached out to IU to check the status of my application. I was told my place on the waitlist and that helped me make a decision about my other offers. Indiana has a fantastic program and everyone that I interacted with during the application process was beyond kind, so I wouldn’t be nervous about reaching out if that is what you’re considering! I hope all goes well for you!

I would like to propose that everyone’s opinion on here is very valid and there is no need for hard feelings!  Never mind bots or duplicate accounts, I find the main camps on here are mostly arguing wether prestige or funding are more important. Because I have to personally make that decision, after meditating, making pros and cons list, drinking heavily, talking to everyone I know for days about it, and regularly waking in the middle of the night to nervous vomit, I AM HERE TO TELL YOU THAT I DON’T KNOW. ❤️❤️❤️ And I thank you for ALL your opinions and lovely support. Sending my support right back your way. 

There isn’t a right answer to this. We’d all need a crystal ball for and it’s different for different people. Please proceed with love and respect ✊ 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

finally heard back from the last of my programs, waitlisted at UC Berkeley, Indiana university, and UIC.
But I’ve already accepted an amazing offer from university of Oregon, full tuition remission and a teaching position and I truly could not be happier with my choice!
this process is so tough mentally and can be the root of a lot of impostor syndrome, but to all of those still waiting I wish you the best of luck!! You’ve got what it takes, try to remember that in the tough times 

I just turned down UMass Dartmouth for ceramics & it was really difficult to do! VCU Craft & Materials gave better funding so it was a no brainer, but after all the time, effort, and money it took to apply to these schools—it’s difficult to say No Thank You.
I wish everyone peace in this process. I keep telling myself “This or something better”. It helps.
And, if you didn’t get in anywhere this year, do your best & keep trying—if it’s what you really want. 

Just got a phone call. Accepted with a full ride. ??

Hello, I applied to four schools and got accepted into three; VCU, Alfred and UT Austin for Sculpture. Here are some less conventional things I did:
-I kept a studio practice after undergrad and took a two year gap. Last year I went to an artists residency, it helped me make work because I had inconsistent studio space. I also ended up making dope friends. 
-I had a friend take professional photographs of my work. That made a huge difference since I am a sculptor and don't have a photo background. It was not cheap but it was worth it because it is a good investment. I used those photos to apply to grad school, to apply to residencies, for talk flyers, for my website, etc. 
-I applied to only a few schools. I knew what schools I wanted to go to and which would have funding for me and I did not bother applying to any school that didn't provide tuition waivers etc. 
- I made sure that my recommendation letters were by people who really supported me and my work rather than focusing on people who had more pull who may have written an "eh" letter. I kept in touch with my professors from undergrad, like really in touch. I worked for them, I attended their events, I emailed them for advice, ran into them at openings, invited them to my shows etc. Honestly this wasn't too hard because we became colleagues after I graduated. 
-I DMd artists I know on instagram and emailed them to ask them to put in a good word for me with their friends who teach at those schools. 
-I emailed current MFA students at those schools to ask for a zoom meeting so I could ask questions about the program and their experience (one of them went to the same undergrad program I did)
-I was candid in my interviews and I asked questions about things that I really care about. Like how they are dealing with diversity efforts and supporting artists of color.