AidaLizard

Yep I got a phone call March 5th.

VCU Sculpture made acceptance phone calls March 5th.

I was invited to do an interview by email and I heard my acceptance by phone call last Friday.

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.

Thank you I appreciate it! I think I just need to wait... Based in everything I read and what people said I'm hoping they will have some sort of assistantship with 15-20 hours and cover tuition for the first year but who knows about the rest. I will share what my offers at Alfred and UT Austin are after I make my decision if anyone is interested.

Thank you so much! When I had my interview they told me that they were going to wait 2 weeks to let me know because they were hoping to have an offer that included two years. I read the funding part of the website but I really wish I had an idea of what their stipends are like. I have been learning more about Richmond and it seems like an ideal city to do the research I want to do. I also want to work with three of their faculty. I agree with you that their work is great, that is why they are my first choice. I'm waiting eagerly for their email.

Thank you this is really helpful. UT Austin only assured an offer for the first year, while Alfred does for both.

I was hoping someone said something along the lines of whether most grads get either fellowships or assistantships, if anyone pays any tuition out of pocket, etc. not people's private financial info thanks.

Thanks for responding that they are generous, but do you have any actual info?

Anyone know what the finacial aid is like at VCU for sculpture? I know tuition is roughly 49k for out of state grad students for the two years but anyone heard of what the financial aid offer was for a recent MFA candidate? I'm curious because I have two other offers and I'm waiting to hear from VCU atm and I want to have an idea of what to expect.

What kind of program did you interview for? I have never heard of having a slide presentation for a MFA in Visual Arts interview.

You may still be on the waitlist?

I got an acceptance from Alfred Sculpture but they want a response by Monday and I am still waiting for responses from UT Austin and VCU Sculpture. I interviewed for both and the interviews went well but I won't hear back from VCU until 1-2 weeks form now and who knows what is going on in Austin since they were dealing with the storm and chaos... Anyone have any advice? Is it okay to ask Alfred for more time to decide?

I had an interview for sculpture yesterday. They said we'd hear in one or two weeks.

I prefer the one I just interviewed for but they are all great schools!