[MFA 2021: Funding and Decisions]

22 hours ago, SocialKonstruct said:

Geography, in my experience, is a HUGE fraction of what comprises your art networks during the MFA program and beyond.

Thanks! Feeling torn about the "monetary value" of having those networking opportunities in bigger cities vs. seeing the MFA experience as more of an insular experience to refine and polish work in smaller city with more financial support. 

[MFA 2021: Funding and Decisions]

I am trying to decide between fully funded + stipend programs in smaller (relative to the third program) cities, compared to one I would have to go in debt for, that is situated in a larger city. Does anyone know how much the city you are in for an MFA matters, or are people just too busy in their academics/campus bubble to really build networks beyond their program?

[MFA 2021 Freak Out Forum]

4 hours ago, sunnydelightt said:

Has anybody heard back yet from UCSD?

I got an email saying to check the portal at midnight PDT. But I don't think there is any information about $$...yet? Feel free to correct me anyone. 

[MFA 2021 Freak Out Forum]

Is bargaining for/to get more funding packages even a thing for MFA degrees? 

[MFA 2021 Freak Out Forum]

32 minutes ago, nobodyok said:

Congrats on those you were accepted to! I'm waitlisted @ DoVA ~ will be attending the upcoming events. Which are your top preferences?

Thanks! Yes! Will be too

 

I'm having a hard time, they all have profs I want to study with. But I hope to have more clarity with gathering more information about each program this upcoming month. And getting final offers/rejections.... 

[MFA 2021 Freak Out Forum]

Thanks for those who have been updating! Just sharing my side of things if it helps: 

UCI: no interview, rejected 

UIUC: interviewed, accepted with funding

DOVA: interviewed, accepted with funding

UCLA: no interview, probably rejection 

UCSD: interviewed, waiting 

ATP: interviewed, waiting

ISU: no interview, accepted with chance to apply for funding April 1

SAIC low res: no interview, accepted no funding

[MFA 2021 Freak Out Forum]

54 minutes ago, katfude said:

I was thinking the same thing.. it's also interesting to see the vibe shift between the interview request email and the actual interview. In my first interview, the email request tone was VERY nonchalant and perky seeming to guarantee acceptance into the program.. so I thought it was just going to be a quick "make sure I know what art is/not nuts" situation, but then ended up being grilled by monotoned academics on my research priorities and it was a bit jarring. Just a heads up to everyone to be ready for anything!!

Seconding this!!!!! I have been in three different interviews and two was much more casual (why do you want to come here? what do you like to do for fun?) and one felt like a mini critique (you mentioned blah blah blah about your influences but i noticed xyz in your work that has a history of zxy. Can you share with us reading you have done that supports xyz?) But they all made me excited about starting grad school. So I guess, mission accomplished? ??‍♀️?‍♀️??‍♀️

[MFA 2021 Freak Out Forum]

On 2/9/2021 at 5:42 PM, refereemandem said:

my honest opinion is if you're committed to gaining knowledge and becoming a better artist then that's valid enough reason for an mfa at any school.

Every rejection makes you stronger. Life is inherently not easy.

Especially the life of a working artist.

If you've gotten an interview anywhere, I'd mention taking a brief moment to be proud of yourself, it's an accomplishment. If you haven't gotten an interview then perhaps take it as fuel to work harder. There's always room for improvement. Your best work is ahead of you and not in the present. 

From lurking on this site for many years, through many rounds of my own applications. The main source of dissatisfaction seems to be the the difference between expectation and reality. 

(end of rant)

ps. interview tip- get a friend to mock interview you, multiple times- so you get used to talking and answering the questions commonly asked in the interviews. This will get your ideas coherent and you will be able to speak fluidly. 

 

Yes! I second a mock interview as prep. Although maybe because I only did it once so I still felt super nervous and my mind still did go blank a couple times. Lol. But it did help to get feedback prior to the real thing. 

My other interview is for UIUC tomorrow. Good luck to those still preparing and waiting!! I agree that wherever you are in the process, recognizing your efforts so far before continuing to work is important too!

[MFA 2021 Freak Out Forum]

RE: Interviews

Don't know how much this helps, as maybe not all interviews requests don't go out in a batch (or maybe they do and I am just being a Don Quixote ???)? 

I did hear back with interview requests for U of Chicago (for this week) and UC San Diego (for week of Feb 22.) Good luck to all those prepping! And to those waiting, don't forget to check your Spam or Promotions inboxes (as one of my request emails did land there :/)