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No, you are not. You could, but you are not required to. 

HI 123123435!!!!! 
Man... Reading your post hit me kinda hard. Nahhh... I doubt you feel okay, and it's okay to not feel okay. Being rejected sucks at any age. 
Here's my story: I only applied to one university, this semester. I did my interview and it SUCKED. I was SO sick with a fever and high on cough medicine that I barely remember it. After that I never heard anything back except for an email yesterday of them saying that they needed some financial aid supplement and tax returns or something. For WHAT??? But I got nothing from the department, whatsoever. AT LEAST YOU GOT PUT ON A WAITING LIST. That's awesome and an accomplishment! They just fuckin FORGOT about me, lol!
My situation sounds like it sucks, amirite? But these things happen, tho. Listen... You and I have a couple things in common, yeah? I'm older as well, like YOU. I'm 44 years old, a middle age artist, and I'm going to apply for an MFA again for next year because I want to teach kids how to create art at the collegiate or HS level and I feel that my Chicano Art and Culture is something that benefits society and would be an asset to any art department. You can't give up just because of your age, you've got your OWN good things to share that will make us a better society, especially for the kids and the old people! You gotta know that.
If you apply this fall 2021 for next year, I've got a good feeling that the third times gonna be the charm for you. Just keep your head up, stay positive, and never stop making art. Make a drawing a day. Take a sketch pad with you everywhere. Do good things for people and bring others up! Oh, and... MAKE A LOT OF ART, AND START NOW.
It's gonna happen for you homie, I just KNOW it!


 

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. 
 
 

Hi all, 
It seems this application season is coming to an end, before it does I wanted to leave here some pieces of advice that helped me in this application process for those of you who haven't applied yet, or will apply again next year. 
This was a tough year for applying. Even though I have a feeling overall applications were less, most programs were also accepting *significantly* less people. For example, for painting programs I know, Yale accepted two thirds their usual number, that's 12 instead of 18, and UCLA accepted 1 or 2 people instead of 3 or 4 for painting.  So there's a chance that if you got waitlisted somewhere you would have been an admit during a non-covid year. U Wahington I think also accepted less people, Rutgers and Stanford didn't even open admissions this year. 
Anyways, here are my two cents:
-I did my best in interviews when I had a bullet point list of things about my practice (besides my usual elevator pitch) that are unique to me and that enlighten some ways in which I can contribute to the specific program. I tried to weave these points in regardless of what questions were asked. Have questions prepared, and use them as a way of saying something about who you are and what you care about. Best advice I've been given for interviews: be excited and show it. Practice interviewing, the questions they ask tend to be similar across programs, at least some of the questions, such as: why grad school why now? why this program? what faculty do you want to work with? how do you see your work evolving? how are you in communities? what are you reading now? artists your work is in dialogue with? Be yourself, and don't worry about seeming perfect. 
-Do your research really well, apply to schools where you actually see yourself going, research the city, the orgs around, and of course research the courses offered and faculty.
-If you can reach out to current students or alumni, they will be able to give you a clear impression of what things are really like. However, do take these with a grain of salt. At the end of the day I believe an MFA will be what we make of it, someone else's experience is not always indicative of how things will be like for YOU. Ask if they would be willing to share a syllabus with you, or at least describe the kind of material they are studying. Talking to students may also give you a chance to speak more honestly, don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know, via email, politely. A lot of schools have public lists of current students.
-Remember at the end of the day for many schools it comes down to forming a cohort that will work well together. So, have in mind sometimes rejections are due to that.
That's all, if I think of something else I will respond here! :):)

Hi all, 
It seems this application season is coming to an end, before it does I wanted to leave here some pieces of advice that helped me in this application process for those of you who haven't applied yet, or will apply again next year. 
This was a tough year for applying. Even though I have a feeling overall applications were less, most programs were also accepting *significantly* less people. For example, for painting programs I know, Yale accepted two thirds their usual number, that's 12 instead of 18, and UCLA accepted 1 or 2 people instead of 3 or 4 for painting.  So there's a chance that if you got waitlisted somewhere you would have been an admit during a non-covid year. U Wahington I think also accepted less people, Rutgers and Stanford didn't even open admissions this year. 
Anyways, here are my two cents:
-I did my best in interviews when I had a bullet point list of things about my practice (besides my usual elevator pitch) that are unique to me and that enlighten some ways in which I can contribute to the specific program. I tried to weave these points in regardless of what questions were asked. Have questions prepared, and use them as a way of saying something about who you are and what you care about. Best advice I've been given for interviews: be excited and show it. Practice interviewing, the questions they ask tend to be similar across programs, at least some of the questions, such as: why grad school why now? why this program? what faculty do you want to work with? how do you see your work evolving? how are you in communities? what are you reading now? artists your work is in dialogue with? Be yourself, and don't worry about seeming perfect. 
-Do your research really well, apply to schools where you actually see yourself going, research the city, the orgs around, and of course research the courses offered and faculty.
-If you can reach out to current students or alumni, they will be able to give you a clear impression of what things are really like. However, do take these with a grain of salt. At the end of the day I believe an MFA will be what we make of it, someone else's experience is not always indicative of how things will be like for YOU. Ask if they would be willing to share a syllabus with you, or at least describe the kind of material they are studying. Talking to students may also give you a chance to speak more honestly, don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know, via email, politely. A lot of schools have public lists of current students.
-Remember at the end of the day for many schools it comes down to forming a cohort that will work well together. So, have in mind sometimes rejections are due to that.
That's all, if I think of something else I will respond here! :):)

yeah! congratulations! Do you mind sharing the school? I'm sure a lot of artists would be interested for next season. Def join the student union to continue the fight for a livable stipend. Livable stipends + tuition remission + healthcare should be the norm in all grad programs. The pandemic is def a great time for personal enrichment and community building since jobs in the arts are a bust. I agree that it's a great opportunity to develop marketable skills like UX design or skills out side of the arts to be more competitive in a difficult market. I'm glad the tide is turning!  

Hi all, 
It seems this application season is coming to an end, before it does I wanted to leave here some pieces of advice that helped me in this application process for those of you who haven't applied yet, or will apply again next year. 
This was a tough year for applying. Even though I have a feeling overall applications were less, most programs were also accepting *significantly* less people. For example, for painting programs I know, Yale accepted two thirds their usual number, that's 12 instead of 18, and UCLA accepted 1 or 2 people instead of 3 or 4 for painting.  So there's a chance that if you got waitlisted somewhere you would have been an admit during a non-covid year. U Wahington I think also accepted less people, Rutgers and Stanford didn't even open admissions this year. 
Anyways, here are my two cents:
-I did my best in interviews when I had a bullet point list of things about my practice (besides my usual elevator pitch) that are unique to me and that enlighten some ways in which I can contribute to the specific program. I tried to weave these points in regardless of what questions were asked. Have questions prepared, and use them as a way of saying something about who you are and what you care about. Best advice I've been given for interviews: be excited and show it. Practice interviewing, the questions they ask tend to be similar across programs, at least some of the questions, such as: why grad school why now? why this program? what faculty do you want to work with? how do you see your work evolving? how are you in communities? what are you reading now? artists your work is in dialogue with? Be yourself, and don't worry about seeming perfect. 
-Do your research really well, apply to schools where you actually see yourself going, research the city, the orgs around, and of course research the courses offered and faculty.
-If you can reach out to current students or alumni, they will be able to give you a clear impression of what things are really like. However, do take these with a grain of salt. At the end of the day I believe an MFA will be what we make of it, someone else's experience is not always indicative of how things will be like for YOU. Ask if they would be willing to share a syllabus with you, or at least describe the kind of material they are studying. Talking to students may also give you a chance to speak more honestly, don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know, via email, politely. A lot of schools have public lists of current students.
-Remember at the end of the day for many schools it comes down to forming a cohort that will work well together. So, have in mind sometimes rejections are due to that.
That's all, if I think of something else I will respond here! :):)

The director of the program I accepted an offer from said that they had a massive influx in applications this year. It is a state program and I received a full tuition waiver, teaching fellowship and 15k stipend plus health insurance. 
Any time there is an economic downturn, there is an excess of applicants to graduate programs. Unemployment rates skyrocketed this year due to Covid so for many people grad school is a way to make yourself potentially more employable in a future where the job market in this country will be highly competitive due to repercussions from the pandemic.  For programs like mine, that provide a stipend and TA-ship (which is essentially a job), it makes sense that there would be more applicants as it’s a way of furthering your career and being paid to do so, in a time where many (artists in particular) are facing grave financial uncertainty. For fee based programs in expensive urban locations, I’d imagine applications were less this year though. Not as many people willing to roll the dice and take on tuition debt or move and pay rent in NYC or similar cities. 

Good luck to every one out there, and remember to follow your own path and keep making art wherever you end up. There are many roads to success, and no matter what people have you believe, the art market recognizes talent and (surprise) good art!
In the end, if your MFA helps nurture your talent, and guides/informs your art making process then it doesn’t really matter what ‘brand’ your school is. Your work will surface in the art world and you will find success.

Hi all, 
It seems this application season is coming to an end, before it does I wanted to leave here some pieces of advice that helped me in this application process for those of you who haven't applied yet, or will apply again next year. 
This was a tough year for applying. Even though I have a feeling overall applications were less, most programs were also accepting *significantly* less people. For example, for painting programs I know, Yale accepted two thirds their usual number, that's 12 instead of 18, and UCLA accepted 1 or 2 people instead of 3 or 4 for painting.  So there's a chance that if you got waitlisted somewhere you would have been an admit during a non-covid year. U Wahington I think also accepted less people, Rutgers and Stanford didn't even open admissions this year. 
Anyways, here are my two cents:
-I did my best in interviews when I had a bullet point list of things about my practice (besides my usual elevator pitch) that are unique to me and that enlighten some ways in which I can contribute to the specific program. I tried to weave these points in regardless of what questions were asked. Have questions prepared, and use them as a way of saying something about who you are and what you care about. Best advice I've been given for interviews: be excited and show it. Practice interviewing, the questions they ask tend to be similar across programs, at least some of the questions, such as: why grad school why now? why this program? what faculty do you want to work with? how do you see your work evolving? how are you in communities? what are you reading now? artists your work is in dialogue with? Be yourself, and don't worry about seeming perfect. 
-Do your research really well, apply to schools where you actually see yourself going, research the city, the orgs around, and of course research the courses offered and faculty.
-If you can reach out to current students or alumni, they will be able to give you a clear impression of what things are really like. However, do take these with a grain of salt. At the end of the day I believe an MFA will be what we make of it, someone else's experience is not always indicative of how things will be like for YOU. Ask if they would be willing to share a syllabus with you, or at least describe the kind of material they are studying. Talking to students may also give you a chance to speak more honestly, don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know, via email, politely. A lot of schools have public lists of current students.
-Remember at the end of the day for many schools it comes down to forming a cohort that will work well together. So, have in mind sometimes rejections are due to that.
That's all, if I think of something else I will respond here! :):)

Hi all, 
It seems this application season is coming to an end, before it does I wanted to leave here some pieces of advice that helped me in this application process for those of you who haven't applied yet, or will apply again next year. 
This was a tough year for applying. Even though I have a feeling overall applications were less, most programs were also accepting *significantly* less people. For example, for painting programs I know, Yale accepted two thirds their usual number, that's 12 instead of 18, and UCLA accepted 1 or 2 people instead of 3 or 4 for painting.  So there's a chance that if you got waitlisted somewhere you would have been an admit during a non-covid year. U Wahington I think also accepted less people, Rutgers and Stanford didn't even open admissions this year. 
Anyways, here are my two cents:
-I did my best in interviews when I had a bullet point list of things about my practice (besides my usual elevator pitch) that are unique to me and that enlighten some ways in which I can contribute to the specific program. I tried to weave these points in regardless of what questions were asked. Have questions prepared, and use them as a way of saying something about who you are and what you care about. Best advice I've been given for interviews: be excited and show it. Practice interviewing, the questions they ask tend to be similar across programs, at least some of the questions, such as: why grad school why now? why this program? what faculty do you want to work with? how do you see your work evolving? how are you in communities? what are you reading now? artists your work is in dialogue with? Be yourself, and don't worry about seeming perfect. 
-Do your research really well, apply to schools where you actually see yourself going, research the city, the orgs around, and of course research the courses offered and faculty.
-If you can reach out to current students or alumni, they will be able to give you a clear impression of what things are really like. However, do take these with a grain of salt. At the end of the day I believe an MFA will be what we make of it, someone else's experience is not always indicative of how things will be like for YOU. Ask if they would be willing to share a syllabus with you, or at least describe the kind of material they are studying. Talking to students may also give you a chance to speak more honestly, don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know, via email, politely. A lot of schools have public lists of current students.
-Remember at the end of the day for many schools it comes down to forming a cohort that will work well together. So, have in mind sometimes rejections are due to that.
That's all, if I think of something else I will respond here! :):)

Hi all, 
It seems this application season is coming to an end, before it does I wanted to leave here some pieces of advice that helped me in this application process for those of you who haven't applied yet, or will apply again next year. 
This was a tough year for applying. Even though I have a feeling overall applications were less, most programs were also accepting *significantly* less people. For example, for painting programs I know, Yale accepted two thirds their usual number, that's 12 instead of 18, and UCLA accepted 1 or 2 people instead of 3 or 4 for painting.  So there's a chance that if you got waitlisted somewhere you would have been an admit during a non-covid year. U Wahington I think also accepted less people, Rutgers and Stanford didn't even open admissions this year. 
Anyways, here are my two cents:
-I did my best in interviews when I had a bullet point list of things about my practice (besides my usual elevator pitch) that are unique to me and that enlighten some ways in which I can contribute to the specific program. I tried to weave these points in regardless of what questions were asked. Have questions prepared, and use them as a way of saying something about who you are and what you care about. Best advice I've been given for interviews: be excited and show it. Practice interviewing, the questions they ask tend to be similar across programs, at least some of the questions, such as: why grad school why now? why this program? what faculty do you want to work with? how do you see your work evolving? how are you in communities? what are you reading now? artists your work is in dialogue with? Be yourself, and don't worry about seeming perfect. 
-Do your research really well, apply to schools where you actually see yourself going, research the city, the orgs around, and of course research the courses offered and faculty.
-If you can reach out to current students or alumni, they will be able to give you a clear impression of what things are really like. However, do take these with a grain of salt. At the end of the day I believe an MFA will be what we make of it, someone else's experience is not always indicative of how things will be like for YOU. Ask if they would be willing to share a syllabus with you, or at least describe the kind of material they are studying. Talking to students may also give you a chance to speak more honestly, don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know, via email, politely. A lot of schools have public lists of current students.
-Remember at the end of the day for many schools it comes down to forming a cohort that will work well together. So, have in mind sometimes rejections are due to that.
That's all, if I think of something else I will respond here! :):)

Hi all, 
It seems this application season is coming to an end, before it does I wanted to leave here some pieces of advice that helped me in this application process for those of you who haven't applied yet, or will apply again next year. 
This was a tough year for applying. Even though I have a feeling overall applications were less, most programs were also accepting *significantly* less people. For example, for painting programs I know, Yale accepted two thirds their usual number, that's 12 instead of 18, and UCLA accepted 1 or 2 people instead of 3 or 4 for painting.  So there's a chance that if you got waitlisted somewhere you would have been an admit during a non-covid year. U Wahington I think also accepted less people, Rutgers and Stanford didn't even open admissions this year. 
Anyways, here are my two cents:
-I did my best in interviews when I had a bullet point list of things about my practice (besides my usual elevator pitch) that are unique to me and that enlighten some ways in which I can contribute to the specific program. I tried to weave these points in regardless of what questions were asked. Have questions prepared, and use them as a way of saying something about who you are and what you care about. Best advice I've been given for interviews: be excited and show it. Practice interviewing, the questions they ask tend to be similar across programs, at least some of the questions, such as: why grad school why now? why this program? what faculty do you want to work with? how do you see your work evolving? how are you in communities? what are you reading now? artists your work is in dialogue with? Be yourself, and don't worry about seeming perfect. 
-Do your research really well, apply to schools where you actually see yourself going, research the city, the orgs around, and of course research the courses offered and faculty.
-If you can reach out to current students or alumni, they will be able to give you a clear impression of what things are really like. However, do take these with a grain of salt. At the end of the day I believe an MFA will be what we make of it, someone else's experience is not always indicative of how things will be like for YOU. Ask if they would be willing to share a syllabus with you, or at least describe the kind of material they are studying. Talking to students may also give you a chance to speak more honestly, don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know, via email, politely. A lot of schools have public lists of current students.
-Remember at the end of the day for many schools it comes down to forming a cohort that will work well together. So, have in mind sometimes rejections are due to that.
That's all, if I think of something else I will respond here! :):)

Hi all, 
It seems this application season is coming to an end, before it does I wanted to leave here some pieces of advice that helped me in this application process for those of you who haven't applied yet, or will apply again next year. 
This was a tough year for applying. Even though I have a feeling overall applications were less, most programs were also accepting *significantly* less people. For example, for painting programs I know, Yale accepted two thirds their usual number, that's 12 instead of 18, and UCLA accepted 1 or 2 people instead of 3 or 4 for painting.  So there's a chance that if you got waitlisted somewhere you would have been an admit during a non-covid year. U Wahington I think also accepted less people, Rutgers and Stanford didn't even open admissions this year. 
Anyways, here are my two cents:
-I did my best in interviews when I had a bullet point list of things about my practice (besides my usual elevator pitch) that are unique to me and that enlighten some ways in which I can contribute to the specific program. I tried to weave these points in regardless of what questions were asked. Have questions prepared, and use them as a way of saying something about who you are and what you care about. Best advice I've been given for interviews: be excited and show it. Practice interviewing, the questions they ask tend to be similar across programs, at least some of the questions, such as: why grad school why now? why this program? what faculty do you want to work with? how do you see your work evolving? how are you in communities? what are you reading now? artists your work is in dialogue with? Be yourself, and don't worry about seeming perfect. 
-Do your research really well, apply to schools where you actually see yourself going, research the city, the orgs around, and of course research the courses offered and faculty.
-If you can reach out to current students or alumni, they will be able to give you a clear impression of what things are really like. However, do take these with a grain of salt. At the end of the day I believe an MFA will be what we make of it, someone else's experience is not always indicative of how things will be like for YOU. Ask if they would be willing to share a syllabus with you, or at least describe the kind of material they are studying. Talking to students may also give you a chance to speak more honestly, don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know, via email, politely. A lot of schools have public lists of current students.
-Remember at the end of the day for many schools it comes down to forming a cohort that will work well together. So, have in mind sometimes rejections are due to that.
That's all, if I think of something else I will respond here! :):)

Just got into UW in Seattle for Photo (got a call from the faculty). I was the first one on their waitlist, and I assumed someone said “no”. 
 
now I am waiting to know what is the financial side of things. 
 
if someone knows anyone who goes or went to UW - please hit me up. 

There is an MFA TA for each studio based undergraduate visual art class at Columbia. The increase in stipend would apply to them as well. The admin attitude is very prevalent in the MFA program. For example there are currently zero photo faculty for the MFAs at Columbia yet they are still accepting photo students bc those students represent $$$ and they know that people will come regardless. Some of the MFA programs at Columbia are still okay like printmaking and painting but the whole demoralizing attitude is just super prevalent and that is a result of the admin. But I do absolutely agree this has a bigger impact on the PhD students. And it would still be a very hard decision to turn down Columbia despite all of this. It just sucks that it is basically a hedge fund with an education wing attached to it

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! 

Not trying to be a downer, but something to consider if anyone is thinking about Columbia:
Among your choices, you should also consider which programs have a grad worker union AND treat grad students right. I am a current 2nd year PhD student at Columbia. The majority of grad students are currently on strike for a living wage, better healthcare, and protection from harassment and discrimination. I have been watching the process of our new graduate union try to bargain for our first contract for over two years. In these sessions, I have seen admin (and their sleazy lawyer, who charges $1,500/hr) do everything possible to stall negotiations, belittle us, and play down heartfelt testimonials that make clear why our demands are reasonable and necessary. Every time we've gotten a raise in the past, our Columbia rent magically goes up by a higher percentage. Our wages are not enough to live in NYC. There is no dental or vision coverage, and they recently removed the better health insurance plan option. The school has a terrible history with harassment and discrimination cases brought by both undergrads and grads (Google it), and at the moment they are doing everything possible to avoid meeting our contract demand about changing the investigation process to give more rights to the complainant (see link below).
We're entering the 3rd week of the strike, and Columbia has made very clear that they plan to not only doc our bi-weekly pay (which we receive for TA/RA work), but our academic stipends--yep, they are going to debit our student accounts, thereby jeopardizing course registration, degree progress, visas, and health insurance. We have a legal right to strike, but this later action constitutes illegal academic retaliation.
Long story short: I'm sure a lot of schools are as corrupt as Columbia, but I've just seen first hand how rotten this place is to the core. They only care about profit (their endowment grew $300 million during the pandemic alone), squeezing as much our of grad workers and adjuncts for as little pay as possible, sweeping bad press under the rug, and gentrifying Harlem with multi-million dollar campus expansions.
I encourage folks thinking about attending/applying to Columbia to express concerns to department chairs and administrators, and ask them why they insist on denying grad workers a fair contract: 
President Lee Bollinger officeofthepresident@columbia.edu, Phone: (212) 854-9970 Provost Ira Katznelson provost@columbia.edu,  +1 212 854 2404 GSAS Grad Admissions: gsas-admissions@columbia.edu  
https://gothamist.com/news/columbia-grad-students-strike-over-wages-and-harassment-policies-nyu-counterparts-vote-similar-actions

Hey, anyone else accepting offers for UCLA? it would be great to connect. 

Hey, anyone else accepting offers for UCLA? it would be great to connect. 

Hey, anyone else accepting offers for UCLA? it would be great to connect. 

Definitely don’t lose hope! I think chances are actually pretty good someone will decline the spot. Especially cause acceptances likely came out a little while ago which means these kids are not jumping on it immediately.  ???

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 know that Michael Rakowitz (http://www.michaelrakowitz.com/) teaches there in the ATP program I believe so for me, that would be a huge plus.
Scratch that. Alone that would be a huge reason to go.

I am starting an MFA  at UCLA this fall too!  So excited. Let me know if you have questions about being an international student, I used to be one not that long ago 

And accepting at least 3 or 4 times as many depending on the discipline. 7 times more painters though. Yale graduates 21 painters every year, and UCLA graduates 3 or 4. Also, do you know where are the stats for Yale? I can only find very dated ones.