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I have a friend who makes really amazing work, shows nationally, has been in the Whitney Biennial, who went to UPenn and said his time there was great. It's one of those "sleeper" programs that really great but not many people know much about. Have you visited?

that's great! I'm happy it fits for you. I think it just depends on the department. I felt the Printmedia department was really nice, really great. But, I just don't think I'll get what I want from SAIC in general. And, of course, loans are a no go for me.

Congrats!! Are you not interested in Bloomington anymore? Is that why you feel indecisive?

Yes, I got an email saying to check it and on the first page there was a link to a decision. I've already declined so that'll make room for someone else. Hope you get in!

Ahh really? Thinking that it was tech-heavy was one of the main reasons I didn't apply. Oh well...I'm happy with UCI. Good luck with your decisions--it's tough but it's always nice to have options.

Thanks! I think LA is the place to be right now, so I'm really excited to move (clearly you can tell I'm not a fan of Houston, lol)! It's good to hear that current students like the program a lot, too! I'm going to live in Irvine or somewhere close by. I want to try to be as frugal as possible so I will likely end up living in the grad. apartments because I don't want to have roommates...I just feel so bad about leaving my little shih tzu behind with my parents (I actually took her from my mother last year, so she's not necessarily my dog). I figure it would be best to come back for her when I know I have the lay of the land. Did you feel like, after interviewing/touring, UCSD was fairly tech-leaning though? That's one reason why I didn't apply... I don't think you can go wrong with either one of those schools, honestly.

I haven't really had a hard time deciding, simply because my interviews have been fairly telling, as well as the feedback I've gotten from others about a number of schools I applied to. I think it would've been harder if I'd gotten into schools that all offered good funding AND where I had a pleasant experience. I've been pretty dead-set on UCI for a while now (even before my interview) for a number of reasons, plus I got a nominated for and received a HUGE fellowship from them for my first year, so they win hands down. I actually just officially accepted today, too. However, even with the financial part taken care of, if I didn't feel good about the faculty or the environment of the school, I wouldn't go (hence why I applied to no local schools). I honestly consider faculty and funding to be equally weighted, as well as the culture of the program and other resources provided. It's all got to be there or else, no dice.

That's interesting to hear about UCI. What was odd about your interview? My interview was great, honestly. I only interviewed with Simon and Kevin though, so maybe that's one reason why? I felt like they were very engaged with my work, especially Simon who I discovered, during the interview, has very similar interests as me. And they've been really kind and responsive since the interview. Also, my SAIC Printmedia and CalArts interviews were very pleasant. Honestly, the only interview I felt was off-putting was Photo at SAIC. My UChicago interview was fine up until the end, when one of the professors was really weird about answering one of my questions...which was just a huge red flag for me. What schools have you been accepted to?

You know, that's how I felt in my SAIC photo interview--seemed like none of them knew anything about my work or had even seen it, or were even remotely engaged by it. Axe 'em in my opinion--if a school asks/expects us to be considerate and take our time formulating our applications, we should demand that they use that same amount of consideration and time to review our work, ESPECIALLY if we're finalists. Ahem, clearly that's a pet-peeve of mine.

Accepted at CalArts via email earlier this afternoon.

Thanks! I'm thinking I might live in the grad housing, but my only issue is I have small dog that I don't really want to live with my parents (but definitely could). I will probably go that route in the end...

I went UNT as an undergrad. It's a super tiny town--pretty boring, but rent (at least when I was there) isn't too expensive. Now there are a lot more apartments around campus so it shouldn't be hard to find inexpensive housing. I can't honestly remember how much I use to pay for rent, I think $500 a month (for an efficiency) at one apartment complex on Branard Street and $700 for a one bedroom at another (this was 6 years ago so...). There is really nothing to there, so you'll be driving to Dallas or Fort Worth if you want something interesting to do. When I left the uni was creating a bus service to those cities, I believe, so that's a plus. There's a nice pretty good shuttle service to take you around campus, as well.

Yeah, it's really interesting how far up the schools I applied to moved up. I'm happy that there are a lot more state schools in the top 35 now.

There are two other people who go in on the forum (one in the curating program). I received my offer letter last week. I might've been admitted earlier than others, I think, because I was put up for a fellowship through the graduate division. I haven't officially accepted yet because I'm just waiting to have my offer letter updated now that I've gotten the fellowship results.

I was told by a current MFA that he heard the following day. I'm not stressed though. Although I enjoyed most of the people I met there and liked the overall vibe, I wasn't wowed by the program--so I'm certain I won't be going there regardless. Would be nice to be accepted, though.

I didn't get in. But that's ok since I wouldn't be able to go this year anyway.

where did you interview? I know what you mean. I'm so happy this process is coming to an end.

Yes, it's a really good program. Good luck!!

still nothing on my end.

Yeah, the core program is very particular about what kind of artist they accept. Usually very theoretical artists--I've also heard from one former fellow that she only go in because someone in her MFA program knows the people at Core. Have you ever applied to the Galveston Artist Residency? It's another good one near Houston, year long, they give you an apartment (core doesn't), studio, a bicycle, maybe a stipend as well. Deadline is coming up.

there's a thread for Skowhegan in the Waiting It Out forum. I just did VSC in February!

Nope. I guess that MFA student was wrong...

If I were you, I'd go to Rutgers. You already have firm relationships established at UCLA, so going to Rutgers would give you the opportunity to broaden your network (plus you'll also be close to New York and the universities there, too) and to develop a stronger connection to someone who is the top expert in your field. Just my two cents, for whatever that's worth!

Have you thought about Core program? I'm pretty sure I have no chance at it since I live in Houston currently, but maybe I'll apply if ever I want to come back.

No I haven't, I was going to apply this year but figured I'd wait because I expected I'd be getting into a grad program. Have you? It seems really great--it's definitely on my post MFA list of residencies, along with Studio Museum, Headlands, Artpace, Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship. Has anyone heard of Artspace NC? They give good stipends for their residencies so I've been eyeing them.