cpw0021

I was looking at UMichigan but wasn't sure if there's much of an art scene in Ann Arbor/Detroit...what do you think of it so far?

I'm applying to UCLA as well, didn't get to visit. That's disconcerting about the drive to the studios though...

Are you applying to UCSD?

I know you said at the start that this had a lot of grammatical issues, but honestly it's really hard to focus on the content when there are so many errors (errors, I will say, that we all make in initial drafts). I'd advise the next time you want someone to review that you try to get it as clean as possible beforehand so that it doesn't distract from what you're trying to say because in this instance it does. I think you should scrap everything before "My obsession with collecting objects..." as I'm not clear on what point you're trying to make. Moreover, you're contradicting yourself and it comes off rather negative, and a little bit obnoxious, overall. That being said, when you mention the hoarding, it's quite interesting. I think you should elaborate on how that has translated into your work. I'm not entirely clear on if you're now photographing those objects or recreating their aesthetic (i.e. crowded spaces, layering of objects, things hidden behind what's visible). Also, for later on in your statement: what are you doing to "establish an universal familiarity?" And something else to think about is how making the past "present" in your photographs is relevant/important to contemporary art making? What issues are you specifically addressing? It seems like every single artist and their mother is focusing on memory/past (I'm guilty of this too), so I think it's important to make a distinction on what it is specifically doing more with this focus--I honestly think (mind you I have not seen your work so I'm making some assumptions) that focusing on space, texture, layering of objects and what that means in terms of that childhood obsession in your work is worth teasing out a bit more. anyway, hope that helps! I applied to Skowhegan this year. I applied super early though, since I already had my images in order. The application is fairly easy, I screwed up on the image naming though (in the application the directions say one thing but the example is different---so I stupidly went with the example assuming that's what they actually wanted...), hopefully I'm not penalized for it but oh well, it was only $20. Who all has applications due this week? I have three due on Tuesday (early deadline)!! :S

When I visited UI-Chicago in September they said their funding is now 75%.

I think you definitely need to say at the start that it's about your work. Right now it does seem like you're just describing yourself and not your practice. Just say in one sentence what concepts you're exploring in your practice right now. Also, maybe describing how you translate these ideas into your work would be helpful as well.

I don't think you have to worry about not having a BFA in graphic design. As is the case with most MFA programs unless it is specifically stated otherwise, you don't need to have a degree in the field to which you're applying to get in. If you have a strong portfolio and application overall, you'll be fine.

I agree completely! I don't have art professors that I can ask because I studied art history, so instead my recommenders are two curators (one who I've worked with for the past year and another I interned with years ago who I've kept a good relationship with) and an artist who's been mentoring me for the past two years. I feel good about asking them because they know my practice, have seen its growth, and I know they firmly support my artistic pursuits.

It's not bad form at all-I think programs expect that question to be asked, it's a part of the process for weeding out/figuring out what's the best fit. Everyone I have asked at the programs I'm interested in was very upfront about it, very open and understanding of the fact that funding is a major factor in deciding where to go to apply/attend. I think some schools have the numbers available for tuition, cost of living, health care, etc. and would happily point you where to find it. At the least the ones I'm looking into do.

If I were you I'd visit (again if you already have) and try to meet with professors/directors to ask them what they think and discuss your application, applying again. At least you'll be in their memories as someone very motivated/intent on attending one of those programs.

So who's started working on their applications? I think I've finally figured out which schools I'm applying to (see signature). I'm excited to get this ball rolling! I'm mostly nervous about building my portfolio, but I think I've done some solid work in the past few months so I'm trying not to be too worried.

I'm not sure how to describe them in terms of square footage--I don't want to guess because I'd probably be way off. They're not ridiculously small, but I think if you do large sculpture or very large paintings (more than 6ft tall paintings, for example) it'll be tight in the first year studios, the 2nd year are a little bigger. UChicago's facilities are more comprehensive (they have a HUGE wood and metal shop) because they just moved into a new building and share resources with the Theater and Music departments, but the studios aren't super big either--probably about the same size as Northwestern's 2nd year studios. I'm going to check out UIC today (I've heard they have the largest studios). For me, it doesn't matter much because my work isn't very large at all, it's the financial part that's going to be the deciding factor for me in the end.

maybe SAIC? I know they have a dual art history and arts administration degree program--not sure if you can swap one for a MFA though.

If you're in California, maybe you can visit and get feedback on your application? Applying three times seems like a lot, is there one that you prefer? Also, their programs are quite different in the sense that UCSD is very tech. based, doesn't seem as interdisciplinary as UCLA--but that's just my perspective. Both are on my list but I'm thinking of cutting UCSD simply because I'm not sure I'd fit well with the technology focus. For those wondering about Northwestern, I visited yesterday. It has absolutely EXCELLENT, guaranteed funding and a great faculty. If you need a big studio space then it's not for you, facilities are kind of basic and if you're looking for a program where you can focus on a specific field (like printmaking or sculpture), probably not the right program for you either. It's very interdisciplinary, very focused on independent study. Also very theory focused, they want to know why you're making the work you're making more--less of a focus on technique. The school itself doesn't have the resources to push its students in Chicago proper--so if you want a program that's going to do that part of the work for you this isn't it either. Definitely a good prospect if you want, essentially, a two year paid artist residency that allows you to dig into your practice, do research, and build from there.

What's the difference between the programs? I'm assuming the MA is more theory based and less focused on studio, perhaps? I'd really just base it on whether doing the MA will provide you with the education/experience you're looking for in graduate school. If it will, then ask to be considered for both.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "post-studio" practice in terms of the Whitney ISP, but from what I've read on here about it, it seems to favor highly conceptual artists. I have a friend who did that program and his work is very, very conceptual (although he makes a lot of objects as well). Search the forums a bit and see what people have said about it, it might be a good fit for you depending on your work. I think, since you already seem to have an established practice, if I were you, I would focus on residencies. There are a TON in NY: Yaddo, Lower Manhattan Cultural Center, Smack Mellon, to name a few. Just search around. There are also good ones outside of NY like Skowhegan. As for the MFA, whether or not some programs are worth it really depends on what you want from the experience--to establish a network, focus on your practice, mentorship, or whatever. Also, I don't think having one already would knock you out, but I'm sure it will raise questions as to why you want another one. Again, I would focus on residencies instead of bothering with another MFA.

I don't really understand why anyone would advise you to do that. I have never met anyone with two MFAs (two masters in different fields, yes, but two masters in the same field, no). I imagine you'd have to have a really good explanation as to why you want another MFA, especially if it's in the same subject area. For example, having an MFA in Painting at a fully funded school and then applying for an MFA in Painting at a "top" school with little to no funding...Honestly I don't think that would fly. There are a lot of really strong programs out there that give good funding as well, you just have to look. Why don't you apply to residencies? If it's a good one, it's just a shortened version of an MFA. My advice is, if you're really unsure as to what schools to apply to, wait, research, and apply next year. I don't believe in applying to schools only because it has good funding, something about the program should resonate with you, otherwise it's not worth the effort.

I was told that UC San Diego and Stanford have huge studio spaces and great facilities by an artist I know, so that's why I'm considering them. I think I might go with UCSD though, because they have a program focusing on Theory and Text, both of which play a huge part in my work. I think it would be great. Also, I'd prefer not having to take the GRE. I was also considering U Penn but there's no faculty there that interests me, plus because I have a previous masters from abroad I'd have to pay something like $200 just to get it authenticated...which, plus the application fee, makes applying way too expensive, especially for a school I'm not entirely sold on anyway.

I'm starting to get anxious now too. Especially since I'm still not entirely sure (in spite of a boat load of research) which schools I'm applying to, but I'm visiting four of them in September so I'll know better then which ones fit with my interests. My list so far: Definitely applying to: University of Chicago Northwestern University On the fence: University of Michigan University of Illinois, Chicago Stanford U UCSD I'm interested in interdisciplinary studio programs, particularly in well-regarded research universities because I want to have the opportunity to explore other areas of study outside of the visual (particularly creative writing). Anyway, I'm really looking forward to applying this year!

Congratulations to everyone accepted into their programs this year--it must be super exciting! I'm planning on applying this Fall for Studio art. I'm particularly interested in programs with a social practice leaning, but that are interdisciplinary (I work in painting, printmaking, and dabbling in sound work). At the moment, my top choices are Northwestern University and University of Chicago, but I'm also going to apply to the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Michigan. I'm just wondering, for those currently attending these schools--what do you think of your program? Who's your favorite faculty member? How do you feel about funding, etc? Do you have any advice on applying? Also, if anyone can suggest other programs for me to look into--it would be much appreciated! Thanks! -C

Thanks! Hopefully I actually do get it next week! Crossing my fingers.

From Edinburgh. I called them though and have been told I should be getting my letter next week.

Hello all! So, I applied to the University of Edinburgh for postgrad school and got in to my program of choice. I got a scholarship as well, but it's no where near enough to cover fees and maintenance. As a result, I applied for Federal loans and, from about June everything was moving along smoothly. That is until the start of July, when they started originating loans and things (at least for me) have come to a standstill. Last time I got a definitive answer about when the loan letters for the visa would go out was about three weeks ago and I was told they'd be out in a week. I had my boyfriend call a week later and he was told they'd be out in two days. That didn't happen, so I called myself a few days after him and was told, by the same person, that she had no idea when they'd be out. O__O I've already bought a plane ticket to leave on August 19th, but I still haven't gotten my loan letter for the visa. At the moment I'm going insane with fear that I'm going to have to move my flight ($300+ to change it) because I wouldn't have been able to send my visa application. So, the point of this post is that I'd love to compare notes with anyone else going to Edinburgh (or any other UK school) with loans. Have you gotten your loan letter yet? Also, for people who did all of this last year, how long did it take for you to get your letter? thanks, -C