cpw0021

Thank you for your nice word! I got in!!

Yes!
 
I found out today!
 
im going to Skowhegan. I’m so excited.

Entirely right. Not only that, but being the only black student in a program can be and often is frustrating because people often think we get special treatment because we're underrepresented, which isn't true. There aren't fewer POC in MFA programs because the work isn't "as good" or "competitive," it's because the art market and academia in general is not set up to value or to be able to support the work/interests/concerns of non-white students (or LGBTQ students, don't get me started if you fall into both categories), and that's a CHOICE programs/universities make to continue to not be supportive or, if they do target POC, to do it in a way that isn't actually truly considerate.
 
Moreover, one's peers aren't often equipped to have conversations about these issues that don't end up being anecdotal either so....my advise is to choose as school that located within a diverse and vibrant art community so that you have the opportunity to branch out and form the community you need elsewhere.  
 

I believe having diversity for diversity sake is the wrong approach.
Each school seems to foster a different type of working environment, supporting different types of communities, and varying practices. In my opinion a school should continue to attract the most interesting artists, and accept these artists based on work, rather than background. One would think any engaged artist in the current climate has some consideration of these issues, regardless of their own background.
Of course there is more than enough writing on the relationship between art and politics, and more than enough opinions as well  I am sure being the only black student in an MFA program can be strange, and bring unnecessary attention, but that is also your strength! 
At the end of the day, research these MFA programs heavily!

Thank you for your kind words cpw0021! I didn't get that encouraging email this time– congratulations!. It seems that my application was reviewed until march 15th with a total of 14 plays between my two videos, last year the videos were reviewed until late feb and had a total of 10 plays between the two. I think that the number of plays or until when they review your work has nothing to do with the final results as someone mentioned before. Hopefully we'll get in next time! 

i was rejected too. But my email said I made it to the final round of review so I guess that's good although that also sucks to know I was that close....
I was hoping you'd get in Gato because, if i remember correctly, you got to the final round last year. Hopefully next year will be our year! 
 

Just got an email saying I've been accepted at UCI--so excited!!

I was waitlisted too.
congrats @mlk!

I don't think a resume matters that much when it comes to getting into graduate school. I've looked at the resumes of the people who got into Columbia, Yale, UCLA, etc. and most don't have extensive CVs. Of course, having a long list of big exhibitions/awards is definitely a plus, but not a deal breaker (in my opinion, anyway). 
My coworker went to Cranbrook (years ago when it was much cheaper) and loved it. She suggested it to me but it wouldn't be the right fit for my practice. Plus, I was told by another friend that their program is quite traditional in terms of it not being very interdisciplinary. I don't know if those actually attending would agree or not. 
My advice would be to definitely visit--it's very hard to get a feel for a school just by the website and I felt I was able to do better applications for the schools I visited (we'll see how that works out in the next month!). Also, I ended up meeting people when visiting (recent graduates, professors) who were willing to look at my work and give me advice/encouragement--which was great! 

bumping this to get updates on housing since most of these replies are from two or more years ago. 

I got into skowhegan... I am very surprised. It was my third year applying... And neither year did I receive that little note saying I made it to the final round.
so just fyi for ppl that are frustrated or feeling discouraged:
I got rejected from every residency I applied to in 2014 and 2015, including all my top MFA choices.
and this year I got into skowhegan and another quite competitive residency
so I guess you just have to keep applying
and keep working hard.
good luck to everyone here.
we are all lucky to have the time, resources and imagination to make art and no matter where we do it it is a privilege.

 

Oh but that's encouraging-- you'll definitely get in next time! 

Thanks Gato. I've just found out I can do a summer research program at UCI that will give me a sizable stipend, so I'm going to decline ACA. While I'm interested in the artist's work, she's not an influence so it doesn't bother me too much to miss. Plus, I just found out one of the programs I've been working for has been cancelled, essentially cutting my income in half, so I definitely can't afford to do ACA. I think I'll just apply again in the following summers and see if my department will fund it. 
 
Now, if I miraculously get into Skowhegan, it'll definitely complicate things...

I understand that money isn't everything, but the difference in funding between Tyler and OSU is very sizable. Tyler wants me to pay $15000 for the first year and is offering a $7500 a year stipend.  OSU is offering $15000 plus a full tuition scholarship for all three years. I know Tyler's reputation but their stipend isn't even enough to pay living expenses. I would need supplemental income. I've told Tyler what OSU is offering. If they can give me a full TA that's where I'll go. Otherwise I am doing OSU. It's a fine program with a lot of funding opportunities. I really appreciate your input though. I agree, sometimes you should take on the loans for great program. For me though, the risks outweigh the gain in this instance. 

I will. It's probably better to wait and do it during grad school anyway (so I've been told) so that your program will fund it.  Good luck for next year and have fun at Tyler!  

it's a standard letter, I think: 
Thank you for your application to the 2016 summer session at Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer you a spot in this year’s class.
We were extremely impressed by the applicants this year and found the review process to be extremely challenging. With over 2100 applicants, while it was continuously exciting to see the work that is being produced around the world at this moment, it was without a doubt our toughest jurying process yet. On behalf of the Board of Governors, faculty, and staff, we deeply appreciate the time you spent preparing your application.
The application process often offers an overview of what is happening in art in any given moment—please know that your work and the work of your peers is contributing to an important dialogue. We hope you will continue to seek out opportunities and communities to support your practice and your voice. We wish you the best of luck with your work and thank you for your patience throughout the review process.
 

So I found out I'm only being given $300 towards to fee at ACA--wondering now if I should still go....thoughts?
 

Nothing yet...
I like your work--you've done some pretty awesome residencies, too!

cpw0021 yes, Camargo website is: http://www.camargofoundation.org
my website is www.almaleiva.net

So I guess we should hear back next week, right? Starting to get nervous....
 
What else is everyone waiting on? I'm still waiting to hear back about funding from ACA.

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. 

I've finally received all of my decisions. Feeling relieved. This has been one wild ride, y'all. 
Good luck with making your final decisions. Is there a gradcafe post MFA internet reunion? See you on the other side in 2/3 years haha

Accepted at CalArts via email earlier this afternoon. 

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.