yikyin

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.

it's none of my business nor I have any say in this, but still --- don't go for Columbia! it's not worth it. More than one current students told me they either regretted it or are disappointed in the program in different ways. I won't support that program.