Updates! For some reason it's not letting me quote my original post so I'll give a quick recap: received BFA in painting in 2019, first time applying to MFA programs. Applied to: Ohio state (waitlist), Northwestern (rejected), Syracuse University (accepted), UConn (no updates), UW-Madison (no updates), Michigan State (no updates), University of Arkansas (interviewed, awaiting decision), RISD (accepted!!!!)
I posted last week that I had been accepted to Syracuse and was waiting on financial aid. A couple of days ago I was informed that I was awarded a 40% tuition scholarship. I asked about assistantships, they replied that students apply to assistantships after matriculating, which I feel makes it challenging for potential students to make informed decisions.
Yesterday I received a very nice email from the painting program director at RISD saying I was accepted to the program, with a 25% tuition scholarship + TA income, but that the final financial aid details will be sent around March 1st with my official admissions offer. I've been informed by current students that TA income is 5,000 a year/2,500 a semester. Obviously this offer still leaves me with a significant bill, and I will look at appealing once the final details are sent out. Before my interview with RISD there was a Zoom lunch/Q & A with current grads and one of them stated that they were able to negotiate for a better offer- so I hope that will be the case. Regardless, I will probably accept because RISD is my top choice, I feel that it is the best fit for my work and ambitions. Also, my moving/housing expenses will be far less than some other folks because I already live pretty close by. If any other incoming RISD grads want to message me about Providence/the Providence area please feel free to do so.
TLDR; I got into RISD! And will be living on instant noodles for the foreseeable future!