waddle

UNIVERSITY OF IL. CHICAGO = 27%
COLUMBIA CHICAGO = 40%
CORNELL= 6%
SUNY PURCHASE = 10%
BROOKLYN COLLEGE = 32%
PENN DESIGN = 11%
WVU = 72%
UNIVERSITY OF MD = 9%
CLAREMONT = unavailable
RIT = unavailable
MILLS = 13%
PRATT = 35%
CCA = unavailable
USC = 40%
MASSART = 24%
SMFA = unavailable

So, after being rejected from 2 schools, accepted to 1, and still waiting on 3 more to reply - I've figured a nice way to pass the time...

I have this handy, dandy CAA (College Arts Association) catalogue, and figured I'd come up with a rough estimate of my actual chances of getting into each program. I had some ideas going into this process, of how the schools ranked, and I was realistic with my choices. But having some numbers puts it in a new perspective.

The catalogue has stats from all MFA programs from 2007 - it's a few years old, but not that far off from current stats, I'm sure.

By dividing the number of accepted students by the number of applicants, I've come up with the following:

YALE = 5% (rejected)
TYLER = 18% (rejected)
PAFA = 61% (accepted)
SYRACUSE U. = 36% (fingers crossed)
INDIANA U. (BLOOMINGTON) = 17% (fingers crossed)
SUNY ALBANY = 22% (fingers crossed)

I know this doesn't take into account your chosen medium, genre, department, etc..and it's no scientific study, but - what the hell - it's fun/nerve wracking nonetheless.

If you want me to look up your school - let me know.

This forum is for students admitted to the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment for Fall 2011. No need to share stats, but mine are below:

Graduate Program: M.S. Environmental Policy and Planning

Undergraduate Institution: University of Michigan
Undergraduate Major(s): Philosophy; Political Science
Undergraduate GPA: 3.66

GRE Combined Score: 1150
GRE Writing Score: 4.5

Years out of Undergrad: 2 years
Work Experience: (1) Law firm for one year. (2) Two years teaching philosophy overseas with the University of Notre Dame.

LOR: All three recommendations came from philosophy and political science professors at the University of Michigan.

We recently had a pretty wild and crazy discussion regarding this

i'm looking to start an expensive cocaine-smoking habit that i will subsidize with compulsive gambling. there's a casino in town so i'm halfway there.

Cool story, bro.

I did, however, have a good friend who suggested that when I go running, I imagine myself stomping on the faces of the people in the admissions committee. Somewhat more helpful.

You know, when I was rejected, no one offered me a drink, and I work at a bar.

Well, some of you might find this a bit corny, but I'd like to share a quote that I go back to when I have the same types of feelings. I'm a worrier by nature, so it has really helped me out! For me personally, I think it is the fear of failing at 'grad school' that worries me the most, so this quote really applies to me!

"What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?" -- Robert H. Schuller

PhD Comics for Every Occasion!

Grades Don't Matter #1

Grades Don't Matter #2

That said, I'm sure it is somewhat field dependent. In most STEM fields, B's are "meh", B+/A- are average, and As are good. I got a B+ my second semester, and it didn't really faze me at all- and hasn't really effected how any of the prof's view me. Even the one that gave it to me thought I did fine in the course, from what I can tell.

Everyone cares much more about the research, publications, etc.

You mad?

Cool story, bro.

42

You mad?

Cool story, bro.

You mad?

Cool story, bro.

Definitely. I need to brush up on my vocabulary.

Although, the post was very enjoyable to read because of the varied and interesting wording.

Cool story, bro.

Cool story, bro.

Cool story, bro.

Cool story, bro.

Cool story, bro.

Cool story, bro.

Cool story, bro.