[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

1 hour ago, SocialKonstruct said:

Yes similar result and I probably will decline SAIC due to an inability to get funding.

 

30 minutes ago, cornchip said:

If you got offers from other schools you should use them as leverage with SAIC to potentially get more funding if it is your top choice. I also got a scholarship from SAIC that amounts to less than $10k total. Granted I don't know what finaid will look like but this is not enough to live off especially in Chicago. I kind of thought SAIC would be better with funding because they're so big and established but maybe not. 

Yesterday the director of my program called me to negotiate a higher funding package. Nothing is set in stone yet (will likely be updated mon) but I expressed my minimum percentage tuition coverage and they said they're optimistic in providing at least that. It's worth it to thank your interviewers and to also reach out to directors, introduce yourself and the aspects of the program you're looking forward to; I feel like this made things a bit more hopeful for me now. 

Still awaiting an official notice and funding options from RISD. Now that I have some actual numbers to reference, I think it'll be more *emotionally* manageable to parse through. 

What a vulnerable process to go through the mfa process so as always I'm grateful for y'all on this forum.

[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

1 hour ago, rootingforeverybody said:

I just got my SAIC “award” and it’s horrible. No way I can afford going if it doesn’t increase. Is anyone else still dealing with this? Had to set a meeting for next Wednesday which is uncomfortably far off

 

30 minutes ago, bloopers said:

Sorry to hear 😕 Sounds like SAIC doesn't tend to offer generous financial support. Curious about what a "horrible" award looks like if you don't mind sharing. Trying to brace myself for a similar outcome. 

I am in a similar situation. Though I was offered 34% in scholarship grant +$8,000 in work study (for fall/spring) I'm expected to take out $39,000 each year in loans. $78000 in debt for 2 years with no housing/living expenses accounted for is wild to me. I'm a first time applicant so are candidates finding this amount of debt for a MFA reasonable??

[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

Hi, I was accepted to RISD via phone call today! Official notices/financial packages will be sent out the week of March 6 (at least for the textile department). 

I got an email later in the day asking to submit my decision for admission within the next few days, and that the program director will work with me in my final financial support once I accept their offer. Is this common? I feel uncomfortable giving an answer before they provide how much funding they're considering. Maybe I'm reading into the message a bit but any thoughts on navigating this situation is highly appreciated. 

[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

17 minutes ago, SocialKonstruct said:

Are you an international student?

Hi, I'm not. Domestic, out-of-state applicant here!

[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

21 minutes ago, E_b said:

I don’t think I have… Or I’m getting nothing? Both possible. I set up a zoom call with them Monday afternoon to ask about this. Will let you know what I learn!

Much appreciated! I emailed the assistant director of grad admissions to see if packages will be sent out separately or if I can assume no aid. She mentioned in a previous email that they wouldn't know until closer to March 15 but that seems unlikely as the deadline for accepting admission and merit scholarship is on that date. Hope to hear back soon so I'll keep you posted as well!

[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

For those accepted to a program at SAIC, have you received your financial aid package yet? I signed into the applicant portal and I only see a merit based scholarship listed. 

[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

Hi all, I was accepted into SAIC's FMS program via phone call today! Official notices and funding will be coming shortly, but they did mention I was awarded a Visionary Scholar Award  (20% tuition). Does anyone have advice in advocating for more funding? I am worried that perhaps all merit-based scholarships may be awarded if I wait until the acceptance packets are sent out and would like to shoot my shot asap. Thanks and wishing the best of luck to all of you in the next steps!

[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

19 hours ago, lebleu said:

Mine is Painting. One tip I can give you is to study/do heavy research on your department's faculty. I did a lot of research, memorized all the key points of their CV/practice, and can link them to my practice/what I want to do in RISD and they all smile a lot when I mention that.

Thanks lebleu. May I ask how many people were on your panel?

[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

Can anyone share their experience with their RISD interview? I'm applying to their textile program but insight from any department would be appreciated!

[MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum]

Hi all, just found this forum. I’m very grateful for everyone’s input and insight.

here’s where I’m at now :

-SAIC Fiber & Material Studies (unofficial interview notification 1/27; official interview notification 2/2; interview scheduled 2/11)

-RISD Textiles (interview notification 2/3; interview scheduled 2/14)

-Yale Sculpture (no updates)

 

if anyone has interview suggestions or specific things to note for these program, any help would be appreciated.