Mutya

I applied for Bard MFA Film/Video, but I know that all interviews for all disciplines were scheduled March 4-5, and decision letters and financial aid offers have been sent out since March 10. I got my acceptance notice prior to that (March 6) via phone call from the Film/Video co-chair, but I'm not sure if other disciplines have diff timelines. I would contact their grad admissions if you haven't yet.

Hi @soph8ahotdog! If you don't mind sharing -- what were your reasons for dropping out of Bard? I'm mostly curious if they included institutional factors, unless you are willing to share beyond that can be helpful. I got accepted into the Film/Video discipline and seriously considering it as my top choice. For context: I'm in my late 30s, married, a parent, immigrant of color, previously dropped out of my first film school (undergrad) in my home country, and finished my film undergrad in a suburban town in WA where my family is currently based. Thank you!

Updates! SAIC (Low-res) - No Interview. Admitted. Funding at about 30% grant (including work-study)and 70% loans. I've sent emails about funding inquiry to possibly appeal/negotiate but they are not responsive. Not sure if I will try to call/schedule Financial Aid because the cost of attendance is just too high without other scholarships. Bard (MFA Film/Video) - Interviewed. Admitted (through phone call this morning by program/discipline co-chair, admission letter/offer will be sent out 3/10 Friday). Waiting on funding info. Really considering this since it has the longest in-person residency among the other low-res programs (I'm a non-traditional student, parent, and spouse in my late 30s), and I am really excited about the film/video faculty and program structure. Rooting for everyone! Decision season it is!

Oops I had typo and edited my reply. But yes, I got that you it seems your offer doesn’t make sense for you. Do you mind elaborating or sharing what it says? For FAFSA, I think as long as you put the name of all the schools you’re planning to attend in the application, you should be fine. Then when it gets processed, each school will get the information and will give you offer based on the available aid and school cost. Unless you’re referring to another process SAIC is asking you to do.

I initially just submitted 2023-2024 FAFSA and didn’t realize I should’ve done 2022-2023 too for the Summer 2023 (mainly for SAIC and Bard — the other low-res MFAs I am applying for start in Fall). So I just submitted the FAFSA 22-23 this weekend. My financial aid award for 23-24 doesn’t show any offer/details yet, but it shows up in the admitted student acct. Hopefully they get processed soon so I know how the offer looks like. Though from what you said your financial aid offer doesn’t make sense? Do you mind sharing more about that? I’m glad we’re on the same boat too. And thanks for your update about Bard, I’ll look out for their email this coming week. Crossing fingers for both of us.

Yay congrats! Same here. Suprised there’s no interview. I guess it depends per program.

I got my SAIC Low Res MFA acceptance letter through email on 2/17 (letter dated 2/10). They didn’t ask me for an interview but it said I was admitted and gave instructions on the next steps. I was a bit unsure when I received it; I couldn’t find in their website if Low Res does not require interviews which led me to this forum. Also no merit scholarships offer (yet — though I think they usually offer that straight up in the admission letter), so I am waiting on FAFSA offer and will inquire on other possible financing/scholarships to help me consider if I’d do it. No word on Bard yet. Applied for Film/Video.