Colin

my snarky reply: Because they know our writers of letter of rec are flaky art educators who ask about deadlines the day before the letters are due despite the fact that we supplied that information a long time ago, so they have a built-in grace period of a week or two before the real, albeit hidden, deadline. Seriously, I don't know why. I am not going to stress about the lack of support and lack of concern on the part of my so-called recommenders. Believe me, these are the best of their ilk, but that's not saying much. It's a long boring story, but....I took a chance, a long shot, that I, an older non-trad student, with a second major at a very basic state school, but with some personal/professional art experience, would even consider the concept of going to "art school" let alone grad school. I stopped with my excuses a while ago, but for some reason I was not prepared to have my LOR people f me over. I just told one of them, I'm SURE it's FINE it [ the letter] is a little late. What could I say, thanks for dropping the ball, now go write me a glowing recommendation?

deadlines past and fast approaching... I might have to wait until next year: SFAI, but not sure about others. How much time have I had to fully research and loot at schools. Not much. like many people, I'm juggling work, school, and trying to be in the same state as my spouse who moved for a job last September. This is the first week I haven't been busy for 18 hours a day since last January.

not sure if this fits your exact interests but your post made me think of what I read about Randy Pausch (The Last Lecture). He co-founded The Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon. "ETC is the premier professional graduate program for interactive entertainment as it is applies across a variety of fields." http://www.etc.cmu.edu/ it's specialized and the environment sounds great

I just updated mine and still feel inadequate, though now it's over three pages long! Why? because I haven't had a solo show. So? At least I've been in group shows,right? Well, yes. But five years ago all I could say I was in was one group juried show and a couple of non juried shows. At that time I wanted more group shows. What I'm trying to say is it takes time and persistence. And being good at making connections--something I can't speak to.

I'm no expert, but these are my thoughts on my experience.... caveat: I used to be very shy and self-concious and have finally figured out to just stop it and be confident about my abilities. This wasn't easy to and took a long time to actualize. My first portfolio review by complete strangers was this Fall in NYC. The portfolio review site was jammed and loud and there wasn't alot of room to show big pieces. There was also a long wait for some of the schools. Then there were some gems like SAIC that had plenty of reps and not a long wait time. Feedback was interestingly consistent between two schools/reps -- one rep was a alum and the other was a dept chair. I met with another from a school I wasn't 100% sure about and from the get-go got a bad vibe. The rep didn't hide her fatigue and lack of interest. After I introduced myself she announced she needed to go to the bathroom, left me alone and came back with snack and a drink for HERSELF. Not impressed I let my annoyance show and she let her fatigue and irritability show. It was a waste of time and she had nothing positive to say. She didn't laugh. I think if she had I would have confronted her about her rudeness. There wasn't enough time to visit with all the schools, too long lines. Nevertheless, I made it out of there hours later feeling better. So, the body of work has to be strong. I've heard they can judge you based on your weakest piece. The trick: take out the iffy pieces. After the work, there's you. Or before the work, there's you. What helps me: believe in my work, be realistic, know my limitations. A thick skin should go without saying. Project myself as a positive, but no-bullshit and focused artist. A grown-up. Not flaky. Be articulate. I spent the drive and train ride down practicing my 30-second commercial about myself and my work. If you can do that, or convince yourself that you can, then no, you won't get laughed at---unless you're going for laughs.