bikehelmutlang

For those in the Yale / RISD MFA boat, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I see above ^ some very real, accurate hesitations. A few of my peers have went through MFA programs at both institutions. I’m more familiar with folks who have been in the Photography programs but know a few in painting. From what I’ve heard, it’s totally expected to have qualms with both of these schools, and at the end of the day we know what these types of institutions really care about. I’ve recently heard some concerning things about the RISD faculty in terms of their attentiveness and care towards the program and nurturing the interests of the students. I’ve heard that there’s been a high turnover rate at least for photo. I’ve heard support goes beyond the faculty of your particular program, so you’re able to study with other faculty within RISD but you also have access to work with faculty from Brown. RISD seems most promising in terms of flexibility and resources/opportunities. You can dip your toes in beyond just the medium that you work within. But it seems the faculty is mostly checked out in the visual programs so it’s something to be weary of. On the other hand, I have a few good friends who have studied in Yale photo (and are currently) - it has its ups and downs. But the faculty is more promising and is genuinely more invested in their students. Yale MFA puts you more on a calculated path, and you are more likely to get put in the rooms that you desire if exhibiting and gallery opportunities is what you are seeking. You also get a lot of access in terms of the artists who can come in and speak with you about your practice. But this also isn’t everything and is not necessarily the most important part about the graduate school experience! I think it truly depends what type of experience you are seeking, and ultimately it is what you make of it. The structuring of the MFA programs between the two is incredibly different. That being said, very very very interested to hear what others think of these programs. I interviewed for RISD MFA Photo last week (it did go well!) and am interviewing for Yale MFA Photo later this week. Good luck to all through your interview stages and decision waiting!