Painter55

@prosthetic_head knowing that you got interviews at places you didn't network with gives me hope. I'll definitely look over the schools and see if there are other factors that seem to trend towards acceptance or rejection. I think interdisciplinary programs vs. specific discipline could also be a factor for me, since Painting is so oversaturated. I'm thinking about what you said about it being unfair to conclude that networking is the only reason I'm hearing back...I agree it's probably unfair to conclude that's the only reason, but I think it's definitely a huge factor. The programs I applied to are all very similar in size/ curriculum, maybe slight pedagogy differences, but all critical. I only applied to 7 schools, so that's too small of a sample size to conclude anything. I think we can be honest here and agree that if you got 10 applicants and you've met 1 previously, you might lean on choosing that candidate if you had a good interaction with them. It just seems like human nature to me. Maybe I'm just cynical. Congratulations on your interviews. This process is crazier than I thought it would be 😂

@Sleepyguy I read your post about having a second unsuccessful application cycle. I'm sorry to hear. This is also my second application cycle and the results have been not what I expected. The first application cycle (two years ago) I only applied to two programs at which I knew current MFA students. Denied from both, but my recommenders didn't come from the art world. This year, my recommenders are all pretty successful mid-career artists and curators, and my portfolio is completely new work closely following a theme. I applied to a handful of programs of similar rank/reputation/caliber. I networked like crazy. Attending lectures, portfolio reviews, there are even some professors in a small organization I am a part of. What I noticed is absolute silence from programs from which I only talked with students and no professors. Interviews, warm outreach, and offers from programs at which I networked with the faculty organically. I'm honestly shocked at this result. It makes me feel like getting an interview isn't based on merit at all, and rather who you happen to know. I know this is just my personal experience and I'm sure there are people out there who got interviews based on their amazing portfolios/recs alone. Has anyone out there had this experience? What do people think the importance of networking is? I know on Yale's website (I didn't end up applying) it says explicitly to not contact faculty or students in regards to getting information about the programs. There is obviously a way to go about networking that isn't being too aggressive. I just want to gather people's thoughts. thanks and best of luck to everyone