tooold4artschool
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Everything posted by tooold4artschool
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Like others have said, the first application year can be rough. Just knowing the process and expectations helps in later applications. You said you applied to SVA, but then decided it wasn't right for you, so you are already figuring out what you want and where you might fit better. Once you identify the programs that might be a good fit for you, you can curate your portfolio better, maybe make some new work, and hone your artist statement into something that aligns your work with that school's vibe. I did the same as you, got into a couple of great schools the first time, but decided they weren't the best fit for me once I had all the facts. I spent the year focused on my practice and applications. I applied again this year and was accepted to my top 3 schools. The extra year provided more information about where to apply, and a better application.
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Negative. Last year's release was 21 March.
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Definitely worth reaching out to express interest/readiness. Best case they can let you know where you stand on the list so you can make informed decisions. Worst case they won't, but assuming the interaction is cordial, they'll think of you positively. All that said, I don't think there are polls or % figures re. getting off the waitlist, but it seems like the % would be really low, like under 10%. I was waitlisted at two programs last year, including my #1 choice, and never heard back from either. That said, my advice: don't settle if you really want to go to RISD or somewhere else. I was headed to my #4 choice school last year, before changing my mind, and even though I still don't know what I am doing this year, I haven't regretted the decision to wait. Interestingly, all my mentors and friends who congratulated me last year when they thought I was going have since said that they are glad I didn't, and that I wouldn't have liked the program[?!]...which is what makes this faceless community a better option for unbiased advice sometimes.
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When was your interview? I heard that Monday was a whole thing because of the blizzard, so that might've affected things. I just had my interview, and the team was great. All of my experiences with the folks in admissions and the department at Parsons have been very positive and professional. Also, if you haven't already, you should visit to get a better idea of the atmosphere there. I don't think any interviews are relatable to the experience of being in a program. In the interest of fairness to applicants, the interviewers often just read questions and then let the applicant ramble if they want.
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Thanks. I decided not to transfer my application to the Visual Narrative program at SVA, because it doesn't fit my work or plans as well. I think we all use art to tell stories, but that program seemed too specific to illustration and written storytelling than I wanted. In fact, I think you need to submit a script or story with the application. That said, it was a hard decision because that program seemed to be very well run. Nathan Fox and Angelina have been excellent communicators, and took lots of time introducing me to the program, and explaining how I might fit into it. If you haven't yet, I'd check in with them for your own read.
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I planned to attend in-residence last year, but I decided not to move, which limited my options, hence the interest in low-res programs this year. I went to the VCFA Open House last month. It seemed like it was well-organized and the students seemed happy. Although the V stands for Vermont, the residencies are at CalArts in California. U Nevada-Reno's program is also intriguing, and seems well-run, with residencies at Lake Tahoe. I've also had great experiences with Azusa-Pacific, near Los Angeles. On the East Coast, the folks at Maine CAD seem to be running their program very professionally. Cost, rankings, and program timing and organization vary.
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Just received email notice that SVA closed its Art Practice MFA program "due to low enrollment."
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Not yet. I did the in-person grad tour last week, and the admissions folks said the department was in the process of reviewing applications. Last year the Parsons interview requests went out on 14 Feb.
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I got waitlisted by two programs last year, including my #1 choice. I held out hope, but I didn't get into either in the end. I was admitted to some other great programs, so I was going to go to another school, but after thinking about it, I decided it was more important to be in a program I wanted than to just get the degree. Once I decided to "take a year off," and re-apply for this year, I was relieved. As you've seen from others on this forum, the extra year can have a big impact on your package, your perspective, and your competitiveness, and you would likely have a much better chance of getting into the program you want. I haven't regretted my decisions yet, although I suppose it is too soon to tell, since I haven't been accepted anywhere yet this year. In short, hoping to get off a waitlist is OK, however unlikely, and it is a good opportunity to reflect on what you really want, and figure out how to get there. That said, I hope you get into the program you want!
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Just an email, with a scheduling deadline this Friday. Dates are Sat/Sun for the next 3 weeks. For other SAIC program applicants, the message also said that each program handles their own scheduling and processing, if that helps.
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I applied to both. Received interview request from SAIC today. Nothing from SVA yet. Good luck with all of your applications! I am planning to apply to other low-res programs, like VCFA and UNR, and I am interested in anyone's feedback on low-res programs in general, or these specific ones. Thanks!
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The last post has me wondering whether it is better to be specific regarding faculty, in the hopes that your work will resonate with that person, or vague, in the hope that your work will directed to the reviewer that the admissions folks think can best evaluate your work. I've done both, in an attempt to balance being genuine with meeting expectations, and I cannot say yet what the outcome will be. Any actual experiences?
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Which program?
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I did. Too good of an offer to pass up, but slim hopes of course.
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I was in an webinar last year where they said interviews would be "in January," so I would assume they are already scheduled, or about to be scheduled. I suppose one could ask the admissions office to be sure.
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is it me, or is this forum insanely quiet this year?
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Thanks for the info. What's the difference between a TA and a GA?
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Yep. I signed a letter saying I acknowledged the process could take until August, but admissions told me May was more likely. I am getting really invested in the other program, where I was accepted, but if I get off this waitlist, it would make my life a lot easier. So much so, that I am thinking about taking a year off and trying again, even though the program I got into is perfect for me. So stressful.
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Yes, admitted a couple of weeks ago.
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I hear you. I just declined my #3 choice and below.
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In at Parsons, waitlisted at CalArts. The Parsons program is perfect for me and I am beyond excited to start, but I live one mile from CalArts and my community is here. Any advice about the schools or decision-making that might help me would be appreciated.
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Curious about the protocol for declining admissions. Is it customary to send an email, call someone, or just let the deadline lapse?
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Accepted at Parsons, and I am interested in any feedback anyone has on the program or faculty. I did my due diligence beforehand, but any candid advice is appreciated. TIA.
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Yep, I think so. I got one.
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True, Valencia is very suburban, a little walkable, and has some good transit options. However for someone who has never been there, the OP should know that it is basically on the I-5 freeway. Yes, you can cross the 10 lanes of freeway on the overpass to a giant strip mall with lots of local and national chain restaurants and stores. Yes, you can walk down the hill to the paseo system and hike or bike for 30 miles without crossing a street. A longish walk, or short bike ride will take you the "Town Center" in Valencia or "downtown" in Newhall. The train from Newhall gets you to DTLA in less than an hour. The bus to UCLA/Westwood is clean and easy and less than an hour as well. You would need a car to go anywhere else outside Santa Clarita. As far as the school building, the animation space is great, and some of the shops and grad studios are great, but the rest of the facility is pretty old and drab, and shockingly institutional. The sense of community is great, and there's something to do on campus every night. KPCT123 is correct though, CALARTS is not in LA and often feels a world away.
