NFP
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Posts posted by NFP
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For schools you have applied to before, they will want to see that you have made new work since applying last year, so it is a must that you include a good proportion of that in your portfolio. As far as arranging your portfolio, lead with your strongest work regardless of the chronology.
Hello, everyone. This will be my second year applying to MFA programs. I'm currently in the process of updating my portfolio and was trying to figure out what percentage of it should contain new work vs. work I applied with last year. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
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An MFA program is littered with critiques, so best get used to it and learn to defend your work or prepare to change (perhaps for the better).
In defense to losemygrip's comment/suggestions, the artist can either use it, not use it, or at the very least ponder the questions raised and critically compare it to his own vision. I don't think anyone should read a critique and think it's imposing. To me, this is an open forum with people of different experiences and opinions and this idea should be embraced with the full acknowledgment that these comments may or may not affect the ultimate outcome of their work. While it seems apparent the portfolio of work is being prepared to send off and apply with, I don't think that negates specific critiques, as if it's too late in the game to mention. The artist has a whole lifetime to think about his art, MFA applicant or not.
The MFA is a goal, but finding your voice in your art is the ultimate goal.
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Three years of my life was taken up preparing - applying 2 years running and then finally getting into Grad School, as well as applying for many many scholarships and grants.
Make sure the works in your portfolio are cohesive (as expressed already). This will be the first part of your application review. If you don't get this right, the rest of your application will never see the light of day.
Get someone else to review your portfolio before you send it. Lead with your strongest work and make sure you have professionally shot images. Your statement is important, and should be well crafted and sincere. Remember, faculty have read plenty of these before and will see through any B.S. Not sure how much emphasis panels place on referees, however you should select wisely just in case.
Be sure you're really ready, both mentally and emotionally - this is not undergrad and the pressure and expectation is far far greater. You may be in a new place - settling can be difficult. You will be working REALLY hard!!!! once you start, so if you like to party, forget it. It is gruelling, draining, elating, invigorating, devastating, exciting etc ........ Be well prepared and you will be rewarded.
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It is getting closer to the decision date of 15 April - for the sake of all people on waitlists - if you've chosen your school, please don't delay notifying the ones you won't be attending so others can move up the ranks or at least get closure.
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"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck" - The Dalai Lama
As a 2nd rounder, the above Instruction from the DL has proved an invaluable thing (for me) to focus on.
If I'd taken 2nd prize from my first attempt in 2011:
- I would never have been inspired to work even harder to get into my #1 choice next time - a whole new body of stronger work was the result
- I would never have been offered my dream school this year - I believe this only happened because of my new body of work
Acceptance of the Universal decision is hard, but I believe there's always a reason even though it might not be clear to start with.
Go well into your new adventures.
PS Best to you Kazoo and congrats - your wait was worth it!
- I would never have been inspired to work even harder to get into my #1 choice next time - a whole new body of stronger work was the result
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OMG. Congrats! what concentration?
Thanks! Entering thru Printmedia.
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Snail mail letter (dated 20 March) received today from SAIC - accepted
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has anyone who got accepted to CCA been awarded any funding?
No word about it in the acceptance letter, and since I'm international and eligible only for merit-based awards, I'm pretty sure (and have resigned myself to the idea that) I didn't get any.
I'm an International applicant also on my 2nd time around. Both times applying there is little if any evidence on any of these forums or in the Results Survey to suggest that CCA gives out much in the way of merit scholarships - the listings looks great on the website, but I don't think they materialise. Taking up an offer is even more difficult for International applicants cause there's no need-based assistance at all. So, no merit scholarships, no need-based support, nothing. Not a very attractive prospect having massive loans. Guessing with the world economy the way it is, this difficulty will continue and the competitiveness will increase. Hope we who wish to pursue our passions can find some support somewhere to keep going with our dreams.
Congrats to everyone, whether you've been accepted or not. Just putting it out there is a big thing and you deserve credit for all the hard work it takes to do that. Don't give up, ever!
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party dress
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long bow
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khow pad
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hot potato
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simple simon
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sous chef
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MFA at 47?
in Visual
Why not! At (a young at heart) 50 this is my second year applying for MFA. Last year I applied to 3 schools, got accepted to 2 schools, and waitlisted to 1. I'm applying again to see if I get a better deal this year. My main focus for an MFA is to develop my work + to transition from my day job to teaching and/or mentoring roles. I don't think there's any right or wrong age for pursuing knowledge or creativity. Its when its right for you that counts. Good luck!
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peace pipe
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silver tongue
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Congratulations, this is a good result. You should count yourself as extremely fortunate to have been offered this scholarship, particularly at one of the top schools. If you have been following this forum, you'd know that many many applicants have received little or no offers of funding support, so I'd say looking down at 40K debt is better than 80K if you're really serious about doing your MFA.
got into SAIC with a 50% tuition trustee scholarship. printmedia department. i was so not expecting to get in anywhere. should i do it? is 40 grand worth an MFA at SAIC?? in this economy??
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belt buckle
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Payne - I heard from SAIC today snail mail - I'm waitlisted also.
Wait listed @ SAIC Printmedia. This was my top choice
Did anyone here get accepted to SAIC Printmedia and may be considering other schools/programs?I'm so tired of being wait listed. Last year, it was RISD. *sigh*
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Snail mail from SAIC - waitlisted. Letter dated 16 March, received 24 March.
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It would be hard to be waitlisted as you say, so I hope something good comes out of your efforts this year.
My preference - whichever one funds the best. I researched my choices very carefully so that I would be happy no matter where I went.
Thanks, Jinnee Spell. Good luck to you. I just hate the feeling of being wait listed as I experienced this last year and it was not pretty. Hoping and hoping for nothing in the end. When I tried to ask the school, they can't even tell me any useful information. It's so secretive. Btw, what school do you prefer out of the 3 you applied to?
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In the same boat, ie Acceptance from CCA, no word on merit scholarship (and judging by all your posts not hopeful). Would be curious to know how many applicants actually got one! Doesn't look like many (if any).
I interviewed for PrintMedia at SAIC also - still no word yet, but things take twice as long to reach me overseas. Congrats Payne for at least being Waitlisted. Fingers crossed for something - AND for some funding!!
While it is exciting to be accepted and a clear validation of ability, the reality hits and takes a bit of the shine off the whole thing. It is a V E R Y expensive exercise and something to be considered very carefully.
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million miles
Is the MFA Necessary? The "Con" Side of the Debate
in Visual
Posted
The rigour of practice and colleagial and curatorial connections you get from studying a full time MFA are already evident to me at the end of my first semester. While I see an MFA will fast track these things/opportunities, none of the aforementioned benefits are worth being in substantial debt for. This was a BIG gamble as I moved half way across the world to do this and would not have come without a scholarship (which I got). Your decision should be pragmatic as a minimum. If you have the means, all well and good, if you don't, I'd say just keep practicing and enjoy your life and what you're doing. The burden and stress of debt will suck the joy from your life.