HopeDreamPaint

Just to add some extra perspective. I applied last year to 7 MFA programs, interviewed at one and ultimately was rejected by all. Since, I've been incredibly (lucky??) successful. I've WORKED MY BUM OFF and it has paid off to the point of scratching out the starving before artist slogan. I could list all of the accolades/recognition ect. but that drowns my point. An MFA is not the be all, end all. Working hard is, whether that is networking within a program or outside of one. Do not let this process or the thought of an MFA being needed cripple you or your creativity. Hit the ground running and let an MFA be an afterthought. Also two other points of interest: Con: I've heard through respected circles that an MFA is "desperate" or as a "last resort". Pro: I've heard through same said circle that an MFA is wonderful for someone with no connections at all and looked upon great if the person was given a "scholarship" of sorts or is mentored under a respected artist/faculty with some merit. Full disclosure -by "respected" I mean artists, art critics and art curators- convo was over cocktails My personal opinion is that if you get into a FUNDED program, grab it and run! Loans or Debt, run the other way and preferably into a crowd to start networking. Hope this helps someone/anyone. Cheers and good luck! Well wishes to all!

What a confusing thread. It read as if you played a roll in the admissions process therefore it is inappropriate and unethical to throw out criticisms of applicants. Simple stuff. That was my first thought and I see others had the same one in variation. A small constructive criticism because frankly you're a bit dramatic…see your late post below. I was simply responding to YOUR QUESTION. That was what was relayed back to me when I asked about the painting program at ucsb ect. It wasn't a direct attack of your whole being. Good Lord. Take it down a notch. I def agree in that I too know people who were snubbed by low ranking programs and accepted into top ranking ones. It's a funny +long + tiring process. I simply thought insulting those who applied wasn't a smart promotion tactic. Best of luck!

@West. He was asking for opinions and the "why"s as to the reasoning that some did not apply. Simply passing along the info + the unexaggerated comments I received when asking around. And my mentors warrant the title heavy hitters. I agree with your comment with regards to the initial post. Just an all around No, ugh, and c'mon....really? Calling other artists work dismal? Anywho good luck to all!

Email, call and reach out! Never hurts to double check! They're use to it. Good luck!!

Commercial. Heavy "Party School" Rep. Commercial. Faculty. Commercial. Lackluster Alumni Resumes. Commercial. "Art Fair" worthy. Those were the unfortunate bits thrown around while asking some of my art heavy hitters. Again subjective to peoples experiences....! Calling candidates work dismal is doing more harm than good though. Found your initial post a bit abrasive but I can understand why you would want to defend the program your currently attending for your own well beings sake. Would love to see some of your work racuerex/Curious12345….genuinely + curious to see why those were some of the things thrown out when asking about the program and why. It is so strange to come on the net and find such drastically different opinions vs. that in "real life". I def don't discredit the info found here though because it is an entirely new set of opinions thrown into the mix.

-well said Lovely painter-just reading the boards here. Anyone who has had a decent amount of success knows location is not a factor to be lucrative. Couldn't agree more. Well all done with my apps. This is my 2nd time around. I made it into two schools last year (ASU+Northwestern) but choose to reapply for several reasons. Anywho Fingers Crossed. Good luck all!

This comes off as judgmental...perhaps because I've heard this argument before. I think you've either got it or you don't. To say someones educational background is grounds for them not being admitted to an MFA program or unworthy for the label of a "good artist" is ridiculous. My background is in PR and I'm currently a Creative Director....I've been immersed in the "art world" because of my parents. So to anyone else reading these boards don't let anyone tell you about art, because at the end of the day art is subjective. When you start reasoning away someones talent or experience or educational merit....art is no longer art. So there's my bit of honesty Cheers to forging ahead!

When did you hear from the Uni of Washington (Painting program? or...) and by what method? mail? Thanks!

whoa, nobody panic!!!!!! I was only mentioning it so that we are all aware of it. I doubt an admissions team would invest the time and energy into figuring out who is who but rather read through to judge program desirability, school heresy and perhaps just out of general curiosity....didn't mean to cause a stampede. It's less about what we as individuals are posting and more the general conciseness or public feeling twards the MFA process ect. Hope this eases any fears...

I wouldn't be surprised if the slideroom phenomena we've discovered is really for internal use and perhaps they don't realize we can see or don't care that we can? Although none of my slideroom apps/statuses have changed....Also I asked my sisters friend if his admissions team reads any of the Grad forums and he said yes everyone knows about GradCafe....It definetly makes me want to be more careful on listing the schools I've applied to, even though nothing on here is negative...it just goes back to that subjective factor? One little thing or one small push in either direction. Or perhaps I've now reached a level of paranoia? haha...This of course now means I'm a true artist.

hahaahaha!.....!!! Thank you for making me laugh the hardest I've laughed all week!

I wish!!!

ditto-I don't understand where everyone is seeing the MFA second round notification....

Joey (my mailman) and I are now on a first name basis and he starts laughing every time he sees me coming....yelling sorry darling nothing today Sigh.

I loved looking at your port!