Czarina

That's unfair that they're only giving you two weeks. Many schools don't even conduct their interviews until mid-March..

First decision is a rejection. Ouch.

Anyone know of any cool podcasts to listen to instead of refreshing e-mail every 15 minutes?

I was rejected from Univ. of Michigan last year -- my understanding was that interview invites were sent out in late Jan, and I was notified of my rejection after inquiring about my status over e-mail; however, take that with a grain of salt, as it was last year and timelines are often subject to change..I suggest contacting the admissions office directly -- it can't hurt!

I unfortunately cannot afford to fly across the country or to take the time off work on such short nice. In your opinions, will this negatively impact my chances for admission?

Anyone hear anything from VCU?

Gahhhh --- apparently my site has been down for the past few days, unbeknownst to me because of a billing error. Should I follow up with the schools and let them know about this, and that they can refer to my site again if need be?

Anyone heard from Massart Film/Video?

Trying to avoid compulsive e-mail checking.

Yeah, totally. I keep telling myself that it will all work out when the program is truly a good fit.

No interview requests yet, and kind of really terrified right now. Is there a possibility that different departments within a program send out interview requests at different times?

I would not even mention anything about your grades in your SoP because that's going to distract the conversation about your artmaking. You earned a degree, which in an of itself indicates aptitude in a collegiate setting. IMO, what matters more when addresing your undergrad is that you're able to articulate the personal achivements, skills, and strengths you developed that inform and support your current practice.

Also -- have you reached out to any of the faculty members whom you're specifically looking to work with? If you can intiate a dialogue about yourself and your work, you'll establish an identity for yourself amongst the hundreds of applications that are received.

Ask yourself what exactly you're looking to get out of graduate school, then think of any possible question pertaining to how you intend to achieve those goals (in regards to which specific facilities you'll have access to, resources within the program, amount of faculty contact, exhibition opportunities). If possible, try to meet wiith a current student to get their perspective; they're the ones who will (hopefully) give you the real talk. Don't be nervous. Remember that the application process is a two-way street, and a school that's ultimately a good fit will appreciate your enthusiasm and want you to come as much as you want to go.

Yep, came in here to suggest UCSD as well!

Can we complile a list of state schools in the US with solid MFA programs (for the purpose of identifying schools with lower tuition)?

That sounds infuriating and I understand your frustration, as I've been in a similar situation. I personally felt like I dodged a bullet, and so should you. Better to find out earlier than later (aka before dropping loads time n money) if a school doesn't have their sh** together.. If you are still interested in a Post-Bacc program -- MassArt/SMFA/MICA are all great, with really warm and helpful faculty and efficient admissions. (I dealt with all three while going thru the Post-Bacc admissions process a few yrs back.. and ultimately couldn't go because of money).

Seems like your intuition is telling you that you'll get exactly what you need and feel comfortable and happy at RISD. Any amount of debt is obviously undesirable-- but depending how much undergrad put you in the hole, 40k wouldn't be the wildest amount to incur. Personally, I'd consider pulling the trigger here. Maybe I'm a bit biased here, as a former Bostonian who spent a lot of time in/love Providence with some close friends who are RISD alum. I'm also speaking as someone who was faced with the option of going to a very inexpensive school this fall (which I felt completely uncomfortable at) and I've decided to re-apply for next year. That's also promising that they honored your financial appeal, because who knows -- perhaps they'll consider giving you more for your second year? to YOLO, or not to YOLO... maybe I should start a 2k15 thread..

No! I know people well over 30 who have gone to Skow-- and any case, you're never too old to do anything you want!

is anyone else still waiting for a decision, post-interview? i was informed that i'd hear back when a decision was made, but nothing yet, and i haven't been formally waitlisted either. but it seems rather late in the app season so i can't help but feeling that i have indeed been waitlisted. i've kind of resigned that everything happens for a reason etc etc all that jazz but i'm still rather confused and would like to know what's up, as i'd really like to attend this program...

Interview, not yet accepted, not yet rejected, haven't been formally waitlisted? UGH!

noticed an acceptance to UCI MFA in the results section though I'm unsure if its for studio art or not..

when this is all over can we compile the most egregious rejection letters? i unfortunately deleted the rejection in which they said they "hoped i will continue to pursue art" (as if that rejection was going to dampen it in any way at all)

anyone else feel like they were on cloud 9 after the interview, then after a few days of overanalysis did a 180 and feel like you totally bombed?

how did y'all go about sending thank you emails to interviewers?