losemygrip

I don't necessarily agree. I came out of undergrad with one course in 20th-Century Art and was a modernist. It wasn't a problem for my admissions that I could tell. I went from an MA program with a thesis on Italian Renaissance (sort of a happy digression) into a PhD program as a modernist (again) with maybe 2 seminars in modern. No problem. I think it's way more important that you have the proper language training for your area. Anyhow, I wouldn't fret about it until you see what happens with your applications. Call me an old fogey, but I think all this hyperspecialization is REALLY bad for the field. I know people who are very conversant in abstruse critical theory, but can't tell a Rembrandt from a Renoir.

An interesting list. I would actually say that UW is probably the most competitive there (because they admit far fewer students than Tyler), and UNM the least competitive. All are good schools--it kind of depends on what kind of work you do. There's a pretty big faculty at UNT and they're well tied into the national scene, more so than Houston or UNM (although Houston is pretty decent in that respect as well). Houston also has an outstanding art scene. If you're wanting a college teaching job, you'll want to go somewhere where you can get plenty of teaching experience. I know that happens at most of these schools, so that's good. Texas Tech is a good fallback school. It doesn't have the reputation of many others, but it's perfectly decent and much less competitive.

I seriously doubt if they have much to offer in the way of financial aid. These small art schools live and die based on tuition. Honestly, that's why I don't recommend them.

I agree about the concerns regarding Paintcutter's highly selective list, but I have a good feeling about her chances. The work looks really impressive and I think having been out a while has created a maturity that's reflected in these posts (and probably as well in the application). But for the record--everybody should always apply to a wide range of schools!!

Oh, that's too bad. I think that would've been a good option for you. I wouldn't assume UC Davis is a done deal. It's possible your file could still end up being reviewed and someone could say, "Wow, he's great--just get him to finish his file by sending transcripts." Stranger things have happened. It depends on whether there is a graduate office that is prohibited from forwarding incomplete files.

Hey Starling, I thought you were applying to Carnegie-Mellon. What happened to that?

I think UCSD is probably the place for new genres if you're wanting to incorporate technology. Maybe Irvine as well. UCLA is the best MFA program in the country, but I don't know if they have a New Genres concentration. Really, I think you just need to see which schools actually offer a New Genres curriculum. Except for Cal State L.A., those are all good schools.

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about this too much. It's true that you should waive your rights to review, but probably a lot of the admissions committee won't even notice unless there is something weird about your letters.

It's not a problem as long as your undergrad degree is from elsewhere.

And if you can't figure out a way to shorten the sentence, then maybe the entire sentence needs to go. And if you can't figure out how the paragraph makes sense any more, then delete the rest of the paragraph. Ask yourself this: would you want to be a part of a program that thought a long, wordy statement was better than a short, pithy one?

Florida and South Florida are good. I was quite surprised when I looked at the USF faculty list recently. It's basically SAIC-southern branch. Florida is a larger, better known program, but you might find better resources at USF. Yes, I'm probably the only grizzled old faculty member around here. I really enjoy mentoring students (I do it for a living, after all). Plus, I can spout off my opinions right and left, and as you all know by now, I have plenty of them.

ans, I think you did one of the best jobs I've seen of spreading your applications across a variety of institutions in terms of competitiveness and approach. Even though it's a lot, I think you were smart to do it this way. It gives you lots of possible success options, and should be a good example for others. I don't know what your record is, or if this list is very different from past years, but good luck to you.

My impression is that the Cultural/Visual Studies programs are more interested in theory than in history.

It's absurd to ask an entering student for a thesis proposal, but that doesn't mean some maniacal faculty member won't do it. I would ask for clarification, and if s/he genuinely wants a THESIS proposal before you've even started the program, I would skip even applying there.

I think it's also helpful--and perhaps MORE helpful--if one of your recommenders has a personal connection and can put in a good word for you outside the formal letter.

Some schools have you write no more than an artist's statement that goes along with your show; some require a genuine written thesis. Highly variable.

Wow, that's goofy. I think since it's just been one year, you can go with your original recommenders. You'll need to explain in your statement why you're switching programs.

If you think they're equal, go for the shorter.

To make yourself marketable, you need to find a broader niche. So either be a modern/contemporary world art person, with a special interest in the middle east, or an Islamist with a special interest in contemporary art. Your choice of grad school is dependent on which niche you choose to fill. I can't imagine any program with a decent modern/contemporary faculty that wouldn't welcome you. I'd say that you should try for a strong secondary background in the whole history of Islamic art and architecture (if your primary is modern/cont.) So a program with good contemporary that also has an Islamist on the faculty would be ideal. I think Harvard, Texas, Columbia, Michigan--those come to mind immediately.

Iowa, ASU, Georgia, SUNY Purchase

I don't think many (if any) state schools would offer similar programs for those without a BFA. Do you want to do graphic design, or teach? If it's the former, you should just do an undergraduate BFA in graphic design at a state school. Many of your prior credits should count, so you should be able to finish pretty easily.

Yeah, that's unfortunate. Why does he think you shouldn't go right to another program? Is it because that's a general policy for him? Or because of specifics regarding your particular situation? (He thinks your work needs to mature further before you re-apply, for instance.)

Since they will be looking for any excuse to eliminate candidates, yes, I would say it would be a bad idea.

I would add that you do normally have to provide a rationale for why this causes you a hardship. When I applied years ago, I explained that I was financially independent, worked two jobs for X amount of money, etc. Worked most places (except Berkeley). Private schools seem more lenient about it.

Regarding application fees: As I've said before, look to see if you can apply for an application fee waiver. A lot of schools offer them, but don't advertise it. It can save you a lot of money.