kekbatter

Yeah, housing that is administered by U of C. There are plenty of apartments to choose from and they are most likely cheaper than grad housing (like I said I was an undergrad so I don't know much about graduate student costs), so if any of y'all are staying for a number of years, don't be scared of apartment hunting. The apartments are better quality and more affordable.

Not really. They're all pretty much located in well populated areas. Most people will tell you to avoid living "south of the Midway," which is around 60th Street. I'm not sure which graduate program you are attending at UChicago, but Harris and the Law School are both south of the Midway. This area isn't as terrible as people make it out to be, but it can get creepy at night because there isn't much going on. It's also right on the border of Woodlawn and Hyde Park, which is not always comforting. I personally would recommend living elsewhere only because I prefer being near grocery stores and multiple modes of transportation. My favorite parts of Hyde Park are near 55th street and Hyde Park Blvd, and 53rd street. I was an undergrad at the U of C, so I don't have any information on specific graduate housing buildings, but that area provides you with transit that will take you directly to campus and back home, plus out of Hyde Park to either Kenwood, the Loop or other South Side neighborhoods.

Thanks! I heard via email and should be expecting a letter in the mail soon. I emailed Chris Harring last week so he responded to that specific email.

Just heard back from MICA. I'm in! Now to make a decision (and fast).

I've seen people list a school's scholarship and write "Declined" next to it. It's not terribly uncommon (especially among undergrad students) but it's of course better to list scholarships that you have accepted.

Ditto. I would have applied to a lot more schools in general. I applied to enough and have been accepted into good programs, but I'm wishing I had a couple more prospects to decide between.

I get what you are saying, but I think you can at least acknowledge that Pratt's departments vary and thus students experience different levels of what you are complaining about. From what I have been told, Pratt's forte is design and architecture, while its fine arts departments leave more students unsatisfied. Also, the general consensus I am hearing from alums and current students is "Pratt is what you make of it." I'm not arguing that it's the best out there, but administrative red tape and financial aid burdens are not uncommon in any school. It's up to you to decide whether that gets in the way of your education. Your harsh critique of this school leaves me wondering why you are still attending Pratt and wasting your money on what appears to be a fruitless endeavor. It sounds crazy, but if the negativity is consuming you that much, why not... leave? I've dealt with very similar issues to yours during my college years, so again, I understand your frustration. But at some point you have to analyze what you are doing and make a move forward, somewhere that will release the emotional baggage and allow you to continue exploring what you love to do. If you let your negative experience fully consume you, your horrible attitude will transfer to everything you do after Pratt. And thus, the problem will be you, not your alma mater.

I would choose Pratt. I think SAIC technically ranks higher in general and in design, but I've lived in Chicago and met a handful of kids from SAIC (they were all undergrads though). If they rubbed you the wrong way in your interview, they might continue to do so if you attend. I'm not 100% sure of what life is like at SAIC, but I think Chicago schools in general are more intimidating/unfriendly. But I'm clearly biased because I'm leaving this city. EDIT: Actually, I don't know which school I would choose. There are a lot of people shitting on Pratt on this forum and it sort of makes sense. Back in September when I started my application, Pratt emailed me as a "current student" about financial aid or paying tuition or something. I wouldn't be surprised if the school was bad; their communication is awful. I'm definitely gonna have to visit and see for myself. ReallyTall, what was your experience like when you visited?

Congrats!! That's awesome. I don't know which school to suggest. To be honest I was kind of glad I didn't get into CMU so that I wouldn't have to make that decision. Ultimately you are choosing between an arts school and a more technical/traditional graduate program. So it really depends on where your interests lie.

ditto

I can't answer all of these questions, but you certainly should apply to these programs. Vis comm and things like interface design/identity design are not common undergrad majors, so these programs have no choice but to take people from a lot of different disciplines. Many art schools will tell you that they don't care how/where you came up with the work in your portfolio; as long as it impresses them then you have a shot. They are also intrigued by diversity and see a lot of potential in people who come from outside of the field to give new perspectives on communication design. That being said, if you are applying to all MFA programs and only to the ones you listed (very competitive schools), you should take advantage of Portfolio Days and get early feedback on your work ASAP. Also, don't hesitate to contact each school's admissions office in advance to ask questions about what their student body typically looks like. Art schools will definitely place a huge emphasis on the portfolio and your statement of purpose. They probably won't pay too much attention to your transcript if you haven't studied design; I interviewed with MassArt and SVA and they didn't discuss my studies that much at all. Schools like Carnegie Mellon will probably do the opposite; higher emphasis on your test scores, transcript, etc. MassArt is extremely selective. I don't know about any of these school's acceptance rates, but MassArt's DMI programs are tiny. I got into the Post-bac which essentially is like a 3-year MFA. If I went there, then got admitted into the MFA program (which happens frequently), I would complete the MFA in three years. I could also pursue another school's MFA after one year at MassArt. When I interviewed with them, they said they normally accept 1-2 students for the Post-bac, and I believe the website says something around 15-20 students for the MFA program. You should get in touch with them and discuss your skill levels to see which program you are qualified for. Again, Portfolio Days are key (they'll probably be announced in the late summer). A lot of other schools have "3-year MFAs," so you are doing the right thing by scoping those out. Keep searching and try not to limit yourself by applying to less than five schools. From what I've noticed on this forum, that doesn't work out for many people even if they have stellar portfolios.

Thanks! I was originally more interested in Pratt's program and I think I still am. I like that MassArt focuses on dynamic media and infuses that into the entire program. I didn't get any money, though, so that's no good.

Was headed to work and found an email from MassArt. I've been accepted into their Dynamic Media Institute!

^ I totally agree. The one thing that employers, ad comms and fellowship committees want to see in an ideal applicant is focus. They want to know that you are fully interested in and committed to what they are about, and you're doing everything you possibly can to enter that field. When you try to take on too many things at one time, you start to lose focus on what it is that you love to do. It's bad for the person reviewing your application, but more importantly, it's bad for your professional development. Don't give up at all; take this as an opportunity to think through your passion(s) and career goal and how the two intertwine.

Wow really? That's crazy that they just emailed you. You might want to ask them why they took so long to review your materials. Pratt's communication has been kind of questionable at certain points during my application process, but that's just baffling! I'm waiting on my hard copy acceptance package from Pratt. They didn't mention anything about funding in the acceptance email, so I am hoping that I'm eligible for some money. I sent in my FAFSA and what not back in January so we'll see. CMU's CPID program did worry me when it came to funding, because they told me that they only offer small "assistantships" to a select number of students. I also was much more interested in NYC than Pittsburgh since the opportunities for design-related internships and jobs are much more plentiful in the big apple. It would have been cool to get an acceptance from CMU, but I don't know if I would have jumped on their offer. But whatever. Congrats again! Where else did you apply?

Actually, I checked their online application system and got rejected. Yuck. It's all good though, congrats Babar_Suleman!

I haven't heard from CMU. Uh oh!! Did they email you or send you a hard copy letter? And CONGRATULATIONS! That's awesome!!

A lot of people tend to crack under pressure and need to prepare in different ways to avoid feeling like crap after interviews or public speaking events. A lot of times it's about reassuring yourself right before the interview that you got to this point for a reason and you're the best person for this program. Remind yourself of your best qualities, personal traits, things that get your mind off of the "what ifs," etc. Think positive. And avoid thinking negatively about previous interviews. It isn't the end of the world. Interviewers understand perfectly that your nerves get the best of you; they will look at your application materials along with this interview and you may very well impress them on both counts. I absolutely dread interviews and especially hate leaving them feeling like I didn't prepare beforehand. I normally have to practice what I plan on saying at least a day before and really study my credentials (along with how they link to that particular program, of course). I guess when I get nervous I forget about what it is I need to really highlight; why the program should select me over the other extremely competitive candidates. All of that goes down the drain because I start to second guess myself and sound awkward/uncomfortable/etc. So, for me, it's crucial that I remind myself of how my interest and qualifications got me to the interview. This sounds awfully vague but I hope it leads you to a set of techniques that help you prepare and feel less anxious the day of your interview. This article may also be of some help: http://www.uchicago....20101025_choke/

Yay!!! Congrats!

Perhaps! I totally see why you'd rank MICA as #1 though. Ellen Lupton is a god and MICA's campus/faculty/student body just sounds amazing after talking to alums. I actually applied to their post-bac, because I wasn't sure if I could get into a Master's program. Now that I have, I think I'll stick with Pratt or may be SVA/Carnegie if by some miracle I get into either one of those schools.

ditto (except no digital design emphasis). congratulations!

I feel exactly the same way. My first post had a typo, I actually heard from Pratt on March 9 like you. I knew it was a long shot, but I also fell in love with their program. I'm beyond ecstatic. Best of luck on your other schools!

Hey everyone! Glad to see a thread on visual comm/graphic design. I applied to a mixed group of programs that offered different levels of coursework, mainly because I graduated from the University of Chicago without a formal degree in the arts, and designed "on the side." Only one of my applications was for an MFA program, but depending on which school I end up attending, I hope to eventually get an MFA. Here are my programs/notifications thus far: SVA (MFA Products of Design)-- interviewed Carnegie Mellon (CPID) Pratt (MS Communications Design)-- accepted 3/12! MassArt (Dynamic Media Institute)-- interviewed MICA (Graphic Design) Although I don't come from the field of design, I can tell that these schools look for people who stand out and can potentially bring a fresh perspective on design. So if there's anyone out there who is worried about lack of formal training or exposure to the field of design (as I was a couple of months ago), it doesn't hurt to apply and discuss your experience/interest with admissions committees. They're looking for people from different backgrounds, and if it's what you love to do, it should show through in your statements and portfolio. addgg4283, I noticed that you applied to the UChicago. What program did you apply to there? I can't recall the U of C offering any degrees in graphic design.

i'm 22. graduated from undergrad in the spring of 2011 and looking to pursue a master's in dynamic media and communication design. interesting mix of ages and experiences here!

there needs to be a design subforum. or perhaps a separate forum for design.