Onedayx3

CU Boulder. You can do as many theory courses as you like, but certain professors and seminars come heavy with theoretical readings anyway. The degree won't necessarily reflect that, but you'll get the education.

I agree! I had a completely different college experience as an undergrad with a small child than my peers did. When they were opting to sleep in, I had to remember I would be taking days off for my daughter and my sicknesses, and therefore had few to spare. I graduated Summa Cum Laud, and I attribute most of it to the tenacious attitude I've had to have to get the work done in spite of the adversity. I asked a mentor about financial aid in the application process, and she told me to mention it in my SOI. I felt that mentioning the fact that I was a single mom was relevant to making a statement about my "need" for assistance. I did not expect, however, for them to address this in my interview! One of the professors asked me about the statement, and if I did not receive funding would I still be able to continue my studies? I did stumble a bit, but I used it as an opportunity to demonstrate my determination to my studies. I told them I would seek outside sources, and do whatever I could to assure I completed the program. They also assured me that usually this is not an issue, and that they were trying to encourage me. I agree that in a formal application process you wouldn't want to give them any reason to think you would be distracted from your studies. I mentioned it because I was told to mention my circumstance for financial need, and I think it was better to be upfront than be passed up for an opportunity. For me, I probably would have reapplied the following year if I did not get any financial assistance. I would be careful before making lifestyle recommendations to others in too hasty a fashion Menadue1978. I think the post was originally geared towards those who already have children. I had my daughter at 19, and was married to my high school sweetheart (at the time). There have been several times my professor told me, "It's better to go to grad school with no kids or SO". I wanted to tell him, "I can't exactly undo my six year old...but thank you for the advice". What I want to hear is "How it can work?", and "Who can I talk to that knows about this already?" I think that's the benefit of these forums, sharing wisdom with each other.

For my SO and I, The threat of going off to grad school was a thorn in our relationship for 2 1/2 years, even while I was still in undergrad. He didn't exactly handle it in a mature manner in the beginning, and it was only when I broke up with him that he declared he would move with me wherever I wanted. I've had a long time to prepare for the transition to grad school and what that would mean for our relationship. Our relationship started to deteriorate six months ago. I finally broke it off, and he has tried to come back promising he'll get me an engagement ring and that he wants to get married and get an apartment together in Colorado. It's very hard turning down the support. This is the person who would get me wataburger and Excedrin at 2am when I have a migraine and message my temples until I fell asleep. So the thought of having someone to help me with my bills, my daughter, sickness, and any other life difficulties is ever so tempting. But, all the benefit comes at the cost of appeasing a controlling SO and limiting my overall potential to participate in grad school to my fullest potential. I've decided to try and make it on my own (with daughter) vs. stay with him because of selfish reasons. Even though I love him dearly, It's one of those brain vs. emotions battle...and hopefully I've let the wiser one decide. Considering all this, I am "single", but not at all interested in dating. I have a 6 year old, a teaching gig, and my own "research" to work on. I figure I'll try and find myself a support network when I'm moved, and worry about everything else later.

That's funny. I'm doing the opposite. I'm moving from Texas to Colorado. Do you have any tips for me? I have been to Shreveport when I was little for a motorcycle rally with my dad, and it's about as hot and humid as Texas. I'm sure you will experience some kind of culture shock, but I can only speak from what I know about Texas. Girls from Louisiana can have a crazy country twang...but I suppose it depends on the area. Louisiana roads are complete crap. It was culture shock for me visiting Colorado. No one wears makeup or dresses nice. It's like everyone is bumming it all the time. I almost felt judged for being overly dressed, but it was my "normal". You might experience the opposite moving to an area that cares a bit more about appearances. I am going to CO for a "meet and greet", and I plan on staying the weekend to look at houses/ apartments/ rooms for rent. It's so hard to tell without seeing it in person, so I will second the idea to find a temporary set up while you are looking. Since you are by yourself maybe you can find a room for rent on Craigslist that is month to month. I am moving to another region of the country intentionally for the experience. I think it's good for you to move away from what you've always known for a period of time, and grad school is the perfect excuse to do it. Good luck!

Wow. I can't believe I found a thread on this. My figure is the same. I will save at about $15K if I buy. Rent in Boulder, CO goes for $800-$1,000, and I could buy a home under $100,000 and pay $300-$500 a month and get some of my money back when it sells. I will be saving money every month, unless I decide to turn it back into adding equity into the house - which still profits me. My concern is having to commute 30 minutes to school for a house in this price range. I would like to put my daughter in school close to campus because I will likely be keeping decent hours on campus and there's an on campus child care facility as well as girls/boys clubs local. My thought is that when I graduate I might have to take a crappy adjunct job before getting a tenure track position, and I prefer not having a massive debt looming over my head. I just want to set myself up for the best post-graduation scenario.

I got a call from University of North Texas this afternoon. They informed me I was one of five applicants selected. I politely declined, as I've already sent in my acceptance to Boulder. My biggest thought was that I'm so happy that my decline gave a second chance to someone who was wait-listed .

I hate the issue all together, and would like to think that one could wear whatever they want as long as they had the right attitude... but the consensus is pretty correct so far here. The interview scene from Pursuit of Happiness:

I've been house sitting and without internet the last few days. But I got an acceptance e-mail from UC Boulder on the 20th (Wed), 5 days after the interview the previous Friday. They said it would be about 2 weeks to hear back, so I was not expecting that e-mail. That was my top choice, for specific reasons...so I've already sent them my acceptance notice. I'm so relieved . Good luck all!

Thank you Pie! They sent me an e-mail 2 hours ago informing me of a scheduled skype interview Friday.

Interview for CU Boulder!

Agreed. Those of us with dependents have more to fight for to try and both follow our dreams and support a family with it's own needs. I have had numerous friends look at me like I am crazy for thinking about moving to another state just to go to school when I have a daughter I will be relocating as well. I've job searched, and can easily apply to positions earning more than I will starting out teaching...but I don't want to be sucked into a non-art world that distracts me from what I really want to do. Be considerate of all .

It only took me a couple of days and I let it sink in be able to relax. Then I found an amazing public art opportunity here in Houston that I applied to same day. After submitting to that, I've been nose deep in artist opportunities and residencies ever since. That's part of my backup plan, add resume lines and work an get ready to apply again.

I've called every school personally to confirm they have received my materials. I didn't do anything like that last year. My recommender ended up coming through last minute...or at least I will call tomorrow and find out for sure. I stopped getting e-mail confirmations from Boulder, they've been having high volume issues with their online portal. All I have left is to send a package in the morning, and my fafsa later this month. So, I'm going to double my hours at work and save up. I really give at least 50% less of a crap than last year. I mean, I do care very much...but my body and brain stressed enough last year to pay in advance for this one. Good luck everyone!

As for freaking out... I just got an e-mail from my prof saying the electronic letters are finished, but she will mail the paper copy when she gets back in town. WTF! That will likely be the DAY the app is due. This year, just as last I have recommender issues because they go out of the country/ state during the winter break. I'm going to call tomorrow and see if the university will allow a couple days for a late letter to fly in.

I am doing the same. My older work is more involved installations and project-based, so there are six images old, and 14 new.

This seems an odd request to me. This is the reason one includes the dimensions of the work. I understand it's a problem if applicants are constantly adding digital "frames" to their photos or over cropping them. I would just allow a small border of background.

Uh, yes. For my second round I should be on top of things. But I didn't anticipate a whole new body of work would happen late in the year yielding 10 new paintings in 5 months. I am still trying to iron out my artist statement. I feel the statement of intent is easier because I definitely know what I want to accomplish in the program, but I haven't got it to the final draft yet. Trying not to lose my mind.

I just spent all day documenting paintings. It would be great to have some feedback now I have them posted. http://www.catherineccartwright.com/paintings.html

UCSB is on my list, though everyone I know is negative about CA being a possibility. The most common complaint is cost of living. Most schools I looked at the more economical apartments would be around 15 - 20 minutes out. Though living closer to campus for the convenience factor is very appealing. Curious12345, do the grad students get TA opportunities? If you TA, do you still have to take out supplemental loans for living expenses, or do most grads work part time as well? A visiting artist (from Temple), suggested to me to aim your loan amount from 35-50, because it will be like an extra car payment later. Are you willing to share your link?

From Ira Glass . . . “What nobody tells people who are beginners — and I really wish someone had told this to me . . . is that all of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, and it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase. They quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.” I think it was this quote a visiting artist referred to once regarding making a lot of bad art, before we can make good art. I've always thought that what I made was good, but the more you make, you begin to see your work changing, and you realize you are improving/ evolving- and it must have meant that the stuff you made first was not as great as you originally thought it was. I've had a lot of critiques piss me off, but the stimulus to change and try new things is good for you. Just keep making art.

I am applying again this year. So after going through the whole process on this forum last year, I would really like to know what it's like for those starting their fall semester as an MFA student. What did you decide on housing? How much are your expenses/ expenses in consideration with aid from school or wherever? And is anyone is doing their MFA with a child/ family? Anyone blogging about their MFA?

I can agree here as well. I have an entire portfolio of work involving the human form in some way or another. Those folks with no art background will always encourage your figurative work- it's what they can relate to and appreciate. However, unless your approach to the figure is completrely new and unique, most art buffs are going to see figurative work as uninteresting, or even irritating. The most helpful thing to me in getting past the anti-figure sentiment I experienced as an undergrad was the ranting of my sixty something year old profesor. He said that as artists we had the power to experiment and invent new things. Unlike a chemist our tools are not viles, but paint and brushes (or video, or whatever). As I grew, I saw the figure as limiting, instead of exciting. In my frenzy to add 12 new paintings to my portfolio in 2 months...I've found nothing new I've done is anything like my figurative work. It's completely different, yet very much "me" in style and has opportunities to grow and evolve.

Rutgers rejection today via snailmail.

Me either...but I haven't gotten a rejection letter the same day another on the board did either. Don't assume yet.

Bingo. I knew I would never make it in time to obtain my CC transcript. Honestly the week after I finished my last aplication I was just so exhausted from the stress I didn't follow up to submit one late either. My status says missing info also. I was finishing my last semester of undergrad the same month as trying to do these applications. But it sucks to lose money because I missed the fine print, or thought it wouldn't matter. So, when visiting artists and my profs told me most BFA grads wait a while before getting into an MFA program due to maturation of the artwork, I'm going to seriously consider that fine print and the pain in the rear-ness of the application process could have also played a part.