smartin

Congratulations everyone! I spent the past week on the road visiting my top four options, which I highly suggest doing, as some programs may look very similar on paper but feel completely different in person. Plus, getting to know all that faculty + grads means you're making lots of connections within your field! I was accepted to my number one choice yesterday, which was a huge relief as they only accept one grad student a year and I was very nervous that would not be me. I can't express how much this forum meant to me. Good luck to everyone, wherever you're going and with all your future projects!

Thank you! Though I still feel like the fight's not yet over and I have no idea yet where I'll end up. I'm in haggle mode for more financials right now and will probably visit my top three/four schools next week. I feel so rushed because Herron's deadline is April 2nd, and Boston is three days after that. Some schools have been more receptive to the "what else can you offer me?" email, while one said something like, "don't base your MFA program on financials," which is a frightening notion for someone who is 23, currently unemployed, and will be paying for grad school on their own. I get what they mean, but would you go out and buy a car and just say, "oh, I'm not going to pay attention to cost!" Not if you had my bank account, you wouldn't. There are so many factors to consider with financials, like geographic cost of living/quality of life, 2nd and 3rd year fellowship opportunities, dental and health insurance, scholarships for thesis/travel, etc. It seems like a process in and of itself. My top four in order (maybe! agh!) are probably Hope SoFA, Boston U., IUPUI (Herron), and LSU. Those four rearrange themselves at least five times a day. It's hard to say without visiting, too, which is all next week. I'm also a little annoyed with schools that are asking for decisions by the first few days of April, when I've spoken to other schools who have straight up told me that they don't mind my decision being after April 15th-early May. For those of you who have your top school clearly chosen already, I envy you.

I completely agree. I just sent out a slew of emails asking for more competitive funding (might as well try), and while I'm making my pros/cons chart o' schools I realized that only a few of my acceptances have really tried to form an early relationship with me via multiple emails/phone calls. One has already sent me a guide to housing in the city and local bike paths! Don't they realize how charmed a desperate and needy applicant will be to receive personalized update emails? The bike path map wooed me especially.

First off: CONGRATULATIONS to all the acceptances in the past few days! Everyone should be so proud that their hard work paid off. Secondly: guys, check your spam blocker! LSU had emailed me 3 weeks ago to let me know I was their top candidate, but my gmail spam blocker ate it, and I only just found out when I sent them an email asking for a decision date. And call the shit out of their contact numbers, it's what they're there for. Just be mindful that it is around spring break for some schools. Also, for those stuck between multiple acceptances, ask for a grad alum contact number and give them a call. It can really help to get an additional perspective from someone who actually went through the same program.

Congratulations! I bet you're feeling pretty good today!

Yes, that's what I was thinking. Thanks for the advice, OutWest!

Thank you! This question has been on my mind lately. I have only visited one of my campuses, and none of the departments. I want to narrow my schools down to two or three so I can visit and then make a decision, but to do so I'd like to make sure I have the most competitive financial packages from all the schools I can get. ...I may also have just bought a car and am still in haggle mode... What do you guys think? Is it against grad-school etiquette?

Just got back from a week's vacation with no internet connection...! Bizarrely freeing. Got home to an acceptance from Herron's MFA at IUPUI with some funding! How are people going about talking to schools for more competitive financial packages? Is it possible to use full funding from one school to try to get a bit more funding from another?

Thanks, leetimko!

I heard from Boston U. today, accepted w/ scholarship via email (package apparently in the snail mail)! But they, like other schools mentioned above, are requiring my decision by April 5th...? I hope I hear back from everyone by then, and from the grad banks for financials, too. I feel like the stress of this process just keeps going on and on and on. That is not to say I don't feel very grateful! Hope you guys have a great weekend!

Hi. Thanks! Haha, I haven't heard anything yet...bloop bloop.

Congrats! How did you hear from Herron? Via snail mail or email or phone?

Have a phone interview with University of Washington (Seattle), found out via email on Monday, scheduled for tomorrow, nervous nervous nervous. They sent me a list of questions that we'll be going over which should make it easier but for some reason terrifies me all the more. I need the most polished perfect responses, plus practice making it sound like I'm not reading directly from my notes...

I got an email acceptance for graphic design from IU Bloomington on Feb. 23rd if that helps. I'm not sure about other departments!

Accepted via email to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign today! No word from Purdue, Boston, Notre Dame, U. of Washington, or LSU. Anyone heard anything from these schools? Boooo no more waiting!