ReallyTall

I was admitted. I won't be attending, though. I was offered aid and a TA position. Loans as well, but I figure those are normal.

Georgia State University does full funding + stipend as well. At least their design department does.

I would have to echo the viewpoint that you should just work for a year or two. A post-bacc certification generally costs as much as one year in a Master's program. It's a rather steep price just to get a certificate.

SVA [finally] said no. Guess it's a pick between SAIC and Pratt. Any opinions? I'm leaning towards Pratt.

Roughly the same for me. I've seen at least one other accepted into the major I applied to. I called today and they said they are processing them and they're "almost done" so I can only imagine they're still picking. However, they did tell me that my decision was ready and now the office of graduate admission has to send it out because they won't tell me over the phone.

This. Don't get me wrong, money is a big thing for, well, everyone. The world operates on it. If you get accepted into the program you want and you know your work will flourish there, then go for it! It's a lot better than only following the money around. I mean, if we were all dead set on earnings tons of money, we probably wouldn't have chosen art as a profession. Funding is nice and should factor somewhat into your decision, but basing your entire decision on it seems silly. Especially since most of those really big name schools hardly offer 100% tuition coverage. Given the state of the economy, many, many people are putting off working in the real world in favor of extra education. They hope it will give them a more competitive edge when they do finally graduate. While they would (probably) be right, you're now competing against one of the largest pools for tertiary education ever. If you get into a big-name school or even your dream program, I say go for it if it's within reason.

The communication (or lack thereof) at SVA has been heinous. For me, anyway.

I just called SVA to inquire about my application. They said the decision was made and the Office of Graduate Admissions has my file. They just need to send the decision. It kills me that they won't tell me over the phone.

I responded to this in another thread as well. I spoke to a handful of students (only in the Communications Design department, mind you) without teachers around, who glorified the program there. With the application process, there has been ample, timely correspondence. While I can't say I know how things work as a student there, I was more than pleased with how I was treated during the application process.

Honestly, the shit comments on Pratt have all struck me as surprising. I went up to visit on a non-graduate day and one of the professors had no qualms with sitting and speaking with me for close to an hour. I was then given a tour of the MFA studio space, spoke to a few students, and was given a wealth of information about the program. When I applied, my undergrad school failed to send out my transcript on time, but Pratt was more than understanding and had no problem with this when I explained it to them. My first interview went well- I managed to stump the chair with a few of my responses and then we casually chatted for a bit. After that, I was invited for a second interview received an email response only four days later telling me I had been accepted with funding. One of the people I emailed with during the process would take about 24 hours to respond, but another professor I emailed to thank for the interview responded in 10 minutes. I've not had any negative experiences along the way. Part of the interview process was speaking with other students who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the program. Perhaps some of this negativity is department-specific? ------------------------------------------------ MORE: If you were curious why I was rubbed the wrong way at SAIC, I have no problem sharing that as well. When I applied, I applied to the MFA program. However, they asked me to interview for their P/MFA program. This adds an extra year at the start where I have to "pass" two reviews to get admitted into the full MFA. At the end of the first year, I would have gotten a post-bacc certification. I was ready to turn it down then. The first year is mostly technical training, which I didn't think I particularly needed, but I didn't want to waste a year at the beginning without 100% certainty that I would receive the degree I actually wanted (MFA). During the interview, I felt like I was just being "processed" for the day. It was their typical busy interview day; I was asked to describe two works and had almost no time to ask them questions and they didn't ask me much past the initial greeting. In the end, I was accepted into the MFA program after the interview. I'm not upset about the acceptance into the program I actually wanted to attend, but the entire process left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I emailed them for clarification to make sure this was right and they told me the decided I was a better fit for the MFA. If they were ready to defer me at the get-go, it makes me feel as though I was a "second choice" for the MFA. Whereas Pratt seemingly wanted me as they emailed me quickly after the interview to touch base. Maybe I'm thinking too much into it, but that's where I currently stand.

I'm copying my post in here as well as this might get some more relevant feedback.

I'm also looking for some guidance on my choices. I was accepted into the MFA programs at both Pratt and SAIC. Waiting to hear back from Interaction Design at SVA and MICA offered me a post-bacc (which I won't accept). SAIC and Pratt both rank as #12 in design using the latest data, they hear before the ranked at #11 and #9, respectively. Funding between the two was comprable and honestly isn't TOO big of a concern for me. For my personal preferences: I'm leaning towards Pratt. I loved the people I met there, the campus, the studios, everything. It also turns out that the department chair and I have a mutual connection in New Zealand because I did a study abroad there. I'd love to move there eventually, so this could possibly help with that. For SAIC, I love the way their majors are integrated for non major-specific classes. However, they rubbed me the wrong way a bit during the interview process. And, if I am accepted into the Interaction Design department at SVA, what would you all weigh in on that? I'm really intrigued by the marrying/collaboration of people from so many different backgrounds to get to one final goal. That's what I've been toying with as my potential thesis anyway.

Thank for weighing in, everyone! It helps a lot. It was less of a worry and more of an... insurance policy? I've wanted one for a long time, but I was never given the opportunity to get one or I always second-guessed myself. This is the perfect opportunity- new place, new people, and it's a small reward. I know we're given a lot more leeway, but I'm always leery because of the difference that exists between the workplaces of traditional artists and designers. I feel like, in many ways, designers are given many of the same expressive freedoms as other majors, but at the same time we're expected to interface with many more "professional" clients. It's not ideal, but it's how things work. As far as tattoos go- I know what I would want if I ever decided to get one. However, I'm not dead set on getting on anytime soon. I obviously hold nothing against people that have tattoos or piercings, but I would probably avoid the "swastika on [my] forehead" tattoo that someone mentioned before

Congratulations! Best of luck!

I'm still waiting on my Interaction Design decision. ><

My dress is kinda standard. I wouldn't say I dress well, but I certainly don't dress poorly. I do lean a bit more on the edgy site, though. I don't know how to really explain that, but it's how I'm generally described. A 14g will close up no problem! It's those low numbers like 4s and 6s that start to get tricky. Plus, I'm not going to stretch a hole on an area of my ear that's only .5cm to well over 1cm. Standard ear piercings are usually 16g or 18g, so it's only a bit larger than that.

I realize this is an option, but I guess I wasn't thinking of it as a temporary endeavor. I know they make plugs if you need to take it out for a special occasion, but industrials do take a long time to heal, so you can't do that until after some time has passed.

So, I realize that as an art student, I'm entering into a field where people tend to be more accepting of "alternative" looks than any other field. With that, I'd still like some input. One of my "you just got into grad schools, go celebrate" things is to finally go and get a piercing. It will be on my ear, but it will be an industrial (bar across the top cartilage). I wouldn't go crazy with it, just a solid metal bar with the typical silver balls at the ends. It will be a 14 gauge. Does anyone think this will severely hinder my ability to be hired later in life? Potential teaching jobs? I do not want to teach as a career—it would only be as a visiting lecturer. I'm not too worried about the impact it will have on me while in grad school, but if anyone can think of an issue, do voice it! Also, if it matters, I am a male.

I think I might get a piercing. I'm apprehensive because I'm a guy and I'm worried it will somehow detract from my professional options later. It would just be an ear piercing, though I am looking at an industrial (bar along the top cartilage). Can anyone weigh in on this?

I'm going to call and discuss my status a bit more. If I can't wiggle my way into their wait list, it will most likely be Pratt. I'm waiting to hear from SVA, but I'm still leaning more towards Pratt. It's looking more and more like we'll be classmates in a few months!

MICA finally responded. They said I ranked in their top 15% of applicants, but they couldn't admit me into the MFA. They offered me a spot in their post-bacc program. I don't want a post-bacc degree, though. I want a Master's. Even though MICA was my #1, I think I might decline.

Any info on their Interaction Design department?

Definitely valid. The way I described it was how I interpreted it when they explained it to me. I'd like to work my way up to art director one day, so it's great to get your perspective!

I can answer that! I applied to the MFA (accepted there), but the difference was explained to me like this: The MS is intended to help you gain or refine your skills in design. It prepares you more for work as a designer in a design firm or company. The MFA is bigger on refining the practice and theory behind your design. If you want to teach the MFA is more for you. I don't really want to teach, but I have the technical skills to be a designer, so it made more sense to apply for the MFA. It's not a "one is better than the other" thing, but just has to do with what each program focuses on. As more and more time passes without hearing from MICA, it's looking more and more like I'm headed towards Pratt. If that's where you end up, do let me know!

Strangely enough, that ranking system splits visual communications and graphic design. It's rather strange as the terms are generally interchangeable.