ReallyTall
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Posts posted by ReallyTall
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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.
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SVA [finally] said no. Guess it's a pick between SAIC and Pratt. Any opinions? I'm leaning towards Pratt.
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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.I wish SVA would reject me so I can finally have this process over with! This lack of information is killing me. I was vaguely told over the phone that letters and emails were sent out on different dates, but a friend got accepted into the same major as me on Monday via email, so I suppose I have to assume the worst.
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You made me feel better about not getting full-funding. I also received an email that SFAI is going to let me attend one of their graduate critiques when I am visiting. I know that it will help me decide everything.
And the way I interpreted what you were saying that anywhere besides RISD and Yale are NOT worth borrowing money to go to. I feel like this is very defeating to most of us, or at least to me. Your saying that schools, like MICA, CMU, SAIC, etc, which are REALLY good schools are not worth going to if they don't pay your way for you. I'm leaning toward going to SFAI , but I will have to borrow money to do so, because I don't want to pass up an opportunity that I probably won't receive again. And yes, I am 30 years old.
Plus, if we wanted to make the BIG BUCKS, I think most of us would not be getting into this field. I think we would have sacrificed our happiness to make money and we would be applying for MBA, etc. programs. I've been doing research about the loans, and the income-based repayment options sounds pretty reasonable. I'm really lucky and have only borrowed money from the Dept of Education so interest rates are always regulated.
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.
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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.
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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.
^ Agreed. Pratt has a well regarded design program and it's in NYC. There's a lot you could do with just these two assets.
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.
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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?
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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Piercings?
in Visual
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
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Got an acceptance email from SVA today! Beyond excited because it was my top choice. Now it's decision making time. Congrats and Good luck to all.
Congratulations! Best of luck!
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Anyone heard from SVA illustration? :s
If it's any consolation, I have not. I know that SVA recently sent out acceptance e-mails to a few of their programs, but I'm not sure whether they did the same for illustration.
I'm still waiting on my Interaction Design decision. ><
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Piercings?
in Visual
go for it! If you really trust your work, your creativity, then your looks should not get in the way of anything you set your mind to do in this life. Besides, by the time you'll be looking for a job EVERYONE will be pierced or tattooed
I'm thinking about a new look myself, I want to dress artistically, I want to free myself from the wardrobe I was confined to until now, I want to show the world I'm becoming 100% what I intended to be all my life...
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.
My photography professor is the head of the photo dept at Utah State University. He has two rings in one ear. Note that I said "UTAH" State University. Utah is perhaps the most conservative State in the US. I wouldn't worry about it much but I'd avoid those "tubes" that put big holes in the ear that may never close up if you decide against it later.
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.
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Piercings?
in Visual
You can just take it out, and then *poof* it's gone.
I agree with the above poster. It's not a visible tattoo so it can be removed without anyone knowing any differently when the time comes!
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.
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Piercings?
in Visual
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.
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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?
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I was responding to your post and later when i checked i got their response in mail saying the same thing that they would offer a post bacc program and i was listed in their top 15% and to know about the course i can talk to.....
I have not received any mail from VCU to confirm my doubts. So i think now i will most probably go with PRATT. How about you??
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!
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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.
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I have to agree with "miyamoto81" on this as well for the fine art (not so on the graphic design, where you get a ton of attention from the pros), and the film dept is also likewise known for being riDICulously expensive (a friend of mine paid his MFA off after about 10 years...while bringing in a six figure salary as an art director)...
That being said, miyamoto81, it looks like you applied and got into CalArts...that school is just as bad as SVA for $...I have a friend in their Director's program and she's going to end up with well over 120K in debt, and she says the fine art people are only better off because they are a 2 year program instead of three...
Any info on their Interaction Design department?
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Hmmm, not so sure I agree with that, as I have heard the MS is more appropriate for learning design from the perspective of broadening its reach into many different facets of thinking from general design (ie., working in graphic design houses, like you suggest), all the way up to information technology, data visualization, as well as design for broad socio-political purposes. That is to say, it prepares you for not only work in design houses or companies, but also larger media and governmental organizations...
...and, the MFA is more specialized on the "art" part of design and, yes, it certainly prepares you for teaching.
(Caveat: I used to be a graphic designer, and then worked my way up to Art Director for a number of years in LA, so I have some experience with people on both "sides" of the MFA/MS design world...hence my take on the definitions here!)
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!
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So I have been creeping on this forum for a while - I think I was too nervous about everything to actually make a post.
Today though I heard back and was accepted to Parson's Design and Technology program and Pratts MS Communication Design program.
I applied for the MFA program at Pratt - but was not accepted and instead offered the MS.
Does anyone have insight into the difference between these two programs in a practical sense?
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!
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I feel like I'm spamming but I got accepted to Carnegie Mellon today!
The school is #1 in visual communications according to US News. <3
http://grad-schools....ations-rankings
kekbattler have you heard from them yet? They posted my acceptance letter this morning.
Strangely enough, that ranking system splits visual communications and graphic design. It's rather strange as the terms are generally interchangeable.
SAIC admitted students!
in Visual
Posted
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.