MFA Directing 2019- Let's Connect

[Odysseus24601]

Hi all,

I ended up lurking last year and it looked like the forum was helpful and interesting to those involved. So, since I've been chomping at the bit and waiting to take another swing at Grad school, I wanted to go ahead and get the conversation started.

About me: I applied to several directing programs in 2015 and went through URTA. Schools: Indiana, Illinois State, East 15, Yale, Northwestern, Cal Arts, FSU, Brooklyn.

I interviewed with Indiana, Illinois State, Yale, Northwestern, East 15, and FSU.

I received offers from East 15 (couldn't afford it) and Illinois State (not a good fit).

My wife applied to MFA Acting programs and was accepted into one of her top choices. So we decided to do that. Last year I applied to Yale again (we decided we could be apart for a year if I got into Yale because...it's freakin Yale). I made it to the first round again and was not selected for the final weekend visit.

I can only afford to apply to programs that are fully funded so this year I am applying to Boston U, Brown, Northwestern, and Yale (again). I am seriously considering USCD. 

Maybe: Purdue and CMU.

I won't do URTA this year. Not a great experience. 

This will probably be my last crack at grad school, so fingers crossed. 

What is everyone else looking at?

[36Biscotti]

On 8/22/2018 at 10:45 AM, Odysseus24601 said:

Hi all,

I ended up lurking last year and it looked like the forum was helpful and interesting to those involved. So, since I've been chomping at the bit and waiting to take another swing at Grad school, I wanted to go ahead and get the conversation started.

Hey Odysseus!

I did the same—lurked around the forums—but let's get the ball rolling as "they" say! Have you applied to any programs since 2015? What about URTA's was a bad experience for you? I don't think I'm going to do URTA even though I was told to consider it. I just have really specific goals in mind with MFA programs so I'm going to start by applying to specific ones for now.

Where did your wife end up going? I agree, one year apart is completely worth it if you get into the program you want!

Also applying to YALE; however, I'm applying to UT and possibly CMU. Does anyone have insight on CMU? I've been told to look into the program, but I've never been to the area and I don't know people who've gone through the MFA program there who I could ask.

How did the interviews feel last time?

-Biscotti

Edited August 26, 2018 by 36Biscotti
Additional question

[Odysseus24601]

Hi Biscotti!

URTA's felt like a waste of money to me. I mainly applied because at the time Indiana was my top school. But then it turned into such a hassle. I felt like I never heard back from anyone in a timely manner and Sara Falconer, who was the point person for Directors at URTA at that time (no idea if she still is) was very rude to me both via E-mail and speaking in person. I got the feeling that she was overwhelmed and took it out on us. But since I had paid over a $100 for URTA's I felt like an answer to my questions wasn't unreasonable. Also when I was at URTA's everything felt rushed and crowded. There were only five or six directing programs at the Chicago auditions in 2015 and only two I had any real interest in (Indiana and Illinois State). Neither of the interviews went great, which I think had more to do with a "fit" then with URTA itself.  If I was to do it again I would just E-mail schools who were at URTA that I was interested in and tell them I couldn't make it for the whole weekend but I would love to meet with them if they had the time. I did this with UCF's Theatre for Young Audience MFA group and had a great conversation with them.

Last year I also applied to Yale, because it was the one program I was willing to go to and spend a year away from my wife. I interviewed with Yuri in New Haven. I thought the interview went great. It went over by nearly 30 minutes and it was a great give and take conversation with Yuri. I felt like he pushed me during the interview, but also that he really listened. At the end of it, Yuri was very complimentary, but he did say that when they are building their MFA directing class they have a certain chemistry they are looking for. I guess I just didn't fit into it last year. I have an acquaintance who recently got into the Directing program there and they are 24 (I am 30) so they may be looking for Theatre Artists who are at an earlier stage in their career than I am. Who knows. I figure I'll take one more swing at it this year.

My wife got into UCF as an MFA actor. The program was fully funded, offered almost 20k a year assistantships and stipends, and had a year at a Classical Theatre (Orlando Shakes) so that met all of her requirements. She loves it there.

In 2015 there was a large range in how I felt my interviews went. I think it just depends on what people are looking for in a grad school. Yale and Northwestern are the only schools I applied to last time that I am re-applying to. Both those interviews went very well and I would be excited about either of them. I don't really know about CMU, but last years Grad Forum group seemed to have some negative experiences with their interviews and they had complaints about unprofessionalism from the school, but I have had no experience with them. I am trying to limit my applications to about 4 schools. Paying $100 bucks an application and then multiple plane tickets and Air-B&B's adds up quickly...

If it's helpful I can try and look up some of my specific notes from my last Yale interview and see specifically what we talked about.

Good luck!

 

 

 

 

 

[36Biscotti]

Aw damn... I live in New York so I will have the time to wait around for URTA interviews, at the New York rounds. I do hope it’s improved though, because it should be a useful tool for looking at programs.

Ah! I hear Yuri is great, I’m glad you felt energized by the interview. That takes a little stress off the fantasies dreamt up. HAHA. Did they invite you to New Haven for the interview? I’m not surprised about them developing a dynamic group, if any school only chose the same type of candidate over and over there would be no growth! I wouldn’t let your age deter you, I’ve known people enter YSD directing not much younger than 30. 

Thats is great about your wife! Spending loads of money on a MFA sounds terrible so she’s doing great stuff! 

I read a little in the forums, but I’ve got to take peoples’ experiences with a grain of salt in negative situations; sometimes it’s not as bad as people perceive. (Maybe I’m kidding myself.) 

If you find anything specific in your notes that you discussed in your Yale interview, anything that might be unique to the interview with him, I would love to hear about it.

Since I originally wrote, I’ve talked to some of recommenders and I’ve decided to move forward in applying to URTAs, UT, CMU, and Yale. Nothing more because of money. 

Good luck to you too! 

[Odysseus24601]

Living in New York should make URTA's so much easier! I hope you have a great experience there. 

I think taking things with a grain of salt makes sense. What about CMU really draws you to it?

I was invited for the first round of interviews at Yale. I chose to do it a New Haven so I could see the campus, and even though it was February and very cold, I really loved it there. Here are some of the things we talked about in the Yale interview with Yuri:

• Why Yale? Why Grad school?
• I have directed a lot of Shakespeare so he asked what I was hoping Yale could teach me about directing Shakespeare that I didn't already know.
• We talked about my directing process. What is important to me? What is my inspiration?
• He asked me for a link to my portfolio, which was a little frustrating since the interview invitation stated I didn't need to bring any photos or videos. 
• I was about to direct and All Female 12th Night so he asked me Why 12th Night? Why all female? What was I hoping to say with that play right now? We then talked through specific scenes in 12th Night and he tried to dig at what my approach was with the play and why, specifically, did Viola not reveal herself. We spent maybe 20 minutes looking at one scene in the play and discussing my approach to directing that scene. He was inquisitive, but he also pushed me for specific answers.

Overall it really felt like Yuri wanted to get a feel for me as an artist and really see what my process was like. I hope that's helpful!

 

[36Biscotti]

ABOUT YALE

That's super great! They give you an option of whether or not you want to come to them? What's the other option, Skype? Thanks for sharing. I've been listening to this podcast titled "Don't Keep Your Day Job" (check it out), so those questions about personal and philosophical goals have been on my mind recently. It is apparent I will need to have an answer ready to verbalize for the interviews.

ABOUT CMU

As CMU expressed to me via email, "It's a fellowship, which means it's tuition free". Though paying for housing is still a requirement, it feels so much more manageable to know tuition won't be getting in the way there. Honestly, I got interested because one of my mentors pointed me in Carnegie's direction. Having seen my work, and knowing what I value, she said the program is worth looking into. After looking into it, I realized some shows I saw had been directed by current CMU students; meaning, I saw some of the work that was entering into their program and I was charged by it! I can completely understand how not everyone would enjoy the vibe of their program—similarly to UT Austin— both programs exploring experimental approaches to contemporary performance, but I'm totally on board for that type of work. 

 

How do you feel about the programs you're applying to? What draws you to them? Most apps are opening up starting next week right?

(Anyone is welcome to chime-in too!!)

-Biscotti

[Odysseus24601]

ABOUT YALE

When I applied to them in the past the options were: schedule a meeting in Chicago (which I did in 2015 and was kind of a mistake. I was working on a show and I flew in at like 5 am, did the interview, and flew out at 3 pm. I was so exhausted it made me sick), meet in New York, or schedule a meeting in New Haven. I think they are in Chicago and New York for one week each and you can schedule a time with them. Or there were a couple of weekends I could choose from for New Haven. I selected a weekend and spent 3 days in New Haven to have a mini-vacation so I didn't feel as rushed as last time. They may also schedule interviews in San Fransico, not sure about that one though. I think Skype is an option, but they prefer to use that for international students. After the interview, they invite a handful (like 10-12) students for a weekend-long intensive where they watch the director work on a scene with Yale actors and then they select 3 students from that pool.  

I absolutely LOVE podcasts, so I will check out Don't Keep your Day Job. Thanks for the recommendation. 

OTHER GRAD SCHOOLS

Two big factors in me selecting grad school is it has to be tuition-free (and hopefully offer a stipend) and it needs to be in a market where my wife can get work as an actor. So that eliminated schools like Memphis or Alabama because they aren't in markets that work well for actors. I also love traditional narrative structure and the Hero's Journey and stuff like that, so the experimental schools like UT, are great programs but probably not the best fit for me. 

Northwestern:  I was one of the finalists here in 2015 and I spent the weekend at Northwestern looking around, seeing a show, and chatting with the professors. I really enjoyed that experience and Steppenwolf is my dream theatre to work at. They help you get an internship your 3rd year and Steppenwolf is one of the possibilities, so I'm super excited about that.

Yale: Yale is yale. The schools, the training, that faculty, and the other students are all amazing. 'Nuff said.

Brown I've had my eye on Brown for a while, but they just recently moved to a model where they cover tuition. I like the ensemble element to their program and the emphasis on classical text. Also, as someone who loves Shakespeare, I've been keeping tabs on Fiasco Theatre for the last few years. I think their company is an awesome business model and it looks like they are doing amazing work. Their core members are all from Brown. I'm actually visiting NY for the first time ever in a couple of weeks in order to take a three day Master Class with one of the co-artistic directors at Fiasco theatre and I'm hoping to pick his brain about Brown.

Boston U:  I've got a couple of friends who live in Boston and they love it. There's a lot of practical directing in the program, I like that they have a close relationship with several professional theatres in Boston, I like that they work closely with the playwrighting MFA's. I also am especially drawn to Boston U because they offer an Artistic Director Certification as an option with their Directing MFA. I want to be an Artistic Director, so that moves them high up my list.

UCSD:  I need to do more research here. I know they offer a tuition waiver, but San Diego can be an expensive City, so that's my biggest concern. I have read a little about their program, but later this year I'm hoping to get more information about what their program focusses on.

I hope apps open next week. I've been chomping at the bit to go ahead and get the ball rolling on some of these. 

Yeah, it feels like a ghost town in this post right now. I bet once the apps open up though more people will show up. 

 

[ruthev]

Hey, all!

I'm currently a senior undergrad at UNC. I'm trying to decide if it's worth applying to MFA directing programs or if I need to wait and gain some experience. I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. 

I'm studying education, public policy, and PPE (philosophy/politics/economics) so I don't have an academic background in theatre, though I've taken plenty of drama classes and have directed a student productions, but my experience is minimal compared to most. I've only just decided that I want to do this the rest of my life, so I feel a bit behind. 

Should I try for fellowships and apprenticeships before applying to MFA in Directing programs? I'm looking at pretty competitive ones, such as Austin, and less competitive ones such as UNG (though they won't accept a new cohort until 2020). 

I can't get a feel of how unusual it is to head into an MFA program straight after undergrad. Feeling trapped in the cycle that I won't get any work without going through the MFA but won't get into a MFA program without having done any work. 

Am I kidding myself by thinking I have a shot in getting in somewhere? This is something I really want to do but I don't want to waste the money/stress if it's dumb to try my shot now.

Thoughts?? Thanks in advance!

 

Edited September 2, 2018 by ruthev

[36Biscotti]

Hey Ruthev,

I sympathize with you on that one, it is definitely a cycle of: how to get work if you don't have the training, but how to get training if you don't have the work. It will always feel that way, so I suggest following your impulses! Full transparency, most programs will want to see a few years of work outside of undergrad, some even state it explicitly; however, I don't believe anyone should be discouraged if you've got the time and money to apply places. You never know how things may add up in your favor. It's good that you discovered this desire now, instead of halfway through a different career. 

To answer your concern: it's not typical, but not unheard of, for someone to enter into MFA programs straight out of undergraduate programs. Side note: don't be concerned about what you studied in undergrad, I have never heard a program requiring an arts bachelor's degree. Some of the competitive programs, since you mentioned them, want to make sure you understand what working in a professional theatre is like, who you will be working with. And ultimately these programs want you to work in a professional environment to make sure your mind doesn't shift from "wanting to be a director" to "wanting to be a dramaturge" or something of that nature (that happens so often, it happened to me).

I suggest making a list of why you want to go to graduate school and seeing which schools check those boxes so you don't feel like you wasted any time on schools that ultimately aren't good fits for your needs.

All in all, if you don't get in this year, remember that not getting into a program doesn't mean this career isn't right for you, it just means there's different opportunities for you to grow and in time you'll be the right candidate for the program of your dreams.

I hope I answered some of your concerns! 

Best,

-Biscotti

 

[ctbck]

Odysseus, I'm in a similar boat as you re: wife who acts. We live in a major city already, though, so we're still trying to navigate what distance would look like for three years... although one of the schools in our city is a top pick for me geographically, too. 

Has geography affected your decisions at all? 

Another factor for me is a program where I get teaching experience; I'm definitely interested in teaching at the collegiate level. 

I'm still thinking I may wait a year or two to apply, but I'd hate to miss out on next year's UofIowa application process. Lots to consider. 

 

[Odysseus24601]

Hi ctbck

Yeah, it's tough. We're trying to navigate the best path forward for us both. I am only applying to schools that feature a major city within commuting distance so my wife can seek acting/teaching work. Boston U and Northwestern are in major cities. Yale is not too far from NY and Brown is commutable (depending on where we live) to Boston. So it's been tricky. Because I was interested in Memphis and Alabama but ultimately needed to pass on both of them.

I visited New York a few weeks ago and walked around the Columbia campus. I wish their MFA program wasn't so expensive. 

My grad school update: got my cover letter finished that I will tweak for each grad school. Finished my directing notebook for the Northwestern submission. Working on my Boston U essay. My plan is to try and have all the applications done by the end of October. Then It'll be the fun part of sitting and waiting.

Hope preparation is going well for everyone else.

[Eccyclema]

Hello Team!

Good to be back! This is my second year applying to grad schools. Last year I was directing a full length during applications, so I only applied to Yale. I got an interview, so that was promising, but was rejected after that.

This year I am planning on applying to Brown, Columbia, Northwestern, with a  side trip to URTAS in Chicago. I am approaching this year with a little more confidence in myself and a stiffer upper lip for inevitable rejection (easy to say now).

Starting a little slow this year, but hoping to jump into drafting and compiling tomorrow. Eek!

[GLDir]

Hi all! Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but I'm interested in a couple of the rather specialized MFA programs around community-based work...

MFA in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities at UT-Austin
MFA in Directing and Public Dialogue at Virginia Tech

Has anyone looked at either program? UT looks super driven and takes 4 students a year. I haven't been able to get an answer on whether tuition is waived or if they just try to assemble a "competitive" financial aid package for accepted students. I like the idea of this program better than some of the M.A. applied theatre programs that do similar work. However, the head of the program has been hard to reach for answers to my questions. Do students direct performance work throughout their time on campus or only for their 3rd year thesis work?

VT's program seems entirely individualized and only takes 1 student a year (!!). I know that Virginia Tech is tuition-waived and comes with a guaranteed assistantship, so I wouldn't have to worry about the affordability. The head of that program Bob Leonard seems like a walking encyclopedia of community-based theatre-making, having written a book on the subject and co-founded Alternate ROOTS and the Network of Ensemble Theaters. And Michael Rohd of Sojourn Theatre is one of their alums. I hadn't heard of them until I saw the program featured in the Directing issue of American Theatre Magazine. But now I'm really intrigued.

I can find boatloads of information on the internet about Yale, CMU, Northwestern, Brown, etc, and none of those programs feel like good fits. Anyone know about either of these? Anybody else even looking at either of these?

[Odysseus24601]

Hi @GLDir,

I wish I had more information for you. I do not know much about the UT-Austin programs, other than when I looked over them they didn't seem like the best fit for me, nor the VT program. If I were you I would do some digging and see if you could find some of the current MFA students or students that just graduated from the program. Usually, you can search around the website and find some names, even if it's listing names of directors from previous shows. From there you can find them pretty easily via Google or Facebook usually. All the students that I've reached out to and asked questions too have been very kind and gotten back to me pretty quickly. When I've done that I get really good answers to my questions.

Are you looking for programs that offer an MFA in TYA? If so this might be a good resource: http://www.tyausa.org/resources/tya-college-programs-directory/

Hope that helps and good luck!

[GLDir]

Hi @Odysseus24601! Thank you for this generous reply. My focus is less around TYA work specifically and more about how to genuinely and ethically create performance work (original, devised, or extant) in a community in partnership with that audience and its relevant non-arts organizations. Basically, how does Theatre fit in the community ecosystem to be a relevant player in the cause for social justice in that community? That could involve TYA work, but it should also be for adults.

Your list pointed me toward an MFA Applied Theatre program at Eastern Michigan University that I didn’t know existed - so thank you!! And I will reach out to current/former students at each of these programs. Great recommendation. 

Best of luck on your search to find the right fit too!

[sarahbelle2208]

Hey folks!

 

I was referred to this forum for some insight and possible peace of mind haha, let's see if I can breathe a little more after this!

I'm 28, going on 29, and applying for my MFA in Directing for the first time. I've applied for my MFA in acting in the past and got pretty darn close, but realized that my passions and focus had shifted. One of the big notes I got from programs when applying was how much I had directed and as an actor I needed to stop thinking so much like a director. So, for me that was the sign and I'm really excited and happy with my decision. 

However, I'm feeling a little intimidated and overwhelmed. I have my BA in Theatre Arts from Virginia Tech, focused in acting. However, I did do some directing in college which spawned my love for it now. Since graduating in 2012 I have directing 2 high school theatre programs, helped start a non-profit theatre group in my hometown which I act and direct in, directed at many local theatres, started a business as an acting coach and finally expanding in directing into professional youth theatre and professional devised theatre this year. 

I'm here today to ask for any pieces of advice you have to offer, or if I'm totally crazy! I guess my biggest concern is that I don't have enough experience and I fear trying for years and years, turning 60 and still coming up short. I have confidence in myself as a director, but I'm having trouble conveying everything I'm feeling and accurately representing myself on paper. I would have more confidence in an interview, but obviously need to get that invite first! I'm on draft 20something of each letter of intent and feeling like my head is spinning. Is there anything you suggest to stand out or really be heard? Also, based off of my experience above, do you think its realistic for me to apply this year? 

Thank you for your time and effort guys, anything you have is valuable! 

[sarahbelle2208]

Hey folks!

 

I was referred to this forum for some insight and possible peace of mind haha, let's see if I can breathe a little more after this!

I'm 28, going on 29, and applying for my MFA in Directing for the first time. I've applied for my MFA in acting in the past and got pretty darn close, but realized that my passions and focus had shifted. One of the big notes I got from programs when applying was how much I had directed and as an actor I needed to stop thinking so much like a director. So, for me that was the sign and I'm really excited and happy with my decision. 

However, I'm feeling a little intimidated and overwhelmed. I have my BA in Theatre Arts from Virginia Tech, focused in acting. However, I did do some directing in college which spawned my love for it now. Since graduating in 2012 I have directing 2 high school theatre programs, helped start a non-profit theatre group in my hometown which I act and direct in, directed at many local theatres, started a business as an acting coach and finally expanding in directing into professional youth theatre and professional devised theatre this year. 

I'm here today to ask for any pieces of advice you have to offer, or if I'm totally crazy! I guess my biggest concern is that I don't have enough experience and I fear trying for years and years, turning 60 and still coming up short. I have confidence in myself as a director, but I'm having trouble conveying everything I'm feeling and accurately representing myself on paper. I would have more confidence in an interview, but obviously need to get that invite first! I'm on draft 20something of each letter of intent and feeling like my head is spinning. Is there anything you suggest to stand out or really be heard? Also, based off of my experience above, do you think its realistic for me to apply this year? 

 

PS I can help with any info about VT!!! I'm very good friends with multiple alum who graduated from the program! I worked with them a lot in my undergrad, and had the experience of working with Bob many times. Happy to help anyway I can!

Thank you for your time and effort guys, anything you have is valuable! 

[ctbck]

On 11/6/2018 at 1:05 AM, sarahbelle2208 said:

 

However, I'm feeling a little intimidated and overwhelmed. I have my BA in Theatre Arts from Virginia Tech, focused in acting. However, I did do some directing in college which spawned my love for it now. Since graduating in 2012 I have directing 2 high school theatre programs, helped start a non-profit theatre group in my hometown which I act and direct in, directed at many local theatres, started a business as an acting coach and finally expanding in directing into professional youth theatre and professional devised theatre this year. 

Hey Sarahbelle! I totally get not feeling like you've done enough to apply or wondering how you stack up against people with tons of credits on their resume. Just judging from this passage, though, it sounds like you should be able to easily illustrate why you decided to pursue directing after acting, and the steps that you've successfully taken to continue that trajectory and career goal. Going to grad school affords you just another step in that journey, and communicating that in your letters and interviews is just one part of the equation. 

Some programs (thinking of Boston) specifically seem to target early career directors, of which it sounds like you'd be a slam dunk applicant. Worth looking into if it's not already on your radar! 

[Star+Strength]

Hello, everyone! 

First time poster, long time reader. I am not applying this year, but am gearing up for next year potentially. @ctbck, you brought up Boston U. Does anyone know more about their curriculum? Their style? From the webpage it reads kind of stale and I would want more insight. 

Good luck to all who are applying this round! May you all get into Yale. 

-S&S

[handfulofdust]

Hey all!

Same as most of you: first time poster, long time reader.

I tried to apply last year but only got around to East 15 because I was working on two large shows back-to-back right when everything was due. Got waitlisted, which was a bummer, so hoping for better luck this year.

Already submitted my application again to East 15, and now wrapping up Columbia and starting The New School and Brown next. I've been doing as much research on all of these as possible (I have friends in a few of the programs) but of course, if anyone has any thoughts, I'd welcome those as it's a tough decision. 

Also - I don't think I'll apply this year since it's too close to the deadline, but Yale is a future possibility if this year doesn't pan out. I can't decide if it's worth it or not though. Most of my work is in Shakespeare/musicals, but I'm trying to move towards devised & physical theatre as it's what I've been doing the last couple of years and I really enjoy it, so I'm just not sure if Yale will put me where I need to be.

Good luck to the rest of you!

Edited November 21, 2018 by handfulofdust
typo

[ctbck]

On 11/13/2018 at 2:32 PM, Star+Strength said:

Hello, everyone! 

First time poster, long time reader. I am not applying this year, but am gearing up for next year potentially. @ctbck, you brought up Boston U. Does anyone know more about their curriculum? Their style? From the webpage it reads kind of stale and I would want more insight. 

Good luck to all who are applying this round! May you all get into Yale. 

-S&S

@star+strength I have a friend who got his bfa from BU and really loved the program. He had good things to say about their MFA directors, too, but nothing specific other than that he really liked the program. 

For everyone, what sort of approach do you take to writing an artistic statement/statement of purpose? I've always struggled with this and have never found an example or sample that I like enough to model mine after. 

[Odysseus24601]

Hi guys. Update from me. Finished Boston U and Northwestern Application earlier this week. I will be submitting Brown today.

I want to apply to USCD. Undecided about Yale. I've applied there twice in three years and been interviewed both times. The second time the interview went great, going over time 20minutes but they said they just didn't have a place for me there. I just don't know what I'd say differently this time. And if I interview with some of the other schools I'm applying for adding the $100 application fee, $300 flight, $100 hotel fee, food, etc and taking time off work might be too steep a cost.

I'm also looking around at some Canadian schools. 

@Star+Strength The few people I've talked to have really liked Boston University. I sent a message to a couple of people there last year. it seems to be focused on traditional theatre and new works, which is what I am more interested in as opposed to devised work, and they talk about how they receive a lot of personal attention. I'm also drawn to it because it's in Boston, so my wife, who is an actor, can get work. And they have a Certificate in Artistic Direction. Since I want to be an Artistic Director and they are the only MFA Directing program that I've seen offering that, I'm really drawn to them.

@ctbck I struggle with the personal statement too. Last time around I wrote a long one (2-3 pages depending on the school) and realized I was trying to write a statement that made me "look good" or said what I thought they wanted to hear. This time around I kept it to one page, short and sweet, tried to be honest and personal without being off-putting (I can overshare sometimes) and I also kept the emphasis on what I wanted to get out of grad school and what I wanted to do afterward. This time around I realized it's important to me that THEY want ME. I'm being myself, telling them why I am a good candidate and why they want me at their school, and if they can't satisfy my artistic needs then we probably aren't a good fit. I realized I don't want to go to grad school just to go to grad school. I want to go to grad school to help me accomplish my theatrical goals.  

 

I have entered this weird funk though. I finished most of my applications at the end of October. Then I just kept revising. I finally forced myself to submit them. I'm nervous because this will probably be my last shot at grad school. I applied three years ago, got close, but didn't get into any programs that made sense financially. I then watched my wife have a great time in grad school for three years while I thought about how I wanted to go. Now I am applying again, but I'm in my early 30's and I don't want to keep moving to a different city every 3-5 years. So if it doesn't work this time I think it's time to move on. But that means I'm putting a ton of pressure on myself to submit the "perfect" application. When i just need to do it.

Oh well. About to enter the worst part of his process. The two or three months of waiting to hear anything. Then, if I get interviews, the three months of waiting to hear about being accepted. 

Good luck all!

[Odysseus24601]

Looking at the MFA program at the Univerity of Alberta.

The Financial Aid package section is worded in an odd way, but it seems like they cover most/all of the tuition and provide a stipend. They also seem to offer several scholarships. Has anyone else heard anything about the program? Does anybody have any insight in traveling abroad for graduate school? Like, would my wife get a work visa as well? What are the extra hoops?

Edit: I also submitted my application to Brown last week. It says on their website that they will automatically send out a form E-mail to schedule an interview time after the application has been submitted. I haven't received that yet. Anyone else? Are they waiting for the letters of Rec to be submitted, maybe?

Thanks!

Edited December 3, 2018 by Odysseus24601
Another Question

[handfulofdust]

On 12/3/2018 at 6:12 AM, Odysseus24601 said:

Looking at the MFA program at the Univerity of Alberta.

The Financial Aid package section is worded in an odd way, but it seems like they cover most/all of the tuition and provide a stipend. They also seem to offer several scholarships. Has anyone else heard anything about the program? Does anybody have any insight in traveling abroad for graduate school? Like, would my wife get a work visa as well? What are the extra hoops?

Edit: I also submitted my application to Brown last week. It says on their website that they will automatically send out a form E-mail to schedule an interview time after the application has been submitted. I haven't received that yet. Anyone else? Are they waiting for the letters of Rec to be submitted, maybe?

Thanks!

I know that in the UK, if you get a Tier-4 student visa, your partner is automatically eligible for a Dependent work visa if you are either married or have been living together for at least two years. I'm not sure how it works in Canada, but if it's similar, you should be okay. I think that for the UK, they want to encourage international students, so they make the visa process much easier than getting a regular work visa.

[36Biscotti]

Looking at the posts from last year, it looks like Yale started calling for interviews this coming week. Does anyone know if that's the case again this year? How's it going folks? Don't forget to have fun!