MFA 2020 Freak Out Forum

[babsi]

has anyone gotten word from CalArts for painting?

hope everyone's getting what they need right now!

[brho]

Just had a skype interview with Hunter, and it went okay, not the best interview though. This year has been pretty good so far.

SAIC Sculpture: Accepted

Columbia Photo: Accepted

NYU: Interviewed and waiting on decision

Hunter: Interviewed and waiting on decision

[Violinplayer1998]

33 minutes ago, brho said:

Just had a skype interview with Hunter, and it went okay, not the best interview though. This year has been pretty good so far.

SAIC Sculpture: Accepted

Columbia Photo: Accepted

NYU: Interviewed and waiting on decision

Hunter: Interviewed and waiting on decision

Hi there! Sorry to hear that your Hunter interview wasn’t the best but I’m sure it went better than you imagine! Just wondering, when did you hear from Columbia photo? Thank you! And congratulations on your acceptances!

[Nonameguy101]

Here’s how things have shaken out for me:

SAIC ceramics- accepted

RISD ceramics- accepted

UC Davis- waitlisted (removed myself 3/2)

VCU ceramics- waitlisted (removed myself 3/2)

UCLA ceramics- rejected 

 

[brho]

1 hour ago, Violinplayer1998 said:

Hi there! Sorry to hear that your Hunter interview wasn’t the best but I’m sure it went better than you imagine! Just wondering, when did you hear from Columbia photo? Thank you! And congratulations on your acceptances!

Thanks! I got a call from the chair last Wed or Thu, then the decision was updated on the website yesterday.

[mcb]

Anbody know if Goldsmith's gives out any funding for their MFA other than the 3 departmental awards that they list on their website?

[itswei]

On 3/17/2020 at 1:00 PM, willow j said:

What program was it for Pratt? Thanks!

It’s Fine Art Printmaking 

[darsenbehelm]

Having a hard time deciding on schools for Painting/Drawing. Pretty much got the same offer from all 3 schools including free tuition for all the 3 years: U Iowa, UW Madison and USF with Madison giving slightly more funding (by about $4k/academic year). I'm lucky I have this is my "difficult decision."

Both Iowa and Madison are relatively close to Chicago where most of my network is and I've spent a significant amount of time in Tampa visiting family and like the city, am a nature/ocean enthusiast. 

All the programs seem to be challenging + offer relatively good teaching experience over 3 years (Iowa guaranteeing 3 years of teaching if I wish, others I'd have to apply and be accepted). 

Anyone have anymore insight weighing into this decision? Would appreciate it! 

Edited March 18, 2020 by darsenbehelm

[aniben3]

1 hour ago, darsenbehelm said:

Having a hard time deciding on schools for Painting/Drawing. Pretty much got the same offer from all 3 schools including free tuition for all the 3 years: U Iowa, UW Madison and USF with Madison giving slightly more funding (by about $4k/academic year). I'm lucky I have this is my "difficult decision."

Both Iowa and Madison are relatively close to Chicago where most of my network is and I've spent a significant amount of time in Tampa visiting family and like the city, am a nature/ocean enthusiast. 

All the programs seem to be challenging + offer relatively good teaching experience over 3 years (Iowa guaranteeing 3 years of teaching if I wish, others I'd have to apply and be accepted). 

Anyone have anymore insight weighing into this decision? Would appreciate it! 

So I applied to Iowa's dimensional studies and am currently waitlisted (sadness for days,) and I'm also from Iowa. Iowa City is a pretty nice little city. It's also one of the biggest in Iowa, haha. If you're big into nature, I'm not sure how much you'd like it though. I grew up an hour south of there, and yeah, there's some nature trails and stuff, and we got gorgeous sunsets, but it's primarily agricultural. Aw yeah corn & beans. One of the nice things about Iowa though, is that you're able to take classes outside of the school of art, so if your research is multidisciplinary then it's a big benefit. Also, if you're a writer as well, Iowa's writing program is world-renowned. 

I don't know anything about Madison, but honestly if you think Iowa and Madison are pretty much the same, then I would go with the one with better funding.

Another thing about Iowa - I've heard from another student there that she was teaching solo in her first semester. Do you feel prepared to start teaching solo? Something to consider.

All in all, it's awesome you have so many options! Good luck!

[darsenbehelm]

2 hours ago, aniben3 said:

So I applied to Iowa's dimensional studies and am currently waitlisted (sadness for days,) and I'm also from Iowa. Iowa City is a pretty nice little city. It's also one of the biggest in Iowa, haha. If you're big into nature, I'm not sure how much you'd like it though. I grew up an hour south of there, and yeah, there's some nature trails and stuff, and we got gorgeous sunsets, but it's primarily agricultural. Aw yeah corn & beans. One of the nice things about Iowa though, is that you're able to take classes outside of the school of art, so if your research is multidisciplinary then it's a big benefit. Also, if you're a writer as well, Iowa's writing program is world-renowned. 

I don't know anything about Madison, but honestly if you think Iowa and Madison are pretty much the same, then I would go with the one with better funding.

Another thing about Iowa - I've heard from another student there that she was teaching solo in her first semester. Do you feel prepared to start teaching solo? Something to consider.

All in all, it's awesome you have so many options! Good luck!

Hey thanks, that helps! And sorry to hear about the waitlist... always a bummer (this is my 2nd year applying). 

Yeah I've taught in the public schools system in my city for a few years before so I'm comfortable teaching. The admissions letter said it would be supervised and I'd be teaching an Art Fundamentals class for non-majors so it should be fairly straight forward. I have a few other close friends that are university art teachers that I could definitely ask for tips as well. 

Not super important to be tapped into nature, but it's nice to have that around to clear your head or get away for the weekend. I'm from the midwest so I know the deal ?

Classes outside of the program could be useful as well, Madison's got the same setup. Sucks that everything is shut down at the moment since I've been living abroad and was hoping to get a visit in while I was home. Hopefully further research will give me some more thoughts. 

[Wenxu]

I have received the MFA illustration offer from SU (Syracuse University), SCAD and MCAD, and received the MA illustration offer from MICA. Which program should I chose? Also, does anyone know the difference between Atlanta campus and Savannah campus in SCAD? Which one is better for an illustration MFA? Thank you so much!!!

[Loleagle]

I’m considering saying “yes” to Bard but I’m worried that they will cancel this summer. Anyone else in this position ?

@rag124 are you considering Bard ? I saw that you were accepted also. 

 

I wondering if I should ask to defer my decision until we all know more. Hope everyone is as safe as possible 

Edited March 19, 2020 by Googlyeyes

[Pickle555]

5 minutes ago, Googlyeyes said:

I’m considering saying “yes” to Bard photo but I’m worried that they will cancel this summer. Anyone else in this position ?

 

I wondering if I should ask to defer my decision until we all know more. Hope everyone is as safe as possible 

I am in a similar position with Bard, except I've also considered saying no and hoping my waitlist at another school ends up in my favor.

Making a decision by the 23rd of March seems too soon for me. Even if I accept their offer and end up getting in somewhere else, or something else happens, I'm not sure how comfortable I am with throwing money away on the deposit...basically I'm conflicted as well. 

Because they haven't reached out about any cancelations I guess they want us to assume that they're planning on continuing with their regular schedule, but I think asking about extending the decision deadline seems understandable. 

[Loleagle]

34 minutes ago, Pickle95 said:

I am in a similar position with Bard, except I've also considered saying no and hoping my waitlist at another school ends up in my favor.

Making a decision by the 23rd of March seems too soon for me. Even if I accept their offer and end up getting in somewhere else, or something else happens, I'm not sure how comfortable I am with throwing money away on the deposit...basically I'm conflicted as well. 

Because they haven't reached out about any cancelations I guess they want us to assume that they're planning on continuing with their regular schedule, but I think asking about extending the decision deadline seems understandable. 

It is a really challenging time to make this decision. It is reasonable to ask to defer but I suppose that we won’t know more for a couple months ...and that would be too long to defer the decision. I’m also not comfortable with throwing away a deposit but maybe that is what will have to happen.

 

thanks for adding your thoughts . Hopefully you will see some movement on the waitlists soon.

Edited March 19, 2020 by Googlyeyes

[rag124]

1 hour ago, Googlyeyes said:

I’m considering saying “yes” to Bard but I’m worried that they will cancel this summer. Anyone else in this position ?

@rag124 are you considering Bard ? I saw that you were accepted also. 

 

I wondering if I should ask to defer my decision until we all know more. Hope everyone is as safe as possible 

 

43 minutes ago, Googlyeyes said:

It is a really challenging time to make this decision. It is reasonable to ask to defer but I suppose that we won’t know more for a couple months ...and that would be too long to defer the decision. I’m also not comfortable with throwing away a deposit but maybe that is what will have to happen.

 

thanks for adding your thoughts . Hopefully you will see some movement on the waitlists soon.

 

1 hour ago, Pickle95 said:

I am in a similar position with Bard, except I've also considered saying no and hoping my waitlist at another school ends up in my favor.

Making a decision by the 23rd of March seems too soon for me. Even if I accept their offer and end up getting in somewhere else, or something else happens, I'm not sure how comfortable I am with throwing money away on the deposit...basically I'm conflicted as well. 

Because they haven't reached out about any cancelations I guess they want us to assume that they're planning on continuing with their regular schedule, but I think asking about extending the decision deadline seems understandable. 

Yeah, I am seriously considering Bard and hoping they will have the session this summer. I have a job so I am a little more flexible with any change they might decide on, though, which I know is a privilege. 

[Loleagle]

15 minutes ago, rag124 said:

 

 

Yeah, I am seriously considering Bard and hoping they will have the session this summer. I have a job so I am a little more flexible with any change they might decide on, though, which I know is a privilege. 

Well hope to see you there:) I’m glad you have a job. I spoke to someone and was told that if they do cancel then most likely they will just keep everyone’s spot that wants it. But that is maybe not the entire faculty’s official position. Stay safe 

[Rtwoneday]

Has anyone heard from VCU Sculpture? 

I hate to post this random specific question but I've been following this thread pretty closely and haven't seen anyone mention VCU sculpture for about a month. 

[rag124]

18 minutes ago, Googlyeyes said:

Well hope to see you there:) I’m glad you have a job. I spoke to someone and was told that if they do cancel then most likely they will just keep everyone’s spot that wants it. But that is maybe not the entire faculty’s official position. Stay safe 

I am hoping they are discussing other models, too - it's my understanding that the students and faculty keep in touch during the semester somewhat? Am I too optimistic?

[Loleagle]

5 minutes ago, rag124 said:

I am hoping they are discussing other models, too - it's my understanding that the students and faculty keep in touch during the semester somewhat? Am I too optimistic?

Me too.... 

i think it probably depends on the faculty . I’ll message you as I have more ideas about the pros of bard Faculty but it would probably de-anonymize me.

[campbellinengland]

What would you choose? Vote please!! 

-RISD-Photo with 75% funding with options for small assistantships and TA positions to help with some cost. (but nothing for living expenses). would plan to take out 20k-40k in student loans depending on how much I could make in the summers. 

-UW-Madison-Studio Art with free tuition, healthcare, and $1800/month living stipend for 20 hours/week TA. Its a 3 year program which I really like.

Ultimate goal is to teach some now or in the future (but not a tenure track) but also work as a creative director or similar while showing my own environmental work. I am more interdisciplinary than straight photo. I have 30k in undergrad debt already. My big question is if the connections made through RISD would help offset the cost ultimately? If a degree from RISD is really seen that superior to state schools and would thus land me more lucrative jobs (if I work hard of course)? 

Also...turned down a position for Pratt photo this week so hopefully someone will hear soon! 

 

[rag124]

11 minutes ago, campbellinengland said:

What would you choose? Vote please!! 

-RISD-Photo with 75% funding with options for small assistantships and TA positions to help with some cost. (but nothing for living expenses). would plan to take out 20k-40k in student loans depending on how much I could make in the summers. 

-UW-Madison-Studio Art with free tuition, healthcare, and $1800/month living stipend for 20 hours/week TA. Its a 3 year program which I really like.

Ultimate goal is to teach some now or in the future (but not a tenure track) but also work as a creative director or similar while showing my own environmental work. I am more interdisciplinary than straight photo. I have 30k in undergrad debt already. My big question is if the connections made through RISD would help offset the cost ultimately? If a degree from RISD is really seen that superior to state schools and would thus land me more lucrative jobs (if I work hard of course)? 

Also...turned down a position for Pratt photo this week so hopefully someone will hear soon! 

 

I am in a similar situation, and I don't think there is an answer to whether having RISD on your resume as opposed to UW Madison (which is a great school btw) will get you better jobs. It will depend on your work, and you should pick the program that will be a better incubator for that. 20 hours a week is a lot, by the way - is that contact hours with students, or are you getting some time for prepping? 

I know I am not really answering your question - I am on a similar boat but I have a dependent which is inadvertently  making the decision easier...

[nowaytosay]

1 hour ago, campbellinengland said:

What would you choose? Vote please!! 

-RISD-Photo with 75% funding with options for small assistantships and TA positions to help with some cost. (but nothing for living expenses). would plan to take out 20k-40k in student loans depending on how much I could make in the summers. 

-UW-Madison-Studio Art with free tuition, healthcare, and $1800/month living stipend for 20 hours/week TA. Its a 3 year program which I really like.

Ultimate goal is to teach some now or in the future (but not a tenure track) but also work as a creative director or similar while showing my own environmental work. I am more interdisciplinary than straight photo. I have 30k in undergrad debt already. My big question is if the connections made through RISD would help offset the cost ultimately? If a degree from RISD is really seen that superior to state schools and would thus land me more lucrative jobs (if I work hard of course)? 

Also...turned down a position for Pratt photo this week so hopefully someone will hear soon! 

 

i think you should go with the school that had the faculty you are mostly excited about, is there any faculty from the school you felt would be a good mentor in the long run?

[holywarrior]

1 hour ago, campbellinengland said:

What would you choose? Vote please!! 

-RISD-Photo with 75% funding with options for small assistantships and TA positions to help with some cost. (but nothing for living expenses). would plan to take out 20k-40k in student loans depending on how much I could make in the summers. 

-UW-Madison-Studio Art with free tuition, healthcare, and $1800/month living stipend for 20 hours/week TA. Its a 3 year program which I really like.

Ultimate goal is to teach some now or in the future (but not a tenure track) but also work as a creative director or similar while showing my own environmental work. I am more interdisciplinary than straight photo. I have 30k in undergrad debt already. My big question is if the connections made through RISD would help offset the cost ultimately? If a degree from RISD is really seen that superior to state schools and would thus land me more lucrative jobs (if I work hard of course)? 

Also...turned down a position for Pratt photo this week so hopefully someone will hear soon! 

 

Hi all,

I've seen a couple posts regarding UW-Madison's program/vibes and thought I would chime in with some more info. I graduated about a year ago from their studio art department (painting/comics) and was able to get very close with a lot of the grad students there. From what I've heard from the inside, the program has recently decided to offer full funding with living stipend in the future (while cutting down on the amount of people that get in). Even though it's a state school, there are SO many amenities and cross-over opportunities as result, you just have to be driven and look but the opportunities are endless. There is a ton of room and space to experiment and a well as a lot of one-on-one time with faculty. I would say its a tad more craft-technical driven and a little behind in terms of encouraging more theory/conceptual work in comparison to others programs such as RISD/UCLA/Columbia but there is a lot of momentum in the program. 

Madison itself is a beautiful and very very cheap city to live in. TONS of f-r-e-e concerts/films as a result of UW student union programming and the nature is breath-taking. Winter sucks ass but you'll be in your studio so just wear long-underwear. Another benefit is the COMICS program which I feel is a hidden gem that a lot of people don't really know about! I worked with Lynda Barry for two years and it literally changed my life and offered me a lot of collaboration with grad students that clamored into that class. In addition, the program just opened up a new art building that houses about half of the MFA students and that offers a huuuuge new gallery space in the back. 

As far as cons, the football/frat culture can be a little toxic as times but there are enough hidden pockets of arts communities you'll find along the way. There are very limited art theory/critical theory courses which frustrated me in undergrad. The graphic design program is a joke and the accolade it garnered for printmaking was one from older faculty members that have died or retired in the past 5 years, though there are still amazing opportunities to learn litho/etching/etc. Painting/Ceramics/Sculpture areas are strong, however.

Yet, perhaps maybe the biggest downside would be the bubble effect of its regional location. Its a great time to focus and experiment on your work but it was more distant than I'd like from the contemporary art world (and to meet/make connections with people in the contemporary art world). Though, its only about a 1.5 hour drive from Chicago. A lot of people stayed in Madison after the program (albeit, with no debt and no drug problems haha). Overall, I would say the program is an affordable gem that is growing in recognition and promises a great quality of life if you are more independent and warm-blooded. 

Good luck!

[cubby]

2 hours ago, campbellinengland said:

What would you choose? Vote please!! 

-RISD-Photo with 75% funding with options for small assistantships and TA positions to help with some cost. (but nothing for living expenses). would plan to take out 20k-40k in student loans depending on how much I could make in the summers. 

-UW-Madison-Studio Art with free tuition, healthcare, and $1800/month living stipend for 20 hours/week TA. Its a 3 year program which I really like.

Ultimate goal is to teach some now or in the future (but not a tenure track) but also work as a creative director or similar while showing my own environmental work. I am more interdisciplinary than straight photo. I have 30k in undergrad debt already. My big question is if the connections made through RISD would help offset the cost ultimately? If a degree from RISD is really seen that superior to state schools and would thus land me more lucrative jobs (if I work hard of course)? 

Also...turned down a position for Pratt photo this week so hopefully someone will hear soon! 

 

Have you already tried negotiating with RISD? It's absolutely worth a shot to let them know that you got a better offer elsewhere and are on the fence, and to ask if they can give you more competitive funding. 

If that doesn't work, I agree with the previous comments. Unless you are significantly more excited about the faculty at RISD, I would vote for UW Madison. I strongly feel that it's not worth going into that level of debt just for the name on your CV. What's much more important is the work you come out of the program with, and it sounds like Madison is a better fit for you and would give you better support for focusing on your work.

Edited March 19, 2020 by cubby

[willow j]

2 hours ago, campbellinengland said:

What would you choose? Vote please!! 

-RISD-Photo with 75% funding with options for small assistantships and TA positions to help with some cost. (but nothing for living expenses). would plan to take out 20k-40k in student loans depending on how much I could make in the summers. 

-UW-Madison-Studio Art with free tuition, healthcare, and $1800/month living stipend for 20 hours/week TA. Its a 3 year program which I really like.

Ultimate goal is to teach some now or in the future (but not a tenure track) but also work as a creative director or similar while showing my own environmental work. I am more interdisciplinary than straight photo. I have 30k in undergrad debt already. My big question is if the connections made through RISD would help offset the cost ultimately? If a degree from RISD is really seen that superior to state schools and would thus land me more lucrative jobs (if I work hard of course)? 

Also...turned down a position for Pratt photo this week so hopefully someone will hear soon! 

I went to RISD for undergrad and MAT, 

1 minute ago, cubby said:

Have you already tried negotiating with RISD? It's absolutely worth a shot to let them know that you got a better offer elsewhere and are on the fence, and to ask if they can give you more competitive funding. 

If that doesn't work, I agree with the previous comments. Unless you are significantly more excited about the faculty at RISD, I would vote for UW Madison. I strongly feel that it's not worth going into that level of debt just for the name on your CV. What's much more important is the work you come out of the program with, and it sounds like Madison is a better fit for you and would give you better support for focusing on your work.

I went to RISD for undergrad and MAT and I'm still paying loans. It was an amazing experience with excellent faculty.