MFA 2021 Freak Out Forum

[mari11]

30 minutes ago, snipsnapsnout said:

 

Hi there,

I was accepted into the Film/Video program at MassArt. Originally I applied there as a safety/regional school, but I really enjoyed my interview with them and have been offered a bit of a scholarship, so I'm very seriously considering it. I've also been accepted into the FVNMA program at SAIC, and waiting on decisions from three other schools.

Regarding costs, I think you will find that MassArt, as a public art school, is very competitive at $48,000 tuition for an MFA. CalArts is something like $159,000, by comparison, and offers very little funding. Do you expect to be eligible to work as a TA or RA? In my case, I expect that would contribute another $15K or so. Do the other schools you're considering have promising funding options?

Here are my thoughts while I'm deliberating, in case they're relevant to you: Very much a complex personal decision figuring out the balance of cost and resources, and it's impossible to really compare programs until you know what your offers are. MassArt does not have the name recognition of CalArts/ICP/Yale (in your case) or SAIC (in my case), but I think there can be advantages to that, too. My experience with MassArt has been way more personable so far, whereas I have been a little put off by the detached elitism of many of the more reputable art schools. But yes, names sometimes matter, and of course there are often greater facilities/names at these schools. I just question if they matter $100,000 much. It's hard to reconcile the ethics of an art school charging that much, knowing that most artists do not end up with high income careers. I applied to SAIC in the off-chance they offered me generous funding (still waiting)... I actually wish I could just put on my CV "Accepted into SAIC" and call it a day!

For your situation... If you think you might be even more competitive next year, you're not in a rush, and not in love with MassArt, then you might as well add some dream schools and apply again for next year. I would also think about what your goals are for after the program, and where you want to end up. And consider the resources related to your practice that exist in the region outside of the school. I very much plan to stay in the Northeast, know of a few very cool film communities in the Boston area, so that's a few more points for MassArt for me.

By the way, I lived in New Mexico for four years, and had friends at UNM in fine arts and film. I've been in the photo department once to process motion picture film, they have a wonderful lab and set-up. If you have any questions about Albuquerque, I might be able to help!

I'm curious how you came to your number for CalArts, from their website I calculated tuition for 2 years at 106,200. Perhaps you are counting in housing? Just want to be sure I have my numbers correct ( : 

[snipsnapsnout]

Just now, basilmari said:

I'm curious how you came to your number for CalArts, from their website I calculated tuition for 2 years at 106,200. Perhaps you are counting in housing? Just want to be sure I have my numbers correct ( : 

Oh, must be different for different programs! The film/video program is 3 years.

[mari11]

Just now, snipsnapsnout said:

Oh, must be different for different programs! The film/video program is 3 years.

That makes sense! Yes I was looking at their Art Mfa, which is only two ( :

[mari11]

2 hours ago, __________ said:

I got accepted as well! ?? Did they mention anything about funding? 

Same, and congrats to you both! From my understanding, financial aid info will be forthcoming in the next week or two ( : 

[WeWillAllPersevere]

2 hours ago, __________ said:

I got accepted as well! ?? Did they mention anything about funding? 

Congrats!!!! ? what department if you don't mind sharing? 

[MFA Troll]

I have to chime in about the idea that professors at expensive schools are sooooo smart lol. Yes, these schools are radically more connected than other schools, but that world is free falling. These professors are spoiled gen-xers who stubbornly worship post-modernism. Post-modernism the RELIGION of mfa programs, welcome to your indoctrination. The Whitney is the text-book definition of a "tourist museum" for example, peak post-modernism. Those of you who are questioning the hierarchy are far ahead of the game. Cathrine Liu is one of the most under-rated intellectuals working today. Take a listen, if you dare. 

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/whitney-lays-off-11-more-staff-members-citing-extremely-low-attendance

 

[Stardust RnRoll HiWay]

Anyone hear back from Cal Arts Creative Writing program yet? 

[lizavetar96]

29 minutes ago, MFA Troll said:

I have to chime in about the idea that professors at expensive schools are sooooo smart lol. Yes, these schools are radically more connected than other schools, but that world is free falling. These professors are spoiled gen-xers who stubbornly worship post-modernism. Post-modernism the RELIGION of mfa programs, welcome to your indoctrination. The Whitney is the text-book definition of a "tourist museum" for example, peak post-modernism. Those of you who are questioning the hierarchy are far ahead of the game. Cathrine Liu is one of the most under-rated intellectuals working today. Take a listen, if you dare. 

https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/whitney-lays-off-11-more-staff-members-citing-extremely-low-attendance

 

Sorry, are you Jordan Peterson lol? 
 

(i am all for questioning hierarchy btw)

Edited March 8, 2021 by lizavetar96

[MFA Troll]

4 minutes ago, lizavetar96 said:

Sorry, are you Jordan Peterson lol? 
 

(i am all for questioning hierarchy btw)

Thanks great! If your are looking for an antidote for Jordan Peterson, please listen to Catherine Liu.  

[MFA Troll]

5 minutes ago, MFA Troll said:

Thanks great! If your are looking for an antidote for Jordan Peterson, please listen to Catherine Liu.  

 

Edited March 8, 2021 by MFA Troll
posted in the wrong spot

[MFA Troll]

6 minutes ago, MFA Troll said:

Thanks great! If your are looking for an antidote for Jordan Peterson, please listen to Catherine Liu.  

Interesting comparison btw. The right strategically uses the "culture wars" to distract the working class from confronting the ruling class. 

[lizavetar96]

36 minutes ago, MFA Troll said:

Interesting comparison btw. The right strategically uses the "culture wars" to distract the working class from confronting the ruling class. 

Just to specify: I am very much on the left, Jordan Peterson thing is a joke as he likes using the term “postmodernism” in his speeches. 
i have not listened to Liu’s video so far, I am sure it will be very educating. 

[Strawberrycat]

4 hours ago, lizavetar96 said:

Just had USC interview. 
it was indeed 15 minutes, short and sweet, I think I did really well. 
questions they asked: 

who I am and what I am working on right now?

why USC?

More questions directly related to my practice. 

i had time to ask one question  

 

Congrats on doing well in the interview! To the question about what you're working on right now, did they mean for you to expand on what you submitted as your portfolio or new work since then? 

[Reida]

Hi everyone,

Just sharing an update on my current status, hopefully it’s helpful to some of you all!

SAIC Art+Technology Studies- Accepted (waiting to hear back on funding)

CalArts Art+Technology- Accepted (waiting to hear back on funding)

CMU-Rejected

VCU Media Arts/VCU Sculpture-Assumed Rejection (no interview)

So right now I’m deciding between SAIC and CalArts. I would love to hear if anyone has any insight/opinions!!

[MFA Troll]

8 minutes ago, lizavetar96 said:

Just to specify: I am very much on the left, Jordan Peterson thing is a joke as he likes using the term “postmodernism” in his speeches. 
i have not listened to Liu’s video so far, I am sure it will be very educating. 

Totally, it didn't click at first. Definitely important to consider how the right weaponizes culture.  

[Maldoror]

9 hours ago, Ann123 said:

Hey anyone heard back from MICA?

mica's acceptances were out today.

[-----------]

• Smoking a cigar.

[SocialKonstruct]

2 minutes ago, San Diego Stone said:

• Smoking a cigar.

[lizavetar96]

41 minutes ago, Strawberrycat said:

Congrats on doing well in the interview! To the question about what you're working on right now, did they mean for you to expand on what you submitted as your portfolio or new work since then? 

You know it was only 15 min and they kind of let me know with their attitude (they were polite and nice but I sensed that there was a feeling of urgency) that there is no time for extra questions so I just jumped into what I am doing right now (and it is very much related to my portfolio in certain ways). So I unfortunately can’t answer your question very well. 

[Ann123]

49 minutes ago, Maldoror said:

mica's acceptances were out today.

Thanks for the update! Can I know which course you applied for?

[berries]

I got Boston University Painting acceptance about an hour ago! I got 35% of tuition waived on top of the half of tuition waived for mfa students

[katfude]

16 minutes ago, berries said:

I got Boston University Painting acceptance about an hour ago! I got 35% of tuition waived on top of the half of tuition waived for mfa students

Congratulations!!!!!! That's SO exciting

[XSX]

27 minutes ago, berries said:

I got Boston University Painting acceptance about an hour ago! I got 35% of tuition waived on top of the half of tuition waived for mfa students

Same for me as well! Congrats

[erinwhomst]

42 minutes ago, berries said:

I got Boston University Painting acceptance about an hour ago! I got 35% of tuition waived on top of the half of tuition waived for mfa students

Congratulations on your acceptance!! Do you have a website by any chance? BU was my first choice for Painting but I've never heard back - I'd love to see the work of a new member of their painting cohort!

[berries]

5 minutes ago, erinwhomst said:

Congratulations on your acceptance!! Do you have a website by any chance? BU was my first choice for Painting but I've never heard back - I'd love to see the work of a new member of their painting cohort!

I sent you a dm with the link to my website! I haven’t uploaded older works but works for my portfolio are uploaded there