MFA 2021 Freak Out Forum

[123123435]

2 hours ago, theundoing said:

I would think that the painting cohort will become much larger than usual as they still will accept students (my friend doesn't know how many) but the three painting students who were accepted last year will re-enter as first years so new painters will be added to their cohort. My friend says that she would be shocked if they accept more than 4 people as 7 is the largest cohort size she has ever seen in any discipline (my friend is a third year). 

Thanks for that info. I was bracing myself for 2 new students, so 4 actually sounds encouraging. A bigger cohort size has its strengths too. More people to connect with and opportunities for great relationships. Bard seems so great, I gotta say. So competitive though! ?

Edited February 13, 2021 by 123123435

[SocialKonstruct]

25 minutes ago, LisaM said:

Thank you for sharing your opinion as well! I have an interview scheduled for the art + tech program, so it helps to hear these things. I'm originally from California, so that vibe is familiar to me, but I do think it's important to taken in people's perspectives, as I've never visited any of the schools I applied to!

No worries. In fact I have an actual syllabus from one of their courses and I was blown away... Like very thoughtful and cutting-edge. You will be thinking out of the box. For example, science fiction and digital imaging/sculpting is an example... If you like classical painting from the school of La Brun this won't be it ?

[2021MFA]

21 hours ago, XSX said:

Painting. It was only 15 minutes. So it went by really quick and I only had time to ask them ONE question. 

When did you receive an invitation to interview? I applied for painting and UW is my absolute first choice. I haven’t heard anything from them yet 

[theundoing]

4 hours ago, 123123435 said:

Thanks for that info. I was bracing myself for 2 new students, so 4 actually sounds encouraging. A bigger cohort size has its strengths too. More people to connect with and opportunities for great relationships. Bard seems so great, I gotta say. So competitive though! ?

I suppose it could end up 2 people. Painting hasn't been super transparent about the numbers, apparently. But some students will probably take leave of absence as there is some dissatisfaction amongst students. Good luck with Bard. I applied photo as painting is super competitive ..and my work could maybe fit within photo at bard.

[Killerdonuts]

11 hours ago, leavesontree said:

Hey everyone!

Long time lurker, first time poster. Great to hear everyones successes, and help!

Quick question here, I have an interview at the end of the month for Yale photo. Wonder if there are any other's here who have clarity on the image submission process. Along with images they're asking for a PDF thumbnail inventory. Can someone tell me wha t the heck that means lol. 

Much love and good luck to everyone!

Hi! They are probably asking for an image list. In a Word or Google doc put a small version of each image (thumbnail) and next to it list the usual artwork info (title, media, dimensions, year.) Then download as a PDF. Sometimes grant or residency applications ask for these as well. Hope that helps! Best of luck!!

[mari11]

5 hours ago, SocialKonstruct said:

No worries. In fact I have an actual syllabus from one of their courses and I was blown away... Like very thoughtful and cutting-edge. You will be thinking out of the box. For example, science fiction and digital imaging/sculpting is an example... If you like classical painting from the school of La Brun this won't be it ?

That sounds really exciting and right up my alley, I love experimentation and conceptual play! My only concern is that I work in more bio-tech and that won't gel as well with their programming...

Edited February 14, 2021 by LisaM

[fei.fayfay]

Hi everyone! Thank you for lots of genius sharing here!

I am interested in a question:

Is that possible for someone to do more than one MFA in life?  
 

[Paintyface]

17 minutes ago, fei.fayfay said:

Hi everyone! Thank you for lots of genius sharing here!

I am interested in a question:

Is that possible for someone to do more than one MFA in life?  
 

I've seen people with two MFA's but only when one was from an international institution and one from an American institution. I think this is quite common if you migrate to the United States as it would benefit you if you wanted to teach here. I'm from Australia and if I wanted to ever move back and teach at a University there I'd probably need to do a PhD in painting as that is the terminal degree there...it just depends on the situation.

[fei.fayfay]

6 minutes ago, Paintyface said:

I've seen people with two MFA's but only when one was from an international institution and one from an American institution. I think this is quite common if you migrate to the United States as it would benefit you if you wanted to teach here. I'm from Australia and if I wanted to ever move back and teach at a University there I'd probably need to do a PhD in painting as that is the terminal degree there...it just depends on the situation.

it totally make sense in this case! Thanks for sharing! ! I am also international applicant! 

in my case is,

I would have some MFA programs are good for me to go at this point (for some reason, go for the timeline of 2021 Fall is important for me), but on the other hand,  I also think I am more clear about where my weak points is and how to further develop my works. So that if I reapply next year, I would be able to challenge myself  for a better school. 
So i wonder if there are chance to do a 2nd MFA only if it finally turns out the first one are not enough. Or it’s better to consider again about not taking the first one at the point. 

[theundoing]

50 minutes ago, fei.fayfay said:

Hi everyone! Thank you for lots of genius sharing here!

I am interested in a question:

Is that possible for someone to do more than one MFA in life?  
 

There are a good number of people who have done MFA at Bard and another place (as Bard is 8 weeks each summer).

Edited February 14, 2021 by theundoing

[fei.fayfay]

3 minutes ago, theundoing said:

There are a good number of people who have done MFA at Bard and another place (as Bard is 8 weeks each summer).

Oh wow, that’s interesting!

did they do both for the same year but at different season slots ? 
if yes, omg!  

[SocialKonstruct]

2 hours ago, LisaM said:

That sounds really exciting and right up my alley, I love experimentation and conceptual play! My only concern is that I work in more bio-tech and that won't gel as well with their programming...

If you are into bio-art then SVA would be just perfect tbh.

[everyonelikesbubbles]

10 hours ago, fei.fayfay said:

it totally make sense in this case! Thanks for sharing! ! I am also international applicant! 

in my case is,

I would have some MFA programs are good for me to go at this point (for some reason, go for the timeline of 2021 Fall is important for me), but on the other hand,  I also think I am more clear about where my weak points is and how to further develop my works. So that if I reapply next year, I would be able to challenge myself  for a better school. 
So i wonder if there are chance to do a 2nd MFA only if it finally turns out the first one are not enough. Or it’s better to consider again about not taking the first one at the point. 

As someone here said, there's a handful of ambitious artists who do 2 MFAs simultaneously, typically with bard low-res over the summer. 

In general, if you already have an art MFA, and then apply to another art MFA program later for a second art MFA, most programs would see this suspiciously and unless there’s a very compelling reason, I doubt a top program would let you in. A lo-res could be an exception if you started with one, but I’d really contact the “top schools” you’re interested to gauge if this has been done before.

In your case, a low-res at warren Wilson or SAIC or another non-bard school could work. Warren Wilson’s craft program is a MA, so you could do a MFA later. Also I believe applications for these are still open.

Alternatively, you could do an art MA or MAT in either art practice or teaching. These programs are typically one year and even at top schools are easier to get admitted to because they are applied to less widely since they are not terminal. Then do an MFA later. SAIC has quite a lot of programs that are still open for application. There’s many art MAs open for application in Europe too.

Or you could do a post-bac. Cynically-speaking, these are expensive money-makers for the schools, but these programs are designed to train you for admittance into a top school after.

Or if your art practice has a research interest, you could get a MA in that discipline. Then go on to a MFA.

Also a fair amount of people go from American MFA to Goldsmiths/Oxford PhD. But then you’re in school forever.

Or maybe do something more niche like de ateliers or Jan van ayck academie in Netherlands for the upcoming year? Then do MFA? These are still open for application I believe.

The advice I've always heard is that you only do a MFA once, so you should really consider how you want to spend your time, how important prestige is to you, and your long term goals as your current plan of 2 art MFAs may be non-ideal.

 

 

Edited February 14, 2021 by everyonelikesbubbles
typo

[che artist]

Has anyone heard back from SAIC low res or Bard MFA? Does anyone know if they interview?

Goodluck!

[dramallama_07]

2 hours ago, everyonelikesbubbles said:

As someone here said, there's a handful of ambitious artists who do 2 MFAs simultaneously, typically with bard low-res over the summer. 

In general, if you already have an art MFA, and then apply to another art MFA program later for a second art MFA, most programs would see this suspiciously and unless there’s a very compelling reason, I doubt a top program would let you in. A lo-res could be an exception if you started with one, but I’d really contact the “top schools” you’re interested to gauge if this has been done before.

In your case, a low-res at warren Wilson or SAIC or another non-bard school could work. Warren Wilson’s craft program is a MA, so you could do a MFA later. Also I believe applications for these are still open.

Alternatively, you could do an art MA or MAT in either art practice or teaching. These programs are typically one year and even at top schools are easier to get admitted to because they are applied to less widely since they are not terminal. Then do an MFA later. SAIC has quite a lot of programs that are still open for application. There’s many art MAs open for application in Europe too.

Or you could do a post-bac. Cynically-speaking, these are expensive money-makers for the schools, but these programs are designed to train you for admittance into a top school after.

Or if your art practice has a research interest, you could get a MA in that discipline. Then go on to a MFA.

Also a fair amount of people go from American MFA to Goldsmiths/Oxford PhD. But then you’re in school forever.

Or maybe do something more niche like de ateliers or Jan van ayck academie in Netherlands for the upcoming year? Then do MFA? These are still open for application I believe.

The advice I've always heard is that you only do a MFA once, so you should really consider how you want to spend your time, how important prestige is to you, and your long term goals as your current plan of 2 art MFAs may be non-ideal.

 

 

I absolutely disagree with this sorry. I already have an MFA, applying for another, got interviewed by 90% of the programs I applied to (7, that is, and only one rejection). And let me tell you, they're ALL top schools. All of the colleges I've applied to are either in the top 10 of USA or UK and sought-after programs too- like painting or sculpture. As to your advice that only one MFA is ideal, I've NEVER heard this. In fact many successful artists I know have 2 MFAs, sometimes more also. I'm sorry I don't mean to offend but you should be more thorough before giving unsolicited advices.

[katkat]

22 hours ago, papayalalala said:

Congrats on your interview with U of Michigan! 

U of Michigan said they'd contact students for interviews in mid-late February. Did your invitation mention anything like they are still in the process of reviewing applicants for interviews? If not, I think I am rejected lol. No invitation from U of Michigan yet. 

Thanks! I’m not too sure, I wasn’t sent an individual email, but was bcc’d and sent a generic email with a sign up sheet for interviews. I would say you never know what might happen though!! 

[katkat]

22 hours ago, lizavetar96 said:

Congrats! What department?

Thanks! Art MFA

[SocialKonstruct]

5 hours ago, dramallama_07 said:

I absolutely disagree with this sorry. I already have an MFA, applying for another, got interviewed by 90% of the programs I applied to (7, that is, and only one rejection). And let me tell you, they're ALL top schools. All of the colleges I've applied to are either in the top 10 of USA or UK and sought-after programs too- like painting or sculpture. As to your advice that only one MFA is ideal, I've NEVER heard this. In fact many successful artists I know have 2 MFAs, sometimes more also. I'm sorry I don't mean to offend but you should be more thorough before giving unsolicited advices.

I suspect most folks don't get more than 1 MFA degree because of cost?

[dramallama_07]

22 minutes ago, SocialKonstruct said:

I suspect most folks don't get more than 1 MFA degree because of cost?

Depends on where you get it. MFAs can be very cheap some places in Asia and even Europe

[Thursdayhasnofeel]

any VCU sculpture updates my dudes?

 

[fei.fayfay]

14 hours ago, everyonelikesbubbles said:

As someone here said, there's a handful of ambitious artists who do 2 MFAs simultaneously, typically with bard low-res over the summer. 

In general, if you already have an art MFA, and then apply to another art MFA program later for a second art MFA, most programs would see this suspiciously and unless there’s a very compelling reason, I doubt a top program would let you in. A lo-res could be an exception if you started with one, but I’d really contact the “top schools” you’re interested to gauge if this has been done before.

In your case, a low-res at warren Wilson or SAIC or another non-bard school could work. Warren Wilson’s craft program is a MA, so you could do a MFA later. Also I believe applications for these are still open.

Alternatively, you could do an art MA or MAT in either art practice or teaching. These programs are typically one year and even at top schools are easier to get admitted to because they are applied to less widely since they are not terminal. Then do an MFA later. SAIC has quite a lot of programs that are still open for application. There’s many art MAs open for application in Europe too.

Or you could do a post-bac. Cynically-speaking, these are expensive money-makers for the schools, but these programs are designed to train you for admittance into a top school after.

Or if your art practice has a research interest, you could get a MA in that discipline. Then go on to a MFA.

Also a fair amount of people go from American MFA to Goldsmiths/Oxford PhD. But then you’re in school forever.

Or maybe do something more niche like de ateliers or Jan van ayck academie in Netherlands for the upcoming year? Then do MFA? These are still open for application I believe.

The advice I've always heard is that you only do a MFA once, so you should really consider how you want to spend your time, how important prestige is to you, and your long term goals as your current plan of 2 art MFAs may be non-ideal.

 

 

I greatly appreciated your answer, providing every thoughtful perspective! That’s very helpful for me think, thank you!

 

[fei.fayfay]

12 hours ago, dramallama_07 said:

I absolutely disagree with this sorry. I already have an MFA, applying for another, got interviewed by 90% of the programs I applied to (7, that is, and only one rejection). And let me tell you, they're ALL top schools. All of the colleges I've applied to are either in the top 10 of USA or UK and sought-after programs too- like painting or sculpture. As to your advice that only one MFA is ideal, I've NEVER heard this. In fact many successful artists I know have 2 MFAs, sometimes more also. I'm sorry I don't mean to offend but you should be more thorough before giving unsolicited advices.

Thank you for sharing your experience! Very glad to know that! In this way, I assume, if I feel not enough with the first MFA and just want to do another one, it will be simply an enough reason to apply again without any suspicious concerns.

greateful for all the answers, sincerely!

 

 

[HeronOfHeaven]

Hi all! Just discovered this forum and remember the anxiety of grad applications last year so I thought I’d share where I’m at with UCLA. For any interested in UCLA’s New Genres or Interdisciplinary Studio program(s), I got interview invites via email this past weekend. Interviews will be happening over the course of this coming week. Every program definitely conducts this process differently so I can’t speak to sculpture or painting. Hope this helps!

Edited February 15, 2021 by HeronOfHeaven
Iil typo

[slickjaketheruler]

I’ll be honest, I haven’t really seen anyone going for printmaking. Are there any printmakers in this chat/applying to printmaking?

[slickjaketheruler]

For anyone applying to MECA, I just got a call with an acceptance. You should be hearing soon about your application status.