MFA 2022 Freak Out Forum

[Eric from America]

4 hours ago, katfude5 said:

I have heard that there are about 70 painting finalists, and 21 will be admitted from that. It all depends on how many studio spaces open up, and there are a few more some years than others. 

Yeah, that sounds right -- Yale painting admits about 21 new students per year, and it seems pretty usual for places to interview about 3 or 4 times as many applicants as they ultimately admit. (Schools need to make sure there are great applicants on the waitlist, too.)

A couple resources I used for looking up things like the number of applications received vs admitted were the College Art Association's Graduate Program Directory and Peterson's database of graduate schools. Both can sometimes be hit-or-miss and/or out of date, but along with a school's own website can give a pretty good sense of whether you're looking at a program that gets 1,000 applications or a program that gets 50, or admits 25 new students vs. admits 2.

https://www.collegeart.org/pdf/publications/CAA-directory-visual-arts.pdf

https://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools.aspx

[painting549]

Many schools have a question on their application like: Please list any other colleges / universities to which you have applied or intend to apply.

Most of the time, this question is not mandatory to answer.

Does anyone know anything about this like is it an answer the schools expect you to complete? Does it help/hurt the applicant? Do you think/know whether it's for statistical purposes for the school or if they actually take the answer into account when judging the applicant?

[Pickle555]

3 hours ago, painting549 said:

Many schools have a question on their application like: Please list any other colleges / universities to which you have applied or intend to apply.

Most of the time, this question is not mandatory to answer.

Does anyone know anything about this like is it an answer the schools expect you to complete? Does it help/hurt the applicant? Do you think/know whether it's for statistical purposes for the school or if they actually take the answer into account when judging the applicant?

I've wondered about this too and am curious what other people think. From my experience, when I interviewed at Bard & Rutgers (two years ago) the faculty on each panel did actually bring this up to me. It seemed like they were gauging my interest in their programs based on the schools I had listed. Bard's questioning seemed more explicit since it was the only low res program I had applied to. I would say that it did not hurt my application though. 

[katfude5]

4 hours ago, painting549 said:

Many schools have a question on their application like: Please list any other colleges / universities to which you have applied or intend to apply.

Most of the time, this question is not mandatory to answer.

Does anyone know anything about this like is it an answer the schools expect you to complete? Does it help/hurt the applicant? Do you think/know whether it's for statistical purposes for the school or if they actually take the answer into account when judging the applicant?

I was going to apply to Rutgers until I read this question and immediately quit the application. It really rubbed me the wrong way and just projected the school as somewhere I wouldn’t feel comfortable at. Seems weird and invasive to ask while everyone is insecure and unsure of what they’re doing— 

[Strawberrycat]

2 hours ago, katfude5 said:

I was going to apply to Rutgers until I read this question and immediately quit the application. It really rubbed me the wrong way and just projected the school as somewhere I wouldn’t feel comfortable at. Seems weird and invasive to ask while everyone is insecure and unsure of what they’re doing— 

I've seen this question on almost every application I've done. I thought it was pretty standard. I was asked it at the end of an interview that went well too, and they said it was for their records or statistical purposes. I feel like it's possible they'd use it to gauge interest and where their school ranks in the scheme of things, but you could always not answer it on the apps if you don't want to. Can't really get out of it in the interview though if asked directly. I've been listing a few, but not my whole list since I haven't applied to all of them yet. Did you get any other weird vibes from Rutgers or was it mostly that? 

@painting549 

 

The question that really gets me is when you have to rank which faculty members you want to work with in order and say why. ? It feels so embarrassing to do for some reason. I'm always afraid that I'm going to accidentally rank the person on the committee who might like my application lower or offend someone somehow, haha. 

[painting549]

2 minutes ago, Strawberrycat said:

I've seen this question on almost every application I've done. I thought it was pretty standard. I was asked it at the end of an interview that went well too, and they said it was for their records or statistical purposes. I feel like it's possible they'd use it to gauge interest and where their school ranks in the scheme of things, but you could always not answer it on the apps if you don't want to. Can't really get out of it in the interview though if asked directly. I've been listing a few, but not my whole list since I haven't applied to all of them yet. Did you get any other weird vibes from Rutgers or was it mostly that? 

@painting549 

 

The question that really gets me is when you have to rank which faculty members you want to work with in order and say why. ? It feels so embarrassing to do for some reason. I'm always afraid that I'm going to accidentally rank the person on the committee who might like my application lower or offend someone somehow, haha. 

"The question that really gets me is when you have to rank which faculty members you want to work with in order and say why. ? It feels so embarrassing to do for some reason. I'm always afraid that I'm going to accidentally rank the person on the committee who might like my application lower or offend someone somehow, haha. " 

Where did you encounter that question about ranking faculty? Was that at an interview?

[Strawberrycat]

Just now, painting549 said:

"The question that really gets me is when you have to rank which faculty members you want to work with in order and say why. ? It feels so embarrassing to do for some reason. I'm always afraid that I'm going to accidentally rank the person on the committee who might like my application lower or offend someone somehow, haha. " 

Where did you encounter that question about ranking faculty? Was that at an interview?

Oh no, thank goodness!! I'd have passed out probably, haha. It was on a couple of the UC apps. I don't remember which ones exactly, though. 

[Strawberrycat]

I just got an email that Yale's deadline was extended from the 5th to the 9th. 

[slickjaketheruler]

On 1/4/2022 at 7:28 AM, painting549 said:

Many schools have a question on their application like: Please list any other colleges / universities to which you have applied or intend to apply.

Most of the time, this question is not mandatory to answer.

Does anyone know anything about this like is it an answer the schools expect you to complete? Does it help/hurt the applicant? Do you think/know whether it's for statistical purposes for the school or if they actually take the answer into account when judging the applicant?

I didn't think too much about it. I've only seen this last year on my SAIC application and this year on my Rutgers application.

To be honest, most faculty reviewing this know you are probably applying to more than one school. My interview last year for SAIC did ask about the other schools I were applying to and I explained that I was considering other schools for specific reasons. I don't think it hindered my chances with the program at all.  

[slickjaketheruler]

On 12/31/2021 at 9:54 AM, artcat said:

Hi All!  Wondering if anyone has looked into SUNY Purchase.  It's on my "maybe" list for the sculpture program as I hear they have pretty decent faciliites and the proxiity to NYC but I don't see lots of info about it.  

I interviewed with SUNY Purchase last year and was waitlisted.

I ultimately wouldn't have chosen to go to Purchase based on the MFA faculty and the structure of their program. Their program has a single MFA faculty member Faye Hirsch. She's extremely knowledgable with a PHD in art history from Yale, with her focus being the history of printmaking (part of the reason I applied to the school). What I didn't like is that the grads there didn't have a strong relationship with the core associate professors per department. Your committee is made up of visiting artists per semester instead of the traditional pick your committee based on the faculty of the school, which I wasn't a fan of since I really wanted strong ties to the university. 

I will say though, by speaking with the grads I interviewed with, that they all seemed to be getting a lot of attention and focus from the artists. So they never felt like people associated with the university were disengaged from the artists. 

[artcat]

13 hours ago, slickjaketheruler said:

I interviewed with SUNY Purchase last year and was waitlisted.

I ultimately wouldn't have chosen to go to Purchase based on the MFA faculty and the structure of their program. Their program has a single MFA faculty member Faye Hirsch. She's extremely knowledgable with a PHD in art history from Yale, with her focus being the history of printmaking (part of the reason I applied to the school). What I didn't like is that the grads there didn't have a strong relationship with the core associate professors per department. Your committee is made up of visiting artists per semester instead of the traditional pick your committee based on the faculty of the school, which I wasn't a fan of since I really wanted strong ties to the university. 

I will say though, by speaking with the grads I interviewed with, that they all seemed to be getting a lot of attention and focus from the artists. So they never felt like people associated with the university were disengaged from the artists. 

Thanks so much!  It's interesting to hear that.  I like the idea of visiting artists being part of the mix though I'd still want to feel the faculty were involved and that I had a relationship with them.... things to consder!

 

[SwampLord]

Anyone applying to USF?? 

[The-Fourth-Dimension]

IS ANYONE GETTING THE "CRAZIES," YET???

I know I'm all middle aged and everything and I'm supposed to be jaded, but when I applied last year I was freaking out. I have a very select handful of joints I would like to attend where I feel like my life experience would benefit their department, and I don't want to share my accomplishments and skill-set with just any school.

LOL!!! I KNOW I'm worrying for no reason. But on one hand it's sort of fun to worry!!! And on the other it sucks. BUT I WANT THIS TO BE FUUUUUN!

During last application season when I got my interview notification I was like "WHOA!!!" Then I thought I screwed up my interview because I was super sick and felt like I came off incoherent.

Later when I was accepted to the program and the school that I wanted, I was floored and felt kinda like I was dreaming because this MFA thing is a HUGE deal to me and where I attend is paramount. I knew exactly where I wanted to go and only applied to that one institution.

I'm getting the crazies mostly over my written stuff. I wanted to be totally genuine in my delivery, so I was. But what if they're all like, "this fool is too rough around the edges," or whatever? I'm also worried about agism. Yes, agism is a real thing, and all of you will face it once you hit about 40 years old if you're not with a union. Also, it doesn't seem like there are a lot of schools interested in Chicano artists. This is unfortunate, especially in Califas.

I narrowed down my schools pretty significantly. A few months ago I was going to apply at about a dozen schools. I ended up applying at only 4. I know you're SUPPOSED to apply at mass amounts of schools so they can fight over you or whatever, but I didn't feel ethically correct applying to programs where I definitely wouldn't attend. What if I bumped someone from consideration to a program I never intended on going to??? That would be very terrible.

The schools I ended up applying to are as follows:

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY: I applied at SDSU because my parents went there and I am used to the campus. I spent a lot of time there in the late 80's and the 1990's sitting in on art classes when I was a kid. I made friends with Professor Jesus "Jess" Dominguez and he guided me in bronze sculpting for my first sculpture public art project. I used to skate the campus a lot, too. I can't think of any downsides to SDSU at all. It's a kick-ass school all the way around and anyone would be lucky to go here.

UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO: I like UCSD because of the great smelling campus and beach location. It's right by my old surf spots, and I used to work at UCSD as an audiovisual engineer/stagehand at the La Jolla Playhouse, so it also has that familiarity. One downside is that the public transportation between downtown San Diego to the UCSD campus area kinda sucks. Also, the campus is all over the place in sections. But it's a really wonderful and romantic place that gets this beautiful fog in the morning, and it smells nice everywhere you go! You haven't lived until you've sat on the cliffs at Blacks Beach with your girl and enjoyed the sunset. ❤️

STANFORD: From a pragmatic perspective it's a no-brainer. The stipend is unbeatable, as are the work and teaching opportunities, not to mention the cost of campus housing compared to the Bay Area in general. Attending Stanford would solve a lot of problems for me regarding living and housing. I want to have a part-time job that doesn't require a lot of thought so I can focus the maximum amount of my time on my art and craft in the studio. I've spent a little bit of time in Palo Alto, and it reminds me of places like San Luis Obispo, Davis, Berkeley, etc... It's aight. SF is right there if you want to go off, but the traffic is insane. If you're into the gamour thing, Stanford is considered an elite level prestigious school. Ya knoe, I think Stanford needs a Chicano Artist. ?

UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA, IRVINE: Two of my friends attended UCI in the late 90s - early aughts. I love the beach vibe and the campus is pretty modern if you're into that look. I have a lot of fond memories of partying with UCI students in Newport Beach and acting all crazy. The proximity to surf spots suits me well, plus its in between San Diego and L.A. I also like the high density of Chicano laborers in the area. But it's in Orange County, and that makes me a little uneasy. If you have body or looks insecurities about yourself, Irvine/Orange County and that area will probably make you feel worse because that area is dense with people who are physically beautiful, and they know it. One thing I REALLY like about UCI is that they guarantee housing for up to 3 years for MFA/Grad students. Thats crazy/ausm! 

There are the professors for these institutions, too. I've got my opinions on who I want to work with, but that's more personal than I want to share in a forum.

I would feel honored to go to any of these schools. I hope that YOU get into the EXACT program you want!!! ☮️???

Edited January 8, 2022 by The-Fourth-Dimension
!TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!

[The-Fourth-Dimension]

On 12/31/2021 at 4:00 AM, SpillToBuilt said:

These are questions that the graduate faculty there would likely be happy to answer...

Fasho. I appreciate you. But this other avatar posted claiming to be a UCSD student who is full-on recommending UCSD. They even answered questions of a poster besides me. Kinda odd they completely ignored me.

How come you answered when I asked the "Artsy2000" poster? Are you at UCSD? Because if you are then maybe you could answer these inquiries instead with some images? I would really appreciate that! ??

[AncientQuail]

On 1/3/2022 at 11:29 AM, kaflake said:

Thinking that myself! I have too much to sift through honestly but I'm wondering if I'm including things just to fill space or not. 

 

I think it's fine to have less to be honest as long as you feel the work is good. And it's the modern internet age. If they like what they see, they might look at your website to see more. But that's just speculation.

hey @kaflake and @painting549! thanks for your responses ❤️ 

I asked my past professor and mentor about this, and she said that "having less than 20 images can give people the wrong idea. They say it can be up to 20 images, but I have seen fewer images weaken a candidate's chances. I think unless it says otherwise, last 5 years (with most work from past 3) is ok"

[AncientQuail]

On 1/4/2022 at 12:06 PM, katfude5 said:

I was going to apply to Rutgers until I read this question and immediately quit the application. It really rubbed me the wrong way and just projected the school as somewhere I wouldn’t feel comfortable at. Seems weird and invasive to ask while everyone is insecure and unsure of what they’re doing— 

I applied to Rutgers too and noticed this question. I'm pretty sure it's just a data thing tbh, so they can do better advertising for their program and shit.

[etm94]

i posted in a different MFA 2022 thread a few days ago, didn't realize this one was more active. but just wanted to say hi, so far have sent in my apps to yale and saic. getting anxious about hearing back from those two already !

Edited January 11, 2022 by tmng

[123123435]

How's everyone doing with the apps? Appreciated the conversation before about how this year's activity isn't necessarily less but it does seem quiet on this forum. I put it one application this year and wrapped that up on Monday ... Not sure what to think all in all, but glad to have my hat in this round again

Edited January 12, 2022 by 123123435

[The-Fourth-Dimension]

59 minutes ago, 123123435 said:

How's everyone doing with the apps?

Whazzz crackin 123123435!!!!! 

Got all my apps in. The only colleges I want to attend are in California, and the only California institutions I would want to attend are UC Irvine, San Diego State University, USC, Stanford, or UCSD.

I feel really good about UCI and maybe SDSU. UCSD would be rad but I'm not sure they want Chicano arte, there. I'm already on deferral for USC, but when I deferred last year I thought that the C0VID festival would be here for a limited time only, which would make time for me to work a grip to save up some money because USC is mad expensive. Well, here we are with C0VID being more infectious than ever.

I wish C0VID would just go away. C0VID is like that super annoying guy who stayed at the party WAY too long and killed millions of people.

I have NO idea what to think about Stanford, as far as chances go. We'll see how that goes.

All in all if every one of my new applications falls through I've got USC, and that ain't so bad. Expensive, tho. But I'd tear it UP at USC. I love L.A. Plus, USC is my numero UNO, anyway.

Where did you apply? Do you think your chances are good? How come you only applied at one place?

[The-Fourth-Dimension]

Any other sculptors up in here??? I know that a grip of you are painters, and a couple of you shot me some cool stuff you're doing in new media. That's awesome! 

BUT WHERE MY 3D DESIGN PEOPLE AT???

[etm94]

1 hour ago, The-Fourth-Dimension said:

Any other sculptors up in here??? I know that a grip of you are painters, and a couple of you shot me some cool stuff you're doing in new media. That's awesome! 

BUT WHERE MY 3D DESIGN PEOPLE AT???

If I had applied this time last year I would've applied under sculpture/new genres for most schools, but now am applying as a painter even though I dont necessarily work with paint... i've become more 2D over the past year due to space limitations of my studio

[The-Fourth-Dimension]

1 hour ago, tmng said:

If I had applied this time last year I would've applied under sculpture/new genres for most schools, but now am applying as a painter even though I don't necessarily work with paint... i've become more 2D over the past year due to space limitations of my studio

I FEEL this right here, my dood!!! That's interesting you're applying as a painter but you're a sculptor. Yeah, these past two years have been sorta crazy in the arts, right? Since COVID I've had to stay inside a lot more because I'm a caregiver. I spend limited amounts of time at my studio because it's also a few other peoples studios connected that all have their own ideas of how when where and why to mask up. A few weeks ago a bunch of peeps who work at the studio goth the Rona, so they shut it down for a couple weeks.

Like you, I've taken up some more painting, lately, and I do it in my apartment. It's cool because I have high ceilings and really tall windows, but it's a small flat, square footage wise, which is kinda wack.

I've done some restorative painting and some murals, but painting is not my thing like sculpture is. Are you down to share some of your sculpture work with me? For some reason this year people are all sketched out about sharing their work or even identities unless it's in private. So bizarre. I think it's also because a couple of these accounts might be the same person. It was like that last year, and the year before that, too.

If you want to share your work you can pm/dm me. That's what other artists on the board have been doing. I'll keep your identity on the low.

I've been taking up painting mood textures. It's lazy, but it keeps me creative when I can't be at the studio. I was going around for a while with this girl that did a lot of moody texture painting, but really colorful like her mood. I ripped off what she was doing but when I do the mood painting it comes out all gloomy. LOL!!! Here's a pic of a couple pieces I'm working on, right nao.

Which university did you apply at?

[Pickle555]

Adding to the conversation to stand in solidarity with those who are already feeling anxious lol. For those who don't know, painter here. Already submitted all applications to: Stanford, UCLA, and Yale. 

This is also my second time around, since I wasn't happy in the program I initially accepted an offer from in 2020. Really don't foresee myself wanting to apply for a third time.. too much work and stress. Hoping for the best this time around, for myself and you all.  

xoxo

[katfude5]

2 hours ago, tmng said:

If I had applied this time last year I would've applied under sculpture/new genres for most schools, but now am applying as a painter even though I dont necessarily work with paint... i've become more 2D over the past year due to space limitations of my studio

I'm in the exact same boat as you-- it's definitely a funny place to be (saving money for grad school= forgoing studio space/making big work). I applied to sculpture programs last year with an almost entirely paint/print based portfolio and no one gave me a hard time about it. I was even told at one that I had the strongest portfolio out of all of the applicants who applied with legit sculpture.. I think it really just comes down to what you want to study. If you actually do want to apply for sculpture, but are hesitant only because of the content of your portfolio, I think there are ways around this in your statement and interviews. If you want to DM me and chat further I can share some of my experience from last year. I am applying to a mix of photography, painting/print, and sculpture programs this year, so it's really just based on where you think your work would grow the most. They have to understand how fluid sculpture and painting can be, and if they don't.. then it's not going to be the program for you!

Edited January 12, 2022 by katfude5

[slickjaketheruler]

13 hours ago, 123123435 said:

How's everyone doing with the apps? Appreciated the conversation before about how this year's activity isn't necessarily less but it does seem quiet on this forum. I put it one application this year and wrapped that up on Monday ... Not sure what to think all in all, but glad to have my hat in this round again

Surprisingly, I worked really hard to get all my 8 schools applications done early. I was able to finish before the holidays on most of my apps. 

Now it's just the waiting game, and preparing for any interviews I might receive.