MFA 2022 Freak Out Forum

[starcrumbz]

6 minutes ago, Strawberrycat said:

Hey there, I had an interview with them on Tuesday. I'm sorry that you haven't heard back from them yet, I hope you do soon. That's so frustrating when you reach out and don't hear back at all. That happened to me with another school. 

It's good to hear they are getting close to making decisions... i just want to know! How did your interview go? Any advice?

[starcrumbz]

16 minutes ago, Forms Without Formula said:

Aw I feel you, I only applied to Hunter and the anticipation is overwhelming! Feels risky putting all my eggs in one basket but it was the school that seemed like the best fit so I didn't see the point applying to school that didn't feel right! Best of luck to us both!!!

I hear you! Wishing you all the luck and positive vibes ☝️

[Jar_of_Mayonnaise]

11 minutes ago, eatyoveggies said:

Hey there! I applied to the painting, and nothing yet … although someone from Fayetteville was looking at my website in mid Jan ??what about you? Around late Jan they sent out interview invites last year so fingers crossed they’re just running late this year …

I applied to photography! I have that someone in the last month in Bentonville AR looked at my webiste, but I have a friend that lives there that I think is the culprit haha. 

That's what I'm nervous about is this year's timeline compared to last year! I toured the facilities in June and the faculty member I spoke with had said that they normally send out interview invites in late January too

[Strawberrycat]

2 minutes ago, starcrumbz said:

It's good to hear they are getting close to making decisions... i just want to know! How did your interview go? Any advice?

It was definitely my most intense/critical/in depth interview so far, which wasn't a bad thing, just a little intimidating. There were 4 of the professors and it lasted 25 minutes and was very structured. They asked me to introduce myself and my work, then asked why I was interested in UCI and grad school in general. Then they had me screen share my portfolio and asked me to pick a few pieces to talk about in some depth. They asked some really specific and thorough questions about the individual pieces, materiality, influences, etc. Sometimes it would be like a series of 3 or 4 questions all at once from one of them and to be honest, I was kind of deer in headlights because of it, so I don't remember exactly what they were or how I answered because it went so fast, but they seemed responsive, I think. They also asked if I was interested in critical theory and research because of the nature of the program. Then they let me ask a couple questions at the end and asked if I applied anywhere else. 

I have no idea if they think I did well or not or if I'll get in, but I did my best. But my idea of the school based off of the interview is that they are kind overall, very deeply curious and critical, and would push students to think very critically too. It seems like a strong, but very challenging program. 

In contrast, I had interviews other places that were very casual and the interviewers asked a couple questions, but basically just praised my work in comparison. (Which I'll admit felt really nice in the moment, haha.) UCI noted some positive aspects and seemed interested and engaged in having a conversation about my work, but they definitely weren't there to stroke any egos. 

[Strawberrycat]

20 minutes ago, starcrumbz said:

It's good to hear they are getting close to making decisions... i just want to know! How did your interview go? Any advice?

Oops, forgot to add the advice part! I guess it would just be to be prepared to be grilled a little. Have specific influences for aspects of your work ready to talk about if asked. Like I was asked by one of them who am I influenced by who works with the object and ideas of the artifact, because of some of my pieces. Really study your portfolio and be comfortable talking about it in any ways you can think of, because they came up with some questions that I really hadn't thought about. Which makes them seem like great people to work with, but made me panic a bit trying to answer them on the spot! 

[eatyoveggies]

21 minutes ago, Jar_of_Mayonnaise said:

I applied to photography! I have that someone in the last month in Bentonville AR looked at my webiste, but I have a friend that lives there that I think is the culprit haha. 

That's what I'm nervous about is this year's timeline compared to last year! I toured the facilities in June and the faculty member I spoke with had said that they normally send out interview invites in late January too

Oh noooo! well it’s been quiet on this thread so that’s my only solace.. fingers crossed for us both. Keep me posted if you hear anything! 

[starcrumbz]

Wow! that sounds ... scary lol.  Good on you for going through so many interviews. You should feel like a rockstar! I have to remember that if it doesn't happen for me with UCI, its just not meant to be. when i met with a student to tour the facility, I didn't get the type of feeling you described in your interview at all. The students seemed very relaxed and supportive of one another and when I asked them about the culture they described it as open minded and supportive and not overly intimidating. But that interview sounds pretty nerve wrecking, though I have proved to need that sort of energy to really grow... I went to MICA for my undergrad and it was pretty competitive and I was definitely not one of the stronger students when I began, but that's what really pushed me to expand. I guess I'll just have to wait and see! Best of luck with everything and thank you so much for taking the time to write back to me in such detail, it really helped put my mind at ease for the day❤️

[Strawberrycat]

1 minute ago, starcrumbz said:

Wow! that sounds ... scary lol.  Good on you for going through so many interviews. You should feel like a rockstar! I have to remember that if it doesn't happen for me with UCI, its just not meant to be. when i met with a student to tour the facility, I didn't get the type of feeling you described in your interview at all. The students seemed very relaxed and supportive of one another and when I asked them about the culture they described it as open minded and supportive and not overly intimidating. But that interview sounds pretty nerve wrecking, though I have proved to need that sort of energy to really grow... I went to MICA for my undergrad and it was pretty competitive and I was definitely not one of the stronger students when I began, but that's what really pushed me to expand. I guess I'll just have to wait and see! Best of luck with everything and thank you so much for taking the time to write back to me in such detail, it really helped put my mind at ease for the day❤️

Thank you, this is my third year applying, so it took me some time to get to the point where I'm getting the interviews I want. Definitely try not to feel bad if you don't get in there this time. I also applied to UCI a couple of years ago and didn't get an interview then, so sometimes it takes a couple of tries and has to do with timing and all sorts of stuff, but I wish you the best of luck!

It could be that they were unsure of me and my work and wanted to really question it critically to see if I could back it up. It didn't feel like they were trying to be intimidating, I am just easily intimidated. ? And didn't expect such in depth questions after my other interviews weren't like that, so the comparison was what got me. I think they would be very supportive, just also challenging and intellectual, so that's good to hear that the students feel that way! 

And no problem! ❤

 

[HJAn]

1 minute ago, Strawberrycat said:

Thank you, this is my third year applying, so it took me some time to get to the point where I'm getting the interviews I want. Definitely try not to feel bad if you don't get in there this time. I also applied to UCI a couple of years ago and didn't get an interview then, so sometimes it takes a couple of tries and has to do with timing and all sorts of stuff, but I wish you the best of luck!

It could be that they were unsure of me and my work and wanted to really question it critically to see if I could back it up. It didn't feel like they were trying to be intimidating, I am just easily intimidated. ? And didn't expect such in depth questions after my other interviews weren't like that, so the comparison was what got me. I think they would be very supportive, just also challenging and intellectual, so that's good to hear that the students feel that way! 

And no problem! ❤

 

Just a random curiosity as first-time applicant, as I'm considering if I may need to apply again next year... If you're applying to the same schools more than once, do they acknowledge your previous year's applications? Especially if you've also interviewed in the past, does that ever come up? And say if you were accepted and for whatever reason declined the offer and then reapply next year, I wonder how the admission looks at that.

[Antisocialprintmaker]

Has anyone heard back from FSU, UF, USF, Bard, or Syracuse yet? 
 

I got accepted to LCAD with a 10,000 a year scholarship and potential ta position. I don’t think that’s too bad for a two year program. And then MECA offered me 5,000 a year and a potential ta position. Was really hoping for a better offer from MECA so I don’t think I can attend. I’m really hoping FSU, USF, UF, Syracuse or Bard come through with some better offers. UF is fully funded and I can commute from where I’m currently living so I really hope I get in there.

[Strawberrycat]

Just now, HJAn said:

Just a random curiosity as first-time applicant, as I'm considering if I may need to apply again next year... If you're applying to the same schools more than once, do they acknowledge your previous year's applications? Especially if you've also interviewed in the past, does that ever come up? And say if you were accepted and for whatever reason declined the offer and then reapply next year, I wonder how the admission looks at that.

So, I can only speak to the situations I've been in, and the answers for each of them are different, so that makes me think it could be different each time. Most of them didn't acknowledge my applying previously. UCI didn't mention it at all, but I'm sure they have access to it. UC Santa Barbara did acknowledge it, though. They said they were able to see I applied a couple of years ago and said they looked back at that portfolio in comparison to this year's and commended me on my growth since then. 

I didn't have any situations where I got interviews and wasn't accepted and then got an interview the next year. All of mine were instances where I didn't get an interview and then got one. (And one where I did get an interview, then the next year did not get one, I think because I did very poorly in the interview the previous year and dashed my future chances.) 

Last year I applied to USC and got in, but couldn't attend. After speaking to them, they said that I would be accepted for this year if I wanted to be, but that I would have to submit a new portfolio and interview again to be eligible for any funding or scholarships. This will vary based on school. Some will not defer acceptance and will ask applicants to completely apply again. But it's pretty standard to give up whatever funding they may have offered you and to have to go up against the new round of applicants for it once again. If you end up in that situation and want to try to go somewhere the next year, I would really try to keep in contact with the school and the faculty and keep a good rapport with them. 

 

[Strawberrycat]

1 minute ago, Antisocialprintmaker said:

Has anyone heard back from FSU, UF, USF, Bard, or Syracuse yet? 
 

I got accepted to LCAD with a 10,000 a year scholarship and potential ta position. I don’t think that’s too bad for a two year program. And then MECA offered me 5,000 a year and a potential ta position. Was really hoping for a better offer from MECA so I don’t think I can attend. I’m really hoping FSU, USF, UF, Syracuse or Bard come through with some better offers. UF is fully funded and I can commute from where I’m currently living so I really hope I get in there.

You can politely tell MECA about LCAD's offer and try to negotiate with them. They may match it, especially since the difference is only 5k per year. 

[Antisocialprintmaker]

15 minutes ago, Strawberrycat said:

You can politely tell MECA about LCAD's offer and try to negotiate with them. They may match it, especially since the difference is only 5k per year. 

Thank you I think I’ll try to do that. Because I don’t really want to leave the east coast and I like Maine a lot

[HJAn]

18 minutes ago, Strawberrycat said:

So, I can only speak to the situations I've been in, and the answers for each of them are different, so that makes me think it could be different each time. Most of them didn't acknowledge my applying previously. UCI didn't mention it at all, but I'm sure they have access to it. UC Santa Barbara did acknowledge it, though. They said they were able to see I applied a couple of years ago and said they looked back at that portfolio in comparison to this year's and commended me on my growth since then. 

I didn't have any situations where I got interviews and wasn't accepted and then got an interview the next year. All of mine were instances where I didn't get an interview and then got one. (And one where I did get an interview, then the next year did not get one, I think because I did very poorly in the interview the previous year and dashed my future chances.) 

Last year I applied to USC and got in, but couldn't attend. After speaking to them, they said that I would be accepted for this year if I wanted to be, but that I would have to submit a new portfolio and interview again to be eligible for any funding or scholarships. This will vary based on school. Some will not defer acceptance and will ask applicants to completely apply again. But it's pretty standard to give up whatever funding they may have offered you and to have to go up against the new round of applicants for it once again. If you end up in that situation and want to try to go somewhere the next year, I would really try to keep in contact with the school and the faculty and keep a good rapport with them. 

 

Thank you for such a thoughtful insight! I will definitely keep your advice in mind should I end up reapplying next year.

 

[Strawberrycat]

5 minutes ago, Antisocialprintmaker said:

Thank you I think I’ll try to do that. Because I don’t really want to leave the east coast and I like Maine a lot

No problem! When do you have to give them an answer by? Are you able to wait until you hear back from the other schools? I would ask for an extension if they gave you a deadline and you need it. Getting into a fully funded program would help a lot with negotiation too. (Unless you'd rather go to UF anyway!) 

Congrats on your acceptances and offers so far! 

 

[starcrumbz]

2 hours ago, Strawberrycat said:

So, I can only speak to the situations I've been in, and the answers for each of them are different, so that makes me think it could be different each time. Most of them didn't acknowledge my applying previously. UCI didn't mention it at all, but I'm sure they have access to it. UC Santa Barbara did acknowledge it, though. They said they were able to see I applied a couple of years ago and said they looked back at that portfolio in comparison to this year's and commended me on my growth since then. 

I didn't have any situations where I got interviews and wasn't accepted and then got an interview the next year. All of mine were instances where I didn't get an interview and then got one. (And one where I did get an interview, then the next year did not get one, I think because I did very poorly in the interview the previous year and dashed my future chances.) 

Last year I applied to USC and got in, but couldn't attend. After speaking to them, they said that I would be accepted for this year if I wanted to be, but that I would have to submit a new portfolio and interview again to be eligible for any funding or scholarships. This will vary based on school. Some will not defer acceptance and will ask applicants to completely apply again. But it's pretty standard to give up whatever funding they may have offered you and to have to go up against the new round of applicants for it once again. If you end up in that situation and want to try to go somewhere the next year, I would really try to keep in contact with the school and the faculty and keep a good rapport with them. 

 

do you have a website we can check out to view your work? (if you're comfortable with that)

[Strawberrycat]

9 minutes ago, starcrumbz said:

do you have a website we can check out to view your work? (if you're comfortable with that)

My website has too much personal info on it so I'm not comfortable sharing it here, I'm sorry! A few people have asked, though, so I'll post some of my work on a throwaway instagram I use to test posts and link it here in a little bit. 

[katfude5]

3 hours ago, Antisocialprintmaker said:

Has anyone heard back from FSU, UF, USF, Bard, or Syracuse yet? 
 

I got accepted to LCAD with a 10,000 a year scholarship and potential ta position. I don’t think that’s too bad for a two year program. And then MECA offered me 5,000 a year and a potential ta position. Was really hoping for a better offer from MECA so I don’t think I can attend. I’m really hoping FSU, USF, UF, Syracuse or Bard come through with some better offers. UF is fully funded and I can commute from where I’m currently living so I really hope I get in there.

Don't be afraid to politely counter an offer! If you get a better offer from your second or third choice, you can always craft a thoughtful email saying that you really want to attend School A, but School B offered you X amount more and that even though School A is your top choice, you are thoroughly assessing your options. Most schools have wiggle room for candidates that they really want and may be able to add a bit more money to your package. Last year I was able to get a 50% scholarship up to 80% just by sending an email. The worst they can say is no! They may ask for proof of your offer, so don't exaggerate or make anything up, just be honest and open to their response

[ORRI]

22 hours ago, lilyxia99 said:

Keio Media Design(KMD)-interview

SAIC-FVNMA-rejected

Carnegie Mellon University(CMU)-Fine Arts-interview

Calarts-Experimental animation-interview

RISD-Digital media-pending

VCU-Kinetic Images-interview

UC Berkeley(UCB)-Art Practice-pending

WOW! CMU! Could you please share some of the experience of the interview? Hope you all good luck

[Antisocialprintmaker]

2 hours ago, katfude5 said:

Don't be afraid to politely counter an offer! If you get a better offer from your second or third choice, you can always craft a thoughtful email saying that you really want to attend School A, but School B offered you X amount more and that even though School A is your top choice, you are thoroughly assessing your options. Most schools have wiggle room for candidates that they really want and may be able to add a bit more money to your package. Last year I was able to get a 50% scholarship up to 80% just by sending an email. The worst they can say is no! They may ask for proof of your offer, so don't exaggerate or make anything up, just be honest and open to their response

I’ll do that thank you! Because I was kind of shocked at how low the number was when I saw it. ?

[The-Fourth-Dimension]

6 hours ago, Strawberrycat said:

 

Last year I applied to USC and got in, but couldn't attend. After speaking to them, they said that I would be accepted for this year if I wanted to be, but that I would have to submit a new portfolio and interview again to be eligible for any funding or scholarships.

 

Yup. The USC interview was way different this year. It was less structured and I felt compelled to really lean in on them about the cash situation, especially with COVID going on. This round it wasn't the whole gang. It was Jennifer, Ruben, Thomas, and Keith. No Edgar, and Nao is still on sabbatical. Nao is the homegirl. She's been really helpful and kind to me. Jennifer gave good funding advice, and they wanted to know what I've been up to. 

USC and L.A. are definitely where I'd like to be, but they're gonna have to kick down some REAL money this time around. Every other mid-range art school out there like Bard or UCI or VCU are funded with stipends. USC has a MASSIVE endowment in the MULTIPLE BILLIONS of dollars. Surely they can find a way to fully fund students being that they are an "elite" level school, or whatever.

If USC can't do better then I'm gonna wait a year and take my skills to San Diego State University. It would hurt because I've been counting on USC for a year and a half and have got to know the school and faculty intimately. But SDSU is great. Both my parents went to San Diego State, and I love SD. Who doesn't? Creators can learn skills anywhere, but getting the most out of grad school as a visual artist is ALL about location location location, period.

My big thing this year is gonna be about moving back to Southern Califas. I've had it with Sacramento and Northern California in general. After April I'm gonna start milling around for some more public art projects down south.

Ya knoe... Years before this, like last year even; people and programs felt energetic and exciting. This year it's all low energy and blahhh... I haven't seen anyone in these programs I'd be particularly excited to work with, and the professors haven't done much worth entertaining. Potential students artworks haven't exactly been top shelf this season, either.

I was just rejected at UCSD and I tried hard to feel upset about it. I even wrote them an email, but I just don't care. Maybe it's just me? I dunno. What if COVID's got me so down that I don't even realize I'm depressed?

C'MON USC! KICK DOWN SOME GREEN AND LET'S MAKE SOME FUKIN HISTORY!

Edited February 13, 2022 by The-Fourth-Dimension
A fly is often one floor above you.

[AlyPet]

Just wondering...  Is it normal to get no bites the first year of applying?  I'm still waiting on Pratt, but I was flat out rejections nearly 100%.

[Strawberrycat]

1 hour ago, The-Fourth-Dimension said:

Yup. The USC interview was way different this year. It was less structured and I felt compelled to really lean in on them about the cash situation, especially with COVID going on. This round it wasn't the whole gang. It was Jennifer, Ruben, Thomas, and Keith. No Edgar, and Nao is still on sabbatical. Nao is the homegirl. She's been really helpful and kind to me. Jennifer gave good funding advice, and they wanted to know what I've been up to. 

USC and L.A. are definitely where I'd like to be, but they're gonna have to kick down some REAL money this time around. Every other mid-range art school out there like Bard or UCI or VCU are funded with stipends. USC has a MASSIVE endowment in the MULTIPLE BILLIONS of dollars. Surely they can find a way to fully fund students being that they are an "elite" level school, or whatever.

If USC can't do better then I'm gonna wait a year and take my skills to San Diego State University. It would hurt because I've been counting on USC for a year and a half and have got to know the school and faculty intimately. But SDSU is great. Both my parents went to San Diego State, and I love SD. Who doesn't? Creators can learn skills anywhere, but getting the most out of grad school as a visual artist is ALL about location location location, period.

My big thing this year is gonna be about moving back to Southern Califas. I've had it with Sacramento and Northern California in general. After April I'm gonna start milling around for some more public art projects down south.

Ya knoe... Years before this, like last year even; people and programs felt energetic and exciting. This year it's all low energy and blahhh... I haven't seen anyone in these programs I'd be particularly excited to work with, and the professors haven't done much worth entertaining. Potential students artworks haven't exactly been top shelf this season, either.

I was just rejected at UCSD and I tried hard to feel upset about it. I even wrote them an email, but I just don't care. Maybe it's just me? I dunno. What if COVID's got me so down that I don't even realize I'm depressed?

C'MON USC! KICK DOWN SOME GREEN AND LET'S MAKE SOME FUKIN HISTORY!

Good luck with all of it, the funding game is not a fun one to have to navigate, that's for sure. Sorry about UCSD, but it sounds like whatever happens you have some clear goals set out and that SDSU would be a great option for you if it doesn't work out with USC this year. I think the pandemic has definitely taken a toll on all of us in some way, so it's okay to feel down for a while. Maybe something new will come from it. 

[Strawberrycat]

1 hour ago, AlyPet said:

Just wondering...  Is it normal to get no bites the first year of applying?  I'm still waiting on Pratt, but I was flat out rejections nearly 100%.

It's def not out of the ordinary.  Applying is a weird process and there are a ton of factors that go into decisions. Definitely apply again next year if it doesn't work out this time. If you want someone to look over your materials, I'd be happy to let you know what I think might help, but it could have just been bad luck with time/place this round. Where all did you apply? 

[lilyxia99]

5 hours ago, ORRI said:

WOW! CMU! Could you please share some of the experience of the interview? Hope you all good luck

My interview is yet to come ? mine is on 26th. But I do have interviewed KMD, and the interview is just asking very specific question about the portfolio, like the difficulties and what I found in the process, which are really easy to answer as you must have very deep feelings about those.