MFA 2022 Freak Out Forum

[randy savage]

Hi there, long time lurker but have never commented before...

I was accepted into my number one mfa program and have until April to decide but they didn't send any financial aid information yet (only that I was denied a fellowship).

Teaching assistantships and work study may be awarded / put towards tuition in my second year but not for the first year...(this is a two year program)

I guess my question is should I have a clear understanding of what I will be paying/ how much debt I will be committing to before I officially admit? Or do you not discover this until after you enroll in classes... Their website has no helpful information honestly and I feel that it shouldn't be this confusing... 

I don't have much information at the moment so any advice is appreciated...

Thanks!

[Strawberrycat]

11 minutes ago, randy savage said:

Hi there, long time lurker but have never commented before...

I was accepted into my number one mfa program and have until April to decide but they didn't send any financial aid information yet (only that I was denied a fellowship).

Teaching assistantships and work study may be awarded / put towards tuition in my second year but not for the first year...(this is a two year program)

I guess my question is should I have a clear understanding of what I will be paying/ how much debt I will be committing to before I officially admit? Or do you not discover this until after you enroll in classes... Their website has no helpful information honestly and I feel that it shouldn't be this confusing... 

I don't have much information at the moment so any advice is appreciated...

Thanks!

Definitely talk with them and get a clear understanding of the cost before you commit. 

[LizRAE]

I am thinking about reaching out to the schools I've applied to in hopes to get a timeline for their decisions. I am a little nervous to ask them because I don't want to be pushy but I also want to try and get some kind of idea where I'll be at in the next couple months because of residency applications and leases. Any advice about sending an email or should I just learn some SERIOUS patience and wait? Haven't even heard about interviews and it's almost been 2 months, only 3 people get in a year....

Last year when I applied and got rejected (different program) I heard back in 3 weeks, so no news is good news right now I guess?? 

 

[cherrysoda]

Longtime lurker also chiming in for the first time.

In case this is helpful for anyone now or in the future, I applied to 3 schools, all for Photo MFA programs:

SAIC: Invite received 1/25, interviewed 2/12, accepted 2/17 (via faculty who asked me to call them)

CalArts: Invite received 2/4, interviewed 2/23, accepted 3/7 (via email asking me to check my admissions portal)

UCLA: no interview invite or news, assuming it's a no by now since they only accept 3 people each year. It was my first choice but don't think reapplying would be worth it w/ a 0.05% acceptance rate.

Received very little aid from SAIC and no aid package from CalArts yet so crossing my fingers it'll be more. Probably going to email both regardless asking for more $. Does anyone have any insight on asking for more aid from either school, were you successful?

Congrats everyone on your acceptances and good luck with deciding! Remember that if you didn't get in somewhere, it's more of an indication of not being a good fit than whether or not you're a good artist. This process is so, so subjective and it's their loss!

What are the biggest factors for everyone deciding? For me it's mostly aid, faculty, facilities/location right now. I got a better sense from the faculty at SAIC because the interview was a 40 min in depth talk about my work and goals compared to CalArts' 15 mins of standard questions.

Edited March 7, 2022 by cherrysoda

[Strawberrycat]

1 hour ago, cherrysoda said:

Longtime lurker also chiming in for the first time.

In case this is helpful for anyone now or in the future, I applied to 3 schools, all for Photo MFA programs:

SAIC: Invite received 1/25, interviewed 2/12, accepted 2/17 (via faculty who asked me to call them)

CalArts: Invite received 2/4, interviewed 2/23, accepted 3/7 (via email asking me to check my admissions portal)

UCLA: no interview invite or news, assuming it's a no by now since they only accept 3 people each year. It was my first choice but don't think reapplying would be worth it w/ a 0.05% acceptance rate.

Received very little aid from SAIC and no aid package from CalArts yet so crossing my fingers it'll be more. Probably going to email both regardless asking for more $. Does anyone have any insight on asking for more aid from either school, were you successful?

Congrats everyone on your acceptances and good luck with deciding! Remember that if you didn't get in somewhere, it's more of an indication of not being a good fit than whether or not you're a good artist. This process is so, so subjective and it's their loss!

What are the biggest factors for everyone deciding? For me it's mostly aid, faculty, facilities/location right now. I got a better sense from the faculty at SAIC because the interview was a 40 min in depth talk about my work and goals compared to CalArts' 15 mins of standard questions.

Congrats on the acceptances! My top factors are going to come down to aid, faculty, location, TAships. I would ask if you could speak with faculty and current students at the schools you're considering. It'll help a lot to get to know them outside of the interview. I'd ask about setting up a call or zoom meeting with a couple of them at least. 

[Strawberrycat]

2 hours ago, randy savage said:

Hi there, long time lurker but have never commented before...

I was accepted into my number one mfa program and have until April to decide but they didn't send any financial aid information yet (only that I was denied a fellowship).

Teaching assistantships and work study may be awarded / put towards tuition in my second year but not for the first year...(this is a two year program)

I guess my question is should I have a clear understanding of what I will be paying/ how much debt I will be committing to before I officially admit? Or do you not discover this until after you enroll in classes... Their website has no helpful information honestly and I feel that it shouldn't be this confusing... 

I don't have much information at the moment so any advice is appreciated...

Thanks!

I was sleepy when I replied and forgot to say congrats too! Did you apply for Fafsa? It sounds like the cost would be up to you and loans or any outside scholarships you apply to and can get. I would definitely try to confirm with them that this is the case and also ask how likely it is to get the TAships in the second year, like how many positions there are available compared to how many students in your cohort. 

[Strawberrycat]

2 hours ago, LizRAE said:

I am thinking about reaching out to the schools I've applied to in hopes to get a timeline for their decisions. I am a little nervous to ask them because I don't want to be pushy but I also want to try and get some kind of idea where I'll be at in the next couple months because of residency applications and leases. Any advice about sending an email or should I just learn some SERIOUS patience and wait? Haven't even heard about interviews and it's almost been 2 months, only 3 people get in a year....

Last year when I applied and got rejected (different program) I heard back in 3 weeks, so no news is good news right now I guess?? 

 

Different programs run on different timelines, so there's really no way to tell unless you see other people getting interviews and responses or unless you ask, unfortunately.  You may or may not get a response back if you ask, but it seems like a polite email to the department asking about the timeline doesn't hurt unless the school specifies not to inquire. 

[tomatoriot]

Just got a call from WashU (st. Louis) telling me I’ve been accepted and to expect an official award letter. I’m pretty sure I’m going to University of Michigan but I just wanted to let people know if anyone was waiting to hear from that school.

Anyone heard from UCONN?

[cherrysoda]

4 hours ago, greentea2 said:

Are folks who got into SAIC still awaiting financial aid info? I was awarded some loans and an SAIC grant (appears to be 20% of tuition) when I got accepted late February. SAIC's website said they were awarding financial aid packages beginning March 1, so I assumed I would be receiving more need-based aid? Does anyone have any other insight on this? Thanks!

I submitted the FAFSA by the 2/15 priority deadline and received all financial aid info already (SAIC grant, work study plus 2 loans) I remember that the admissions person said all Merit Scholarships had already been awarded too so I don't think there's anything else coming unless you just submitted the FAFSA and they're now calculating based on that.

But definitely worth a shot to ask for more, I feel like the worst they can say is no.

[moolala]

3 hours ago, cherrysoda said:

Longtime lurker also chiming in for the first time.

In case this is helpful for anyone now or in the future, I applied to 3 schools, all for Photo MFA programs:

SAIC: Invite received 1/25, interviewed 2/12, accepted 2/17 (via faculty who asked me to call them)

CalArts: Invite received 2/4, interviewed 2/23, accepted 3/7 (via email asking me to check my admissions portal)

UCLA: no interview invite or news, assuming it's a no by now since they only accept 3 people each year. It was my first choice but don't think reapplying would be worth it w/ a 0.05% acceptance rate.

Received very little aid from SAIC and no aid package from CalArts yet so crossing my fingers it'll be more. Probably going to email both regardless asking for more $. Does anyone have any insight on asking for more aid from either school, were you successful?

Congrats everyone on your acceptances and good luck with deciding! Remember that if you didn't get in somewhere, it's more of an indication of not being a good fit than whether or not you're a good artist. This process is so, so subjective and it's their loss!

What are the biggest factors for everyone deciding? For me it's mostly aid, faculty, facilities/location right now. I got a better sense from the faculty at SAIC because the interview was a 40 min in depth talk about my work and goals compared to CalArts' 15 mins of standard questions.

Email the financial aid office and ask if they have a financial aid appeal process. I would avoid using the word "negotiate" as financial aid offices are audited.

Once you know what the appeal process is, you either fill out a form or in some cases, you end up calling the financial aid officers and explaining your situation. There's usually wiggle room to give you more $, but do it sooner rather than later while there still are funds before its all appealed away.

[Frank14]

4 hours ago, LizRAE said:

I am thinking about reaching out to the schools I've applied to in hopes to get a timeline for their decisions. I am a little nervous to ask them because I don't want to be pushy but I also want to try and get some kind of idea where I'll be at in the next couple months because of residency applications and leases. Any advice about sending an email or should I just learn some SERIOUS patience and wait? Haven't even heard about interviews and it's almost been 2 months, only 3 people get in a year....

Last year when I applied and got rejected (different program) I heard back in 3 weeks, so no news is good news right now I guess?? 

 

I reached out to a few programs and received mixed responses, I reached out to UCI and they didn't respond and rejected me lol but I reached to the university of Montana and they told me that I was number one on their waitlist! If you reach out through the right channels it seems like it's not a bad option at all! 

[Strawberrycat]

Just got an acceptance from CCA, excited for some good news finally. ? 

[thatdesigndude]

3 minutes ago, Strawberrycat said:

Just got an acceptance from CCA, excited for some good news finally. ? 

WOOHOO ME TOO!! (3 year, MFA in Design)
I also got a solid $40k in scholarships all 3 years! ???
I had a feeling some news would be coming this week, didn’t expect it today though!! AAH YESS CONGRATS!!

(Alright ArtCenter graphic design MFA... waiting on you now)
 

[Strawberrycat]

2 minutes ago, thatdesigndude said:

WOOHOO ME TOO!! (3 year, MFA in Design)
I also got a solid $40k in scholarships all 3 years! ???
I had a feeling some news would be coming this week, didn’t expect it today though!! AAH YESS CONGRATS!!

(Alright ArtCenter graphic design MFA... waiting on you now)
 

Congratulations!!!! I was offered $40k per year for the 2 year MFA in fine arts as well! (I was quite surprised!) But for 3 years, that's even more exciting! I hope you get good news from Art Center soon too! Do you have a preference between the two? 

[Hjuoollpphhfcvn]

I got accepted into WashU Visual Arts MFA with a full ride and graduate assistanships! I didn't think they gave full rides but looked it up and it's a new scholarship. So happy 

[thatdesigndude]

17 minutes ago, Strawberrycat said:

Congratulations!!!! I was offered $40k per year for the 2 year MFA in fine arts as well! (I was quite surprised!) But for 3 years, that's even more exciting! I hope you get good news from Art Center soon too! Do you have a preference between the two? 

SWEET, get that moola!

It’s so hard to pick, if all things are equal I’d pick ArtCenter but who knows. So many variables still to come, negotiations, campus visits, etc. ahhhh this is all happening, finally the dream is reality!!!

[Guillo]

Hi everyone! Waiting to get news from Columbia mfa in visual arts, painting concentration. I see some people here already got an interview scheduled... Shouldnt I even expect a rejection letter?? I checked the portal and my application status hasnt moved either...

[Strawberrycat]

23 minutes ago, thatdesigndude said:

SWEET, get that moola!

It’s so hard to pick, if all things are equal I’d pick ArtCenter but who knows. So many variables still to come, negotiations, campus visits, etc. ahhhh this is all happening, finally the dream is reality!!!

Haha thanks! 

Ah okay, that's good to know and makes sense. I'd love to know what you decide once you do! 

[thatdesigndude]

10 minutes ago, Strawberrycat said:

Haha thanks! 

Ah okay, that's good to know and makes sense. I'd love to know what you decide once you do! 

For sure, I’ll keep posting here!

[randy savage]

4 hours ago, Strawberrycat said:

I was sleepy when I replied and forgot to say congrats too! Did you apply for Fafsa? It sounds like the cost would be up to you and loans or any outside scholarships you apply to and can get. I would definitely try to confirm with them that this is the case and also ask how likely it is to get the TAships in the second year, like how many positions there are available compared to how many students in your cohort. 

No problem! I was accepted to USC and I knew it wouldn't be a fully funded program but I was hoping for more information than I been provided with so far. 

I applied for FAFSA early on but haven't heard anything about that yet either... I have been lucky enough to avoid student loan debt so far (community college for undergrad and transferred to ucla)

So I don't mind taking loans out for my masters I suppose, I just wasn't sure how graduate schools operate, this was my first time applying! I appreciate your help though, I just reached out to set up a zoom meeting so hopefully that helps! 

[Strawberrycat]

5 minutes ago, randy savage said:

No problem! I was accepted to USC and I knew it wouldn't be a fully funded program but I was hoping for more information than I been provided with so far. 

I applied for FAFSA early on but haven't heard anything about that yet either... I have been lucky enough to avoid student loan debt so far (community college for undergrad and transferred to ucla)

So I don't mind taking loans out for my masters I suppose, I just wasn't sure how graduate schools operate, this was my first time applying! I appreciate your help though, I just reached out to set up a zoom meeting so hopefully that helps! 

Oh that's awesome that you were able to get through undergrad without loans! And I really love USC's program. I'll send you a dm and go into more depth about it.

[RyanV]

9 hours ago, greentea2 said:

Are folks who got into SAIC still awaiting financial aid info? I was awarded some loans and an SAIC grant (appears to be 20% of tuition) when I got accepted late February. SAIC's website said they were awarding financial aid packages beginning March 1, so I assumed I would be receiving more need-based aid? Does anyone have any other insight on this? Thanks!

I wonder if they ever award more later once acceptances happen, I got a 50% award from two schools but will of course only go to one. I wonder if that scholarship will then become available to someone else?

[Anxietyismymiddlename]

5 hours ago, tomatoriot said:

Just got a call from WashU (st. Louis) telling me I’ve been accepted and to expect an official award letter. I’m pretty sure I’m going to University of Michigan but I just wanted to let people know if anyone was waiting to hear from that school.

Anyone heard from UCONN?

Hey congrats! I'm waiting to hear from WashU. Did they interview you? Or was it a direct acceptance?

[Strawberrycat]

17 minutes ago, RyanV said:

I wonder if they ever award more later once acceptances happen, I got a 50% award from two schools but will of course only go to one. I wonder if that scholarship will then become available to someone else?

It depends on the school and how their funding works. Often they will reallocate the funds to someone else who was admitted!

[tomatoriot]

6 minutes ago, Anxietyismymiddlename said:

Hey congrats! I'm waiting to hear from WashU. Did they interview you? Or was it a direct acceptance?

Thanks! It was an interview about 2 weeks ago.