MFA 2022 Freak Out Forum

[katfude5]

17 hours ago, greentea2 said:

How many people realistically don't attend a program due to lack of funding? I really don't want to take out over $90K in loans. Being admitted to an MFA program is something I've always dreamed of but as I'm putting pen to paper, it's becoming less of a reality to me due to the finances. Are most people willing to go into debt for an MFA Program? How are people feeling about funding?

I think it’s something that you have to consider before the applications process. Unfortunately it’s just something that will be reflected in the list of schools you apply to and there is no way around it. I would have loved to apply to a longer list of competitive schools, but I knew that even if I applied to RISD and Columbia etc. there would just be no chance in hell that I could afford that so I wanted to avoid the double disappointment. There are a lot of funded schools, and some good private schools that offer a bunch of aid, so it’s helpful to have a well rounded group of schools that will give you a range of financial situations. It’s heartbreaking to have been admitted to your dream school and not being able to take the plunge.. but it just seems to be a big consideration to make prior. 

[seelamfa22]

16 hours ago, medsuppy said:

Asking for a friend ... anyone here have what felt like a terrible interview performance and then receive an acceptance? 

I thought my application to UCLA was not strong. I worked and reworked it until the deadline, and after I submitted it, I felt for sure that I blew it and was so sad. Then I got an interview, and I felt it was the worst interview I did. Because the mood was not cheerful or conversational, I thought that again I blew it. I was so sad. But a couple weeks later, I was told I got in!

[seelamfa22]

Sharing this article, which I found by reading earlier MFA Freakout Forums: Jerry Saltz on the problem of the MFA (the debt-inducing price tag): https://www.vulture.com/2013/12/saltz-on-the-trouble-with-the-mfa.html

 

[cirrostratusphere]

I got my final letter today (just assuming VCU is a rejection since I never got an interview).

It was my first time applying, rejected from six schools, admitted to two.

Just heard back from MICA Painting that I'm admitted with a moderate scholarship.

huge sigh of relief to not be refreshing my email every five minutes.

Best of luck to everyone still waiting! 

[nobodyok]

Just received acceptance to UPenn! ? My first and only acceptance of 7 applications. Anyone else receive acceptance--my letter had no mention of scholarship or financial support beyond what FAFSA qualifies me for (Federal Direct, Federal Work Study, Federal Grad Plus), so wondering if anyone else's did?

Edited March 10, 2022 by nobodyok
updated

[Frank14]

Just got my admissions offer from MICA (Mount Royal)!! Exciting, but even after the 17k a year they've offered me, it'll be ~33k per year to attend.

Definitely not doable or worth it in my opinion so I will see if I can get more funding from them but have no idea how to go about that! ?

[chunkeymonkey]

46 minutes ago, nobodyok said:

Just received acceptance to UPenn! ? My first and only acceptance of 7 applications. Anyone else receive acceptance--my letter had no mention of scholarship or financial support beyond what FAFSA qualifies me for (Federal Direct, Federal Work Study, Federal Grad Plus), so wondering if anyone else's did?

Congratulations!! In the portal below the admissions letter, there is another attachment with notification of any financial aid

[nobodyok]

2 minutes ago, chunkeymonkey said:

Congratulations!! In the portal below the admissions letter, there is another attachment with notification of any financial aid

Oof.. I guess that means they offered me nothing. lol. My list financial aid only includes the Federal Loans I can get through FAFSA. Did yours include more than that?

[Frank14]

I sent an email to MICA inquiring about receiving additional funds, and this is the format I followed! I changed it a bit of course but I think it's a really good template and was super helpful. 

https://www.profellow.com/tips/how-to-negotiate-your-funding-offer-for-graduate-school-an-email-template/

[chunkeymonkey]

44 minutes ago, nobodyok said:

Oof.. I guess that means they offered me nothing. lol. My list financial aid only includes the Federal Loans I can get through FAFSA. Did yours include more than that?

They offered me 10k... their tuition is almost 60k so it is still pretty unaffordable lol, even if I manage to negotiate more 

[Hjuoollpphhfcvn]

To UCLA accepted ones, did you receive finantial support? If so, how much?

[Pickle555]

I was actually going to ask this too. There isn't anything about funding in my letter, though I've been in conversation with the department head about it. I'm wondering if it will come later? It does say that we'd have to provide our SSN is order to import our FAFSA data.  

[Pickle555]

3 minutes ago, Pickle95 said:

I was actually going to ask this too. There isn't anything about funding in my letter, though I've been in conversation with the department head about it. I'm wondering if it will come later? It does say that we'd have to provide our SSN is order to import our FAFSA data.  

Oops, i meant to quote the UCLA aid question.

[Salsasanasa]

18 hours ago, 1800goodluck said:

At Tyler? The Admissions dept said that? 
 

sorry for the questions— I have a ton of anxiety about it! I was waitlisted last year and heard from the department head at the end of March. 

It was painting department. Also my friend in another department got an acceptance at Tyler

[limpcigarette]

21 hours ago, medsuppy said:

Asking for a friend ... anyone here have what felt like a terrible interview performance and then receive an acceptance? 

I felt like I did horrible during my interviews with UChicago and UMich. Not being totally coherent, nervousness, etc. Was accepted to both! This was my first application season and I had no idea how grad school interviews go, besides a cursory google search. 

I’m not sure how much of a role the interview plays in the admissions process, but I’m sure if they got a good sense of your personality you did fine!

[SadPainter]

20 minutes ago, Salsasanasa said:

It was painting department. Also my friend in another department got an acceptance at Tyler

Darn. Well this was my third year applying to Tyler and just got my third rejection from Hunter. I’m not totally sure what is going wrong but at this time it feels like I’m not meant to walk this path. Thanks for being here through it all grad cafe! Good luck everyone and congrats to those who got in! 

[Westcoasty]

Hello all. Congrats to those getting acceptances! 

My understanding is that this is a "freak out" forum as well as a forum for advice, celebration, and commiseration. I'm feeling for everyone getting disappointing news right now and I wanted to share some insight I have after getting rejected from several schools a few years ago versus my experience applying again this year. A few years ago, I felt desperate for the validation of acceptance by a prestigious school. I was desperate for direction in my work and career. Getting rejected made me feel like a failure. I approached this most recent application season from a completely different place: I looked for programs that would best serve my needs. I researched faculty to find the ones I most wanted to work with. An interview would be an opportunity for me to interview them in a way, to get a better sense of the people I would be connecting with as a student.

What's worse than getting rejected? Getting accepted and committing to a program that doesn't serve your needs/interests where you struggle to connect with the people and struggle to connect with a mentor/mentors. 

If you didn't get into the programs you were excited about, keep going and reapply, but also continue to research and explore other programs--perhaps you have yet to find the place that will recognize your potential, connect you with the right people, and serve you best.

[Salsasanasa]

3 minutes ago, 1800goodluck said:

Darn. Well this was my third year applying to Tyler and just got my third rejection from Hunter. I’m not totally sure what is going wrong but at this time it feels like I’m not meant to walk this path. Thanks for being here through it all grad cafe! Good luck everyone and congrats to those who got in! 

It’s not over until it’s over. And once it is apply again if need be. I’m rejected to near every school I’ve applied. I know it’s your third year… but what’s a fourth? I’m questioning the same things with myself on the path… but just hang in there and keep doing you. It’ll pay off in other ways! Your persistence and drive speaks milestones. Think of that right now

Edited March 10, 2022 by Salsasanasa

[lazuli.]

Just got into Bard and Columbia MFA, both painting. Super nervous about it as I'm coming from abroad and haven't visited the campuses physically.

Any intel greatly appreciated!! 

 

 

[seelamfa22]

3 hours ago, Pickle95 said:

I was actually going to ask this too. There isn't anything about funding in my letter, though I've been in conversation with the department head about it. I'm wondering if it will come later? It does say that we'd have to provide our SSN is order to import our FAFSA data.  

Did you receive your letter already? I haven't yet.... uh-oh...

[lazuli.]

On 3/8/2022 at 7:26 PM, medsuppy said:

I'm sorry to just interject here, but I'm going crazy about Bard MFA notifications. Does anyone have news? I know interviews were last weekend.

I got a call on the 8th and I think on March 11th they'll send official letters

[moolala]

just submitted a deposit and declined the other offers i received! its official now!!!!

 

quick summary  

saic-accepted

tyler-accepted

u oregon-accepted 

parsons-interviewed, attempted to withdraw app but the coordinator's email no longer seems to be active?????

cranbrook-accepted + going!

 

 

[The-Fourth-Dimension]

Hi gang. I got picked up by the University of Southern California and decided to accept admission and pay my admission fee. I've been working towards USC for a couple years and the USC Roski program was my 1st choice by miles, so I'm completely satisfied with this years outcome. I'm excited to begin my hunt for grants and scholarships.

Anyone else up in here choosing USC??? Let's talk.

[RyanV]

2 hours ago, moolala said:

just submitted a deposit and declined the other offers i received! its official now!!!!

 

quick summary  

saic-accepted

tyler-accepted

u oregon-accepted 

parsons-interviewed, attempted to withdraw app but the coordinator's email no longer seems to be active?????

cranbrook-accepted + going!

 

 

Congratulations!

 

just wondering what it was about the Parsons program that made you pull your application. 
 

Currently accepted to

Parsons fine art,

Pratt Photo, 

Saic photo,

sva photo

Parsons is feeling high on my list but I’m an international student and don’t know anyone who has been through these programs. Would love any insight.

[eatyoveggies]

anyone heard back from arkansas, arizona state, or indiana (bloomington)?