MFA 2022 Freak Out Forum

[cherrysoda]

2 hours ago, deepsplinter said:

Hey Everyone!

I have recently gotten back all of my acceptances from different programs. I am pursuing an MFA focusing on photography. I wanted to post to see which school you guys would choose between Parsons New School and Hunter College. I love both programs so much and I was accepted into both. I am just unsure which is a better program.

Can anyone help out?

Are you based in NY or from out of state? I'm based in NY, so if I were in your place, I would choose Hunter just on the basis of it being cheaper to attend as a NY resident. I don't know much about the Parsons MFA program but I know one person who graduated from Hunter in Photo and really loved their time there.

[deepsplinter]

1 hour ago, cherrysoda said:

Are you based in NY or from out of state? I'm based in NY, so if I were in your place, I would choose Hunter just on the basis of it being cheaper to attend as a NY resident. I don't know much about the Parsons MFA program but I know one person who graduated from Hunter in Photo and really loved their time there.

I’m based in Florida but Hunter is still a great amount cheaper than Parsons. I just wasn’t sure if maybe the big price tag Parsons has was really worth it or if I should stick with Hunter.

[cherrysoda]

Hey everyone, UCLA decision letters are up on the application portal!

[chunkeymonkey]

2 hours ago, cherrysoda said:

Hey everyone, UCLA decision letters are up on the application portal!

Where! Can't seem to find it

[worldcleft]

5 hours ago, deepsplinter said:

I’m based in Florida but Hunter is still a great amount cheaper than Parsons. I just wasn’t sure if maybe the big price tag Parsons has was really worth it or if I should stick with Hunter.

I personally would say stick with Hunter. So much of your education and opportunities would also come from being in the city; get a school in the city that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (whether by lower tuition or scholarships). Parsons may be worth it if you want to take other classes at the New School? But don't all the NY schools have some kind of consortium that allows you to cross list at various institutions? some NY natives / people who know help me out hereeeee

Edited March 22, 2022 by worldcleft

[SadPainter]

3 hours ago, worldcleft said:

I personally would say stick with Hunter. So much of your education and opportunities would also come from being in the city; get a school in the city that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (whether by lower tuition or scholarships). Parsons may be worth it if you want to take other classes at the New School? But don't all the NY schools have some kind of consortium that allows you to cross list at various institutions? some NY natives / people who know help me out hereeeee

I would definitely stick with Hunter!! I live in NYC and hunter has a really amazing community of alumni in the city— more so than Parsons!! They are structured pretty differently though with hunter being three years and less credit hours per semester. It has also been described to me by alumni as more of a “independent study” so think on that too!! 
both are great though so you can’t really choose wrong! 

[RyanV]

16 hours ago, deepsplinter said:

Hey Everyone!

I have recently gotten back all of my acceptances from different programs. I am pursuing an MFA focusing on photography. I wanted to post to see which school you guys would choose between Parsons New School and Hunter College. I love both programs so much and I was accepted into both. I am just unsure which is a better program.

Can anyone help out?

Hey! I’m going to dm you I’m meeting with parsons fine arts in person on Thursday. The more research I’ve done the more amazing the program seems which has kinda been the opposite for some other programs,

that said Hunter has a stellar reputation and great price. I didn’t get in otherwise it might be at the top of my list but I never got far on research.

[imnotsure]

12 hours ago, cherrysoda said:

Hey everyone, UCLA decision letters are up on the application portal!

Yeah where?! I also can’t see it!

[Strawberrycat]

12 hours ago, chunkeymonkey said:

Where! Can't seem to find it

If you log in where you applied, your application page should have a status update somewhere on it. @imnotsure

[imnotsure]

24 minutes ago, Strawberrycat said:

If you log in where you applied, your application page should have a status update somewhere on it. @imnotsure

Mine doesn’t say anything ?

[Strawberrycat]

24 minutes ago, imnotsure said:

Mine doesn’t say anything ?

Oh, hm! Did you interview with them? Which discipline? I didn't get an interview and I applied to painting, so maybe there are different timelines. 

[nobodyok]

Two responses today ! UCLA rejection / UF waitlist ! It sounded like a funding limitation at UF, so I'm hoping something opens up for me. Otherwise, looking like it's UPenn right now  

[impliedpaste]

Anyone else still waiting to hear from programs they interviewed with months ago? 

[killzbillz]

Hi all, this is my first time posting after obsessively looking/searching for two years. I got accepted into two schools for MFA Fine Arts Painting and I work interdisciplinary: performance/dance, painting drawing, video etc. I'm having hard time choosing if anyone has any info on both schools and can help sway my decision making. I set up meetings with a few Pratt alum and looking for SVA.

Pratt - 28k scholarship per year & graduate assistantships will be available as well. I'm leaning a little towards pratt cuz they seem to check off a lot of nice boxes and I see a lot of artists/alum that I enjoy plus chair of the program Jane South went to my undergrad school for her MFA and I love her energy so it feels familiar. 

SVA- 25k scholarship per year only work study, no TA ships or assistantships really. They were buttering me up and expressed some want which was nice but I can barely find any info on students/alumni and how they are currently doing. 

 

I love both schools and would be happy to attend either so any info/critiques, etc can help.

Edited March 22, 2022 by killzbillz

[deepsplinter]

11 hours ago, 1800goodluck said:

I would definitely stick with Hunter!! I live in NYC and hunter has a really amazing community of alumni in the city— more so than Parsons!! They are structured pretty differently though with hunter being three years and less credit hours per semester. It has also been described to me by alumni as more of a “independent study” so think on that too!! 
both are great though so you can’t really choose wrong! 

Thank you!! This helps clear up so much. I think I’m leaning more towards Hunter and this message really justified my choice. Thanks so much.

[deepsplinter]

14 hours ago, worldcleft said:

I personally would say stick with Hunter. So much of your education and opportunities would also come from being in the city; get a school in the city that doesn't cost an arm and a leg (whether by lower tuition or scholarships). Parsons may be worth it if you want to take other classes at the New School? But don't all the NY schools have some kind of consortium that allows you to cross list at various institutions? some NY natives / people who know help me out hereeeee

This makes a lot of sense, Thank you. Could you clarify what cross listing at institutions is and how it works?

[eatyoveggies]

4 minutes ago, deepsplinter said:

This makes a lot of sense, Thank you. Could you clarify what cross listing at institutions is and how it works?

Pretty sure what they’re talking about is taking other classes at CUNY schools (cuny=city university of New York, and hunter is one of them.) I don’t know it works for grad programs, or how much time you’d have for other classes, but you’d be able to take classes throughout other cuny schools like Brooklyn college, city college, queens college, Lehman college, etc. you should look into it if you end up going there! 

[SadPainter]

11 minutes ago, eatyoveggies said:

Pretty sure what they’re talking about is taking other classes at CUNY schools (cuny=city university of New York, and hunter is one of them.) I don’t know it works for grad programs, or how much time you’d have for other classes, but you’d be able to take classes throughout other cuny schools like Brooklyn college, city college, queens college, Lehman college, etc. you should look into it if you end up going there! 

They actually talked about this during the tour-- you can't really take classes outside of the MFA program. Well, you can but you have apply to do it and get special permission. And if it isn't directly related to the MFA (ie an art history class) you have to pay separate CUNY class tuition rates to do it. 

[The-Fourth-Dimension]

There are a few people that are still on the fence about USC Roski because of the cost. I've found a couple of resources and opportunities that would help to inform you if you would like to have them.

Not sure if the resources will tip the scale, but if they have the potential to take some of the sting out of admission costs, I would be happy to share. Otherwise, there are other opportunities and scholarships out there that aren't directly from USC but offered to Arts and Humanities students that are easy to dig up.

I've shared with a few of you, but if we haven't talked about it feel free to DM me if interested within the next few days and I'll send you a couple links.

 

Right now, more than ever, society needs our artwork and practice and energy. We are coming out of an ugly and confrontational time in our recent history where we have to start rebuilding and creating beautiful things that are good for the people and geared toward social justice and equality/equity. Like always, the onus falls on the Artists, Music, Literature, Screen, Stage, and Humanities to lead the way. (And we will generate revenue for ourselves while doing it). If you don't think we have power, take a look at who fascists and oppressors kill first during times of darkness. We give the people a voice.

Let's be leaders. Let's elevate ourselves and one another. Let's hold one another to account, and also be supportive and tolerant.

 

It looks like all the admissions situations are either wrapped up or closing very quickly, and I don't see the need to keep patronizing The GradCafe beyond March. This joint has been a daily thing for me for the past 3 months and I've enjoyed interacting with everyone while sharing your worries, strengths, hopes, art, and life stories in the DM's and otherwise. You've all given me strength.

It's encouraging to see so many happy young people moving in the direction of creativity and working in the programs they want to serve the best they can. I hope that everyone had a meaningful season and learned a lot. This round felt REALLY stressful, and I'm grateful to you all for your kindness and grace and sharing. Thank you.

 

You are inspirational to me, and hopefully to each other. We are good people, and we are strong. Please never forget how powerful we are. Please keep making art and never give up!

 

FIGHT ON!

[dazedandconfused99]

Hi all, it is my first time posting but this forum has been so helpful to me throughout this process! I am a sculpture applicant and here is where I am at in the process - 

Stanford - Rejected
Yale - Rejected
Berkeley - Rejected
SAIC - Accepted
UCLA - Accepted
VCU - Accepted, 10k stipend
RISD - Accepted
CMU - Waitlisted 

I wanted to know if anyone had any opinions about VCU, RISD, UCLA and SAIC, specifically the sculpture programs? I am leaning towards RISD but I know VCU and UCLA are supposedly ranked higher. Thanks! 

[ju_lebla]

Hello fellow artists, 

 

I have been accepted into SAIC And MICA low-res programs and I am totally torn.  Chicago seems to have a solid, very inspiring faculty support where as MICA seems to offer very personalized mentorship.  No funding at SAIC vs 1/2 tuition at MICA.  What should I do???  Anyone here have experienced the programs?

 

thanks 

 

 

[ABLBDB345]

I thought I might just post a quick status update in case its helpful for anyone. I applied for Printmaking track. 

Rutgers- Rejected

Hunter- Rejected

Temple- Haven't heard, no interview (assuming rejection)

Pratt- Accepted with 7,500/ semester funding

Columbia- Interviewed March 10, waiting on decision

 

Has anyone else who interviewed at Columbia heard yet? Does anyone know how long it typically takes to hear from them?

Edited March 23, 2022 by ABLBDB345

[friendlyvoidcritter]

Status update in case it helps(painting):

RISD - rejected

Cranbrook - waitlist ?

Pratt - accepted

SMFA - accepted

University of Michigan - rejected

Syracuse - accepted

 

Does anyone have info on Pratt vs Syracuse? Also, is there any hope for Cranbrook? 

 

Edited March 23, 2022 by friendlyvoidcritter

[impliedpaste]

21 minutes ago, friendlyvoidcritter said:

Status update in case it helps(painting):

RISD - rejected

Cranbrook - waitlist ?

Pratt - accepted

SMFA - accepted

University of Michigan - rejected

Syracuse - accepted

 

Does anyone have info on Pratt vs Syracuse? Also, is there any hope for Cranbrook? 

 

I am also on the cranbrook waitlist and hoping there is hope! Good luck to you too!

[slickjaketheruler]

3 hours ago, dazedandconfused99 said:

Hi all, it is my first time posting but this forum has been so helpful to me throughout this process! I am a sculpture applicant and here is where I am at in the process - 

Stanford - Rejected
Yale - Rejected
Berkeley - Rejected
SAIC - Accepted
UCLA - Accepted
VCU - Accepted, 10k stipend
RISD - Accepted
CMU - Waitlisted 

I wanted to know if anyone had any opinions about VCU, RISD, UCLA and SAIC, specifically the sculpture programs? I am leaning towards RISD but I know VCU and UCLA are supposedly ranked higher. Thanks! 

I live in Richmond and love everything I’ve seen come out of VCU’s sculpture + extended media program. You get a really cool space to show your MFA thesis work in. What I’ve noticed they do differently than other programs, is that they really prize work that is reflective of experience and feeling rather than object making (so lots of installation work that I’ve seen come from the program in both the sculpture and craft program). I think your best bet would be to look at the MFA catalog and ask yourself if you see yourself and your practice in the types of work students are coming out from. 
 

I’ve attached the show I saw in person from 2018, which feels like the strongest I’ve seen come from the program. 

https://issuu.com/vcuarts/docs/vcuarts_2018_mfathesiscatalog_pages