MFA 2023 Freak Out Forum

[SocialKonstruct]

And it's never too early to start. I am planning to apply to 10-11 different MFA programs. Slowly figuring out the logistics and getting folks lined up for letters of recommendation. More details to arrive here later.

[Miso]

@SocialKonstruct what are you getting your MFA in? (creative writing, painting/drawing, photography, etc) Also, what 10 or 11 programs are you looking at? 

[Miso]

And this is for everyone who eventually sees it, do less competitive fully funded MFA in painting/drawing programs exists? I am looking at several list for fully funded MFA programs and there's a consistent theme of programs having over 200 applicants and accepting like 7 people. I understand why these programs are so competitive but I'm trying to find at least one that doesn't have the typical 5% or less acceptance rate. 

[SocialKonstruct]

1 hour ago, Gaara said:

@SocialKonstruct what are you getting your MFA in? (creative writing, painting/drawing, photography, etc) Also, what 10 or 11 programs are you looking at? 

I am going to be applying to visual arts MFA... dependent on school mostly photography, painting/drawing, printmaking, sculpture, new genres.

I don't have a final 10-11 on my list but my focus is to get to Los Angeles mostly. So basically ArtCenter, Otis, UCLA, Calarts, etc. (no USC).

Yale and SAIC are my main focuses out of that area.

[SocialKonstruct]

1 hour ago, Gaara said:

And this is for everyone who eventually sees it, do less competitive fully funded MFA in painting/drawing programs exists? I am looking at several list for fully funded MFA programs and there's a consistent theme of programs having over 200 applicants and accepting like 7 people. I understand why these programs are so competitive but I'm trying to find at least one that doesn't have the typical 5% or less acceptance rate. 

I think that University of Georgia is a fully funded which is very good for painting/drawing

[Miso]

@SocialKonstruct hope you get into UCLA, there's small stipend but they do waive tuition. I'm rooting for you! Be careful with those other schools, I don't think any program is worth taking on more debt. But perhaps you come from a wealthy family that can afford it. 

 

UGA is actually on my list, the website says 10 students are accepted to the program but it doesn't give information about how many people apply. My guess would be 200 or more which makes their acceptance rate 5% or less. I wonder if there is a fully funded MFA program that has an acceptance rate of at least 30%? Because all these other fully funded programs are basically long shots, if you get accepted to a program with a 5% or less acceptance rate you are one lucky person. And personally, I'm not trying to go to a non fully funded program just because their acceptance rate is higher. 

[leavesinthefall]

Current student of ArtCenter's Graphic Design MFA if anyone has questions about that program, happy to answer what I can.

[impliedpaste]

On 7/23/2022 at 6:44 AM, Gaara said:

And this is for everyone who eventually sees it, do less competitive fully funded MFA in painting/drawing programs exists? I am looking at several list for fully funded MFA programs and there's a consistent theme of programs having over 200 applicants and accepting like 7 people. I understand why these programs are so competitive but I'm trying to find at least one that doesn't have the typical 5% or less acceptance rate. 

Off of the top of my head I think Oklahoma University has a fully funded MFA that’s maybe lesser known. Some UT schools and UMass schools too. I’d look for big state schools that don’t heavily advertise as being fully funded programs but do indeed offer grad teaching assistantships and stipends. I know USF and UArk but I think those would fall into the more competitive category since they accept few students. 

[Miso]

52 minutes ago, impliedpaste said:

Off of the top of my head I think Oklahoma University has a fully funded MFA that’s maybe lesser known. Some UT schools and UMass schools too. I’d look for big state schools that don’t heavily advertise as being fully funded programs but do indeed offer grad teaching assistantships and stipends. I know USF and UArk but I think those would fall into the more competitive category since they accept few students. 

Thank you for the response! I've been thinking lately, and I would love to know that I am likely to be accepted into 1 of the 7 programs I am applying to, but everything that is worth it is going to be hard. I wouldn't be happy settling for a program and location, if it takes multiple years to get into an ideal program for me I think that is worth it. 

[impliedpaste]

19 minutes ago, Gaara said:

Thank you for the response! I've been thinking lately, and I would love to know that I am likely to be accepted into 1 of the 7 programs I am applying to, but everything that is worth it is going to be hard. I wouldn't be happy settling for a program and location, if it takes multiple years to get into an ideal program for me I think that is worth it. 

I can speak to all of this. This is year two of applying for me. I was waitlisted to several programs last year but didn’t get in anywhere. I attended a grad program a few years ago and ended up leaving halfway through my first year (for several reasons, but a major one was that it didn’t feel worth it for me and wasn’t as challenging as I hoped). So, I feel you on wanting to be pretty certain about getting in somewhere, but after already going to a program I didn’t like, I feel somewhat uncompromising about wanting to go somewhere more ideal for me. Very nervous about applying again though!!

[Miso]

2 hours ago, impliedpaste said:

I can speak to all of this. This is year two of applying for me. I was waitlisted to several programs last year but didn’t get in anywhere. I attended a grad program a few years ago and ended up leaving halfway through my first year (for several reasons, but a major one was that it didn’t feel worth it for me and wasn’t as challenging as I hoped). So, I feel you on wanting to be pretty certain about getting in somewhere, but after already going to a program I didn’t like, I feel somewhat uncompromising about wanting to go somewhere more ideal for me. Very nervous about applying again though!!

I feel you!! This is my second year applying too, I graduated June 21' and applied that same year in December. I was a bit naive to how difficult it is to get into an MFA program(especially fully funded ones)...so I was denied by all 3 programs. Having another year to work on art really allowed me to have a more polished portfolio. This time I'm applying to 7 different fully funded programs that give good stipend, although I'm confident in my art, written papers, and recommendation letters....there is still a very anxious/nervous feeling of going 0 for 7 like you explained. So initially I thought I should find a safe school so I don't have to go through this again but it's just not worth it. I would be unhappy being at a program that isn't worth my time. 

[SocialKonstruct]

The ArtCenter MFA Art application for Fall 2023 has opened up and I already have started to fill out the apropos forms just now.

[leavesinthefall]

3 hours ago, SocialKonstruct said:

The ArtCenter MFA Art application for Fall 2023 has opened up and I already have started to fill out the apropos forms just now.

They're making a push to make the program fully funded eventually! They're starting out I think with a full ride slot, but have started auctions and some other general pushes to try to flip it to a fully covered program down the road which would be wonderful. The MFA studios are always fun to check out

[katfude5]

Hey everyone, just hopping on here real quick as someone who has gone through this process twice already.. if you are considering UMass Amherst (fully funded with TA stipend and free health insurance) do your research and reach out to as many current students and faculty as possible. I began last year with a cohort of 7, and half of us left before the year was over to transfer elsewhere. It seems like a good fit for someone who is fine with a place that feels like a high school art program at a private school (nice facilities but boring/strict faculty). If you're looking for a cutting edge environment, it's not going to be there. 

[SocialKonstruct]

On 8/3/2022 at 11:28 AM, Jaux said:

They're making a push to make the program fully funded eventually! They're starting out I think with a full ride slot, but have started auctions and some other general pushes to try to flip it to a fully covered program down the road which would be wonderful. The MFA studios are always fun to check out

Thanks and I am over 50% done with my ArtCenter application. Drafted the essay and the response answers as well.

[SocialKonstruct]

On 8/15/2022 at 4:11 PM, SocialKonstruct said:

Thanks and I am over 50% done with my ArtCenter application. Drafted the essay and the response answers as well.

Just finished my ArtCenter MFA application and paid the fee. 10 more programs to go. (Just need my letters of rec and transcript mailings)

[SteviaZaddy]

On 7/23/2022 at 7:57 AM, SocialKonstruct said:

I am going to be applying to visual arts MFA... dependent on school mostly photography, painting/drawing, printmaking, sculpture, new genres.

I don't have a final 10-11 on my list but my focus is to get to Los Angeles mostly. So basically ArtCenter, Otis, UCLA, Calarts, etc. (no USC).

Yale and SAIC are my main focuses out of that area.

I went to a portfolio review and randomly chose Otis - they were fantastic and had sincerely great things to say about their time there and were very enthusiastic about me ( probs anyone) applying. All in all good vibes. Just wanted to share that. 

[gayfhaylay]

Helloooo,

Introduction? Applying for painting and drawing programs bu also interdisciplinary - I dabble in installation and VR. Painting is figurative abstraction meets world building rooted in personal and cultural history. idk how much info to give on here. I'm in my 30's and have been meaning to apply to grad school but life kept me busy. I kinda feel like I'm getting to this late in the year but here's the list ~ from most ideal to least ideal but still def. ideal enough to apply ~~ 

Looking at - UCLA, Hunter, UWMadison, VCU, SAIC, Temple, Carnegie Mellon, Yale, Stanford, Rutgers, Otis, Cranbrook, Georgia State

this forum seems a lil sparse but if anyone has suggestions on schools I could look at or swap out- I'm not set on applying to all of these. Still looking at fully funded schools to apply to instead. I know getting into these is difficult so I figured I'd worry about cost when/if the time came.

Hope everyones well ~~~

[Miso]

1 hour ago, gayfhaylay said:

Helloooo,

Introduction? Applying for painting and drawing programs bu also interdisciplinary - I dabble in installation and VR. Painting is figurative abstraction meets world building rooted in personal and cultural history. idk how much info to give on here. I'm in my 30's and have been meaning to apply to grad school but life kept me busy. I kinda feel like I'm getting to this late in the year but here's the list ~ from most ideal to least ideal but still def. ideal enough to apply ~~ 

Looking at - UCLA, Hunter, UWMadison, VCU, SAIC, Temple, Carnegie Mellon, Yale, Stanford, Rutgers, Otis, Cranbrook, Georgia State

this forum seems a lil sparse but if anyone has suggestions on schools I could look at or swap out- I'm not set on applying to all of these. Still looking at fully funded schools to apply to instead. I know getting into these is difficult so I figured I'd worry about cost when/if the time came.

Hope everyones well ~~~

Hiii, 

This forum definitely is sparse, will probably become more frequent closer to deadlines and interviews. Would love for the lurkers to create accounts and say anything lol...probably over 1,000 people applying to MFA programs but less than 10 people in this forum haha. For all my lurkers out there, I was once a lurker too, it is completely free to make an account and takes 2 seconds, and everything is anonymous. You aren't alone in this stressful process, we want ya'll in here too. 

But anyways, i know a lot of good MFA programs for painting+drawing that are fully funded and give good stipend. It is hard for me to suggest a school because a lot goes into finding the best fit for you. Like location, what you plan on pursuing after grad school, if professors artwork connects to you, if previous students work connects to you, etc. I suggest just doing a lot of research and figuring out what programs are best for you. UC Davis MFA program is slept on though. 

[selective_non.specific]

-

Edited September 2, 2022 by selective_non.specific
posted under wrong username

[gayfhaylay]

I'll check out UCDavis! thank you -- I've definitely been on that research train and have talked to plenty of artists about grad school options - it is helpful to see where other people are looking and what they are thinking on this forum. So hopefully it fills out I know UWMadison covers their mfa students and offers stipends - not sure of the details. 

Currently going down this list as well 

https://www.profellow.com/fellowships/fully-funded-mfa-in-studio-art-and-visual-art/

17 hours ago, Gaara said:

Hiii, 

This forum definitely is sparse, will probably become more frequent closer to deadlines and interviews. Would love for the lurkers to create accounts and say anything lol...probably over 1,000 people applying to MFA programs but less than 10 people in this forum haha. For all my lurkers out there, I was once a lurker too, it is completely free to make an account and takes 2 seconds, and everything is anonymous. You aren't alone in this stressful process, we want ya'll in here too. 

But anyways, i know a lot of good MFA programs for painting+drawing that are fully funded and give good stipend. It is hard for me to suggest a school because a lot goes into finding the best fit for you. Like location, what you plan on pursuing after grad school, if professors artwork connects to you, if previous students work connects to you, etc. I suggest just doing a lot of research and figuring out what programs are best for you. UC Davis MFA program is slept on though. 

 

[Miso]

9 hours ago, gayfhaylay said:

I'll check out UCDavis! thank you -- I've definitely been on that research train and have talked to plenty of artists about grad school options - it is helpful to see where other people are looking and what they are thinking on this forum. So hopefully it fills out I know UWMadison covers their mfa students and offers stipends - not sure of the details. 

Currently going down this list as well 

No problem! Here is another list of fully funded MFA programs: 

https://dontpayforgradschool.weebly.com/funded-mfa-studio-art.html

Although it was created in 2015, I've been double checking and everything is still really accurate. Whoever created this list also included a list of schools you should avoid. Hope this helps you find the best program for you, rooting for you!! 

[SocialKonstruct]

On 9/2/2022 at 9:07 PM, Gaara said:

No problem! Here is another list of fully funded MFA programs: 

https://dontpayforgradschool.weebly.com/funded-mfa-studio-art.html

Although it was created in 2015, I've been double checking and everything is still really accurate. Whoever created this list also included a list of schools you should avoid. Hope this helps you find the best program for you, rooting for you!! 

This article is a good point of reference- https://news.artnet.com/art-world/mfa-degree-successful-artists-620891

Note this: "

Yale and the “Power Law”
If you can, is it worth going to graduate school for art, though? The answer is fairly clear. Yes—if you go to Yale.

Over this 50-year period, Yale’s Graduate School of Art has pumped out nearly 10 percent of all our successful artists."

Edited September 4, 2022 by SocialKonstruct

[Miso]

10 hours ago, SocialKonstruct said:

This article is a good point of reference- https://news.artnet.com/art-world/mfa-degree-successful-artists-620891

Note this: "

Yale and the “Power Law”
If you can, is it worth going to graduate school for art, though? The answer is fairly clear. Yes—if you go to Yale.

Over this 50-year period, Yale’s Graduate School of Art has pumped out nearly 10 percent of all our successful artists."

Thanks for adding this, I'm sure this will help a lot of people. I've seen this article before and overall I think it depends on the person because everyone's goals are different. If you aspire to be a full time artists and sell your artwork to rich art collectors at auctions....then being near New York or LA would be ideal. So places like Yale or UCLA would be perfect. But if someone has the goal of becoming a fully tenured art professor, going to Yale would be a financially bad decision. (unless you're the lucky 1 applicant that gets a full ride)

But for future art professors, you can go to a random fully funded program like Ohio, the prestige and location of a school is less significant for people with these goals. So the idea this article gives about an MFA program only being worth it if you attend a top program...I only think this is true for a certain group of people. 

 

[SocialKonstruct]

5 minutes ago, Gaara said:

Thanks for adding this, I'm sure this will help a lot of people. I've seen this article before and overall I think it depends on the person because everyone's goals are different. If you aspire to be a full time artists and sell your artwork to rich art collectors at auctions....then being near New York or LA would be ideal. So places like Yale or UCLA would be perfect. But if someone has the goal of becoming a fully tenured art professor, going to Yale would be a financially bad decision. (unless you're the lucky 1 applicant that gets a full ride)

But for future art professors, you can go to a random fully funded program like Ohio, the prestige and location of a school is less significant for people with these goals. So the idea this article gives about an MFA program only being worth it if you attend a top program...I only think this is true for a certain group of people. 

 

Indeed. I am going to post things which are specific to my own experiences :). My goal primarily is to enter into the cutting-edge contemporary art world.