Post-Bacc or MFA??

[Kiwitini]

Hi all! I'm new here. Like most people on this board, right now I am deciding the next big step in my education!

Background info:

I am currently 24. I switched undergrad schools 3 times, so I am graduating a little late. This coming semester will be my last. I am graduating in May with a BFA. I live in NY, but I am very open to moving. I am very close with a lot of the faculty at my school and they have been honest in saying that most students graduating from my school are not prepared to make a direct transition to grad school. Usually students take a year off to figure out/narrow the type of work they make. I, on the other hand, am a bit older and seem to be a bit more developed in my work. Mainly, I paint and draw figures and animals, but I also enjoy sculptural/installation work. I use the figure in a conceptual way, though visually I am most similar to abstract expressionism or Cecily Brown. I need a program that embraces that.

Big questions:

A representative from PAFA came to my school and discussed my work with me. He made me feel very confident about enrolling in their post-bacc or grad program. Unfortunately, it is already too late for me to apply to most MFA programs for next year. It is not too late for Post-Bacc apps though. I am most interested in PAFA, SMFA Boston, RISD, and NY Studio School. I am also open to researching other schools as well. I suppose my real dilemma is figuring out if Post-Bacc is a good idea for me. At the school I attend now I do not have enough space to work in and the facilities do not offer a wide variety of materials. I would like to learn welding and other skills that these grad school would allow me to develop. So, on the one hand, it seems like a Post-Bacc program would allow me some good material experimentation. On the other hand, when researching Post-Bacc programs I have also noticed that they are geared towards people who were not Fine Art majors in undergrad and need more experience.

Basically, I am torn between applying for Post-Bacc programs or waiting a year and applying for MFA programs. I do not know anyone who has done a Post-Bacc and would like some opinions. I also have to consider my financial situation. I am wondering if having Post-Bacc program in my past would make me a better candidate for scholarships. I am also open to suggestions of other grad schools.

Thanks!

[caserole]

Brandeis University has a pretty good painting oriented (there is sculpture too) post-bacc program. I don't think grad school is the place to learn technical skill, you are generally expected to know how to make what you want by then. Brandeis has a decent metal/wood shop with a full time studio tech who supports the classes and can teach basic skills like welding. Their students have pretty good success getting into grad schools. A lot of them seem to go to BU, a school you might be interested in because they have a strong figurative emphasis.

Hi all! I'm new here. Like most people on this board, right now I am deciding the next big step in my education!

Background info:

I am currently 24. I switched undergrad schools 3 times, so I am graduating a little late. This coming semester will be my last. I am graduating in May with a BFA. I live in NY, but I am very open to moving. I am very close with a lot of the faculty at my school and they have been honest in saying that most students graduating from my school are not prepared to make a direct transition to grad school. Usually students take a year off to figure out/narrow the type of work they make. I, on the other hand, am a bit older and seem to be a bit more developed in my work. Mainly, I paint and draw figures and animals, but I also enjoy sculptural/installation work. I use the figure in a conceptual way, though visually I am most similar to abstract expressionism or Cecily Brown. I need a program that embraces that.

Big questions:

A representative from PAFA came to my school and discussed my work with me. He made me feel very confident about enrolling in their post-bacc or grad program. Unfortunately, it is already too late for me to apply to most MFA programs for next year. It is not too late for Post-Bacc apps though. I am most interested in PAFA, SMFA Boston, RISD, and NY Studio School. I am also open to researching other schools as well. I suppose my real dilemma is figuring out if Post-Bacc is a good idea for me. At the school I attend now I do not have enough space to work in and the facilities do not offer a wide variety of materials. I would like to learn welding and other skills that these grad school would allow me to develop. So, on the one hand, it seems like a Post-Bacc program would allow me some good material experimentation. On the other hand, when researching Post-Bacc programs I have also noticed that they are geared towards people who were not Fine Art majors in undergrad and need more experience.

Basically, I am torn between applying for Post-Bacc programs or waiting a year and applying for MFA programs. I do not know anyone who has done a Post-Bacc and would like some opinions. I also have to consider my financial situation. I am wondering if having Post-Bacc program in my past would make me a better candidate for scholarships. I am also open to suggestions of other grad schools.

Thanks!

[michaelwebster]

I know most post-bacs can be expensive, but they will definitely help you get into grad schools. Definitely do it if you can afford it. If you don't want another year of loans, it may not be worth it.

[oh_how_absurd]

Brandeis University has a pretty good painting oriented (there is sculpture too) post-bacc program. I don't think grad school is the place to learn technical skill, you are generally expected to know how to make what you want by then. Brandeis has a decent metal/wood shop with a full time studio tech who supports the classes and can teach basic skills like welding. Their students have pretty good success getting into grad schools. A lot of them seem to go to BU, a school you might be interested in because they have a strong figurative emphasis.

Hi, I am currently in a post bacc program. I applied for an MFA program last year, got an interview, and was on the waitlist. I asked about the possibility of a post-bacc program because I had just graduated undergrad last winter, and thought maybe this would be best for me. For one, it is a great opportunity to go to a new place, work with different faculty who will no doubt have an influence on your work and how it will grow and change. Also, it is great because it is kind of a test-run of seeing what it would be like in a grad program, as well as allowing you time to think about what you want in a program, and a chance to re-evaluate your decisions about going to grad school. I think you should try for both. If you love what you do and want to get better, a post bacc program is only going to help your work, show your dedication, and help your chances of getting into schools that you really want to get into.

[sarah J]

In a dissenting opinion..

if you have lots of money then I am sure a post bacc could be great.

But I think that being in a major city as a working artist and applying for residencies, showing your work, and getting experience as an artist in a non-acidemic setting shows even greater commitment (ie: you will keep going without the structure of a school program to build off of)

Plus, its free.

but that is only if you are ready for it.. I guess it depends on what YOU feel you need.

personally I am scared of huge debt.

Edited February 7, 2011 by sarah J

[colbz]

I feel the same way....if I had tons and tons of money...then post bacc would be awesome! Who wouldn't want to paint 24/7 in a structured environment with your own studio, professors to help you, and other artists to talk to constantly? But if you are going to have huge debt from it, then is it really worth it? It's just another way for schools to suck money from you. If you are broke, then you'd be much better off applying for residencies, or renting cheap studio space on your own. A post bacc program might help you get into an MFA program in the sense that it will help you develop your work and portfolio, but the mere fact that you attended won't influence any admissions decisions. I say, if you have the funds, go for the post bacc, but if not...it's not worth the debt.

In a dissenting opinion..

if you have lots of money then I am sure a post bacc could be great.

But I think that being in a major city as a working artist and applying for residencies, showing your work, and getting experience as an artist in a non-acidemic setting shows even greater commitment (ie: you will keep going without the structure of a school program to build off of)

Plus, its free.

but that is only if you are ready for it.. I guess it depends on what YOU feel you need.

personally I am scared of huge debt.