The Waiting Game Begins! MFA Painting Fall 2011, Gather Here

[caraa]

Not to be Debbie Downer, but applying to 10 schools and not getting in is a definite possibility. I'm speaking as someone who was 0/8 last year. From what everyone with an insider view has told me, it's an absolute crapshoot. Some top programs have 500-1,000 applicants for 10 spots. That's like, lottery odds. It's not fun to think about, but having a "Plan B" is a really good idea.

Also, I have a full time job, and a studio. You have to make the time. It's true, finding a job that doesn't make you want to ram an ice pick in your ear at the end of the day is ideal, you do need mental energy to make art. Every artist I know, even the mfa graduates scraping by on random teaching positions and artist's assistant jobs do that so they can go do what they really love.

It was a HUGE bubble-burster to leave undergrad and have to work a job. No one really cares that you make art, they just want their bills paid. But honestly, I think it's the best part of your development as an artist, to figure out how to manage your time and make it work. This is the life we've chosen for ourselves - we do it cause we love it, we do it cause we have to, I keep repeating.

totally agree, very well put.

[wannaknow]

Hey yeah I applied to University of NewMexico, Cincinnati, University of Oregon, Portland State University and University of Missouri plus the ones I already mentioned. After doing alot of research I really wanted to do two things: first I only applied to schools that encouage true interdisciplinary work and second I applied to some top teir schools, some in the middle qnd some less known but really intriguing smaller schools. I make sculptural mixed media work and some installation... What about you?

Hi,

I'm in the same boat: 27, applying to 8+ schools (still deciding about a few with Feb deadlines) and crossing all fingers and toes--however, I've been telling myself (and will therefore tell you) that 27 is NOT OLD! Even if we don't get in anywhere this year, there is still time. Many people begin an MFA program in their early 30s, even, and are probably better off for the extra life experience they bring to such an intense immersion.

My top choices are

Cornell

Carnegie Mellon

VCU

Purchase

also applying to

Rutgers

Brooklyn College

Penn Design

Deciding about

SUNY Stony Brook

Queens College

U Delaware

Where else did you apply, and what kind of work do you make?

Best of luck!!

L

[caraa]

Meant to reply to this a while ago, but anyway...I get away with it because I'd been living rent-free when I moved home. My dads a farmer, and he had a barn with an apt in it that he wasn't using, so he let my bf and me move in there, as long as we did some work to fix it up. I also receive Massachusetts' nearly-free health insurance; my age, earnings, and whatnot made me eligible. Plus, my pay at the wine store has actually been enough. Those factors made it possible to make ends meet. However, since then, we've moved into an apt where we pay rent, and fortunately by bf has been making enough to hold us over, but I'm not sure how long that'll last....

I paid for app fees mostly with money I got at Christmas from family members. Thank god for them.

It's such a legitimate question, especially when it comes to how the hell I'm going to afford paying for school, and how I'll afford paying off loans thereafter...

It'll never be easy, that's for sure.

This board is the best resource! So, I have to wonder...how do you get away with working part time? If you only work part time, then how do you pay for things like food, clothes, rent, art supplies, shampoo, and health insurance? Lol. That's what I don't get. I would love to know how people pull this off because my parents are getting ready to cut the cord. Everyone is going to hate me because I was actually lucky enough to have my parents pay for my MFA apps...but they made it clear that it was their final financial act of kindness.

[wannaknow]

hey guys I read through this same type of forum from last year and it was really helpful to see when people were hearing form schools and what the responses to interviews were... take a look! I searched for MFA 2010... also as soon as you guys start hearing anything, do TELL....

[wannaknow]

I read the posts form last year and I think I remember seeing your quote... did you get any interviews last year? and if so how did it go what did they ask?

As someone who wants to ram an icepick in his ear everyday, I agree with everything in the previous post. I was 0-7 last year. Going for 9 this year with a much better portfolio/application. If all I get is a post-Bacc offer from the SMFA again, I just might take it.

[zaquon]

I did not get any interviews, so I was surprised I got the post bacc offer. Turns out at every round they eliminate people they decide if they're going to accept you as a post-bacc or not.

Hoping for at least an interview this year...

I read the posts form last year and I think I remember seeing your quote... did you get any interviews last year? and if so how did it go what did they ask?

[L333makes]

I make mixed media/ print based work, as well as some sculptural and installation pieces. here's a link to my (in progress) portfolio site:

http://lisadietrich.carbonmade.com/

Hey yeah I applied to University of NewMexico, Cincinnati, University of Oregon, Portland State University and University of Missouri plus the ones I already mentioned. After doing alot of research I really wanted to do two things: first I only applied to schools that encouage true interdisciplinary work and second I applied to some top teir schools, some in the middle qnd some less known but really intriguing smaller schools. I make sculptural mixed media work and some installation... What about you?

[wannaknow]

@lisad333... really like your work. Your evolution through the last few years is interesting to see... what is your top choice of schools? you can check my work out at www.lainegodsey.carbonmade.com...