Graphic Desing MFA

[Apple Antwerp]

So, I just got accepted to Boston University's CFA Graphic Design MFA Program, and I have two questions for anyone that feels like answering:

1.) Does anyone have a bead on this department's reputation? I have a decent feeling about the program, but would like to hear back from people who might have more information than I do.

2.) I applied on extremely short notice. The original plan was for me to work another year and then apply in 2009. Long story short, I was able to apply this year, but with only about a week to put my portfolio/ resume/ applications together. I feel like I could get into a really stellar program if I took another year to prepare and re-apply. But here's the catch. BU is offering me a decent amount of money, and it's one of the most affordable programs that I'm considering.

SO, the question is, if you were in my shoes, would you:

a.) Take the BU offer because it's a good department and it fits into your budget.

or

b.) Wait a year and re-apply to schools that have GREAT reputations (RISD, Pratt, etc.) while putting yourself far deeper into debt?

Also FYI, I intend to go into Graphic Design for a couple of years after graduation, but eventually would like to teach at a collegiate level.

[Apple Antwerp]

Whoops. I shouldn't post without getting a full night's sleep. The title should be less "Desing" and more "Design."

[graphikchik]

Hi Apple,

So here are my thoughts for what they are worth... I don't really know too much about the CFA Graphic Design program at BU. On a quick google search I found an interesting article/interview with a program director, if you haven't read it it might be interesting to you:

http://www.mactribe.com/articlenews.asp?ArticleId=37

One thing I can say is that it is BU which has a great reputation. It's also the fourth largest private school in the US, and they probably have a decent amount of funding for the programs they are involved in.

Have you visited the school? Talked to any of the faculty? I think that it's more important to make sure you like the fit of the program itself then to worry too much about reputation (or lack of reputation). Also would there be opportunities for teaching while in grad school? Especially if you are considering that in the future.

Waiting a year would not be my choice, but that's just me. I'm really ready to make big changes in my life and working at this job for another year would suck! LOL!