MFA 2025 Freak Out Forum

[Jinnbottle]

Did anyone actually receive an update from UCI or UCLA?

[mmav]

I'm about to turn 26! I was debating whether or not to wait another couple cycles before applying but went for it this cycle with the mindset that no matter what, it'd be a good learning experience and help me prepare for future apps (and thanks to fee waivers, it didn't cost much at all). Since I didn't get a BFA, my MFA experience would almost kinda be like a fast tracked BFA for me, and I've always been interested in PhD programs in media arts (specifically USC's), so I knew I wanted to get started on that track ASAP....like others mentioned, it's a lot more common. (and preferred by some schools) for you to be well in your late 20s and 30s to go for an MFA, since it's really there to help push you into the next phase of your practice, and you need life experience to help focus on where that direction is going.

[mmav]

On 3/4/2025 at 11:30 AM, mmav said:

UCLA and UC Irvine sent out their rejections today 🥴

I'm officially only waiting to hear back from Parsons DT for anything, and waiting post-interview for UCSD and UW Seattle

Just got a call from UW Seattle's New Genres chair -- I got in! They're also going to offer me "their highest recruitment package" which seems like $$ but how much $$ idk yet and will have to wait for the letter offer to see...but very excited! This whole results season is such an emotional rollercoaster.

[tooold4artschool]

10 hours ago, nanaaaa said:

I'm just asking out of pure curiosity, but how old is everyone here applying? I'm in my mid 20s and I don't know why but I almost feel already too old to start a new chapter in my life. 

I am 52, applying for the first time after an entire career in another field.  From interviews and conversations with faculty, they say they want mature artists, and a range of experiences in the cohort.  So you are definitely OK, and not too old.  

[yellosloth]

Yale just sent out answers!

[thenightowl212]

2 minutes ago, yellosloth said:

Yale just sent out answers!

where?

 

[intheclerb]

3 hours ago, Jinnbottle said:

Did anyone actually receive an update from UCI or UCLA?

Not a peep from UCLA ceramics for me!

[yellosloth]

9 minutes ago, thenightowl212 said:

where?

 

I got an email to check the portal for painting

[kamlee]

6 minutes ago, yellosloth said:

I got an email to check the portal for painting

I haven't received an email yet to check the portal for GD. I hope it comes soon! Did you get accepted?

[yellosloth]

7 minutes ago, kamlee said:

I haven't received an email yet to check the portal for GD. I hope it comes soon! Did you get accepted?

 I didn't get in, but they might be sending rejections first. Good luck!! 

[Morallycorruptfayeresnick]

Here as a lurker sometimes commenter: 

applied to 3 programs: UCLA (ceramics), UCSD and UCI

I interviewed for all three: gently rejected by ucla and just now waitlisted for ucsd. I have yet to hear back from uci. 
 

also adding incase this helps someone next year: ucla was very friendly and they ask the same 8 questions for every interview. 

Curious who here is in their second round of applying. Did you get into your choice programs? And any advice for someone thinking of applying again?. Feel a little defeated but grateful to have gotten far in the app process for my first time. Im also starting to think im a terrible interviewer (lol)

Edited Wednesday at 10:14 PM by Morallycorruptfayeresnick

[mmav]

2 hours ago, mmav said:

Just got a call from UW Seattle's New Genres chair -- I got in! They're also going to offer me "their highest recruitment package" which seems like $$ but how much $$ idk yet and will have to wait for the letter offer to see...but very excited! This whole results season is such an emotional rollercoaster.

And, waitlisted from UCSD-- now I'm only waiting for Parsons.

Almost final tally:

Rejected: Northwestern, UMichigan, CMU, UCLA DMA, UC Irvine (no interviews for any)

Waitlisted: UC San Diego (post interview)

Accepted: UC Santa Barbara, VCU Kinetic Imaging, UW Seattle New Genres

Waiting on: Parsons

Edited Wednesday at 09:29 PM by mmav

[Yaah]

Has anyone received a scholarship notification from SAIC Painting & Drawing? I still haven't heard anything.. 😕 I’m an international student so I couldn’t get the loan email-so no email related to financial aid still

[kamlee]

Heads up! Yale released decisions on the portal for GD. I didn't get an email yet about it but decided to just check anyways and an update was just posted! 

[Kalonde]

10 minutes ago, Yaah said:

Has anyone received a scholarship notification from SAIC Painting & Drawing? I still haven't heard anything.. 😕 I’m an international student so I couldn’t get the loan email-so no email related to financial aid still

They said there would be an envelope sent out after march 1 but also that it would be on the student portal. So I'm not sure if it's accurate or what because my portal showed loans as soon as I was able to log in weeks ago. 

[sillygooseart]

28 minutes ago, Morallycorruptfayeresnick said:

Here as a lurker sometimes commenter: 

applied to 3 programs: UCLA (ceramics), UCSD and UCI

I interviewed for all three: gently rejected by ucla and just now waitlisted for ucsd. I have yet to hear back from uci. 
 

also adding incase this helps someone next year: ucla was very friendly and they ask the same 8 questions for every interview. 

Curious who here is in their second round of applying. Did you get into your choice programs? And any advice for someone thinking of applying again?. Feel a little defeated but grateful to have gotten far in the app process for my first time. Im also starting to think im a terrible interviewer (lol)

nonetheless, I will persevere out of spite 

This is my second round! I didn’t apply to any of the schools as last time bc I realized I focused more on prestige over what I wanted out of a program. This time I got into my top program. It’s 100% worth waiting until you get into the program that’s right for you. Just keep making work while you wait to apply again! I know it’s discouraging, but you’ll get there eventually 

[kamlee]

I got into Yale! 

[wooowza15]

13 hours ago, nanaaaa said:

I'm just asking out of pure curiosity, but how old is everyone here applying? I'm in my mid 20s and I don't know why but I almost feel already too old to start a new chapter in my life. 

I'm 32. You're definitely not old. I made a switch at 30.

[wooowza15]

23 minutes ago, kamlee said:

I got into Yale! 

WOW, CONGRATS!!!!

[Cowbot]

I got into Yale :’)

[kamlee]

20 minutes ago, Cowbot said:

I got into Yale :’)

yay! congrats!! :')

[Cowbot]

1 minute ago, kamlee said:

yay! congrats!! :')

Congrats to you too!!! Hopefully see you there

[paintstress]

Is anyone who has been accepted or interviewed by Yale, UCLA or Northwestern painting willing to share their portfolios/ SOPs through private message? its looking more and more like im going to have to wait another year due to financial reasons 😕, and if im going to have to wait another year anyway i might as well try again for my dream programs! 

[orangefruit]

Has anyone heard from UCLA sculpture or Cornell?

[sCuLpTuRe123]

16 hours ago, nanaaaa said:

I'm just asking out of pure curiosity, but how old is everyone here applying? I'm in my mid 20s and I don't know why but I almost feel already too old to start a new chapter in my life. 

I just turned 40! I feel like I've lived a thousand lives and I'm so excited for this new chapter of my life! I was accepted into a fully funded program with a $28,000 stipened each year. Even with the generous funding, finances and bills worry me. I have a lot of bills and no partner, but I will make it work! x