MFA 2025 Freak Out Forum

[mmav]

This probably isn't an issue that affects art departments as much since most aren't dependent on federal funding, but saw on the gradadmissions reddit that it seems like a lot of STEM programs are withdrawing acceptances that hadn't committed yet as spots fill up due to limited funds.....scary times for those pursuing grad school for sure

[yellosloth]

Has anyone who reached out to Columbia's financial aid heard back yet? I contacted them a little over a week ago to ask if more funding was possible, and no response yet. I am wondering if I should message the department head directly instead

[Noreligion24]

On 3/20/2025 at 2:28 PM, applicator0 said:

Going to be really obnoxious and ask one more time if anyone has any update or news on NYU. I interviewed early Feb.  I know I should just be patient but it’s hard because I can’t find many people online who also applied NYU MFA. 

Same boat here. Have yet to hear with them and got interviewed in February over zoom. 

[StrangeConfinedSpace]

Hello everyone, I am in a bit of a situation. 

So far I have been accepted into one program with a full GA, though I am waitlisted for two, one of them was my top school . The School I was accepted in is only giving me until April 1st for a reply, I am assuming the others won't reach out until after the 15th. Is it unprofessional to accept at university and then de-commit? I am very fond of all of the schools that have reached out but if one of my waitlisted schools reaches out I would prefer to go there. 

 

I know that is long and confusing haha.

[Engraced1]

46 minutes ago, StrangeConfinedSpace said:

Hello everyone, I am in a bit of a situation. 

So far I have been accepted into one program with a full GA, though I am waitlisted for two, one of them was my top school . The School I was accepted in is only giving me until April 1st for a reply, I am assuming the others won't reach out until after the 15th. Is it unprofessional to accept at university and then de-commit? I am very fond of all of the schools that have reached out but if one of my waitlisted schools reaches out I would prefer to go there. 

Hello!

First off, congratulations on your offer. At least you have a funded offer.

What program was the offer from and which ones were you wait listed in?

Thank you!

 

[Engraced1]

On 2/12/2025 at 10:14 PM, Darrrr said:

Univ of Iowa - WAITLISTED

Univ of Arkansas - nothing yet

Univ of Wisc Madison - rejected 2/4

Univ of Minnesota - rejected 2/11

SIUE - Interview 2/11

IU - nothing yet (is watching my insta stories)

UConn - nothing yet (they have viewed my website)

RISD - Interviewed Saturday 2/8

Hello! Please did you eventually get an offer from Arkansas?

[Darrrr]

1 minute ago, Engraced1 said:

Hello! Please did you eventually get an offer from Arkansas?

I haven’t heard anything from them 😕 I assumed rejection so I have already accepted with another school.

[Engraced1]

On 2/12/2025 at 10:14 PM, Darrrr said:

4 minutes ago, Darrrr said:

I haven’t heard anything from them 😕 I assumed rejection so I have already accepted with another school.

 

That's serious, and congratulations on the offers. What program did you finally accept an offer from?  Did you get off the wait-list from Iowa? Can I also see your portfolio to see how I can improve on my portfolio?

Thank you!

[Darrrr]

2 minutes ago, Engraced1 said:

That's serious, and congratulations on the offers. What program did you finally accept an offer from?  Did you get off the wait-list from Iowa? Can I also see your portfolio to see how I can improve on my portfolio?

Thank you!

I accepted an offer with SIUE and I’m very excited. I haven't reached out to Iowa for any updates. It’s my top school but the states politics are concerning. I focused my ceramics portfolio on a cohesive body of work. In past years I showed a range of techniques but this was the first year I got an acceptance and several waitlists. I also wrote individual statements for each school specifically relating to my goals. Hope this helps! My portfolio is at www.darbyllewis.com/portfolio it has all the photos I submitted plus details

[Engraced1]

49 minutes ago, Darrrr said:

I accepted an offer with SIUE and I’m very excited. I haven't reached out to Iowa for any updates. It’s my top school but the states politics are concerning. I focused my ceramics portfolio on a cohesive body of work. In past years I showed a range of techniques but this was the first year I got an acceptance and several waitlists. I also wrote individual statements for each school specifically relating to my goals. Hope this helps! My portfolio is at www.darbyllewis.com/portfolio it has all the photos I submitted plus details

Thank you for the information. I even sent you an email. 

I appreciate

[Turtle222]

Sigh ... ucla ... anyone heard anything post painting interview? 

[Cowbot]

On 3/19/2025 at 9:30 PM, figg said:

anyone received their financial aid package from Yale? 

Just got my package yesterday! 

[hotshots]

Hi everyone — long-time lurker here! Finally found courage to join the convo and share experience.

I'm an international candidate and was wondering if anyone else feels anxious about how current circumstances might affect the MFA experience. Is anyone else outside US grappling with similar concerns?

I've been accepted to Yale, Columbia, and Bard, and I’ve been hearing a lot of mixed opinions. A few Yale alumni I know all expressed serious concerns that many of the promises tied to the school's reputation and word of mouth don’t hold up— especially how well it helps students positioning themselves after MFA. On the other hand, I’ve heard positive things about Columbia and Bard, particularly regarding their more robust and ongoing communities, and how they support building a career after school, and the connection with the New York art scene. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[nonamenon]

I've been waitlisted at Columbia. Anyone know the likelihood of being accepted from the waitlist? I have one other program I'm weighing that I've been accepted to, but would have to ask for an extension on their decision deadline. I'm also curious what others have heard regarding prospects after graduating from Columbia and if it's worth the cost of tuition (I'm not seeking teaching positions).

[blasphemousbunny]

Does anyone have any tea of Pratt institute? It sounds kind of dated. Asking because I had my interview this morning and I’m expecting a response for 2025 Fall admissions! 

[She Ate]

Depends what you're going for. I think they're good for photo/graphic design. 

 

Edited March 24 by She Ate
change of mind

[bluemargo96]

has anyone heard back from the Hunter waitlist?

[tooold4artschool]

Curious about the protocol for declining admissions.  Is it customary to send an email, call someone, or just let the deadline lapse?  

[yellosloth]

On 3/22/2025 at 10:30 PM, hotshots said:

Hi everyone — long-time lurker here! Finally found courage to join the convo and share experience.

I'm an international candidate and was wondering if anyone else feels anxious about how current circumstances might affect the MFA experience. Is anyone else outside US grappling with similar concerns?

I've been accepted to Yale, Columbia, and Bard, and I’ve been hearing a lot of mixed opinions. A few Yale alumni I know all expressed serious concerns that many of the promises tied to the school's reputation and word of mouth don’t hold up— especially how well it helps students positioning themselves after MFA. On the other hand, I’ve heard positive things about Columbia and Bard, particularly regarding their more robust and ongoing communities, and how they support building a career after school, and the connection with the New York art scene. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

 

Also an international candidate and feeling the same! I got into UCLA, Columbia and RISD, and was leaning towards Columbia because of the opportunities New York could offer, but feeling a little anxious about the state of Columbia affecting my experience, wondering if I should consider UCLA more now. Lots of hard decisions to make 

But for yourself, I think Yale could still be a great option! There will always be negative/positive stories from each program, but it mostly comes down to what you can take from each one or what you value the most. 

[applicator0]

On 3/21/2025 at 7:06 PM, Noreligion24 said:

Same boat here. Have yet to hear with them and got interviewed in February over zoom. 

Hmm. I wonder what’s going on. I haven’t seen a single person post about an acceptance or waitlist, here or online. 

Edited Tuesday at 04:10 PM by applicator0

[hotshots]

1 hour ago, yellosloth said:

Also an international candidate and feeling the same! I got into UCLA, Columbia and RISD, and was leaning towards Columbia because of the opportunities New York could offer, but feeling a little anxious about the state of Columbia affecting my experience, wondering if I should consider UCLA more now. Lots of hard decisions to make 

But for yourself, I think Yale could still be a great option! There will always be negative/positive stories from each program, but it mostly comes down to what you can take from each one or what you value the most. 

Congrats on your admissions! 🤩

I’ve received offers from European art schools too, and the more I think about it, the more I’m leaning in that direction—especially towards the one in Amsterdam. Europe just seems to offer more in terms of work/life balance and grant opportunities, with less intensity than the US. My priority is to establish a solid new base for my practice, rather than just getting an MFA and then facing uncertainty afterward.

Most artist jobs in the US—especially in academia—don’t offer work visas, and I’ve known people in similar situations who bounced between adjunct roles, lost valuable time trying to navigate the American system, and ultimately had to leave and start over elsewhere. It’s unfortunate that things work this way, but I think it’s important, at least to me, to make choices that let us focus on building and sustaining our practice, without being in survival mode all the time.

 

Edited Tuesday at 04:30 PM by hotshots

[prosthetic_head]

11 hours ago, tooold4artschool said:

Curious about the protocol for declining admissions.  Is it customary to send an email, call someone, or just let the deadline lapse?  

My applicant portals have the option to accept or decline the offer. I did that, but I also had an ongoing email thread with the admissions director for one of the schools, so I emailed her thanking them for the opportunity and support in the process.

The other school I don't have any correspondence with so I haven't decided whether or not to follow up with a thank-you email. I figure it's just a polite thing to do. 

 

 

Anyway, I'm going to Purchase!! 😊

[Noreligion24]

1 hour ago, applicator0 said:

Hmm. I wonder what’s going on. I haven’t seen a single person post about an acceptance or waitlist, here or online. 

Have u heard of Any rejections?

[applicator0]

Just now, Noreligion24 said:

Have u heard of Any rejections?

@nanaaaamentioned getting a rejection a couple weeks ago but I’m not sure if they interviewed or not

[tryinggg]

On 3/25/2025 at 12:51 AM, tooold4artschool said:

Curious about the protocol for declining admissions.  Is it customary to send an email, call someone, or just let the deadline lapse?  

As someone who is hoping to be admitted off the waitlist, please email the school rather than wanting for the deadline to pass