Statement of "Purpose" for MFA, Fall 2012

[averyplague]

hello everyone, i am applying this round for an MFA in sculpture and/or interdisciplinary studies at a sweeping range of schools. i'm swinging high in regards to the traditional top ranking (whatever that means) schools across the nation. my question is regarding the personal essay:

i was surprised how brief the requested lengths of the statement tended to be (~ 500-750 words). i can understand the logic on the institution's part, but that doesn't make it any easier on us to meet the requested criteria. i am wondering what are the key topical points that you should include in your essay (i.e. your work, personal background, how the program will advance your practice, how you fit in the art context etc.) and what you should omit..

some of the schools don't want you to exceed 500 words, and i'm unclear on what might be considered superfluous information. if you have a good idea of what to include (and what to leave out), post it here. i'm sure others would appreciate it as well, as i haven't seen any other posts on the subject as of late.

best of luck everybody!

[R. Mutt]

I'm working on my artist statement mended with my intent for apply to that grad school - I think 500 words is plenty to get my point across.

[ellsworthy]

I'm so dreading UCI and UCR's artist statement, person history statement, AND statement of purpose. Three?? seriously????

[gentlebreeze]

I have little to contribute about this other than to say... I dread doing this. I am just in solidarity with others who similarly dread it. You are not alone.

[Sugartree]

A statement is nothing to dread! If you're ready to apply for a graduate program it should be easy to write about where you began with your art, your current work and the reasons you're applying. Influences and intentions should spring freely. It's an opportunity to let the people in your program get an idea of who you are and where you're coming from, a first impression, along with your portfolio, of someone that current students and faculty might want to work with.

Statements are usually just less than a page - mercifully brief. In addition to giving some background on how you've come to your art or how you work you can situate yourself in your field by writing a bit about artists who have been important to you. If there are particular facilities of artists in your program that excite you then mention them!

Reading statements from other artists (especially those you like) in books or museum catalogs can be hugely helpful. And don't be afraid to leave your field when reading. Take a look at writing from painters, photographers and builders you admire to get at the nuts and bolts of a few statements.

Now the FAFSA and Need Access are something truly dreadful.

[nimda]

the statement is probably a good warm-up for the interviews. : /