Switching Programs

[noahfur]

Hi all,

I am a first year MFA Student at Illinois State University in the Painting program. Unfortunately, since arriving at ISU I have come to see that the program is lacking in several ways and that sticking around for three years is not going to be OK with me. I'm in the process of re-applying but my profs are not able to write me recs because of conflict of interest ... Anyone have any suggestions as to how to present this/ explain my leaving to potential programs?

Also, any ideas of potential programs to look at? I'm looking for programs that offer partial if not full fnding and stipends, as well as being located in or around large metropolitan areas.

Any input would be welcome.

THANX

[Studiohound]

Were you admitted to other programs when you accepted the offer to attend ISU? If so, I wonder if you could re-contact the program(s) (where you were already accepted) and explain how -- after being immersed in ISU's program this semester -- you realize that the approach of one of these other schools is a better fit for you. If you are to go through the whole application process again, you are going to have to very clear about why ISU's program is not working for you, so as not to appear like you are jumping ship when the going gets tough.

[losemygrip]

What exactly do you mean by "conflict of interest?" Don't you have one of them who sympathizes with you and would like to help you go elsewhere?

Otherwise, you just need to go back to your original recommenders from when you applied last year.

[noahfur]

Studiohound, unfortunately ISU was the only program that accepted me last year, besides the MICA low-residency program. It looks like I will be re-applying. I am ready to explain my motives though, so I don't think that will be a problem (I hope).

losemygrip- I'm close with one prof in particular at the school and expected him to write a rec for me, but when I asked him about it he claimed it wasn't so much conflict of interest as much as thinking it would be best if I didn't go right from ISU to another program. I just don't understand how being in another MFA program could actually hurt my chances to get in. If anything I would think it'd be an advantage- being immersed in my work for a year in advance of the school experience.

For now I have contacted my recommenders from last year, as well as a former colleage/supervisor. I think I was just peeved about not getting my current profs, who'd be great recommenders, to write for me.

[losemygrip]

Yeah, that's unfortunate. Why does he think you shouldn't go right to another program? Is it because that's a general policy for him? Or because of specifics regarding your particular situation? (He thinks your work needs to mature further before you re-apply, for instance.)

[noahfur]

He said, as a general policy he wouldn't advocate anyone to go straight from one mfa program to another because it's "too much baggage"...

He suggested taking time off- however, I took 5 years off between undergrad and mfa, and I feel it's time.. Just hoping that my time at this program won't affect me negatively.

[michaelwebster]

I know of a couple MFA students that have changed schools after their first year, so its definitely possible. I think your going to have a really hard time finding good funding unless you get into Northwestern or another school that gives all students free rides, since you might be seen as more of a gamble. I would recommend getting recommendations from someone, even if they are not your current professors. You don't want someone writing your recs that is hesitant to do it because they may not be the best recommendations.

[losemygrip]

Wow, that's goofy.

I think since it's just been one year, you can go with your original recommenders. You'll need to explain in your statement why you're switching programs.