What Would You Have Done Differently?

[ten-of-swords]

I thought this might be helpful to those of us looking at another round of appying...

What would you have done differently during the application process?

[frez83]

I think this is an important topic and something I have been thinking about a lot the past month or so. There is actually already a good thread about this in the application section of GradCafe you can read here:

For me, I would do a few simple things like

1) order transcripts much earlier

2) go over my statement with a wider range of people

3) talk more with the people I know in the field to let them know I'm applying and ask for advice

But I would mostly work on my portfolio more. This goes to my next point which is I think I should have waited to apply at least one more year. When I think about it, I think my portfolio isn't in the right place it should be and I really would like to make more work. In the end, I think the portfolio is your main thing to worry about, and I know mine can be better.

Good luck if you re-apply. Depending on the news I'm still waiting to hear I might be right there with you.

[lawrencegl]

I would have made sure to visit every school in person before applying. I applied to some places that I now couldn't see myself... Important knowledge that I should have known sooner!

[ten-of-swords]

I think this is an important topic and something I have been thinking about a lot the past month or so. There is actually already a good thread about this in the application section of GradCafe you can read here:

For me, I would do a few simple things like

1) order transcripts much earlier

2) go over my statement with a wider range of people

3) talk more with the people I know in the field to let them know I'm applying and ask for advice

But I would mostly work on my portfolio more. This goes to my next point which is I think I should have waited to apply at least one more year. When I think about it, I think my portfolio isn't in the right place it should be and I really would like to make more work. In the end, I think the portfolio is your main thing to worry about, and I know mine can be better.

Good luck if you re-apply. Depending on the news I'm still waiting to hear I might be right there with you.

Thanks for the link! Lots of good info there. Getting transcripts early makes everything so much easier!

As for myself, I think the next time around I am going to probably switch out one of my recommenders. They missed a couple of deadlines and I had to really be on them to make the deadlines they did. Too much stress! I think I will submit a more cohesive portfolio. I wanted to show diversity in my work, but I think the portfolio may have just ended up seeming confused.

[leee]

I would have done more research into the programs that offer excellent funding. Too many of the programs I applied to offer you hardly anything, and I now see that this is the big decision factor...money.

[creamypencil]

I would have done more research into the programs that offer excellent funding. Too many of the programs I applied to offer you hardly anything, and I now see that this is the big decision factor...money.

I agree with you. Even though I got accepted by two famous schools, my finances do not allow me to finish the degree. I can still figure way to collect money right now. =(

[kekbatter]

I agree with you. Even though I got accepted by two famous schools, my finances do not allow me to finish the degree. I can still figure way to collect money right now. =(

Ditto. I would have applied to a lot more schools in general. I applied to enough and have been accepted into good programs, but I'm wishing I had a couple more prospects to decide between.

[palino]

When I applied I did not know that I could have applied to several programs of one school. At Columbia for example. I could have applied for Painting and drawing and printmaking for example. This could have been a better chance to get accepted.