MFA 2013 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

[kwonberry]

Getting my Applications in order right now. Still finishing my BFA (23 yrs I know I know, way too young) but going for sculpture programs at the following (only listing my real top picks)

-Yale

-Calarts

-UCLA

-SAIC

-CCA

It's a rough list but got my heart set on these. Alot of my professors and faculty at my school are Yale grads or formerly California based so I have a solid idea of what these schools are like. If you have any suggestions or want to see my work just let me know.

[billie jean]

Does anyone know anything about the program at NYU? Heard they had decent funding and I know Sue de Beer and Trisha Donnelly are there... just wondering what word on the street was.

[kwonberry]

Does anyone know anything about the program at NYU? Heard they had decent funding and I know Sue de Beer and Trisha Donnelly are there... just wondering what word on the street was.

I'm a BFA senior there. The MFA's are a varied group, it's a very conceptual mixed-media centric program. Some are great, some meh. And yea Sue's great but not everyone's cup of tea. I haven't had Trisha yet. Regardless I believe NYU's art program (BFA and MFA) greatest strength is the ludicrous quality of our faculty.

Our program recently had a huge overhaul (for the better), a lot of building reconstruction and some internal power changes. It made the last 18 months a hassle but it's shaping up well. MFA's now have reasonable studio spaces and everything is in one building. I wouldn't expect facilities to be stellar though, since all BFA/MFA classes essentially take place in one crowded building in NYC it's lacking in some areas (metal working, no fancy sculptural tools, exhibition space is a little wonky and sloppy). I'd recommend visiting the site (and other NYC programs).

Edited November 2, 2012 by kwonberry

[lady rainicorn]

Heyyy-

I'm in need of some opinions. I will be going to an open house for an upper tier MFA program in the next few upcoming weeks. I actually already met the chair of the program, had a really great critique with him, and b/c of him, I changed my focus on which dept to apply through (which turned out miraculously for the better, concerning my work). He's offering to introduce me to the head of the department I'm interested in applying to. Now the question is, do I bring work to show the head of the dept? How could this help or conversely hurt? And could this seem potentially overly pushy?

Man, I wish I wasn't such an awkward nerd. >_< Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks guys!

[frez83]

Does anyone know anything about the program at NYU? Heard they had decent funding and I know Sue de Beer and Trisha Donnelly are there... just wondering what word on the street was.

Trisha is amazing, actually. PM me if you have any specific questions about the program.

[jer334]

Hi all,

I'm a current BFA in metalsmithing graduating this December and feeling stressed with my show and these application deadlines looming overhead. Currently waiting to hear back from my LOR writers and working on my statements.

I'm applying to:

Uof Kansas

Cranbrook

Tyler

VCU

SCAD

U of Illinois Champaign

Anyway, I've been checking out these forums for a while now and nobody mentions applying to the school I'm currently at, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It flies under the radar because their website isn't the most informative, but if you do some digging you can learn more about it. It's an awesome program for metalsmithing, as well as many other areas including sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing, and painting. We just added onto our old building and have brand new facilities that were impressive before the remodel. I'm friends with a lot of the grad students that come here and they are teaching, earning a stipend, and getting their tuition waived. If you're looking for a great up and coming school that can offer a competitive deal in the midwest region (right next to St. Louis) I highly recommend checking them out. Feel free to message me on here or e-mail the professors asking questions, or come by and visit.

Here's a link to the head of the metalsmithing department, but it also has a side tab for the other area head's work.

http://www.siue.edu/artsandsciences/art/faculty/myers.shtml

[Tomislav]

I feel you, ia m graduating this term as well and have bfa show as well all fun finals and statements of purpose for mfa is just a lot plus have not decided what work should go in my portfolio

Hi all,

I'm a current BFA in metalsmithing graduating this December and feeling stressed with my show and these application deadlines looming overhead. Currently waiting to hear back from my LOR writers and working on my statements.

I'm applying to:

Uof Kansas

Cranbrook

Tyler

VCU

SCAD

U of Illinois Champaign

Anyway, I've been checking out these forums for a while now and nobody mentions applying to the school I'm currently at, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It flies under the radar because their website isn't the most informative, but if you do some digging you can learn more about it. It's an awesome program for metalsmithing, as well as many other areas including sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing, and painting. We just added onto our old building and have brand new facilities that were impressive before the remodel. I'm friends with a lot of the grad students that come here and they are teaching, earning a stipend, and getting their tuition waived. If you're looking for a great up and coming school that can offer a competitive deal in the midwest region (right next to St. Louis) I highly recommend checking them out. Feel free to message me on here or e-mail the professors asking questions, or come by and visit.

Here's a link to the head of the metalsmithing department, but it also has a side tab for the other area head's work.

http://www.siue.edu/artsandsciences/art/faculty/myers.shtml

[losemygrip]

So I have a question regarding my Recs. Also, I know this is late to be reconsidering but I figure the deadlines are 6 weeks away, and at the very least the 3 recs I have are confirmed.

So right now I have 2 professors. (and as a friend has pointed out, I'm emailing two more just for back ups/if anything happens) They both worked with me and know my work and I TA'd for one of them. My question is regarding my 3rd rec. My 3rd rec was the head of the pre-college program I TA'd for, and we got to know each other very well and they have offered NUMEROUS times to write my letter of rec.

I really want to use them because I know they would write an awesome rec, BUT here are my concerns. (or at least things others have brought to me)

• They've said numerous times how they would write how wonderful a TA I was/would be. I definitely want to TA because A.) it can help with the burden of tuition B.) I fucking love talking about art, and leading a class and enjoying the experience of the class with others C.) I want to eventually teach, and I think TAing would really help me with job opportunities after school. But I'm afraid what if they only write about me being a TA? Is that good or bad?
  
• They are currently in school for their Doctorate in Education. (but their BA was in Art History) How do people feel about someone who is currently in school?
  

Am I over thinking this? I know one of the professors I have down is a phenomenal walking art history text book, and I would say the same for my 3rd rec who is currently in school. What is your advice on this? Should I attempt to reach out to an art history professor from 2 yrs ago? Or Should I continue with my 3 that I have.

I'm a little late to this one, but:

I would never apply to MFA programs with all my letters of rec from Art Ed people. Use ONE art ed person who can talk about what a great TA you were. The other two need to be studio art professors who will talk about your artwork.

[hmmmmfa]

It looks like the University of Michigan is not accepting MFA applicants?? I just recieved this email.

"Thank you for your interest in the Master of Fine Arts program in the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan.

The faculty of the Stamps School are reviewing the MFA program in preparation for revisions that will be announced in 2013. The School has suspended the admissions process for the 2013 application cycle in order to prepare for the revised program.

We look forward to providing details of the revised MFA as they become available. Information will be posted to our website in mid 2013 at: http://art-design.umich.edu/programs/graduate

The School will recruit for a new MFA class in 2014."

[ten-of-swords]

It looks like the University of Michigan is not accepting MFA applicants?? I just recieved this email.

"Thank you for your interest in the Master of Fine Arts program in the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan.

The faculty of the Stamps School are reviewing the MFA program in preparation for revisions that will be announced in 2013. The School has suspended the admissions process for the 2013 application cycle in order to prepare for the revised program.

We look forward to providing details of the revised MFA as they become available. Information will be posted to our website in mid 2013 at: http://art-design.um...ograms/graduate

The School will recruit for a new MFA class in 2014."

I just got this email too! What the heck!!

[Josholas]

That really stinks. Michigan was one of my top choices for its "plus" component.

Does anyone know of other similar programs that require (or highly encourage) involvement with another department in the University?

[l'artiste]

That really stinks. Michigan was one of my top choices for its "plus" component.

Does anyone know of other similar programs that require (or highly encourage) involvement with another department in the University?

University of South Florida requires you to take 3 credits outside of the art department...ie biology, physics etc.

[hmmmmfa]

Transcript question. Since earning my BFA, my last name has changed. Does my name on the transcript need to be updated? Or can I use them as they are?

[ten-of-swords]

Transcript question. Since earning my BFA, my last name has changed. Does my name on the transcript need to be updated? Or can I use them as they are?

No, you can still use that. Just on applications when it says "other names used," you put that name on there.

[hmmmmfa]

No, you can still use that. Just on applications when it says "other names used," you put that name on there.

Thanks! I figured as much, but I needed some reassurance!

[spread]

Has anyone been able to apply for Portland State? When I open the application for the art department it says:

There are currently no available programs.

Please contact Portland State University Department of Art directly for further information regarding program availability

I've called them, left messages, and emailed last week but I haven't heard back...?

[spread]

Has anyone been able to apply for Portland State? When I open the application for the art department it says:

There are currently no available programs.

Please contact Portland State University Department of Art directly for further information regarding program availability

I've called them, left messages, and emailed last week but I haven't heard back...?

Finally heard back, they are accepting applications for Fall 2013 but the application doesn't go live til around Dec. 1st.

[NFP]

An MFA program is littered with critiques, so best get used to it and learn to defend your work or prepare to change (perhaps for the better).

In defense to losemygrip's comment/suggestions, the artist can either use it, not use it, or at the very least ponder the questions raised and critically compare it to his own vision. I don't think anyone should read a critique and think it's imposing. To me, this is an open forum with people of different experiences and opinions and this idea should be embraced with the full acknowledgment that these comments may or may not affect the ultimate outcome of their work. While it seems apparent the portfolio of work is being prepared to send off and apply with, I don't think that negates specific critiques, as if it's too late in the game to mention. The artist has a whole lifetime to think about his art, MFA applicant or not.

The MFA is a goal, but finding your voice in your art is the ultimate goal.

[Erpnope]

MFA photo here:

Yale

USC

UCLA

SAIC

[Curious12345]

Applying for Fall 2013 - Painting - Abstract

CSULB

UCLA

UCI

Claremont

UCSD

MICA

Dont know if I can afford to apply for more. Maybe Columbia... UCSB... UCBerkeley

justinjsmith.com

I think your work would fit in at UCSB, talk to Jane Callister and Phil Argent there.

[lady rainicorn]

Heyyy-

I'm in need of some opinions. I will be going to an open house for an upper tier MFA program in the next few upcoming weeks. I actually already met the chair of the program, had a really great critique with him, and b/c of him, I changed my focus on which dept to apply through (which turned out miraculously for the better, concerning my work). He's offering to introduce me to the head of the department I'm interested in applying to. Now the question is, do I bring work to show the head of the dept? How could this help or conversely hurt? And could this seem potentially overly pushy?

To answer my own question, for the benefit of others out there, if you do find an opportunity to show work to faculty of programs that you're interested in, I would highly recommend it. The only way to really have a conversation about your potential relation to the program is through the work. And it gives you an opportunity to connect the person behind the images with the art. Every little bit helps, I think. And if for some reason they are turned off, well, it would've happened at the interview stage anyway. K, good luck everyone!!!

[inside.tha.room]

Hopeful MFA (Photography) fall '13 here!

I'm finishing up my artist statements and finalizing my portfolio photos. Can you guys tell me ANYTHING you personally know about any of the following schools's MFA programs (admissions in particular)? I know that VCU, Mass Art and UNM are really tough to get into. I have a 2.8 GPA, (but a 3.6 in my photography minor and 3.3 in my major which was Public Relations... the 2.8 is cumulative, I failed math and bio courses ), 4+ photo internships, 3 gallery showings and a sh*tload of extracurriculars (do they even matter?). I guess I'm just vey stressed with this whole grad school thing, God bless you guys that are handling all of this so well!

Montclair University

Mass Art

Penn State

Columbia College

University of Las Vegas

Florida International University

Texas Tech

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

Georgia State Unviversity

University of New Mexico

University of Houston

Arizona State

VCU

East Carolina University

[michaelwebster]

Hopeful MFA (Photography) fall '13 here!

I'm finishing up my artist statements and finalizing my portfolio photos. Can you guys tell me ANYTHING you personally know about any of the following schools's MFA programs (admissions in particular)?

I went to undergrad at ECU. Usually 4 or 5 photo grad students, with a total of 50 in all departments. Its a 3 year program. Good TA opportunities, where you can teach your own class as insturctor of record. I don't know if grades will matter for grad admissions, but knowing ECU, it probably doesn't matter in the least.

I think selection is going to be really key for your portfolio, cause you have some good images mixed in, but they seem oddly arranged on your website. Regardless I think you will have a shot at ECU if you can get a thoughtful grouping of images.

Edited November 22, 2012 by michaelwebster

[inside.tha.room]

I went to undergrad at ECU. Usually 4 or 5 photo grad students, with a total of 50 in all departments. Its a 3 year program. Good TA opportunities, where you can teach your own class as insturctor of record. I don't know if grades will matter for grad admissions, but knowing ECU, it probably doesn't matter in the least.

I think selection is going to be really key for your portfolio, cause you have some good images mixed in, but they seem oddly arranged on your website. Regardless I think you will have a shot at ECU if you can get a thoughtful grouping of images.

Thanks for responding to my post! Yeah, I fell in love with everything I've seen from ECU.

Any suggestions on arranging the images? I do have a couple of art professors that will be going over my portfolio next week, so I'll feel better then, lol. Do you feel like, for the most part, the portfolio should consist of a similar theme (for example, street photography is my area, so should I focus on that instead of portraits and abstracts and etc...) of images, or have a little bit of everything?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[Tomislav]

Mfa photo here I am in process of getting my images and statement done I will be applying at Ucf UF U of Delaware and Rhode Iceland school of design

Please look at my website and tell me your opinion

WWW.tomislavivkovic.com