PennDesign

[hello_lauren]

Just wondering if anyone from Penn can give me any insight on the program. I'm in Scotland (at the GSA) so I can't just take a trip over there and check it out. I'm not applying to any programs until next year, but I'm trying to narrow down my choices early so I can be a bit more focused.

[Slowtrain]

Hello_lauren,

I'm a first year student at penn and would highly recommend the program. The faculty are diverse, supportive and really sharp. If you're looking to get a lot of feedback about your work, focus in your studio while taking some great classes, this is the place. And then you have the rest of the university thats open to you to take classes, which is awesome. It's an interdisciplinary program so the opportunity to get training in different media is more than available. With that said, if you're dedicated to one medium that is also seems to fine. My classmates are great and exploring many different ideas. Do you have specific questions or do you know what you're looking for?

Also they just made this, it explains a lot - http://www.design.upenn.edu/files/PennDesign_MFA_Catalog.pdf

[Abowers]

Hi Lauren,

I started the MFA program at Penn in September and it has been a great experience. The class is small enough that you have plenty of access to professors and visiting critics but large enough that you have the opportunity to receive diverse feedback from your peers. The atmosphere is collaborative and supportive but still rigorous. The facilities are also great.

Here is a link to the Penn catalog. http://www.design.upenn.edu/files/PennDesign_MFA_Catalog.pdf

Please let me know if you have any specific questions about Penn. I talked to a lot of alumni and current students when I was considering schools, I know how important that is.

Sincerely,

Anthony Bowers

[nimda]

I visited the penndesign mfa program a couple of years ago for open studios. Its an interdisciplinary visual art mfa program - not a design program.

[hello_lauren]

Thanks for the replies, everybody! I'm a photography student right now, and am looking for an interdisciplinary program that will allow me to get good critical feedback. I'd say the biggest thing lacking at the GSA is that everyone is so polite and refuses to critique in a constructive way.

Are there good opportunities for exhibitions and internships in Philadelphia? Also, what kind of funding/scholarships are available? I think that's my biggest concern about applying- it looks like a great school, but I'm worried I wouldn't be able to afford it.

[Abowers]

Sorry for the late reply, I know the application deadlines are coming up.

 

There are lots of opportunities for internships and exhibitions in Philadelphia. We have two museums here with close relationships to the university and UPenn funds three residencies over the summer in addition to providing numerous paid travel opportunities. Philadelphia has a pretty vibrant underground art scene which means there are a lot of alternative gallery spaces and art centers that are open to showing students and experimental work. We are also a 2 hour bus ride from New York. 

 

I understand the money concern, it is an expensive school. For me I think it has been worth the money but that is a personal decision everyone has to make. In addition to work study and TA positions, they do have some scholarship money available but the amount is determined upon acceptance.

[thisandthat]

Thanks for the replies, everybody! I'm a photography student right now, and am looking for an interdisciplinary program that will allow me to get good critical feedback. I'd say the biggest thing lacking at the GSA is that everyone is so polite and refuses to critique in a constructive way.

Are there good opportunities for exhibitions and internships in Philadelphia? Also, what kind of funding/scholarships are available? I think that's my biggest concern about applying- it looks like a great school, but I'm worried I wouldn't be able to afford it.

 

I got in last year - the funding was not good at all, really not good - i couldnt do it.

Everyone's possibly so polite as they've stacked the place with a home counties ethos now - I heard Mr Cooper could be a toughie no ? I had VJ haul me over the coals once - they've gone of course. Anyway, people with opinions get squashed these days..........I know people coming from your neck of the woods getting distinctions basically for being nice rather than making good work.