apply files

[Lee00]

I'm Korean student who want apply MFA (painting) program alone.

I want to apply RISD/ SAIC/ MICA/ SFAI/ COLUMBIA // RCA/ SLADE/ GOLD SMITHS

 

At first, I try to apply by the help of some experts.

However, I felt they do not have enough information about MFA program, also they charge me high cost.

So I decide to apply alone ,but I have a lot of concerns.

 

1. I know all schools notified their requirements, but if I make mistake of omitting some files or submitting wrong form, will they notice me the error?

 

2. How should I organize my portfolio?

I heard, there are no strike rolls when schools choose students. Also, even in the same school, the tendency of accepted students' works is depend on which professor judge the the portfolio.

So, someone said me it is good to show diverse thing in my portfolio. But others said, I should present my own subject or style.

 

3. I graduated undergraduate school about 4 years ago, but I have no exhibition or job career.

Although I don't have any visual outcomes, I think the years was very important for me and my career.

Is it possible to write this in my resume?

 

 

One more question!

I want to apply Columbia University but my toefl score is 98 but they require 100.

Unfortunately, I have no time to study toefl anymore.

Is it possible to get admission?

 

Thanks for all to read my terrible English :-)

[kafralal]

1. You can contact graduate admissions (the graduate advisor) of the schools you want to apply to if you have specific questions about their application forms. You do need to make sure that you include everything they ask for and have the proper forms but you can totally do it yourself. That is the way it is done here. We don't use services.

2. Organize your portfolio so that it shows your work in the best way possible—you can check with the school if they have any specific guidelines. Show diversity if diversity is an important part of your practice (not just for the sake of showing what you can do). Show what best represents what you are interested in.
I don't know what you mean about "strike rolls" so I can't speak to that. From my discussions with the schools I'm interested in, there are different strategies for different schools. Some schools divide the portfolios by medium or program and are looked at only by the faculty of the program or medium you apply to, while for others it is just an initial sorting process and all (or most) of the faculty are involved in the final selections. This would be a question to ask each school.

3. Anything is possible if you can defend it well. The place to talk about this seems to be the personal statement, statement of purpose, or artist statement—whichever they are asking for. You can list items important to your work in your resume and explain it in the essay.

I don't know about the toefl score for Columbia—again ask admissions, they're your go-to place for application questions—but when it came up on webinars or admissions Facebook pages (RISD may have been one), it seems like you must meet their requirement. They may give you more time to retest if they like your work—so ask.

I would definitely advise you to get someone with good english skills to read over your statement before you submit it.

Good luck. It is a lot of work, but you can totally do it yourself without a professional service. Some of those services may have their own agendas and not always have your best interest at heart.

[Lee00]

Thank you for answering my question :-) 

It was very helpful!!

I hope you have a good result too!!

 

I meant "strict rule" not "strike roll" sorry it was my mistake

Do you mean, I can list my (art)works( =painting or drawing or something like that) on my resume? instead of exhibition or working careers?

Edited October 24, 2013 by Jinkyung

[kafralal]

Sorry, I wasn't very clear.  A list of artworks doesn't belong in your resume. I should have said 'other experience', not items. List whatever you have been doing that you think has been "very important for [you] and [your] career" and then explain briefly in your statement (if that seems appropriate to what the school is asking for). Don't pad your resume—just be honest. My understanding is that the resume isn't too important (just an opportunity for those who have done something significant, but not a detriment to those who haven't), I would focus on the portfolio first and then statement.

 

And yah, no strict rules. haha.