How many schools should one apply to?

[soapeater]

How many schools are you applying to?

 

What is the least/most amount of schools you would recommend applying to? or have heard of someone applying to?

 

I've applied to 4 of my 7 choices. I'm thinking of adding more or stopping at 5.

 

Just trying to get some perspective. Thanks. 

 

[kafralal]

I am applying to six. There is no right number. I am only applying to programs that I would be happy to attend.

[Loric]

As many as you feel you'd actually be happy attending.

[kafralal]

As many as you feel you'd actually be happy attending.

I don't know about you but I only want to attend one!

[soapeater]

I think it also comes down to your chances. I don't know my chances of getting accepted anywhere, so the more lines i cast out the better chance of getting a bite i guess. 

[evd]

In my recent experiences, there were schools that I considered and began applying to, but once it came to writing out my reasons for attending (who I wanted to study with, how it would help my professional goals, etc...) I couldn't really think of anything.

 

Its important to apply to schools that you have a thorough understanding of, and can articulate why you wish to attend, rather than applying to everything you can.

 

I think 3-6 is manageable if you want to spend time with the applications, contact former MFAs, teachers, etc...

[EDay27]

I think it also comes down to your chances. I don't know my chances of getting accepted anywhere, so the more lines i cast out the better chance of getting a bite i guess. 

That's how I look at it too. If you like the program and could really see yourself there, why not apply? The more schools you apply to, the better your chances of getting in. There's no such thing as a "safety" school, most are incredibly selective, and if you're seeking fellowships/ TAships/full funding, competition is high. One of my professors said to shoot for 7, another advised a minimum of 10. I'm shooting for the latter. It's pricey, but I planned for it well in advance. Luckily, my recommenders have been fantastic and punctual in the process. 

[Firenze]

I think it's a good idea to apply to as many schools as you would be sincerely interested in attending and have the finances to cover application fees for. If you look at last year's applicants, you'll see that some people applied to lots of top schools but only got into one. For example, someone who got accepted to RISD might have been turned down at Yale, SAIC, and several other top schools. You just never know what's going to appeal to a given school, I think, given that judging art is so subjective these days. I'm applying to 12 schools so far and will probably add in a few more just so I get accepted somewhere for this fall. I want to get on with getting my MFA degree because I'm a much older student than the typical applicant.

[meese]

I applied to six, but I wanted to do more. Unfortunately, family dramas, work, and an illness threw me off my balance. I really just sliced by the cut off date..

[marzipanned]

I applied to ten & may or may not add one or two more, for security. For anyone else considering the same, here's a list of programs I've found that are still open till Jan 31/Feb 1:

 

-Glasgow School of Art

-Rutgers

-Syracuse

-SUNY Purchase

-U Florida

-U Arizona

-SMFA/Tufts

-Cranbrook